Stapling apparatus and method for stapling

Abstract

A stapling apparatus can include a staple head movable from a head retracted position to a head extended position in a first staple direction. The stapling apparatus can also include an indexing apparatus including an indexing biasing member and an indexing member. The indexing member can be positioned at least partially within an indexing region and biased toward a member extended position relative to the indexing region with the indexing biasing member. The indexing member can define a step travel path and can also include an indexing tab including a ramp surface positioned to taper the step travel path in a first indexing direction. The indexing tab can also include a shoulder positioned to extend beyond at least a portion of the ramp surface in the first indexing direction. In further embodiments, a staple chain positioning apparatus can include a push member movable in an extension direction.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 942,363, filed December 2, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to fastening devices and methods for fastening, and more specifically, to fastening devices configured to linearly feed fastening chains and methods for linearly feeding fastening chains using fastening devices. Background Technology

[0004] Known fastening devices utilize a rotating wheel to engage the nail chain and a feed pawl and ratchet system to advance the nail chain within the fastening device. When feeding the nail chain using a fastening device, this system sometimes encounters malfunctions in the feed mechanism. Therefore, existing systems can be improved to reduce the occurrence of such malfunctions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following is a simplified summary of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some of the embodiments described in the detailed description.

[0006] According to some embodiments, the fastening device may include a nail head that is movable from a head-retracted position to a head-extended position along a first nail direction. The fastening device may also include an indexing device including an indexing offset member and an indexing member. The indexing member may be at least partially positioned within an indexing region and offset relative to the indexing region toward a member-extended position using the indexing offset member. The indexing member is movable from a member-extended position to a member-retracted position relative to the indexing region along a first indexing direction. The first indexing direction may include a direction component that includes a first nail direction. The indexing member may define a step travel path and may also include an indexing tab including a ramp surface positioned to gradually taper the step travel path along the first indexing direction. The indexing tab may also include a shoulder positioned extending beyond at least a portion of the ramp surface along the first indexing direction.

[0007] According to some embodiments, an indexing device for indexing a nail chain may include a support member, an indexing offset member, and an indexing member at least partially positioned within the indexing region and offset relative to the indexing region toward a member extension position by means of the indexing offset member. The indexing member is movable relative to the indexing region along a first indexing direction from a member extension position to a member retraction position. The indexing member may define a step travel path and may further include an indexing tab including a ramp surface positioned to gradually taper the step travel path in the first indexing direction. The indexing tab may also include a shoulder positioned extending beyond at least a portion of the ramp surface along the first indexing direction.

[0008] According to some embodiments, a nail chain positioning device may include a push member movable in an extending direction and a slide member configured to slide in a sliding direction transverse to the extending direction. An interface between the slide member and the push member may cause movement of the push member in the extending direction in response to movement of the slide member in the sliding direction. The interface may include an interface protrusion positioned within an interface groove. Attached Figure Description

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 A perspective view of an anchoring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0011] Figure 2 A perspective view of the components of a fastening device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0012] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A partial exploded perspective view of the components;

[0013] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the components shown;

[0014] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 An enlarged perspective exploded view of the components;

[0015] Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 A partial front view of the component, in which the nail head of the component is in the head retracted position and the cover members of the indexing device and the nail chain positioning device are removed;

[0016] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 The front view of a portion of the component, but the component's nail head is in the head extension position;

[0017] Figure 8 A front view of an embodiment of the indexing device of this disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 The front view of the indexing device, but the cover component has been removed;

[0019] Figure 10 The indexing device is shown along Figure 8 A sectional view along line 10-10, showing the pivot member in the engaged position;

[0020] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 A sectional view of the indexing device, but the pivot member is in the disengaged position;

[0021] Figure 12 A rear view of the cover member of the indexing member according to the features of this disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 13 It shows along Figure 12 The bottom view of the cover member of the indexing member, taken from line 13-13;

[0023] Figure 14 The diagram shows a nail chain of a first width being fed into the nail chain slot of an indexing device;

[0024] Figure 15 It is shown that another nail chain with a second width is fed into the nail chain slot of the indexing device;

[0025] Figure 16 An embodiment of an indexing device is shown, wherein the cover member of the indexing device is removed, the indexing member is in a retracted position, and the indexing device is arranged with an indexing member having a first stroke length.

[0026] Figure 17 It shows Figure 16 An embodiment of an indexing device, but the indexing member is in an extended position;

[0027] Figure 18 An embodiment of an indexing device is shown, wherein the cover member of the indexing device is removed, the indexing member is in an extended position, and the indexing device is arranged with an indexing member having a second stroke length longer than the first stroke length;

[0028] Figure 19 It shows Figure 18 An embodiment of an indexing device, but the indexing member is in an extended position;

[0029] Figure 20 A single-step nail separated from the nail chain is shown;

[0030] Figure 21 A double-step nail is shown, separated from a single-nail chain;

[0031] Figure 22 It shows Figure 2 A front view of an embodiment of the nail chain positioning device and the indexing device, but the cover plate of the indexing device has been removed;

[0032] Figure 23 It shows along Figure 22 The cross-section of the nail chain positioning device and indexing device of line 23-23;

[0033] Figure 24A single step spike is shown, wherein the step is in a first position relative to a pair of track segments;

[0034] Figure 25 It shows Figure 24 Single-step nails attach items together;

[0035] Figure 26 A single step spike is shown, where the step is in a second position relative to a pair of track segments;

[0036] Figure 27 It shows Figure 26 Single-step nails attach items together;

[0037] Figure 28 A single-step nail is shown, where the step is located approximately at the midpoint of a pair of track segments; and

[0038] Figure 29 It shows Figure 28 The single-step nails attach the items together. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0040] Figure 1 A fastening device 101 incorporating features of this disclosure is shown. A nail chain 103 can be wound around a storage reel 105, which is rotatably mounted to the fastening device 101. The end 107 of the nail chain 103 can be fed into a slot 109 of the fastening device 101 and abut against the device, securing an article to a nail detached from the nail chain, as discussed below. Articles to be attached can be inserted into a receiving area 115 of the fastening device 101, and the fastening device 101 can then detach the nail from the nail chain 103 to secure the articles together. For example, see reference... Figure 28 In some embodiments, the nail 2801, separate from the nail chain 103, may include a step 2805 extending between the first track segment 2803a and the second track segment 2803b. For example... Figure 29 As shown, in some embodiments, the first article 2901 can be secured to the second article 2903 by a nail 2801, wherein a step 2805 extends through an opening in articles 2901, 2903, and track segments 2803a, 2803b anchor the ends of the step 2805 to prevent articles 2901, 2903 from accidentally coming apart from each other.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, the fastening device 101 may include a closure 111 pivotally mounted to the housing 113. The internal area defined by the closure 111 and the housing 113 may contain... Figure 2 The fastening device 101 shown includes component 201. In some embodiments, the front portion 203 of component 201 is characterized by allowing the closure member 111 to move from a closed position (…). Figure 1 The device is pivoted to the open position (not shown) to expose itself. For the purposes of this application, the fastening device 101 can be considered as... Figure 1 The entire device shown or Figure 2-19 Figures and Figure 22-23 Any component or combination of components of component 201 shown herein. In some embodiments, the nail chain is considered part of the fastening device. In other embodiments, the nail chain is not considered part of the fastening device.

[0042] Figure 2-3 and Figure 6-7 A nail head 205 is shown, which may optionally be considered part of the fastening device. For example, in some embodiments, the fastening device 101 is considered to include the nail head 205, although the nail head 205 may not be considered part of the fastening device 101 in other embodiments. Figure 2-3 and Figure 6 As shown, the nail head 205 can be positioned in the retracted head position. (Reference) Figure 6-7 The nail head 205 can be obtained from Figure 6 The head retraction position shown moves along the direction of the first nail 601. Figure 7 The head extension position is shown. The nail head 205 can also be derived from... Figure 7 The head extension position shown moves along the second nail direction 701, which is opposite to the first nail direction 601. Figure 6 The head is shown in its retracted position. Figure 7 As shown in the head extension position, the needles 704a and 704b of the nail head 205 can pierce items 2901 and 2903 (see...). Figure 29 To place nail 2801, while the nail head can be moved to Figure 6 After the head retracts to the position shown, the fastened article is removed from the vicinity of the fastening device 101. For the purposes of this application, unless otherwise stated, the nail head 205 is considered to be all parts of the assembly 201, which together as a single unit retracts from the head position. Figure 6 (As shown in the image) Move to the head extension position ( Figure 7 (As shown in the diagram), it includes, for example, guide rails 603, 605, pins 704a, 704b, and other components that move together as a single unit between the head retracted position and the head extended position. The pin head 205 does not include the support member 409 of the indexing device 207 discussed below (if provided).

[0043] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the fastening device 101 may include an indexing device 207. In some embodiments, the indexing device 207 may include... Figure 3-5 One or more of the decomposed components shown in the lower brackets. The indexing device 207 may include an indexing member, which in some embodiments may be an integral component. In further embodiments, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the indexing member 403 may optionally include Figure 4 One or a combination of the components enclosed in square brackets.

[0044] In some embodiments, the indexing member 403 may be positioned at least partially within the indexing region 401. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the indexing region 401 may include a recess within the support member 409 of the indexing device 207. The support member 409 may be fixed so as to move together with the nail head 205. For example, the hole 411 of the support member 409 may receive a fastener, such as... Figure 2 The bolt 209 shown securely attaches the support member 409 to the nail head 205. Since the support member 409 can be securely attached to the nail head 205, the nail head 205 and the support member 409 can move together as a single unit in a first nail direction 601 and a second nail direction 701 of the nail head 205. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the indexing region may be at least partially or entirely defined by the nail head 205. Therefore, the indexing region 401 can travel with the nail head 205 (e.g., as part of the nail head 205 and / or as part of the indexing device 207).

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the indexing device 207 may include a cover member 413. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the cover member 413 can be fixed to the support member 409, wherein the cover member 413 can at least partially define the indexing region 401. For example, as Figure 10 As shown, the indexing region 401 can be defined between the support member 409 and the cover member 413.

[0046] In some embodiments, the indexing member 403 may extend from a member position relative to the indexing region 401 along a first indexing direction 703 (see [reference]). Figure 7 Move to the component retracted position (see...) Figure 6 Indexing member 403 can also be retracted from the member position in the second indexing direction 705 (see...). Figure 6 Move to the component extension position (see) Figure 7 ).like Figure 10As shown, the first indexing direction 703 may include a direction component, which includes a first nail direction 601 of the nail head 205. For example, the travel path 1001 of the indexing member 403 in the first indexing direction 703 may extend at an angle relative to the travel path 1003 of the nail head 205 in the first nail direction 601. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the sum of the first indexing direction 703 may be substantially the same as the sum of the first nail direction 601. For example, in some embodiments not shown, the travel path 1001 of the indexing member 403 in the first indexing direction 703 may be parallel to the travel path 1003 of the nail head 205 in the first nail direction 601.

[0047] In some embodiments, the indexing member 403 may utilize the indexing offset member 415 at a position relative to the indexing region 401 extending toward the member (see [link]). Figure 7 Offset. Force 602 can be applied to indexing member 403 to cause indexing member 403 to travel along the first indexing direction 703 against the force applied by indexing offset member 415. Figure 6 The component is shown in its retracted position. However, once force 602 is removed, indexing offset member 415 can offset indexing member 403 to retract from the component in its retracted position within the indexing region 401 along the second indexing direction 705 (see [link]). Figure 6 Return to the component extension position (see) Figure 7 In some embodiments, as shown, the indexing bias member 415 may include the illustrated tension spring. In further embodiments, the indexing bias member 415 may include another type of spring, such as a leaf spring, a compression spring, or a section of elastic material.

[0048] like Figure 10 As shown, the indexing member 403 can define a step travel path 1005. For example, in some embodiments, the step travel path 1005 can be defined between the indexing member 403 and the inner surface 1007 of the cover member 413. In some embodiments, the indexing member 403 may also include an indexing tab. In some embodiments, a single indexing tab may be provided, although multiple indexing tabs may be provided in other embodiments. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, multiple indexing tabs 405a-d and 407a-d may be provided, although in other embodiments the multiple indexing tabs may include a single pair of indexing tabs or three or more indexing tabs.

[0049] Although not strictly required, multiple indexing tabs may comprise one or more rows of indexing tabs. In some embodiments, such as Figure 16As shown, a plurality of indexing tabs may include the first row 1603a of four indexing tabs 405a-d, although in other embodiments more or fewer indexing tabs may be provided in the first row. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of indexing tabs 405a-d in the first row 1603a of the indexing tabs may be the same as the other indexing tabs in the plurality of indexing tabs, although in other embodiments different indexing tab configurations may be provided. In some embodiments, as further shown, a plurality of indexing tabs may include the second row 1603b of four indexing tabs 407a-d, although in other embodiments more or fewer indexing tabs may be provided in the second row. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of indexing tabs 407a-d in the second row 1603b of the indexing tabs may be the same as the other indexing tabs in the plurality of indexing tabs, although in other embodiments different indexing tab configurations may be provided. In some embodiments, each row 1603a, 1603b may extend laterally to the first graduation direction 703. In some embodiments, each row 1603a, 1603b may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first graduation direction 703.

[0050] In some embodiments, further references Figure 16The plurality of indexing tabs may include multiple pairs of two or more indexing tabs arranged in a column of indexing tabs extending along a first indexing direction. In some embodiments, a first column 1601a of indexing tabs extending in the first indexing direction 703 may be provided. The first column 1601a of indexing tabs may include corresponding first pairs 405a, 407a of indexing tabs, although in further embodiments the first column 1601a of indexing tabs may include three or more indexing tabs. In some embodiments, the plurality of indexing tabs may include a second column 1601b of indexing tabs extending in the first indexing direction 703. The second column 1601b of indexing tabs may include another corresponding first pair 405b, 407b of indexing tabs, although in further embodiments the second column 1601b of indexing tabs may include three or more indexing tabs. In some embodiments, the plurality of indexing tabs may include a third column 1601c of indexing tabs extending in the first indexing direction 703. The third column 1601c of the indexing tabs may include another corresponding first pair of indexing tabs 405c, 407c, although in a further embodiment the third column 1601c of the indexing tabs may include three or more indexing tabs. In some embodiments, multiple indexing tabs may include a fourth column 1601d of indexing tabs extending in the first indexing direction 703. The fourth column 1601d of the indexing tabs may include another corresponding first pair of indexing tabs 405d, 407d, although in a further embodiment the fourth column 1601d of the indexing tabs may include three or more indexing tabs. Although four columns of indexing tabs are shown, more or fewer columns of indexing tabs may be provided in further embodiments.

[0051] Figure 10 It is along the first indexing direction 703 and in the plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 1009 discussed below. Figure 8 The figure shows a cross-sectional view along line 10-10. This cross-sectional view shows the cross-section of the corresponding first pair of 405b, 407b of the second column 1601b of the indexing tab. As shown, each indexing tab may include: a ramp surface 1011, which is positioned to gradually taper the step travel path 1005 in the first indexing direction 703; and a shoulder 1013, which is positioned to extend beyond at least a portion of the ramp surface 1011 in the first indexing direction 703. Figure 8 An indexing device 207 with a cover member 413 is shown, while Figure 9 For clarity, the indexing device 207 without the cover member 413 is shown. (See example...) Figure 8As shown, the cover member 413 may include a chain groove 801 extending through the cover member 413 into the indexing region 401. The chain groove 801 is wide enough to receive the width of the chain defined between the outer edges of the opposing tracks 803a, 803b. The steps 805 of the chain 103 may be spaced equally in series along the length of the chain 103. Each step 805 includes a first end attached to a first track 803a in the opposing tracks and a second end attached to a second track 803b in the opposing tracks. Figure 10 As shown, the nail chain 103 can be fed into the nail chain groove 801 along the direction 1015, and then fed through the ladder travel path 1005 along the first indexing direction 703.

[0052] When the indexing member 402 is moved from the first indexing direction 703... Figure 7 The extended position shown is moved to Figure 6 In the retracted position shown, the step 805 encountering the ramp surface 1011 of the indexing tab can slide over the ramp surface 1011 and then be accommodated within the shoulder 1013. The shoulder 1013 can then act as a stop to prevent the step 805 from moving backward onto the shoulder and reaching the ramp surface 1011. Furthermore, since the shoulder 1013 acts as a stop, the nail head 205 can be fed through the nail chain groove 801 while the indexing member 403 is extended toward the member extension position along the second indexing direction 705. Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, to prevent the indexing member from pushing the chain 103 back through the chain groove 801, the cover member may also include a step piece 807. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the step tab 807 may include a ramp 1017 to allow the step 805 of the nail chain 103 to pass over the step tab 807 when a portion of the nail chain 103 is fed into the nail chain slot 801. The step tab 807 may further include a shoulder 1019 to prevent the step 805 of the nail chain 103 from returning over the step tab 807, thereby preventing that portion of the nail chain 103 from moving out of the nail chain slot 801.

[0053] The indexing member 403 can mate with this portion of the nail chain 103 to provide stable and reliable feeding of the nail chain 103 using the nailing device 101. For example, as Figure 9 As shown, the outer edges 901a of one or more outer indexing tabs, such as the outer edges 901a of indexing tabs 405a and 407a in the first column 1601a indexing tabs, may be adjacent to or extend close to the inner edge 903a of the first track 803a of the nail chain 103. Figure 9As further shown, the outer edges 901b of one or more outer indexing tabs, such as the outer edges 901b of indexing tabs 405d and 407d in the fourth column of indexing tabs 1601d, may abut or extend close to the inner edge 903b of the second track 803b of the nail chain 103. Therefore, the nail chain 103 can be reliably held in place by the outer surfaces of the outer indexing tabs to provide proper lateral alignment of the nail chain 103 fed into the nailing device 101. Furthermore, providing a row of two indexing tabs allows for the simultaneous clamping of two adjacent steps 805, further enhancing the stability of the connection between the indexing member 403 and the nail chain 103, preventing accidental disengagement of the nail chain 103 from the indexing member 403 as the nail chain is fed through the step travel path 1005 with the indexing member 403. Furthermore, the multiple columns 1601a-d and multiple rows 1603a-b of the indexing tabs can help prevent the nail chain 103 from tilting within the step travel path 1005 and support the step 805, especially if the step is flexible and may deform or bend if it is not otherwise supported at multiple locations along the step width, thus enhancing stability.

[0054] In another example, the features of the cover member 413 may mate with this portion of the nail chain 103 to further enhance the stable and reliable feeding of the nail chain 103 using the nailing device 101. Figure 12 A chain with nails 103 is shown. Figure 8 The rear view of the cover member 413 shows the remaining portion of the indexing member 403 removed for discussion purposes. As shown, a recess 1201 can be defined in the inner surface 1007 of the cover member 413, which can cooperate with a recess in the support member 409 to define the indexing region 401. Furthermore, the inner surface 1007 may include a plurality of grooves, such as a first pair of grooves 1203a, 1203b. As can be seen from... Figure 10 As illustrated in the diagram, understanding that grooves 1203a and 1203b are formed in the inner surface 1007, it can be appreciated that the grooves extend in the first indexing direction 703 and face the indexing region 401. Grooves 1203a and 1203b correspondingly accommodate the protruding portions of tracks 803a and 803b. Providing grooves 1203a and 1203b to accommodate the corresponding tracks 803a and 803b helps to align the tracks and keep them along a predetermined path, thereby reducing errors when feeding the nail chain 103 with the nailing device 101.

[0055] Features of embodiments of the fastening device 101 can further provide a reliable and stable supply of fastener chains with different widths. For example, in some embodiments, such as Figure 8 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the ladder connector 807 may include a row of 1401 (see...) Figure 14 Multiple step tabs 807 extend laterally (e.g., perpendicularly) to the first indexing direction 703. In some embodiments, the multiple step tabs 807 may include three step tabs. In such embodiments, the tracks 803a, 803b of the wider nail chain 103 may pass through a slot defined between two step tabs 807 on opposite outer sides and the outside of the nail chain groove 801, such as... Figure 14 As shown. Alternatively, as Figure 15 As shown, the tracks 803a and 803b of the narrower nail chain 103 can pass through the slots between the two externally defined ladder-shaped tabs 807 and the intermediate ladder-shaped tab 807, as... Figure 15 As shown.

[0056] To further provide nail chains with different widths, such as Figure 12 As shown, the plurality of grooves on the inner surface 1007 may further include, for example, a second pair of grooves 1205a, 1205b, which extend in the first indexing direction 703 and face the indexing region 401. The second pair of grooves 1205a, 1205b can correspondingly accommodate Figure 15 The protruding portions of the narrower tracks 803a and 803b shown are designed to help align and maintain the tracks along a predetermined path.

[0057] In some embodiments, the indexing device 207 may be designed to selectively release the staple chain 103 from the stapler 101, for example, to change the width of the staple chain. Once the staple chain 103 is released, the storage spool 105 (see...) Figure 1 Another storage spool of the desired width can be loaded into the fastening device 101. (Go to...) Figure 10-11 In some embodiments, the indexing tabs 405b, 407b can be engaged relative to the body 1021 at a position from the ramp surface 1011 where the step travel path 1005 gradually tapers (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 10 Move to the disengagement position where the taper of the ladder travel path 1005 is reduced (e.g., eliminated) (see...) Figure 11 Once the taper of the ladder travel path 1005 is reduced, such as... Figure 11 As shown, when the nail chain 103 is pulled out of the nail chain groove 801, the step 805 can pass over the indexing tabs 405b and 407b. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the body 1021 may be integrated with the indexing tabs 405b and 407b, wherein the hybrid tabs may include a flexible portion that can be bent relative to the body 1021 to move the indexing tabs 405b and 407b relative to the body 1021, thereby achieving Figure 11 The disengagement position is shown. Alternatively, as... Figure 4-5 and Figure 10As shown, the indexing tab may include a pivot member 417, which is movable relative to the body 1021 such that a portion of the indexing tab (e.g., a ramp surface) extends through an opening 419 in the body 1021 (see figure). Figure 4 As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the body 1021 may optionally include four openings 419, each of which can accommodate one or a row of ramp surfaces of the indexing tabs. (Reference) Figure 5 As shown, the pivot member 417 may include a pivot pin 501, which includes a pivot projection that can be fitted within a pivot cavity 503 to allow the pivot member 417 to be rotatably mounted relative to the body 1021 of the indexing member 403 about a rotation axis 1009 (see Figure 1009). Figure 10 The indexing member 403 may further include a tab offset member to orient the indexing tabs toward... Figure 10 The shown engagement position is offset. For example... Figure 4-5 As shown, in some embodiments, the tab biasing member may include a torsion spring 421.

[0058] In some embodiments, the indexing member 403 may include a single-step pin 2001 (see Figure 20 ) or double ladder nail 2101 (see Figure 21 Features that can be selected from among (e.g.) Figure 20 As shown, the single step nail 2001 may include a single step 2805 connected between track segments 2803a and 2803b. Figure 21 The double-step nail 2101 may include a pair of steps 2805 connected between track segments 2803a and 2803b. (Refer to first...) Figure 16-19 The indexing device 207 shown illustrates the selection between a single-step pin 2001 and a double-step pin 2101, wherein for illustrative purposes, the indexing member 403 is shown without the cover member 413. In some embodiments, the indexing device 207 may include a stop 1600. The stop 1600 may include a shoulder 1602 configured to move relative to the indexing member 403 to engage a portion 1701 of the indexing member 403 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 17 This reduces the length of the indexing member's travel between its extended and retracted positions. For example, because the shoulder 1602 moves relative to the indexing member to engage portion 1701 of the indexing member 403, it impedes full movement of the indexing member 403 relative to the support member 409. Figure 16 The length of the stroke S1 shown is less than Figure 18 The length of the stroke S2 ​​shown. Alternatively, by moving the shoulder 1602 relative to the indexing member 403 to prevent engagement with the portion 1701 of the indexing member 403, full movement of the indexing member 403 relative to the support member 409 is allowed. Figure 18 The length of the stroke S2 ​​shown can be increased to greater than Figure 16 The length of the stroke S1 shown.

[0059] In some embodiments, as shown, a portion 1701 of the indexing member 403 may include the indicated protrusion 1701 extending within a travel path 1605 defined by the support member 409. In some embodiments, as shown, the travel path 1605 may include a groove formed within the support member 409, the groove accommodating the protrusion 1701 and allowing the protrusion to travel within the groove along the aforementioned travel length throughout the travel path 1605. In some embodiments, as shown, the stop device 1600 may include a protrusion including a shoulder 1602. The protrusion of the stop device 1600 is considered to be part of the stop device 1600. Figure 16-17 The single-step pin position shown extends into a portion of the travel path 1605. (As...) Figure 16-17 As shown, the protrusion of the shoulder 1602 of the stop device 1600 can be moved into the stroke path 1605 to reduce the effective length of the stroke path, thereby reducing the length of the stroke S1 of the indexing member 403. Therefore, as Figure 17 As shown, the shoulder 1602 of the stop device 1600 can move relative to the indexing member 403 to engage a portion of the indexing member (e.g., protrusion 1701) to reduce the extension of the indexing member 403 relative to the support member 409 to the member extension position (see [reference]). Figure 17 The degree of ). Alternatively, such as Figure 18-19 As shown, the protrusion of the shoulder 1602 of the stop device 1600 can be moved out of the travel path 1605 to increase the effective length of the travel path, which increases the length of the travel S2 of the indexing member 403. Therefore, as Figure 19 As shown, the shoulder 1602 of the stop device 1600 can move relative to the indexing member 403 to avoid engaging a portion of the indexing member (e.g., protrusion 1701) to increase the extension of the indexing member 403 relative to the support member 409 to the member extension position (see [reference]). Figure 19 (to the extent of)

[0060] Figure 24-29 Various alternative nails 2401, 2601, and 2801 to the single-step nail 2001 discussed above are shown. For example, Figures 28-29 A step 2805 is shown, positioned approximately at the midpoint of the nail 2801 in track segments 2803a, 2803b. For embodiments including a single step 2805 for the nail, positioning the step 2805 at approximately the midpoint of the track segment provides a robust nail 2801 to help prevent the track segment from being pulled out while it is secured, such as... Figure 29As shown. Alternatively, embodiments including a single step 2805 (e.g., see nails 2401, 2601) can be positioned off-center from the midpoint of the track segments along the first track segments 2403a, 2603a and the second track segments 2403b, 2603b. In some embodiments, providing nails (e.g., see nails 2401, 2601) with steps offset from the midpoint of the track segments can reduce the force required to pull out the track segments when they are fixed in place, such as Figure 25-27 As shown in the diagram. It may be desirable to reduce the separating force to reduce the effort required to separate the items.

[0061] To selectively position step 2805 along the track segment to create the desired nail configuration (e.g., 2401, 2601, 2801), such as Figure 2-5 As shown, the fastening device 101 may include a fastener chain positioning device 211. An exploded front perspective view and a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the fastener chain positioning device 211 are shown respectively. Figure 4-5 The top row of components within square brackets. For example... Figure 4-5 As shown, the nail chain positioning device 211 may include a pushing member 213. For example... Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the actuating member 213 may include a tongue 505 that is slidably received within a channel 507 of the cover member 509. The channel 507 can provide a linear guide path from the tongue 505 to facilitate linear movement of the actuating member 213 along the extension direction 2201 or the retraction direction 2202 (see...). Figure 22 ).like Figure 23 As shown, the extension direction 2201 may include the directional component of the first indexing direction 703 of the indexing member 403. For discussion purposes, Figure 22-23 An indexing device 207 is shown for a cover member 413 without an indexing device.

[0062] like Figure 23 As further shown, the pushing member 213 may also include an abutment surface 2301, which can abut against the abutment surface 2303 of the indexing member 403, so as to abut the nail head 205 at... Figure 6 The degree to which the indexing member 403 retracts relative to the indexing region 401 is adjusted when the head is in the retracted position shown. Figure 4As shown, the nail chain positioning device 211 may further include a sliding member 423 configured to slide in a sliding direction 425 that is transverse to (e.g., substantially perpendicular to) the extension direction 2201 of the pushing member 213. In some embodiments, the interface between the sliding member 423 and the pushing member 213 may cause movement of the pushing member in the extension direction 2201 in response to movement of the sliding member in the sliding direction 425. In some embodiments, the interface may include a protrusion positioned within an interface groove. For example, in some embodiments, although not shown, the sliding member 423 may include a protrusion located within the interface groove of the pushing member 213. Alternatively, the sliding member 423 may include an interface groove 427 and the pushing member 213 may include a protrusion 511 (see...). Figure 5 ).like Figure 23 As shown, in some embodiments, the protrusion 511 of the pushing member 213 can be positioned within the interface groove 427 of the sliding member 423. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the interface slot 427 can extend along the slot path direction 429. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the groove path direction 429 may include a first direction component comprising the sliding direction 425 and a second direction component comprising the extension direction 2201 of the pushing member 213. Therefore, due to the interface between the interface groove 427 of the sliding member 423 and the protrusion 511 of the pushing member 213, movement of the sliding member 423 in the sliding direction 425 will cause movement of the protrusion 511 and the adjacent surface 2301 in the retraction direction 2202. Furthermore, due to the interface between the interface groove 427 of the sliding member 423 and the protrusion 511 of the pushing member 213, movement of the sliding member 423 in the direction opposite to the sliding direction 425 will cause movement of the protrusion 511 and the adjacent surface 2301 in the extension direction 2201.

[0063] In some embodiments, the cover member 509 of the nail chain positioning device 211 may include a cover groove 433 extending in the sliding direction 425. A positioning protrusion 431 of the sliding member 423 may be positioned to extend through the cover groove 433 to allow a user to contact the positioning protrusion 431 to move the sliding member 423 and thus move the actuating member 213 in response to the movement of the sliding member 423.

[0064] Now we will first refer to Figure 6 A method for feeding a nail chain 103 using a nailing device 101 is described. The method may include moving the nail head 205 from a head-retracted position in a first nail direction 601, while the indexing bias member 415 biases the indexing member 403 relative to the nail head 205 in a second indexing direction 705 opposite to the first indexing direction 703. Figure 6 , Figure 16 and Figure 18 The component retracted to the indicated position. Figure 7 , Figure 17 and Figure 19 The extended position of the component is shown. When the indexing component 403 moves from the retracted position to the extended position in the second indexing direction 705, a portion of the nail chain 103 crosses the ramp 1017 of the step tab 807 and is then fed into the nail chain groove 801. After the nail head 205 has moved the travel length in the first nail direction 601 (see... Figure 16 S1 or Figure 17 In S2), the indexing member 403 is in the extended position of the member, such as Figure 7 , Figure 17 and Figure 19 As shown. Then, when the indexing member 403 is in the extended position, the nail head 205 can continue to move along the first nail direction 601 together with the indexing member 403 until the nail head reaches... Figure 7 The head extension position is shown. When the nail head and indexing member 403 move together, the first step 805a of the nail chain 103 (see...) Figure 10 This can engage with the shoulder 1013 of the indexing tab 407b. For descriptive purposes, the engagement of the first step 805a and ascending to the second step 805b, and in some embodiments further ascending to the third step 805c, will be described with reference to the indexing tab 407b; however, it should be understood that if multiple indexing tabs are provided, the same or similar operations can be performed on the other indexing tabs. In some embodiments, reference is made to... Figure 10 The shoulder 1013 of the indexing piece 407b engages with the first step 805a, while the first step 805a and the indexing piece 407b, together with the nail head 205, face towards the first nail direction 601. Figure 7 The head extension position shown has shifted.

[0065] In some embodiments, the method may include adjusting the stroke length of the indexing member to change the position of the nail head 205 extending from the head in a second nail direction 701 opposite to the first nail direction (see...). Figure 7 Move to the head retraction position (see...) Figure 6 The number of steps 805 of the chain nail 103 that cross the ramp surface 1011 of the indexing joint. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the stop device may include a protrusion 215 that extends through a groove 217 in the cover member 413. To adjust the fastening device 101 to provide a single-step nail 2001 (see...) Figure 20 The user can push the protrusion 215 in the direction toward the chain groove 801. Once moved, as... Figure 16-17 As shown, the protrusion of the stop device 1600, including the shoulder 1602, moves into the travel path 1605, such that the shoulder 1602 is in the extended position (see...). Figure 17The protrusion 1701 of the indexing member 403 interferes with the indexing member 403, thereby reducing the length of the stroke S1 of the indexing member 403 in one step indexing, as described below. Alternatively, in order to adjust the fastening device 101 to provide a double-step fastener 2101 (see... Figure 21 The user can push the protrusion 215 in a direction away from the chain groove 801. Once moved, as... Figure 18-19 As shown, the protrusion of the stop device 1600, including the shoulder 1602, is moved out of the travel path 1605, thus in the extended position (see... Figure 19 It does not interfere with the protrusion 1701 of the indexing member 403, thereby increasing the length of the stroke S2 ​​of the indexing member 403 in two step indexing stages, as described below.

[0066] Once fasteners are applied to an item (for example, see...), Figure 25 , Figure 27 , Figure 29 The fastener head can then be started from... Figure 7 The head extension position shown is towards Figure 6 The head retracted position shown is moved rearward so that, according to the positioning of the stop device 1600 for single-step or double-step nail production as described above, the nail chain 103 is increased by one or two steps upward. In either position of the stop device 1600, when the nail head 205 begins to move along the second nail direction 701, the nail head 205 and the indexing member 403 (by the indexing offset member 415 at...) Figure 7 The component shown is offset from its extended position and moves together with the nail chain 103. The nail head 205 and the indexing component 403 (based on...) Figure 7 The extended position shown) and the nail chain 103 move together toward the head retracted position until the abutment surface 2303 of the indexing member 403 contacts the abutment surface 2301 of the push member 213. Further movement of the nail head 205 toward the head retracted position in the second nail direction 701 results in a force 602 being applied by the push member 213 to the indexing member 403 (see...). Figure 6 When the indexing member 403 retracts from its extended position (resisting the offset of the offset member 415) to its retracted position, the indexing member 403 begins to retract from its extended position to its retracted position. Therefore, once the adjacent surface 2303 of the indexing member 403 begins to contact the adjacent surface 2301 of the pushing member 213, as the indexing member 403 retracts to its retracted position... Figure 6In the retracted position of the component shown, further movement of the nail head 205 in the second nail direction 701 results in relative movement between the nail head 205 and the indexing member 403. When the nail head 205 is moved along the second nail direction 701 and when the indexing member 403 is retracted along the first indexing direction 703, the second step 805b adjacent to the first step 805a crosses the ramp surface 1011 of the indexing tab 407b. In fact, when the indexing member 403 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position in the first indexing direction 703, the second step 805b crosses the ramp surface 1011 of the indexing tab 407b. If the stop device 160 is adjusted to... Figure 16-17 The position shown produces the single-step nail discussed above, with only a single step added above the indexing tab, where the nail head 205 reaches... Figure 6 In the fully retracted position shown, the second step 805b is positioned adjacent to or situated within the shoulder 1013 of the indexing tab 407b. Alternatively, if the stop 160 is adjusted to... Figure 18-19 The position shown creates the double-step pin discussed above, with the third step 805c increasing above the indexing tab 407b. For example, when the stop device 160 is arranged in... Figure 18-19 When the position is shown, the method may include further moving the nail head 205 along the second nail direction 701, wherein the third step 805c adjacent to the second step 805b crosses the ramp surface 1011 of the indexing tab 407b. In fact, the third step 805c crosses the ramp surface 1011 of the indexing tab 407b while continuing to move the indexing member 407b from the member extension position to the member retracted position along the first indexing direction 703. Therefore, if the stop device 160 is adjusted to the position described above... Figure 18-19 The position shown indicates that when the nail head 205 reaches... Figure 6 When fully retracted, two steps are added above the indexing tab, with the third step 805c positioned adjacent to or within the shoulder 1013 of the indexing tab 407b.

[0067] The method may further include holding the chain 103 relative to the chain groove 801 while adding a second step 805b above the ramp surface 1011 of the indexing tab 407b and, in some embodiments, a third step 805c to prevent the portion of the chain 103 passing through the chain groove 801 from leaving the chain groove 801 in the opposite direction. For example, in some embodiments, a step tab 807 may be provided, wherein the positioning of the step and the shoulder 1019 of the step tab 807 can suppress or prevent the portion of the chain 103 from returning through the chain groove 801 in a direction opposite to the feed direction of the chain 103.

[0068] In some embodiments, the method may include adjusting the extension position of the member to adjust the cutting position of the nail chain. For example... Figure 2As shown, the blade 219 can be mounted in one position to cut the desired positions of the first track 803a and the second track 803b to provide pins 2001, 2101. As previously mentioned, it may be necessary to modify the position of the steps 2805 of the single-step pin 2001 or the double-step pin 2101 on the track segments 2803a, 2803b. For example, if the pin 2401 is characterized by the lower end of the track being longer than the top end of the track, such as... Figure 24 As shown, the nail chain 103 should move downward relative to the blade 219 for the next cutting process to produce a nail more likely to manifest as a nail 2801, wherein the step 2805 moves downward relative to the track segment to approximately the midpoint of the track segment. To move the nail chain 103 downward, the push member 213 can be adjusted downward, wherein the push member will force the indexing member 403 to move together with the nail chain 103 attached to the indexing member 403, so as the indexing member 403 further retracts into the indexing region 401 and moves downward through the shoulder of the indexing tab. As previously described, due to the interface groove 427 of the sliding member 423 interfacing with the protrusion 511 of the push member 213, movement of the sliding member 423 in the direction opposite to the sliding direction 425 will cause the protrusion 511 and the abutment surface 2301 to move in the extension direction 2201 relative to the indexing region 401 in the first indexing direction 703. For example, a user can move the indexing member 403 by engaging the positioning protrusion 431 of the sliding member and moving it in the opposite direction.

[0069] If nail 2601 is characterized by the lower end of the track being shorter than the top end of the track, such as... Figure 26 As shown in the figure, the nail chain 103 should move upward relative to the blade 219 for the next cutting process to produce a nail more likely to manifest as nail 2801, wherein the step 2805 moves upward relative to the track segment to approximately the midpoint of the track segment. To move the nail chain 103 upward, the push member 213 can be adjusted upward, wherein the push member in the next cycle of the nail head will cause the step engaged by the shoulder of the indexing tab to be in a higher position than in other cases. As previously described, due to the interface groove 427 of the sliding member 423 interfacing with the protrusion 511 of the push member 213, the movement of the sliding member 423 in the sliding direction 425 will cause the protrusion 511 and the abutment surface 2301 to move in the retraction direction 2202, causing the indexing member 403 to move relative to the indexing region 401 along the second indexing direction 705. For example, a user can move the sliding member 423 by engaging the positioning protrusion 431 of the sliding member and moving it in the sliding direction 425.

[0070] In some embodiments, the method may further include moving the indexing tab to a disengaged position (see...). Figure 11 Then pull the chain 103 out of the chain groove 803. (For example...) Figure 4-5As shown, the pivot member 417 may include an engagement protrusion 435 that can pass through an elongated slot 221 of the cover member 413 of the indexing device 207. Figure 10 As shown, the user can push the engaging protrusion 435 along direction 1023 to cause the pivot member 417 to overcome the bias of the offset member 421 about the rotation axis 1009 from the engaging position. Figure 10 Rotate to the disengaged position. Figure 11 Once in Figure 11 In the disengaged position shown, the nail chain 103 can be pulled out from the nail chain groove 803 without significantly interfering with the shoulder of the indexing piece, which has already obviously pivoted away from the step travel path 1005.

[0071] The following are example embodiments of this disclosure, and it should be understood that further example embodiments can be provided in accordance with this disclosure. Furthermore, any of the embodiments discussed below may be used alone or in combination with any other embodiments discussed below.

[0072] Example 1. A fastening device may include a staple head movable from a head-retracted position to a head-extended position in a first staple direction. The fastening device may further include an indexing device including an indexing offset member and an indexing member. The indexing member may be at least partially positioned within an indexing region and offset relative to the indexing region toward a member-extended position using the indexing offset member. The indexing member is movable relative to the indexing region from the member-extended position to a member-retracted position in the first indexing direction. The first indexing direction may include a direction component including the first staple direction. The indexing member may define a step travel path and may further include an indexing tab including a ramp surface positioned to gradually taper the step travel path along the first indexing direction. The indexing tab may further include a shoulder positioned extending beyond at least a portion of the ramp surface along the first indexing direction.

[0073] Example 2. The fastening device according to Example 1, wherein the indexing device may further include a cover member that at least partially defines the indexing region. The cover member may include a fastening chain groove extending through the cover member to the indexing region.

[0074] Example 3. The fastening device according to Example 2, wherein the cover member may include a plurality of grooves extending along the first indexing direction and facing the indexing region. The plurality of grooves may include a first pair of grooves.

[0075] Example 4. The fastening device according to Example 3, wherein the plurality of grooves may further include a second pair of grooves.

[0076] Example 5. The fastening device according to any one of Examples 2-4, wherein the cover member may further include a step plate, the step plate including a ramp to allow the steps of the fastening chain to pass over the step plate when a portion of the fastening chain is fed into the fastening chain slot. The step plate also includes a shoulder to prevent the steps of the fastening chain from returning over the step plate, thereby preventing the portion of the fastening chain from moving out of the fastening chain slot.

[0077] Example 6. The fastening device according to Example 5, wherein the ladder connector may include a plurality of ladder connectors arranged in a row extending in a direction transverse to the first indexing direction.

[0078] Example 7. The fastening device according to Example 6, wherein the plurality of ladder tabs may include three ladder tabs.

[0079] Example 8. The fastening device according to any one of Examples 1-7, wherein a portion of the indexing tab may extend through an opening in the body of the indexing member.

[0080] Example 9. The fastening device according to Example 8, wherein the indexing tab is movable relative to the body from the engagement position where the step travel path gradually tapers on the ramp surface to the disengagement position where the taper of the step travel path decreases.

[0081] Example 10. The fastening device according to Example 9, wherein the indexing member may further include a tab biasing member, wherein the indexing tab is biased toward the engagement position by the tab biasing member.

[0082] Example 11. The fastening device according to Example 10, wherein the tab biasing member may include a torsion spring.

[0083] Example 12. The fastening device according to any one of Examples 8-11, wherein the indexing tab can be rotatably mounted relative to the body of the indexing member.

[0084] Example 13. The fastening device according to any one of Examples 1-12, wherein the indexing tab may include a plurality of indexing tabs.

[0085] Example 14. The fastening device according to Example 13, wherein the first pair of the plurality of indexing tabs can be arranged in a column extending in the first indexing direction.

[0086] Example 15. The fastening device according to any one of Examples 13-14, wherein the second pair of the plurality of indexing tabs can be arranged in a row extending in a direction transverse to the first indexing direction.

[0087] Example 16. The fastening device according to any one of Examples 1-15, wherein the indexing device may further include a stop device including a shoulder configured to move relative to the indexing member to engage a portion of the indexing member, thereby reducing the length of the stroke of the indexing member between the member's extended position and the member's retracted position.

[0088] Example 17. The fastening device according to Example 16, wherein the portion of the indexing member may include a protrusion extending within the travel path.

[0089] Example 18. The suture instrument according to Example 17, wherein the stop device may include a protrusion configured to move into the travel path to reduce the effective length of the travel path, which reduces the length of the travel of the indexing member.

[0090] Example 19. The fastening device according to any one of Examples 16-18, wherein the shoulder of the stop can be configured to move relative to the indexing member to engage the portion of the indexing member, thereby reducing the extent to which the indexing member extends to the member extension position.

[0091] Example 20. The fastening device according to any one of Examples 1-19 further includes a fastening chain positioning device. The fastening chain positioning device may include a pushing member, the pushing member including an abutment surface configured to abut against an abutment surface of the indexing member to adjust the degree to which the indexing member retracts relative to the indexing region when the staple head is in the head-retracted position.

[0092] Example 21. The fastening device according to Example 20, wherein the pushing member is movable in an extension direction, the extension direction including a direction component, the direction component including the first indexing direction.

[0093] Example 22. The fastening device according to any one of Examples 20-21, wherein the fastening chain positioning device may further include a sliding member configured to slide in a sliding direction transverse to the extension direction. An interface between the sliding member and the pushing member is responsive to movement of the sliding member in the sliding direction, causing movement of the pushing member in the extension direction. The interface includes an interface protrusion positioned within an interface groove.

[0094] Example 23. The fastening device according to Example 22, wherein the pushing member may include the interface protrusion and the sliding member includes the interface groove.

[0095] Example 24. The fastening device according to any one of Examples 22-23, wherein the fastener chain positioning device may further include a cover member, the cover member including a cover groove extending along the sliding direction. The sliding member may include a positioning protrusion extending through the cover groove of the cover member of the fastener chain positioning device.

[0096] Example 25. The fastening device according to any one of Examples 1-24, wherein the indexing biasing member may include a tension spring.

[0097] Example 26. An indexing device for indexing a nail chain may include: a support member; a degree offset member; and an indexing member, the indexing member being at least partially positioned within an indexing region and offset relative to the indexing region toward a member extension position by means of the indexing offset member. The indexing member is movable relative to the indexing region in a first indexing direction from the member extension position to a member retracted position. The indexing member may define a step travel path and may also include an indexing tab. The indexing tab includes a ramp surface positioned to gradually taper the step travel path along the first indexing direction. The indexing tab may also include a shoulder positioned extending beyond at least a portion of the ramp surface in the first indexing direction.

[0098] Example 27. The indexing device according to Example 26, wherein the indexing device may further include a cover member, the cover member including a nail chain groove extending through the cover member to the indexing region. The indexing region may be defined between the support member and the cover member.

[0099] Example 28. The indexing device according to Example 27, wherein the cover member may include a plurality of grooves extending along the first indexing direction and facing the indexing region. The plurality of grooves may include a first pair of grooves.

[0100] Example 29. The indexing device according to Example 28, wherein the plurality of grooves may further include a second pair of grooves.

[0101] Example 30. The indexing device according to any one of Examples 27-29, wherein the cover member may further include a step plate, the step plate including a ramp to allow the steps of the nail chain to pass over the step plate when a portion of the nail chain is fed into the nail chain slot. The step plate may further include a shoulder to prevent the steps of the nail chain from returning over the step plate, thereby preventing the portion of the nail chain from moving out of the nail chain slot.

[0102] Example 31. The indexing device according to Example 30, wherein the step plate may include a plurality of step plates, the plurality of step plates being arranged in a row extending in a direction transverse to the first indexing direction.

[0103] Example 32. The indexing device according to Example 31, wherein the plurality of ladder plates may include three ladder plates.

[0104] Example 33. An indexing device according to any one of Examples 26-32, wherein a portion of the indexing tab may extend through an opening in the body of the indexing member.

[0105] Example 34. The indexing device according to Example 33, wherein the indexing tab is movable relative to the body from an engagement position where the ramp gradually narrows the step travel path to a disengagement position where the taper of the step travel path decreases.

[0106] Example 35. The indexing device according to Example 34, wherein the indexing tab can be biased toward the engagement position by the tab biasing member.

[0107] Example 36. The indexing device according to Example 35, wherein the tab biasing member may include a torsion spring.

[0108] Example 37. The indexing device according to any one of Examples 33-36, wherein the indexing tab can be rotatably mounted relative to the body of the indexing member.

[0109] Example 38. The indexing device according to any one of Examples 26-37, wherein the indexing tab may include a plurality of indexing tabs.

[0110] Example 39. The indexing device according to Example 38, wherein the first pair of the plurality of indexing tabs can be arranged as a column extending in the first indexing direction.

[0111] Example 40. An indexing device according to any one of Examples 38-39, wherein the second pair of the plurality of indexing tabs can be arranged in a row extending in a direction transverse to the first indexing direction.

[0112] Example 41. An indexing device according to any one of Examples 26-40, wherein the indexing device may further include a stop device including a shoulder configured to move relative to the indexing member to engage a portion of the indexing member, thereby reducing the length of the stroke of the indexing member between the member's extended position and the member's retracted position.

[0113] Example 42. The indexing device according to Example 41, wherein the portion of the indexing member may include a protrusion extending within the travel path.

[0114] Example 43. The indexing device according to Example 42, wherein the stop device may include a protrusion configured to move into the travel path to reduce the effective length of the travel path, which reduces the length of the travel of the indexing member.

[0115] Example 44. An indexing device according to any one of Examples 41-43, wherein the shoulder of the stop can be configured to move relative to the indexing member to engage the portion of the indexing member, thereby reducing the extent to which the indexing member extends to the member extension position.

[0116] Example 45. A nail chain positioning device may include a pushing member movable along an extension direction and a sliding member configured to slide in a sliding direction transverse to the extension direction. An interface between the sliding member and the pushing member may cause the pushing member to move in the extension direction in response to movement of the sliding member in the sliding direction. The interface may include an interface protrusion positioned within an interface groove.

[0117] Example 46. The nail chain positioning device according to Example 45, wherein the nail chain positioning device may further include a cover member, the cover member including a cover groove extending along the sliding direction, and the sliding member including a positioning protrusion extending through the cover groove of the cover member.

[0118] Example 47. A method for feeding a nail chain using the nailing device described in Example 1 may include: moving the nail head from a head retracted position along a first nail direction, while the indexing biasing member biases the indexing member to move relative to the nail head from the member retracted position to the member extended position along a second indexing direction opposite to the first indexing direction. The method may further include: continuing to move the nail head along the first nail direction such that the indexing member and a first step of the nail chain engaging with the shoulder of the indexing tab move together with the nail head along the first nail direction toward the head extended position.

[0119] Example 48. The method according to Example 47, wherein the method may further include: adjusting the length of the stroke of the indexing member to change the number of steps of the nail chain crossing the ramp surface of the indexing piece when the nail head is moved from the head extension position toward the head retraction position in a second nail direction opposite to the first nail direction.

[0120] Example 49. The method according to any one of Examples 47-48 further includes moving the nail head in the direction of the second nail, wherein the second step adjacent to the first step crosses the ramp surface of the indexing tab.

[0121] Example 50. The method according to Example 49, wherein, while the indexing member is moved from the member extension position to the member retraction position along the first indexing direction, the second step crosses the ramp surface of the indexing piece.

[0122] Example 51. The method according to Example 50 includes further moving the nail head along the direction of the second nail, wherein a third step adjacent to the second step crosses the ramp surface of the indexing piece.

[0123] Example 52. According to the method of Example 51, wherein the third step crosses the ramp surface of the indexing piece, while continuing to move the indexing member from the member extension position to the member retraction position along the first indexing direction.

[0124] Example 53. The method according to any one of Examples 47-52, wherein the method may further include adjusting the extension position of the member to adjust the cutting position of the nail chain.

[0125] Example 54. The method according to any one of Examples 47-53, wherein the method may further include feeding a portion of the nail chain through the nail chain groove by continuing to move the nail head along the first nail direction.

[0126] Example 55. The method according to Example 54, wherein the method may further include preventing the portion of the nail chain passing through the nail chain groove from leaving the nail chain groove.

[0127] Example 56. The method according to Example 54, wherein the method may further include moving the indexing tab to the disengaged position and then pulling the nail chain out of the nail chain groove.

[0128] It should be understood that although various embodiments have been described in detail with reference to certain illustrative and specific examples, this disclosure should not be considered as limited thereto, as many modifications and combinations of the disclosed features are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fastening device, comprising: The nail head is capable of moving from a retracted head position to a head extended position along the direction of the first nail. as well as Indexing device, the indexing device comprising: Indexing offset component; and An indexing member, at least partially positioned within an indexing region and offset relative to the indexing region toward a member extension position by an indexing offset member, is movable relative to the indexing region in a first indexing direction from the member extension position to a member retracted position, wherein the first indexing direction includes a direction component including a first pin direction, the indexing member defines a step travel path and further includes an indexing tab, the indexing tab including a ramp surface positioned to gradually taper along the first indexing direction, and the indexing tab further including a shoulder positioned extending beyond at least a portion of the ramp surface along the first indexing direction. The indexing device further includes a cover member that at least partially defines the indexing region, the cover member including a nail chain groove extending through the cover member to the indexing region. The cover member includes a plurality of grooves extending along the first indexing direction and facing the indexing region, the plurality of grooves including a first pair of grooves, and The plurality of grooves also includes a second pair of grooves.

2. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein, The cover member further includes a step plate, the step plate including a ramp to allow the steps of the nail chain to pass over the step plate when a portion of the nail chain is fed into the nail chain slot, and the step plate also including a shoulder to prevent the steps of the nail chain from passing back over the step plate, thereby preventing the portion of the nail chain from moving out of the nail chain slot.

3. The fastening device according to claim 2, wherein, The ladder connector includes a plurality of ladder connectors arranged in a row extending transversely to the first indexing direction.

4. The fastening device according to claim 3, wherein, The plurality of ladder connectors includes three ladder connectors.

5. The fastening device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, A portion of the indexing tab extends through an opening in the body of the indexing member.

6. The fastening device according to claim 5, wherein, The indexing tab can be moved relative to the body from an engagement position where the slope surface gradually narrows the ladder travel path to a disengagement position where the taper of the ladder travel path decreases.

7. The fastening device according to claim 6, wherein, The indexing member further includes a tab offset member, wherein the indexing tab is offset toward the engagement position by the tab offset member.

8. The fastening device according to claim 7, wherein, The tab biasing component includes a torsion spring.

9. The fastening device according to claim 5, wherein, The indexing tab is rotatably mounted relative to the main body of the indexing member.

10. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein, The indexing tabs include multiple indexing tabs.

11. The fastening device according to claim 10, wherein, The first pair of the plurality of indexing tabs is arranged in a column extending in the first indexing direction.

12. The fastening device according to claim 11, wherein, The second pair of the plurality of indexing tabs is arranged in a row extending in a direction transverse to the first indexing direction.

13. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein, The indexing device further includes a stop device comprising a shoulder configured to move relative to the indexing member to engage a portion of the indexing member, thereby reducing the length of the stroke of the indexing member between the member's extended position and its retracted position.

14. The fastening device according to claim 13, wherein, The indexing member includes a portion of a protrusion extending within the travel path.

15. The fastening device according to claim 14, wherein, The stop device includes a protrusion configured to move into the travel path to reduce the effective length of the travel path, which reduces the length of the travel of the indexing member.

16. The fastening device according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein, The shoulder of the stop device is configured to move relative to the indexing member to engage the portion of the indexing member, thereby reducing the extent to which the indexing member extends into the member extension position.

17. The fastening device of claim 1, further comprising a fastening chain positioning device, the fastening chain positioning device comprising a pushing member, the pushing member comprising an abutting surface configured to abut against the abutting surface of the indexing member to adjust the degree to which the indexing member retracts relative to the indexing region when the nail head is in the head retracted position.

18. The fastening device according to claim 17, wherein, The pushing member is movable in the extension direction, which includes a direction component, and the direction component includes the first indexing direction.

19. The fastening device according to claim 18, wherein, The nail chain positioning device further includes a sliding member configured to slide in a sliding direction transverse to the extension direction, wherein an interface between the sliding member and the pushing member responds to movement of the sliding member in the sliding direction to cause movement of the pushing member in the extension direction, and the interface includes an interface protrusion positioned within an interface groove.

20. The fastening device according to claim 19, wherein, The pushing member includes the interface protrusion and the sliding member includes the interface groove.

21. The fastening device according to claim 19, wherein, The nail chain positioning device further includes a cover member, the cover member including a cover groove extending along the sliding direction, and the sliding member including a positioning protrusion extending through the cover groove of the cover member of the nail chain positioning device.

22. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein, The indexing biasing component includes a tension spring.

23. An indexing device for indexing nail chains, comprising: Supporting components; Indexing offset component; An indexing member, at least partially positioned within an indexing region and offset relative to the indexing region toward a member extension position by an indexing offset member, is movable relative to the indexing region in a first indexing direction from the member extension position to a member retraction position. The indexing member defines a step travel path and includes an indexing tab comprising a ramp surface positioned to gradually taper the step travel path along the first indexing direction. The indexing tab also includes a shoulder positioned extending beyond at least a portion of the ramp surface in the first indexing direction. The indexing device further includes a cover member, the cover member including a nail chain groove extending through the cover member to the indexing region, wherein the indexing region is defined between the support member and the cover member. The cover member includes a plurality of grooves extending along the first indexing direction and facing the indexing region, the plurality of grooves including a first pair of grooves, and The plurality of grooves also includes a second pair of grooves.

24. The indexing device according to claim 23, wherein, The cover member further includes a step plate, the step plate including a ramp to allow the steps of the nail chain to pass over the step plate when a portion of the nail chain is fed into the nail chain slot, and the step plate also including a shoulder to prevent the steps of the nail chain from passing back over the step plate, thereby preventing the portion of the nail chain from moving out of the nail chain slot.

25. The indexing device according to claim 24, wherein, The ladder connector includes a plurality of ladder connectors arranged in a row extending transversely to the first indexing direction.

26. The indexing device according to claim 25, wherein, The plurality of ladder connectors includes three ladder connectors.

27. The indexing device according to any one of claims 23-26, wherein, A portion of the indexing tab extends through an opening in the body of the indexing member.

28. The indexing device according to claim 27, wherein, The indexing tab can be moved relative to the body from the engagement position where the slope gradually narrows the ladder travel path to the disengagement position where the taper of the ladder travel path decreases.

29. The indexing device according to claim 28, wherein, The indexing tab is biased toward the engagement position by the tab biasing member.

30. The indexing device according to claim 29, wherein, The tab biasing component includes a torsion spring.

31. The indexing device according to claim 27, wherein, The indexing tab is rotatably mounted relative to the main body of the indexing member.

32. The indexing device according to claim 23, wherein, The indexing tabs include multiple indexing tabs.

33. The indexing device according to claim 32, wherein, The first pair of the plurality of indexing tabs is arranged in a column extending in the first indexing direction.

34. The indexing device according to claim 33, wherein, The second pair of the plurality of indexing tabs is arranged in a row extending in a direction transverse to the first indexing direction.

35. The indexing device of claim 23, further comprising a stop including a shoulder configured to move relative to the indexing member to engage a portion of the indexing member, thereby reducing the length of the stroke of the indexing member between the member's extended position and the member's retracted position.

36. The indexing device according to claim 35, wherein, The portion of the indexing member includes a protrusion extending within the travel path.

37. The indexing device according to claim 36, wherein, The stop device includes a protrusion configured to move into the travel path to reduce the effective length of the travel path, which reduces the length of the travel of the indexing member.

38. The indexing device according to any one of claims 35-37, wherein, The shoulder of the stop device is configured to move relative to the indexing member to engage the portion of the indexing member, thereby reducing the extent to which the indexing member extends into the member extension position.

39. A method for feeding a nail chain using the nailing device of claim 1, comprising: The nail head is moved from the head retracted position along the first nail direction, while the indexing offset member biases the indexing member to move relative to the nail head from the member retracted position to the member extended position along a second indexing direction opposite to the first indexing direction; as well as Continue moving the nail head along the first nail direction, such that the indexing member and the first step of the nail chain that engages with the shoulder of the indexing piece move together with the nail head along the first nail direction toward the head extension position.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising: Adjust the length of the stroke of the indexing member to change the number of steps of the nail chain crossing the ramp surface of the indexing piece when the nail head is moved from the head extension position toward the head retraction position in a second nail direction opposite to the first nail direction.

41. The method of claim 40, further comprising moving the nail head in the second nail direction, wherein, The second step adjacent to the first step crosses the slope surface of the indexing plate.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein, While the indexing member is moved from the extended position of the member to the retracted position along the first indexing direction, the second step crosses the sloping surface of the indexing piece.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising moving the nail head along the second nail direction, wherein, The third step, adjacent to the second step, crosses the slope surface of the indexing plate.

44. The method according to claim 43, wherein, The third step crosses the sloping surface of the indexing piece, while continuing to move the indexing member from the extended position to the retracted position along the first indexing direction.

45. The method according to any one of claims 39-44, further comprising adjusting the extension position of the member to adjust the cutting position of the nail chain.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 39-44, further comprising feeding a portion of the nail chain through the nail chain slot by continuing to move the nail head along the first nail direction.

47. The method of claim 46, further comprising preventing the portion of the nail chain passing through the nail chain groove from leaving the nail chain groove.

48. The method of claim 46 further comprises moving the indexing tab to the disengaged position and then pulling the nail chain out of the nail chain groove.

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