Anchoring fastener

Abstract

A fastener includes an elongate body having an impact end, an intermediate region, and a tip region. The strike end and the intermediate region define a longitudinal axis. The strike end has a first cross-section that is substantially equal to a second cross-section of the intermediate region, and the tip region includes a tip that is offset relative to the longitudinal axis.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 644,134, filed May 8, 2024, entitled “Anchoring Fasteners”, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 644,137, filed May 8, 2024, entitled “Anchoring Tools”, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0003] This application relates to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 19 / 195,978 (Attorney No. 1576-3025), filed on the same day, entitled “Anchoring Tool,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to fasteners, and more specifically to fasteners driven into a workpiece by a fastening tool having a firing pin. Background Technology

[0005] In decorative woodworking, to install trim pieces and moldings, nails are typically driven through the trim piece using a nailing tool (also known in the art as a nail gun), thus attaching the trim piece to drywall or another piece of wood. The friction between the nail and the drywall keeps the nail in place, while the nail head secures the trim piece to the drywall. However, the friction that holds the nail in place is easily lost, either due to the failure of the drywall itself or because the frictional bond between the nail and the drywall weakens over time.

[0006] A traditional solution to the aforementioned problems is to drive a nail fully through the drywall and into the timber frame behind it. However, this solution requires relatively long and therefore large nails to penetrate the trim and drywall, and to drive the nail sufficiently into the timber to secure the trim in place. Furthermore, driving the nail fully through the trim and drywall requires applying relatively large amounts of energy to the nail with a nailing tool, necessitating a more powerful nail gun, and in some cases, larger and more expensive nails. Additionally, the periodic expansion and contraction of the drywall, related to temperature changes, can loosen the frictional connection between the nails and the timber frame over time, eventually leading to connection failure. Therefore, a fastener connection that does not rely on friction to hold the fasteners in place within the material is needed.

[0007] Furthermore, because traditional nails require a nail head to hold the decorative piece in place, the insertion of the nail leaves a relatively large hole in the decorative piece. This hole can be unsightly. Alternatively, for aesthetic purposes, the hole can be repaired, but this requires a significant amount of extra work to conceal the nail head. Therefore, it would be beneficial if the fastener did not have an enlarged nail head. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In some aspects, this disclosure relates to a fastener comprising: an elongated body having an impact end, an intermediate region, and a tip region. The impact end and the intermediate region define a longitudinal axis. The impact end has a first cross-section substantially equal to a second cross-section of the intermediate region, and the tip region includes a tip offset relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0009] In some aspects, the tip region includes a first inclined surface formed on a first transverse side of the tip region, the first inclined surface defining the tip and being transverse to the longitudinal axis at an angle.

[0010] The tip region may include a second inclined surface formed on a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side of the tip region. The second inclined surface defines the tip, which is closer to the second lateral side than the first lateral side.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first inclined surface defines an angle between 4 and 60 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, this angle may be between 4 and 16 degrees, or between 16 and 60 degrees.

[0012] In another embodiment, the technology described herein relates to a fastener in which a second end includes a bend having a flexure spaced apart from the tip.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a set of fasteners, including: a first fastener comprising a first elongated body having a first impact end, a first intermediate region, and a first tip end, the first impact end and the first intermediate region defining a first longitudinal axis, the first tip end having a first tip offset relative to the first longitudinal axis in a first direction; and a second fastener adjacent to the first fastener, the second fastener comprising a second elongated body having a second impact end, a second intermediate region, and a second tip end, the second impact end and the second intermediate region defining a second longitudinal axis, the second tip end having a second tip offset relative to the first longitudinal axis in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction.

[0014] In some aspects, the first impact end has a cross-section that is substantially equal to the cross-section of the first intermediate region, and the second impact end has a cross-section that is substantially equal to the cross-section of the second intermediate region.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first direction is substantially opposite to the second direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the set of fasteners includes a double fastener, the first of which includes a first fastener, and the second of which includes a second fastener.

[0017] In some aspects, the first fastener includes a third fastener adjacent to the first fastener, the third fastener having a third tip offset in a third direction, and the second fastener includes a fourth fastener adjacent to the second fastener, the fourth fastener having a fourth tip offset in a fourth direction.

[0018] The first and fourth directions can be substantially opposite to each other, and the second and third directions can be substantially opposite to each other.

[0019] In some respects, the first and second fasteners are adjacent to each other in a single fastener.

[0020] In some embodiments, the set of fasteners may include a connector that connects the first fastener and the second fastener to each other.

[0021] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a fastener comprising: an elongated body having an impact end, an intermediate region, and a tip region defining a tip, the impact end and the intermediate region defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the tip region includes a flexure of the elongated body therein flexed from the longitudinal axis.

[0022] The flexure can have a maximum deflection point spaced apart from the tip.

[0023] In other embodiments, the flexure has a point of maximum deflection at the tip. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a side view of a first embodiment of a fastener according to the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the fastener after it has been driven into the two workpieces.

[0026] Figure 3 It is a pair of connections Figure 1 A perspective view of the fasteners.

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of a pair of connected fasteners after they have been driven into the two workpieces.

[0028] Figure 5 Through double Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the fastener.

[0029] Figure 5A Through a Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the fastener.

[0030] Figure 6 Through a Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the fastener.

[0031] Figure 7 Through a Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the fastener.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a side view of the tip region of the fastener according to this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a side view schematic diagram of a bent fastener according to the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a side view schematic diagram of another bending fastener according to the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a side view of a notched fastener according to the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a side view of a U-shaped nail fastener according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To facilitate an understanding of the principles of the embodiments described herein, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings and description in the following written specification. These references are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter. This disclosure also includes any changes and modifications to the illustrated embodiments, and further applications of the principles of the embodiments as will generally be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this document pertains.

[0038] Figure 1A fastener 100 for connecting two or more structures is depicted. The fastener includes an elongated body 104 having a first end configured as an impact end 108, an intermediate region 112, and a second end configured as a tip region 116. The impact end 108 is not formed with a nail head, such that the impact end 108 has a cross-section substantially equal to (i.e., substantially the same cross-sectional size and shape) as the intermediate region 112. More specifically, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the impact end 108, more specifically the cross-sectional area of ​​the impact surface 118, may be within 10% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate region 112. In another embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the impact end 108, more specifically the cross-sectional area of ​​the impact surface 118, may be within 5% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate region 112. The impact end 108 and the intermediate region 112 can have any desired cross-sectional shape, such as circular, rectangular, square, elliptical, narrow rectangular (i.e., strip-shaped), etc. The fastener 100 can be formed of any desired material, such as steel, aluminum, ceramic, plastic, etc.

[0039] Tip region 116 defines an asymmetrical tip 120, wherein tip 120 is offset relative to the longitudinal axis 122 defined by the impact end 108 of fastener 100 and intermediate region 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the asymmetrical tip 120 is formed entirely or primarily on only one side, thereby forming a tip 120 disposed on one lateral side of tip region 116. Tip 120 may, for example, be formed as a point or edge disposed on the outer lateral third of tip region 116. The asymmetrical configuration of tip region 116 results in the formation of an inclined surface 124 on one lateral side of tip region 116. Specifically, inclined surface 124 is angled laterally to longitudinal axis 122.

[0040] Figure 2 The illustration shows a fastener 100 after it has been driven into two workpieces 140 and 144, but the reader should understand that fastener 100 can be used to connect more than two workpieces. For example, fastener 100 can be used with conventional nailing tools such as brad nail guns, frame nail guns, finish nail guns, fence nail guns, concrete nail guns, drywall nail guns, wallboard nail guns, steel keel nail guns, roofing nail guns, staplers, etc. Alternatively, fastener 100 can be manually driven using a hammer. The fastener is designed such that the impact end 108 of fastener 100 drives fastener 100 into workpiece 140 (e.g., a wooden trim piece), thereby securing workpiece 140 to another workpiece 144 (e.g., drywall). When the tip region 116 of fastener 100 is driven into the surface of workpiece 140, the inclined surface 124 of tip region 116 causes a portion of the reaction force acting on tip region 116 to deflect laterally 148 toward tip 120. As a result, the slender body 104 of the fastener 100 bends when it is driven into the workpieces 140 and 144.

[0041] Specifically, the fastener 100 gradually bends from the longitudinal axis 122 in a parabolic manner; in other words, the tip region 116 forms a larger angle with the longitudinal axis 122 than the middle region 112, and the middle region 112 forms a larger angle with the drive axis than the impact end 108. Therefore, once driven into workpieces 140 and 144, the fastener 100 bends into a hook shape, wherein the portion of the fastener located in workpiece 144 has a larger angle with the longitudinal axis 122 than the portion of the fastener located in upper workpiece 140 has an angle with the longitudinal axis 122.

[0042] Because fastener 100 is bent into a hook shape, it cannot be removed from either workpiece 140, 144 without applying a shear force to bend it in the opposite direction to the hook shape. Consequently, fastener 100 can only be removed by applying sufficient force to mechanically deform it. Therefore, by reducing reliance on friction between the fastener and workpieces 140, 144, and without requiring an enlarged head at the impact end 108, fastener 100 maintains the mechanical connection between workpieces 140 and 144.

[0043] Fastener 100 may be designed to select the curvature of the fastener based on the material of fastener 100 and the material of the workpiece in which the fastener is intended to be used. Specifically, the curvature of fastener 100 in workpieces 140, 144 may be varied by selecting an angle 132 formed by inclined surface 124 relative to longitudinal axis 122. For example, a relatively small angle 132 may be used to reduce curvature and, in some cases, drive fastener 100 into the workpiece at a straight angle; however, a relatively large angle 132 may be used to increase curvature. For example, angle 132 may be between 4 degrees and 60 degrees. In some embodiments, angle 132 may be between 5 degrees and 30 degrees. In another embodiment, angle 132 may be between 5 degrees and 16 degrees. In yet another embodiment, angle 132 may be approximately 10 degrees. Additional embodiments include inclined surface 124 at angles ranging from 16 degrees to 60 degrees.

[0044] Figure 3 An embodiment is illustrated in which two circular fasteners 100A and 100B are interconnected and configured to be driven into workpieces 140 and 144 simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. Specifically, the two fasteners 100A and 100B are detachably fixed to each other as part of a single fastener designed for insertion into the nail magazine of a nail gun. The two fasteners 100A and 100B are oriented differently relative to each other, such that when driven into workpieces 140 and 144, the two fasteners 100A and 100B bend in different directions. Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the two fasteners 100A and B are configured such that the tips 120A and 120B of the two fasteners 100A and B are located on the lateral side of each fastener 100A and B substantially opposite to the other fastener 100B and A. In other embodiments, the fasteners 100A and B may not be opposite each other, but may form an angle of 90 degrees, 135 degrees, or be arranged within the range of 90 degrees to 270 degrees, 135 degrees to 225 degrees, 150 degrees to 210 degrees, 171 degrees to 190 degrees, etc.

[0045] like Figure 4 As seen, the respective flat surfaces 124A and B of the tip regions 116A and B cause the reaction forces acting on the fasteners 100A and B to be applied in opposite directions 148A and B. As a result, fastener 100A bends away from its longitudinal axis 122A along a first direction 148A, while fastener 100B bends away from its longitudinal axis 122B along a second direction 148B opposite to the first direction 148A. Therefore, the two fasteners 100A and B form hook-shaped curves in opposite directions. Consequently, the two fasteners 100A and B must deform in opposite directions to move the outer workpiece 140 away from the inner workpiece 144. This structure forms an anchor that creates an extremely strong connection between the two workpieces 140 and 144.

[0046] Figure 5 The illustration shows a set of fasteners 100 used in a nail gun, which are formed as double-bar fasteners 100. The double-bar 200 includes a first bar 204 of fastener 100 with its tip 120 offset to one side; and a second bar 208 of fastener 100 with its tip 120 offset to the opposite side. Specifically, as described above regarding... Figure 3 In the discussed embodiments, each strip 204, 208 is configured such that the tip 120 is offset in a direction substantially opposite to that of the other strip 208, 204, for example, offset at an angle between 170 and 190 degrees.

[0047] The fasteners 100 of each strip 204, 208 are held together by connectors 212 (e.g., glue, paper, wire, tape, etc.). Furthermore, in some embodiments, two strips 204, 208 can be interconnected by connectors (e.g., ...). Figure 5A Two strips 204, 208 are inserted into the nail gun such that the firing pin or multiple firing pins 220 of the nail gun simultaneously drive the top fasteners or two fasteners 100 of each strip 204, 208 into the workpiece, or in other words, drive two or four fasteners 100 with each firing. Because the fasteners 100 are configured with their tips 120 oriented on opposite sides of adjacent strips 204, 208, the configuration of the double strips 200 produces [a specific effect] with each actuation of the nail gun. Figure 4 The connection shown is bent outwards.

[0048] Figure 5A Another example of a set of fasteners 100 is illustrated, which is formed as a double-bar fastener 100 with a diagonal construction. Specifically, the top two fasteners 100 of each bar 204A and 208A form four fasteners 100 whose tips 120 are oriented in four different and substantially perpendicular directions. In other words, the tips 120 of the top fastener 100 of the first bar 204A and the tips 120 of the second fastener 100 of the second bar 208A are offset from each other in opposite directions, while the tips 120 of the top fastener 100 of the second bar 208A and the tips 120 of the second fastener 100 of the first bar 204A are offset from each other in opposite directions. Furthermore, in Figure 5A In one embodiment, each fastener 100 of the first 204A is connected to an adjacent fastener 100 of the second 208A. Figure 5A The dual strips 200A can be used with the firing pin 220, which is configured to actuate four fasteners 100, namely the top two fasteners 100 of each strip 204A, 208A, to create a dual-anchor connection, similar to... Figure 4 The two anchoring connections shown are perpendicular to each other, or in other words, they form an X shape when viewed from above.

[0049] also, Figure 5 Some of the fasteners 100 are depicted as circular fasteners 100, and some are depicted as square fasteners 100C. Similar to the circular fasteners, the tip 120C of the square fastener 100C is asymmetrically offset on the opposite side of another strip 204, 208 of the fastener 100C. The reader should understand that strips 204, 208 can be constructed with patterns of fully circular fasteners 100, fully square fasteners 100C, alternating patterns of circular and square fasteners 100, 100C, any other desired pattern of circular and square fasteners, or fasteners with other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., elliptical, triangular, etc.).

[0050] Figure 6 Another set of fasteners 100 is depicted, formed as a strip 232 of fasteners 100, configured for use in a nail gun with a firing pin 236 (which drives a single fastener), or for simultaneously driving the first two fasteners of the strip 232. Each fastener 100 in the strip 232 is arranged such that its tip 120 is offset in a direction different from that of the adjacent fastener 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 100 alternate such that the fasteners 100 are alternately offset along the longitudinal direction defined by the sequence of fasteners 100 in the strip 232, or in other words, a fastener 100 is arranged such that its tip 120 is offset in a direction different from that of the adjacent fastener 100. Figure 6 In the view, it shifts to the left, while the next fastener is arranged with tip 120 shifted to the right, and so on. Figure 6 Strip 232 can be used in conventional nail guns that fire one fastener on each actuation, such that approximately two actuations of the nail gun essentially produce Figure 4 The anchoring connection shown. Alternatively, strip 232 can be used in a nail gun configured such that a firing pin drives the first two nails together to substantially produce... Figure 4 The anchoring connection shown.

[0051] Figure 7 The illustration shows another configuration of a set of fasteners 100, which is formed as a single 252 fastener 100. Similarly, the single 252 can be used in a nail gun with a firing pin that drives a single fastener 100 (i.e., ...) each time the nail gun is actuated. Figure 6 The firing pin 236), or for a nail gun with a firing pin 256, which drives both of the first two fasteners 100 on each actuation of the nail gun. Figure 7 In strip 252, fastener 100 is configured such that the offset of tip 120 alternates along the axis of the strip, i.e. Figure 7 In the view, it faces the top or bottom of fastener 100. More specifically, the first fastener 100 is offset in the opposite direction to the second fastener 100, while the second fastener 100 is offset in the opposite direction to the first fastener and toward the third fastener, and so on. Figure 6 Similar to the bar, bar 252 is used in a nail gun to drive two fasteners 100 close to each other in each actuation, driving a single fastener, thus producing the same effect as... Figure 4 The depicted anchoring structure is essentially the same. Using strip 252 in a nail gun with firing pins 256 that simultaneously drive two fasteners 100 results in... Figure 4 The same anchoring structure is depicted.

[0052] Figure 8 The illustration shows a side view of a fastener 100D, which is similar to the fastener described above. Figure 8 The view better illustrates the tip 120D of the fastener, which is arranged asymmetrically with, but not entirely at, the lateral end of the fastener 100D. Specifically, as Figure 8As seen, the tip region 116D has a larger surface 124D and a smaller surface 126D, thereby forming the tip 120D as an offset edge of the fastener 100D. The tip 120D is arranged to be closer to the first lateral side 132D than to the second opposing lateral side 136D of the tip region. Specifically, the lateral distance from the tip 120D to the second lateral side 136D, defined perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 128D, can be approximately 3 to 8 times the lateral distance from the tip 120D to the first lateral side 132D. In another embodiment, the lateral distance from the tip 120D to the second lateral side 136D can be approximately 4 to 6 times the lateral distance from the tip 120D to the first lateral side 132D.

[0053] Figure 9 The illustration shows a side view of another fastener 300, which is configured to deform when driven into a workpiece, thereby producing a... Figure 2 A similar connection is shown. The fastener 300 has an impact end 308, a middle region 312, and a tip region 316. The tip region 316 of the fastener 300 is configured with a conventional tip 320, such as a two-segment or four-quadrant sharpening. The tip region 316 is also configured with a deformable or bent portion 324, i.e., in some embodiments, configured such that the tip 320 is offset from the longitudinal axis 328 of the fastener 300. Specifically, the point of maximum deflection 326 is spaced apart from the tip 320 along the longitudinal axis 328. Specifically, the distance between the tip 320 and the point of maximum deflection 326 can be between approximately 15% and 25% of the total longitudinal length of the fastener 300.

[0054] For example, the bend 324 may have a maximum deflection 332 from the longitudinal axis 328, which is between about 25% and about 200% of the diameter or width of the fastener 300 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 328. In another embodiment, the maximum deflection 332 may be between about 50% and 100% of the diameter or width. The maximum deflection 332 can be selected from a variety of configurations to provide the desired curvature for the driven nail depending on the material to be joined by the fastener. Furthermore, the longitudinal distance from the maximum deflection 332 to the tip 320 can be adjusted according to the desired curvature.

[0055] When driven into the workpiece, the deflection 332 causes the tip 320 of the fastener to engage with the workpiece at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 328. As a result, the surface of the tip 320 on one side of the deflection 332 engages with the workpiece at a larger angle of attack relative to the opposite surface of the tip 320. Therefore, driving the fastener 300 results in a reaction force 336 from the workpiece pointing in the opposite direction to the deflection 332, causing the fastener 300 to bend in a manner similar to that of the fastener 100 described above. Thus, the fastener 300 forms a bent anchor in a manner similar to that described in the above embodiment.

[0056] Figure 10 Fasteners 360 and Figure 9 Similar to fastener 300, except that the maximum deflection point of the tip region 376 of fastener 360 coincides with that of tip 320. In other words, the tip region 376 bends outward from the longitudinal axis 328 such that tip 320 is at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 328. In some embodiments, tip 320 bends such that tip 320 forms an angle 380 between about 2 degrees and 25 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 328. In one particular embodiment, angle 380 may be between about 5 degrees and 20 degrees, while in another embodiment, angle 380 may be between about 10 degrees and 15 degrees. Angle 380 can be adjusted in various configurations to provide the required curvature for the driven nail according to the material to be joined by the fastener. Furthermore, the longitudinal distance from the bend to tip 320 can be adjusted according to the required curvature of fastener 360 in the workpiece.

[0057] Fastener 360 functions in a similar manner to fastener 300. When driven into the workpiece, the surface of tip 320 that is opposite to the bending (i.e., at...) Figure 10 The top side of the view) is more than the tip 320 on the curved side of the surface (in Figure 10 (From the bottom of the view) a larger angle of attack engagement. As a result, the fastener 360 is further bent as it is driven into the workpiece, forming Figure 2 The hook shape shown.

[0058] Figure 11 Another fastener 400 is illustrated, having one or more notches 424 defined in a central region 412 or a portion of a tip region 416 spaced apart from a tip 420 into a body 404. The geometry of the notches 424, such as their length, depth, number, and shape, can be selected according to the required curvature magnitude when the fastener 400 is driven into the workpiece.

[0059] In one embodiment, the fastener 400 includes a plurality of recesses 424 arranged adjacent to each other, particularly recesses 424 arranged directly adjacent to each other. Each recess 424, when viewed in cross-sectional view, has a “V” shape and a depth of approximately 40% to 60% of the width of the fastener 400 (measured perpendicular to axis 428). In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of recesses 424 includes three recesses, the V-shape forming an angle of approximately 40 degrees to approximately 50 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 428, or in other words, each side of the V-shape forming an angle of approximately 20 degrees to approximately 25 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 428.

[0060] Figure 11The fastener is driven in a manner similar to that described above. The striking pin of the nailing tool strikes the striking end 408 along the longitudinal axis 428, driving the fastener 400 into the workpiece. The reaction force acting along the longitudinal axis 428 causes compression of the fastener body 404, and the notched side's resistance to compressive forces decreases due to the lack of material in the notch 424. Therefore, the notched side of the fastener 400 deforms more than the opposite side, causing the fastener 400 to bend towards the notch 424. During this deflection, the notch 424 narrows, resembling an accordion, while material directly opposite the notch 424, and especially on the opposite surface of the notch 424, elongates. The presence of multiple notches 424 allows this elongation to be distributed over a longer length of the fastener 400, preventing breakage. Once deformation begins, the angle of attack of the tip on the side opposite the notch increases, generating additional force along the notch direction. As a result, as the fastener 400 is driven into the workpiece, the deformation continues to increase, thus causing the fastener 400 to form Figure 2 The curved hook shape shown.

[0061] Figure 12 The illustration shows a fastener 500 constructed as a U-shaped nail, having two elongated bodies 504, each body 504 having a respective impact end 508, a middle region 512, and a tip region 516. The two bodies 504 are connected at their respective impact ends 508 by a connecting portion 518. The tips 520 of each of the two elongated bodies 504 are formed asymmetrically in a manner similar to the fastener described above, and are specifically configured such that the tips 520 are located on the side of each body 504 opposite to the other body 504. As a result, when driven into a workpiece, the two bodies 504 of the fastener 500 bend outward in opposite directions, thereby forming a shape similar to... Figure 4 The shape of the anchor depicted in the image.

[0062] In other embodiments, the fastener can be bent along two different axes. For example, the fastener can be bent into a helical shape and bent in two perpendicular planes. In this embodiment, the fastener is driven into the workpiece in a helical trajectory, and can only be separated from the workpiece by applying sufficient shear force in multiple planes to overcome the twisting of the fastener. Such a fastener can be constructed in a strip shape, such that the fastener has a rectangular cross-sectional shape with one dimension significantly larger than the other.

[0063] The fasteners described herein may have enlarged heads similar to nails. However, the anchoring connections created by the disclosed fasteners do not require such enlarged heads on the fasteners to provide a secure connection between two workpieces. Therefore, when attaching trim or fixing decorative or aesthetic components, the holes left by the pin fasteners are small, and in some cases small enough that almost no further finishing, such as filling or painting, is required. Thus, the disclosed fasteners enable decorative woodworking to be done faster and less strenuously than with conventional tools, while providing a connection between materials that is as strong as, or even stronger than, using conventional nails with enlarged heads.

[0064] Readers should understand that the fasteners disclosed herein are not limited to use in handheld power tools. For example, at larger sizes, the fasteners disclosed herein can be used with piling machines to provide stable and robust building supports. Alternatively, at smaller sizes, the fasteners can be used in micromechanical systems to fasten two or more components together. Furthermore, the disclosed fasteners can also be used with manufacturing equipment such as industrial robots.

[0065] It should be understood that variations or alternatives to the above and other features and functions can be voluntarily combined into many other different systems, applications, or methods. Various alternatives, modifications, changes, or improvements that are not currently foreseen or anticipated can then be made by those skilled in the art, and these are also intended to be covered by the foregoing disclosure.

Claims

1. A fastener, comprising: An elongated body having an impact end, a middle region, and a tip region, the impact end and the middle region defining a longitudinal axis. The impact end has a first cross-section, which is substantially equal to the second cross-section of the intermediate region. The tip region includes a tip that is offset relative to the longitudinal axis.

2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the tip region includes a first inclined surface formed on a first lateral side of the tip region, the first inclined surface defining the tip and being angled laterally to the longitudinal axis.

3. The fastener of claim 2, wherein the tip region includes a second inclined surface formed on a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side of the tip region, the second inclined surface defining the tip, the tip being closer to the second lateral side than the first lateral side.

4. The fastener according to claim 2, wherein, The first inclined surface is defined at an angle between 4 and 60 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.

5. The fastener according to claim 4, wherein the angle is between 4 and 16 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.

6. The fastener according to claim 4, wherein, The angle is between 16 and 60 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.

7. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein, The second end includes a curved portion having a flexure spaced apart from the tip.

8. A set of fasteners, including: A first fastener includes a first elongated body having a first impact end, a first intermediate region and a first tip end, the first impact end and the first intermediate region defining a first longitudinal axis, and the first tip end having a first tip offset relative to the first longitudinal axis in a first direction. and A second fastener adjacent to the first fastener includes a second elongated body having a second impact end, a second intermediate region, and a second pointed end, the second impact end and the second intermediate region defining a second longitudinal axis, and the second pointed end having a second tip offset relative to the first longitudinal axis in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction.

9. The set of fasteners according to claim 8, wherein the first impact end has a cross-section substantially equal to the cross-section of the first intermediate region, and the second impact end has a cross-section substantially equal to the cross-section of the second intermediate region.

10. The set of fasteners according to claim 9, wherein the first direction is substantially opposite to the second direction.

11. The set of fasteners according to claim 9, wherein, The set of fasteners includes a double fastener, wherein the first of the double fasteners includes the first fastener, and the second of the double fasteners includes the second fastener.

12. The set of fasteners according to claim 11, wherein: The first fastener includes a third fastener adjacent to the first fastener, the third fastener having a third tip offset in a third direction, and The second fastener includes a fourth fastener adjacent to the second fastener, and the fourth fastener has a fourth tip offset in a fourth direction.

13. The set of fasteners according to claim 12, wherein: The first and fourth directions are basically opposite to each other, and The second direction and the third direction are basically opposite to each other.

14. The set of fasteners according to claim 9, wherein, The first and second fasteners are adjacent to each other in a single fastener.

15. The set of fasteners according to claim 9, further comprising a connector for connecting the first fastener and the second fastener to each other.

16. A fastener comprising: An elongated body having an impact end, a middle region, and a tip region defining a longitudinal axis. The tip region includes the flexure of the slender body that flexes out from the longitudinal axis.

17. The fastener of claim 16, wherein the flexure has a maximum deflection point spaced apart from the tip.

18. The fastener of claim 16, wherein the flexure has a point of maximum flexure at the tip.

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