Fastening Element Strip

Abstract

The invention relates to a strip of fastening elements (1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501) which includes a support (2, 102, 202, 302, 402, 502) with several sleeves (3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503) connected to each other in a frangible manner and a carrier (4, 104, 204, 304, 404, 504) connected to each sleeve (3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503) for holding an elongated element (5). Each sleeve (3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503) receives a fastening element (6, 106, 206, 306, 406, 506) such that when the fastening element (6, 106, 206, 306, 406, 506) is driven into a substrate (S) by a driving tool (10), the fastening element (6, 106, 206, 306, 406, 506) secures the sleeve (3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503) and its carrier (4, 104, 204, 304, 404, 504) to the substrate (S). Figure for the abstract: FIG. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: STRIP OF FIXING ELEMENTS Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to strips of fasteners, such as nails or drive pins, for a tool for driving fasteners. Technical background

[0002] Fastener driving tools, which may be pneumatic, combustion-powered, or electric, are widely used for driving fasteners having an elongated shank with a pointed end and a head. Generally, these fasteners are designed to be driven forcefully through a workpiece into a substrate. Examples of such fasteners include nails designed for forceful driving into wood and drive pins designed for forceful driving into concrete or masonry. Typically, the shank of such a drive pin has a portion that flares outward where the shank is joined to the head. These drive pins are notably used to fasten metal rails, which are used to mount plasterboard walls or other metal components onto concrete substrates.

[0003] Many fastener driving tools require that these fasteners be fed in strips, into which the fasteners are assembled, through magazines equipped with mechanisms for feeding the strips of assembled fasteners. Generally, these fasteners are assembled via molded supports made of polymer materials, such as polypropylene, with individual supports, such as sleeves or bushings, for the respective fasteners and with frangible bridges between successive sleeves, bushings, or supports.

[0004] US5069340 describes such strips of fastening elements. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a strip of fastening elements that is more useful than such conventional strips.

[0006] The invention relates to a strip of fastening elements comprising several fastening elements connected to each other in a frangible manner and a carrier connected to each fastening element such that when the fastening element is driven into a substrate by a driving tool, the fastening element fixes the carrier to the substrate to enable it to hold an elongated element.

[0007] The invention therefore makes it possible to fix elongated elements, such as tubes and cable sheaths, to a wall or to a floor or to a ceiling without the need to use a separate fixing device.

[0008] The strip of fastening elements may include a support for holding the fastening elements. The support may include at least one sleeve. The support may include several sleeves, which may be connected to each other in a frangible manner. A carrier may be connected to each sleeve. Each sleeve may receive a fastening element, for example, such that when the fastening element is driven into a substrate by a driving tool, the fastening element secures the sleeve and its carrier to the substrate.

[0009] The invention also relates to a strip of fastening elements comprising a support with several sleeves connected to each other in a frangible manner and a carrier connected to each sleeve to hold an elongated element (such as a tube or a cable sheath), in which each sleeve receives a fastening element such that when the fastening element is driven into a substrate by a driving tool, the fastening element fixes the sleeve and its carrier to the substrate.

[0010] At least one or each of the carriers may include an arm. The arm may project, for example radially, from the sleeve.

[0011] More specifically, each carrier may include an arm projecting radially from the sleeve.

[0012] At least one or each arm can be configured to fit at least partially on and / or around the elongated element.

[0013] More specifically, each arm can be configured to fit at least partially on and / or around the elongated element.

[0014] At least one or each arm can be curved, for example to describe a concave seat allowing the elongated element to be engaged.

[0015] More specifically, each arm can be curved to describe a concave seat allowing the elongated element to be engaged.

[0016] The concave seat of at least one or both arms may be located on one side of the arm facing the substrate. The arm may be configured to exert, during use, a pressure force to hold the elongated element against the substrate.

[0017] More specifically, the concave seat of each arm can be located on one side of the arm oriented towards the substrate, the arm being configured to exert, during use, a pressure force to hold the elongated element against the substrate.

[0018] At least one or each arm may include a rim at or near its free end. The rim may project towards the substrate, for example to laterally retain the elongated element.

[0019] More specifically, each arm may include a rim at or near its free end which protrudes towards the substrate to laterally retain the elongated element.

[0020] At least one or each carrier may include a C-clip. The C-clip may be for engaging, for example in a releasable manner, the elongated element.

[0021] More specifically, each carrier can include a C-clip to releasably engage the elongated element.

[0022] The C-clip can protrude from the arm, for example on its side opposite the concave seat.

[0023] More specifically, the C-clip can protrude from the arm on its side opposite the concave seat to releasably engage an elongated element.

[0024] The invention also relates to an elongated element fastening accessory comprising a sleeve and an arm projecting radially from the sleeve, the arm being curved to describe a concave seat and having a C-clip projecting from the arm on its side opposite the concave seat, in which the sleeve is configured to receive a fastening element such that when the fastening element is pressed into a substrate, the fastening element fixes the accessory to the substrate so that the C-clip removably engages with an elongated element or so that the arm fits at least partially onto or around an elongated element in order to exert a pressure force to retain the elongated element against the substrate.

[0025] At least one or each of the supports may comprise a pair of curved arms. The curved arms may, together, form the C-clip, for example when the fastening element is driven into the substrate

[0026] More specifically, each carrier may include a pair of curved arms which together form the C-clip when the fastening element is pushed into the substrate.

[0027] The curved arms can be located on opposite sides of the sleeve.

[0028] The C-clip can protrude, during use, away from the substrate in such a way as that at least part of the C-clip is located between the elongated element and the substrate.

[0029] At least one or each arm may include a strap. The strap or straps may have an anchor point, for example, to wrap securely around the elongated element.

[0030] More specifically, each arm may include a strap with an anchor to wrap securely around the elongated element.

[0031] The strap may include one or more teeth. The anchor may include a ratchet, for example to engage the tooth or teeth of the strap.

[0032] More specifically, the anchoring may include a ratchet for engaging teeth on the strap.

[0033] The anchor may include a hole. The hole may be in a free end of the strap. The fastening element may be inserted through the hole.

[0034] More specifically, the anchor may include a hole in a free end of the strap through which the fastening element must be driven.

[0035] The support can be molded from a polymer material. At least one or each of the sleeves can be at least partially flexible, for example, when the fastener is pressed into a substrate. The sleeve can provide an annular portion, which can be captured between a head of the fastener and the substrate to which the support is attached.

[0036] More specifically, the support can be molded from polymer material, in which each sleeve is at least partially foldable when the fastening element is pressed into a substrate, the sleeve providing a captilated annular portion between a head of the fastening element and the substrate to which the carrier is attached.

[0037] The arm can be made of metallic material and connected to the support, which can be overmolded in polymer material. The rim and clip can be overmolded onto the arm if it is metallic.

[0038] The arm and the support, rim and clip can thus have different rigidities and robustness.

[0039] To avoid any doubt, all the features described herein also apply to every aspect of the invention.

[0040] To avoid any ambiguity, the terms "may", "and / or", "for example", and any other similar terms used in this document shall be interpreted as non-limiting, so that not every feature so described is necessarily present. Brief description of the figures

[0041] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0042] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] illustrates a strip of fastening elements according to a first example;

[0043] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates one of the fastening elements of the band of [Fig.1] embedded in the ground so that the carrier is fixed to the ground and holds a pair of cables;

[0044] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates a side view of one of the band's fastening elements of the [Fig.l] embedded in a groove in a wall, so that the carrier is fixed in the groove and a cable is held in its C-clip;

[0045] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates a front view of the arrangement illustrated in [Fig.3];

[0046] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] illustrates a driving tool for driving the elements of fixing the band of the [Fig.l];

[0047] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates a strip of fastening elements according to a second example;

[0048] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates one of the fixing elements of the strip of [Fig.6] embedded in a ground so that the carrier is fixed to the ground and retains a pair of cables;

[0049] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] illustrates a strip of fastening elements according to a third example;

[0050] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] illustrates a side view of one of the fastening elements of the band of [Fig.8];

[0051] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] illustrates a side view of one of the fixing elements of the strip of [Fig. 8] embedded in a groove in a wall, so that the carrier is fixed in the groove and a cable is held in its C-clip;

[0052] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] illustrates a strip of fastening elements according to a fourth example;

[0053] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] illustrates one of the fixing elements of the band of [Fig. 11] driven into a floor so that the carrier is fixed to the floor and a cable is held in its C-clip;

[0054] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] illustrates a strip of fastening elements according to a fifth example, the carrier at the end of the strip being wrapped around an elongated element;

[0055] [Fig. 14] the [Fig. 14] illustrates a strip of fastening elements according to a sixth example;

[0056] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] illustrates a side view of one of the fastening elements of the band of [Fig. 14]; and

[0057] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] illustrates one of the fixing elements of the band of [Fig. 14] driven into a ground so that the carrier is fixed to the ground and a cable is retained in its carrier. Detailed description of the invention

[0058] Referring now to Figures 1 to 5, we can see a strip of fastening elements 1 comprising a support 2 with several sleeves 3 connected to each other in a frangible manner by shear bridges 20. Each sleeve 3 has a carrier 4 which is connected to it to receive an elongated element 5. Each sleeve 3 receives a fastening element 6 so that when the fastening element 6 is driven into a substrate S by a driving tool 10 (see [Fig. 5]), the fastening element 6 fixes the sleeve 3 and its carrier 4 onto the substrate S (see Figures 2 to 4).

[0059] The support 2 is molded from polymer material and each sleeve 3 is flexible when the fastening element 6 is pressed into a substrate S. More specifically, each Sleeve 3 comprises a pair of spaced rings 31 connected by a pair of bridges 32. When the fastener 6 received in the sleeve 3 is pushed into a substrate S, the bridges 32 collapse and the spaced rings 31 are forced to come together to provide an annular portion 30 captured between a head 60 of the fastener 6 and the substrate S.

[0060] The design of the sleeves 3 may be similar to that described in document US5069340, but they may also have a different configuration.

[0061] Each carrier 4 includes an arm 40 which projects radially from the sleeve 3. The arm 40 is curved to describe a concave seat 41 for engaging the elongated element 5. The curve of the arm 40 is oriented towards the substrate S, so that the concave seat 41 of each arm 40 is located on a side of the arm 40 oriented towards the substrate S.

[0062] In this manner, and as shown in [Fig. 2], the arm 40 is configured to exert, during use, a pressure force FP to retain one or more elongated elements 5 against the substrate S. Each arm 40 also includes a rim 42 at or near its free end. The rim 42 projects towards the substrate S to laterally retain the elongated element 5.

[0063] In this example, each carrier 4 includes a C-clip 43 that projects from the arm 40 on its side opposite the concave seat 4L. The C-clip 43 extends along part of the length of the arm 40. Thus, the carrier 4 can be installed inside a groove in a wall or other substrate S, and extend along this groove, with the C-clip 43 retaining an elongated element 5 inside the groove. This is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

[0064] More specifically, the C-clip 43 protrudes from the substrate S, so that the arm 40 and part of the C-clip 43 are both located between the elongated element 5 and the substrate S. In this way, the fixing element 6 and almost all of the carrier 4 are hidden behind the elongated element 5.

[0065] Figures 6 and 7 show a strip of fastening elements 101 according to another example similar to the strip of fastening elements 1 of Figures 1 to 4, where similar references represent similar features, incremented by 100. The strip of fastening elements 101 according to this example differs from that of Figures 1 to 4 by the absence of the clip at C 43.

[0066] Figures 8 to 10 show a strip of fastening elements 201 according to another example similar to the strip of fastening elements 1 of Figures 1 to 4, where similar reference numerals represent similar features, incremented by 200. The strip of fastening elements 201 according to this example differs from that of Figures 1 to 4 in that the curve of the arm 240 is oriented opposite to the substrate S and forms a clip in C 243, so that the concave seat 241 is located on one side of the arm 240 opposite the substrate S.

[0067] This example provides a simple clip at C 243 for holding an elongated element 5 against a substrate S or inside a groove in the substrate S, as illustrated by [Fig. 10]. This arrangement can be useful for holding elongated elements 5 that extend along horizontal grooves in walls, for example.

[0068] Figures 11 and 12 show a strip of fastening elements 301 according to another example similar to the strip of fastening elements 201 of Figures 8 to 10, where similar references represent similar features, incremented by 100. The strip of fastening elements 301 according to this example differs from that of Figures 8 to 10 in that it includes a pair of curved arms 340a, 340b on opposite sides of the sleeve 303.

[0069] Together, the curved arms 340a, 340b form the C-clip 343 when the fastening element 306 is pressed into the substrate S. [Fig. 12] shows the C-clip 343 which retains an elongated element 5 when the fastening element 306 is pressed into the substrate S.

[0070] Fig. 13 shows a strip of fastening elements 401 according to another example similar to the strip of fastening elements 201 of Figures 8 to 10, where similar references represent similar features, incremented by 200. The strip of fastening elements 401 according to this example differs from that of Figures 8 to 10 in that each arm 440 includes a strap 444 with an anchor 445 for wrapping securely around the elongated element 5.

[0071] More specifically, the anchor 445 includes a ratchet 446 which engages teeth 447 on the strap 444 in the manner of a hose clamp.

[0072] Figures 14 to 16 show a strip of fastening elements 501 according to another example similar to the strip of fastening elements 401 of [Fig. 14], where similar references represent similar features, incremented by 100. The strip of fastening elements 201 according to this example differs from that of [Fig. 14] in that the strap 544 includes an anchor 545 in the form of a hole 546 in its free end 547 through which the fastening element 5 is to be driven.

[0073] A person skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above can vary in many ways, provided that they are consistent with the scope of the claims. List of reference signs

[0074] 1 strip of fastening elements

[0075] 10 driving tool

[0076] 2 support

[0077] 20 breaking bridges

[0078] 3 sleeve

[0079] 30 annular part

[0080] 31 spaced rings

[0081] 32 bridge

[0082] 4 carrier

[0083] 40 arms

[0084] 41 concave seat

[0085] 42 rim

[0086] 43 clip in C

[0087] 5 elongated element

[0088] 6 fastening element

[0089] 60 head

[0090] 101 strip of fastening elements

[0091] 102 support

[0092] 120 breaking bridges

[0093] 103 sleeve

[0094] 130 annular part

[0095] 131 spaced rings

[0096] 132 bridge

[0097] 104 carrier

[0098] 140 arms

[0099] 141 concave seat

[0100] 142 rim

[0101] 106 fastening element

[0102] 160 head

[0103] 201 strip of fastening elements

[0104] 202 support

[0105] 220 breaking bridges

[0106] 203 sleeve

[0107] 230 annular part

[0108] 231 spaced rings

[0109] 232 bridge

[0110] 204 carrier [YES] 240 arms

[0112] 241 concave seat

[0113] 243 clip in C

[0114] 206 fastening element

[0115] 260 head

[0116] 301 strip of fastening elements

[0117] 302 support

[0118] 320 breaking bridges

[0119] 303 sleeve

[0120] 331 spaced rings

[0121] 332 bridge

[0122] 304 carrier

[0123] 340a arm

[0124] 340b arm

[0125] 341 concave seat

[0126] 343 clip in C

[0127] 306 fastening element

[0128] 360 head

[0129] 401 strip of fastening elements

[0130] 402 support

[0131] 403 sleeve

[0132] 404 carrier

[0133] 440 arms

[0134] 444 strap

[0135] 445 anchoring

[0136] 446 ratchet

[0137] 447 teeth

[0138] 406 fastening element

[0139] 460 head

[0140] 501 strip of fastening elements

[0141] 502 support

[0142] 520 breaking bridges

[0143] 503 sleeve

[0144] 530 annular part

[0145] 531 spaced rings

[0146] 532 bridge

[0147] 504 carrier

[0148] 544 strap

[0149] 545 anchoring

[0150] 546 hole

[0151] 547 free end of the angle

[0152] 540 arms

[0153] 506 fastening element

[0154]

[0155]

[0156] 560 head FP pressure force S substrate

Claims

Demands

1. A strip of fastening elements (1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501) comprising a support (2, 102, 202, 302, 402, 502) with several sleeves (3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503) connected to each other in a frangible manner and a carrier (4, 104, 204, 304, 404, 504) connected to each sleeve (3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503) for holding an elongated element (5), in which each sleeve (3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503) receives a fastening element (6, 106, 206, 306, 406, 506) so that when the fastening element (6, 106, 206, 306, 406, 506) is driven into a substrate (S) by a driving tool (10), the fastening element (6, 106, 206, 306, 406, 506) fixes the sleeve (3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503) and its carrier (4, 104, 204, 304, 404, 504) onto the substrate (S).

2. Strip of fastening elements (1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501) according to claim 1, wherein each carrier (4, 104, 204, 304, 404, 504) comprises an arm (40, 140, 240, 340a, 340b, 440, 540) projecting radially from the sleeve (3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503).

3. Strip of fastening elements (1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501) according to claim 2, wherein each arm (40, 140, 240, 340a, 340b, 440, 540) is configured to fit at least partially on and / or around the elongated element (5).

4. Strip of fastening elements (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 3, wherein each arm (40, 140, 240, 340a, 340b) is curved to describe a concave seat (41, 141, 241, 341) allowing the elongated element (5) to engage.

5. Strip of fastening elements (1, 101) according to claim 4, wherein the concave seat (41, 141) of each arm (40, 140) is located on one side of the arm (40, 140) oriented towards the substrate (S) and the arm (40, 140) is configured to exert, during use, a pressure force (FP) to retain the elongated element (5) against the substrate (S).

6. Strip of fastening elements (1, 101) according to claim 5, in which each arm (40, 140) includes a rim (42, 142) at or near its free end which projects towards the substrate (S) to laterally retain the elongated element (5).

7. Strip of fastening elements (1, 201, 301) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each carrier (4, 204, 304) includes a C-clip (43, 243, 343) for releasably engaging the elongated element (5).

8. Strip of fastening elements (1) according to claim 7 when it depends on claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the C-clip (43) protrudes from the arm (40) on its side opposite the concave seat (41) to releasably engage an elongated element (5).

9. Strip of fastening elements (301) according to claim 7, wherein each carrier (304) comprises a pair of curved arms (340a, 340b) which together form the C-clip (343) when the fastening element (6, 106, 206, 306, 406, 506) is pressed into the substrate (S).

10. Strip of fastening elements (301) according to claim 9, wherein the curved arms (340a, 340b) are located on opposite sides of the sleeve (303).

11. Strip of fastening elements (1, 201, 301) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the C-clip (43, 243, 343) protrudes, during use, away from the substrate (S) such that at least a portion of the C-clip (43, 243, 343) lies between the elongated element (5) and the substrate (S).

12. A strip of fastening elements (401, 501) of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein each arm (440, 540) comprises a strap (444, 544) with an anchor (445, 545) for wrapping securely around the elongated element (5).

13. A strip of fastening elements (401) of claim 12, wherein the anchor (445) includes a ratchet (446) for engaging teeth (447) on the strap (444).

14. A band of fastening elements (501) according to claim 12, wherein the anchor (545) includes a hole (546) in a free end (547) of the strap (544) through which the fastening element (5) is to be driven.

15. A strip of fastening elements (1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (2, 102, 202, 302, 402, 502) is molded from polymer material and each sleeve (3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503) is at least partially foldable when the fastening element (6, 106, 206, 306, 406, 506) is pressed into a substrate (S), the sleeve (3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503) providing an annular portion (30, 130, 230, 530) captured between a head (60) of the fastening element (6, 106, 206, 306, 406, 506) and the substrate (S), to which the carrier (4, 104, 204, 304, 404, 504) is attached.

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