U.S. patent application number 11/037761 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-09 for method and apparatus for fastening steel framing members using helical features.
Invention is credited to Berry, Robert Alan, Gehret, Robert, O' Banion, Michael L., Puzio, Daniel, Wheeler, Thomas.
Application Number | 20050120541 11/037761 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27404681 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050120541 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O' Banion, Michael L. ; et
al. |
June 9, 2005 |
Method and apparatus for fastening steel framing members using
helical features
Abstract
Various improved methods are provided for fastening two of more
steel framing members together with a fastener. In one aspect, the
fastening technique employs a fastener having a tip section such
that a portion of the tip section extending beyond the underside of
the framing members may be outwardly flared, thereby inhibiting
removal of the fastener from the framing members In another aspect,
the fastening technique employs a fastener having a steel tip nose
for piercing the framing members and a plastic stem section, such
that a portion of the stem section extending beyond the underside
of the framing members expands, thereby inhibiting removal of the
fastener from the framing members. In yet another aspect, the
fastening technique employs a fastener having a coil section with
an elastic characteristic.
Inventors: |
O' Banion, Michael L.;
(Westminster, MD) ; Gehret, Robert; (Hampstead,
MD) ; Berry, Robert Alan; (Mt. Airy, MD) ;
Wheeler, Thomas; (Baltimore, MD) ; Puzio, Daniel;
(Baltimore, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
27404681 |
Appl. No.: |
11/037761 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11037761 |
Jan 18, 2005 |
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10176838 |
Jun 21, 2002 |
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6862864 |
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60299994 |
Jun 21, 2001 |
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60299929 |
Jun 21, 2001 |
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60299951 |
Jun 21, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
29/524.1 ;
29/505; 29/525.06 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49956 20150115;
B21J 15/025 20130101; F16B 5/0642 20130101; F16B 19/086 20130101;
E04B 2/767 20130101; F16B 2/248 20130101; Y10T 403/459 20150115;
Y10T 29/49943 20150115; F16B 5/0657 20130101; F16B 39/284 20130101;
F16B 5/04 20130101; F16B 19/1081 20130101; B21J 15/043 20130101;
Y10T 29/49908 20150115; Y10T 29/4995 20150115; Y10T 403/7117
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
029/524.1 ;
029/525.06; 029/505 |
International
Class: |
B23P 011/00; B21D
039/00 |
Claims
1-8. (canceled)
9. A method of fastening two or more steel framing members together
with a spring shaped fastener, comprising: (a) providing a
spring-shaped fastener having a head section and a coil section,
where the coil section exhibits an elastic characteristic; (b)
forming a hole through said framing members; (c) positioning the
fastener adjacent to the hole and rotating the fastener about an
axial axis that substantially aligns with a center of the hole
formed in the framing members; and (d) applying an axial force to
the rotating fastener, such that at least a portion of the coil
section of the fastener passes entirely through the hole formed in
the framing members.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein (a) includes providing a
fastener having a coil section with a plurality of axially spaced
apart coils.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the coil section includes a
plurality of coils and (d) includes passing at least one of the
coils through the hole formed in the framing members.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein (a) includes providing a steel
fastener.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein (a) includes providing a
reinforced plastic fastener.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein (d) includes maintaining the
head section of the fastener on an opposite side of the framing
members than the portion of the coil section of the fastener that
passes entirely through the hole.
15. The method of claim 9, further comprising elastically deforming
the coil section while applying the axial force.
16. The method of claim 9, wherein (b) includes punching the hole
through the framing members.
17. The method of claim 9, wherein (b) includes drilling the hole
through the framing members.
18. A fastener for fastening two or more steel framing members
together, the fastener comprising: a head section operable to
receive an axial and rotational force; and a coil section having an
elastic characteristic, the coil section operable to be rotated
through an opening in adjacent framing members and elastically
deformed therein, a portion of the coil section operable to pass
entirely through the opening and engage with a surface of the
framing members and retain the framing members together between the
head section and the portion of the coil section that passed
entirely through the opening.
19. The fastener of claim 18, wherein the head section includes an
axially extending member.
20. The fastener of claim 19, wherein the head section includes a
pair of axially extending members.
21. The fastener of claim 18, wherein the coil section includes a
plurality of spaced apart coils and the portion of the coil section
operable to pass entirely through the opening is at least one of
the coils.
22. The fastener of claim 18, wherein the coil section includes a
plurality of spaced apart coils that are elastically deformed in
the opening.
23. The fastener of claim 18, wherein the head section and coil
section are steel.
24. The fastener of claim 18, wherein the head section and the coil
section are reinforced plastic.
25. The fastener of claim 18, wherein the coil section includes a
plurality of spaced apart coils and different ones of the coils are
disposed on and engaged with opposites sides of the opening and
retain the framing members together therebetween.
26. The fastener of claim 18, wherein the coil section is a
helically wound section.
27. The fastener of claim 18, wherein the head section and the coil
section are a single integral member.
28. A fastener for fastening two or more steel framing members
together, the fastener comprising: a head section having an axially
extending member and operable to receive an axial and rotational
force; and a helical coil section having an elastic characteristic,
the coil section including a plurality of spaced apart coils, the
coil section operable to be rotated and axially pushed through an
opening in adjacent framing members and elastically deformed
therein, at least one of the coils operable to pass entirely
through the opening and engage with a surface of the framing
members and retain the framing members together between the head
section and the at least one coil that passed entirely through the
opening.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Nos. 60/299,994, 60/299,929, and 60/299,951 each of
which were filed on Jun. 21, 2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to steel framing
and, more particularly, to an improved cost-effective method for
fastening steel framing.
[0003] Steel framing is revolutionizing the construction industry.
Steel is a high quality framing material that will not shrink,
warp, or attract termites and other wood boring insects. In recent
years, the price of steel has become more competitive with wood and
other construction materials. However, despite its advantages,
steel framing has not become prevalent in the residential
construction industry. The lack of a quick and cost effective
technique for fastening steel members has prevented steel framing
from emerging as the predominant building material in residential
construction.
[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a quick and
cost-effective technique for fastening steel members. It is
envisioned that the steel fastening technique will be comparable in
speed to an air nailer used to fasten wood materials. It is further
envisioned that the steel fastening technique will provide a
minimal gap between steel members, a pullout force of at least 216
lb., a shear force of at least 164 lb., as well as cause minimal
destruction of any galvanize coating on the steel members.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with the present invention, various improved
methods are provided for fastening two of more steel framing
members together with a fastener. In one aspect of the invention,
the fastening technique employs a fastener having a tip section
such that a portion of the tip section extending beyond the
underside of the framing members may be outwardly flared, thereby
inhibiting removal of the fastener from the framing members In
another aspect of the present invention, the fastening technique
employs a fastener having a steel tip nose for piercing the framing
members and a plastic stem section, such that a portion of the stem
section extending beyond the underside of the framing members
expands, thereby inhibiting removal of the fastener from the
framing members. In yet another aspect of the present invention,
the fastening technique employs a fastener having a coil section
with an elastic characteristic.
[0006] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary prospective view of a steel framing
member having two additional steel framing members fastened thereto
in accordance with the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of a first preferred embodiment of an
outwardly expanding fastener in accordance with the present
invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the outwardly expanding fastener
illustrating fracture lines in accordance with the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 1, illustrating the outwardly expanding fastener penetrating
partially through the steel members in accordance with the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 1, illustrating the outwardly expanding fastener being driven
against the outer surface of the steel members in accordance with
the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 1, illustrating a pin being driven into a bottom portion of
the outwardly expanding fastener in accordance with the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 1, illustrating the radially outwardly flaring of the tip
section of the fastener in accordance with the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a side view of a second preferred embodiment of an
outwardly expanding fastener in accordance with the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 1, illustrating the radially outwardly flaring of the tip
section of the fastener in accordance with the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a side view of a third preferred embodiment of an
outwardly expanding fastener in accordance with the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the third preferred embodiment
of the outwardly expanding fastener in accordance with the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 1, illustrating the outwardly expanding fastener penetrating
partially through the steel members in accordance with the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 1, illustrating the outwardly expanding fastener being driven
against the outer surface of the steel members in accordance with
the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 1, illustrating the radially outwardly flaring of the tip
section of the fastener in accordance with the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 15 is a side view of an exemplary steel tip fastener in
accordance with another aspect of the present invention;
[0022] FIGS. 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views, taken along line
5-5 of FIG. 15, illustrating the steel tip fastener partially
penetrating through the steel members in accordance with the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 15, illustrating an enlarged stem portion of the steel tip
fastener engaging the underside of the steel member in accordance
with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 19 is a top view of an exemplary twisted spring
fastener in accordance with another aspect of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 20 is a side view of the twisted spring fastener in
accordance with the present invention;
[0026] FIGS. 21 and 22 are cross-sectional views, taken along line
44 of FIG. 19, illustrating the twisted spring fastener being
screwed through two steel members in accordance with the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 23 is a side view of a forth preferred embodiment of an
outwardly expanding fastener in accordance with the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 1, illustrating the outwardly expanding fastener being driven
against the outer surface of the steel members in accordance with
the present invention; and
[0029] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 1, illustrating the radially outwardly flaring of the tip
section of the fastener in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a fragmentary prospective view of a
longitudinal steel framing member 12 having two upright steel
framing members 14 and 16 fastened thereto. Each c-shaped framing
member includes a bottom wall and two side walls having a thickness
in the range from 0.018" to 0.071". Additionally, each steel member
may range from 33 ksi to 80 ksi as is well known in the art. As
will be more fully described below, one or more fasteners 20 may be
used to join the upright steel framing members 14 and 16 to the
longitudinal steel framing member 12. While the following
description is provided with reference to this particular
configuration, it is readily understood that the fastening
technique of the present invention is applicable to any two or more
adjacent members made of steel (e.g., carbon steel, hardened steel,
stainless steel, tool steel, etc.) or other material having similar
attributes to those of steel (e.g., nonferrous metals, including
nickel, alloys, titanium, copper and aluminum).
[0031] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, one
or more outwardly expanding fasteners 20 may be used to join the
steel members. A first exemplary embodiment of an outwardly
expanding fastener 20 is depicted in FIG. 2. The fastener 20 is
comprised of an integrally formed member having a head section 22,
a stem section 24 and a tip section 26. The fastener 20 further
includes a bore 28 which is formed into the head section 22 of the
fastener. The bore 28 extends downwardly through the stem section
24 and into the tip section 26 of the fastener. As further
described below, the bore 28 is adapted to receive a pin 30
therein. The fastener 20 is preferably comprised of a harden steel
material or, alternatively, a softer steel material having a tip
section formed of a hardened material such as carbide, ceramic, or
a harden steel.
[0032] In operation, a two-step process is used to set the fastener
20 into the framing members. First, the expanding fastener 20 is
driven into the steel members until the head of the fastener seats
against the outer surface of the steel members as shown in FIGS. 4
and 5. It is readily understood that the driving device is
configured to engage the head section 22 of the fastener and may
provide a backplate to prevent unwanted deformation of the steel at
the point at which the fastener pierces the steel members. In one
embodiment, the driving device drives the fasteners at relatively
high speeds (e.g., greater than 50 feet per second). In an
alternative embodiment, the driving device may drive the fastener
at lower speeds, but apply a relatively high force. One skilled in
the art will readily recognize that an air nailer or other known
driving devices may be configured to drive the fasteners 20 of the
present invention into the steel members.
[0033] Once the fastener 20 has been driven into place, a pin 30 is
then driven through the bore 28 and into contact with the inner
surface of the tip section 26 of the fastener. Upon impact, the pin
30 forces a portion of the fastener extending beyond the underside
of the steel members to project radially outward as shown in FIGS.
6 and 7. The radially flared portions of the tip section 26
prevents removal of the fastener from the steel members. To
facilitate the separation of the tip section 26, it is envisioned
that one or more fracture lines 32 may be formed in the tip section
26 of the fastener 20 as depicted in FIG. 3. It is further
envisioned that the fracture lines may not extend to the distal end
of the tip section 26, thereby maintaining the structural integrity
of the tip section 26' as it is driven into the framing members.
Alternatively, separation of tip section 26 can be facilitated by
forming the tip section 26 from two or more segmented members. The
segmented members are not connected to one another at tip section
26 and, therefore, do not require fracture lines 32 to facilitate
the separation of tip section 26.
[0034] In one embodiment, the pin 30 resides in the bore 28 of the
fastener as shown in FIG. 2. In this case, the driving device may
be configured to provide a two-step actuation mechanism: a first
step for driving the fastener into the steel members, and a second
step for driving the pin 30 into the bore of the fastener. In an
alternative embodiment, it is envisioned that the pin 30 may be
integrated into the driving device that drives the fastener 20 into
the steel members.
[0035] A second exemplary embodiment of the expanding fastener 20'
is depicted in FIG. 8. As described above, the expanding fastener
20 is comprised of an integrally formed member having a head
section 22', a stem section 24', and a tip section 26'. However, in
this embodiment, the tip section 26' of the fastener 20' is
designed to project radially outward into a butterfly position as
shown in FIG. 9; otherwise the expanding fastener 20' is set using
the two step process described above.
[0036] A third exemplary embodiment of the expanding fastener 20"
is depicted in FIG. 10. Likewise, the expanding fastener 20" is
primarily comprised of an integrally formed member having a head
section 22", a stem section 24" and a tip section 26". However, an
annular groove 32" may be formed along the outer surface of the
stem section 24". As further described below, the annular groove
32" of the fastener 20" is designed to curl the inner surface of
the hole made in the steel members. In addition, the fastener 20"
may be configured with different fracture lines as shown in FIG.
11, or alternatively, configured with two or more segmented
members.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the fastener 20" is again driven
into the steel members until the head section 22" of the fastener
seats against the outer surface of the steel members as shown in
FIG. 13. As the fastener passes through the steel members, the
annular groove 32" crimps together the portion of the steel members
extending below the underside of the steel members, thereby
preventing separation of the two steel members. Once the fastener
20" has been driven into place, a pin 30" is then driven into the
bore 28" of the fastener, thereby radially expanding the tip
section 26" of the fastener as described above.
[0038] In another aspect of the present invention, one or more
steel tip fasteners 40 may be used to join the steel members. An
exemplary steel tip fastener 40 is shown FIG. 15. The steel tip
fastener 40 is primarily comprised of an integrally formed member
having a head section 42 and a stem section 44. The member is
preferably formed of a plastic material. In addition, the fastener
40 further includes a piercing nose 46 formed at the tip of the
fastener, such that the steel nose 42 has a radial dimension
slightly less than the radial dimension of the stem section 44 of
the fastener 40. The piercing nose 46 is preferably formed of steel
or other materials having similar attributes to those of steel.
[0039] When the steel tip fastener 40 is driven into the steel
members, the piercing nose 46 punches a hole clean through the
steel members as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The plastic stem portion
of the fastener then press fits into the hole as shown in FIG. 18.
Once the fastener has been driven into place, a portion of the
plastic stem will extend past the underside of the steel members.
It is envisioned that the friction of the plastic being forced
though the hole at a high velocity will cause the portion of the
stem extending past the underside of the steel members to expand as
shown at 48 of FIG. 18. In this way, the expanded plastic portion
will prevent removal of the fastener from the steel members.
[0040] In another aspect of the present invention, one or more
twisted spring fasteners 60 may be used to join the steel members.
An exemplary spring fastener 60 is depicted in FIGS. 19 and 20. The
spring fastener 60 is comprised of an integrally formed member
having a head section 62 and a coil section 64. The fastener is
preferably comprised of a steel material, but may be comprised of
other materials having an elastic characteristic, such as some
plastic materials reinforced with glass, kevlar or graphite
fibers.
[0041] A two-step process may be used to set the fastener 60.
First, a pilot hole is drilled or punched into the steel members.
Second, the spring fastener 60 is screwed into the pre-drilled hole
until the steel members are secured together as shown in FIGS. 21
and 22. It is envisioned that the head section 62 of the spring
fastener 60 is adapted to receive one or more types of torque
transmitting devices. One skilled in the art will readily recognize
that various well known torque transmitting devices (such as a
drill) may be used to apply the appropriate rotational torque and
downward force to drive the fastener 60 into the steel members.
[0042] A forth exemplary embodiment of the expanding fastener 20'"
is depicted in FIG. 23. Likewise, the expanding fastener 20'" is
primarily comprised of an integrally formed member having a head
section 22'", a stem section 24'" and a tip section 26'". However,
teeth 35'" may extend along the outer surface of the stem section
24'". As further described below, the teeth 35'" of the fastener
20'" are designed to engage with an outer surface of the steel
members to further inhibit removal of expanding fastener 20'". In
addition, the fastener 20'" may be configured with different
fracture lines or alternatively, configured with two or more
segmented members.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 23-24, the fastener 20'" is again driven
into the steel members until the head section 22'" of the fastener
seats against the outer surface of the steel members as shown in
FIG. 24. Once the fastener 20'" has been driven into place, a pin
30'" is then driven into the bore 28'" of the fastener, thereby
radially expanding the tip section 26'" of the fastener as
described above. The teeth 35'" engage with the outer surface of
the framing members, thereby further inhibiting removal of the
fastener 20'".
[0044] While the invention has been described in its presently
preferred form, it will be understood that the invention is capable
of modification without departing from the spirit of the invention
as set forth herein.
* * * * *