Patent ID: 6220434
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: B65D,G09F,Y10T

Abstract:
A fastener assembly to be loaded on and used by an attaching device for attaching fasteners to merchandise, comprising: a plurality of fasteners each including a retaining projection, a fitting portion formed with an engaging hole in which said retaining projection can be engaged, and a flexible filament portion having a smaller diameter than said retaining projection and said fitting portion and arranged between said retaining projection and said fitting portion, said filament portion being connected at a first end to a side of said retaining Projection and at a second end to a side of said fitting portion, said engaging hole being formed inside thereof with a pair of retaining members with which said retaining projection engages, each of said retaining members being in the form of a cantilever and having an elasticity and a substantially arc-shaped engaging face; a first joint member connecting with the retaining projections of said fasteners through a first cutting portion having a reduced sectional area; and a second joint member connecting with said fitting portions through a second cutting portion having a reduced sectional area, wherein said plurality of fasteners are fixed to and securely supported by said first joint member and said second joint member in an array in a plane, said plane including said plurality of fasteners, said first joint member, said first cutting portion, said second joint member and said second cutting portion; wherein said retaining projection and said engaging hole of said fitting portion have their respective longitudinal axes at a right angle relative to the plane in which the plurality of fasteners are in an array; wherein the retaining projection is guided together with the first joint member from a charging portion of the attaching device to an entrance to a hollow needle of the attaching device and the filling portion is guided together with the second joint member from a charging portion to a grip and carrying position of the attaching device and wherein the filament portion is projected in a U-letter shape outwardly on a side of the attaching device.