Patent ID: 8353658
Filing Date: 2013-01-15
Classification: F16B

Abstract:
1. A fastener assembly for use in an associated fastener driving tool for driving a fastener from the assembly, in sequential order, into an associated substrate, the fastener assembly comprising: a row of fasteners arranged substantially parallel to each other, each fastener having a shank and a head, the head being larger in diameter than the shank, the shanks being spaced apart from each other so that the head of a fastener does not contact the shank of an adjacent fastener, each shank defining an axis, the fasteners each having a length; and a molded, tape-less collation system formed from a plastic material that is molded onto and adhered to the fasteners, the plastic material defining a collar portion fully encircling the fastener shank, the plastic material further defining a discrete connecting portion disposed along the shank axis extending between and connecting adjacent collar portions, the collar portion being formed on the shank a discrete length less than the length of the fastener, the connecting portion including a bridge and a rib, the bridge being a relatively thin, elongate element spanning adjacent collar portions and the rib being a relatively thick, short element disposed at about an upper portion of the bridge, wherein the collar portion and substantially the entire connecting portion remains adhered to the fastener at a location at which the collar portion is molded onto the fastener shank even after being driven into a substrate.