Patent ID: 8333538
Filing Date: 2012-12-18
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 from each other, so that the head of a fastener does not contact the shank of an adjacent fastener, each fastener shank defining an axis; 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 connecting portions spacing each fastener from each adjacent fastener, the plastic material being formed from an adhesive polymer that is, at least in part, a modified polyolefin, the collar portion being formed on the shank a discrete length that is less than a length of the shank, 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 the substrate, and wherein the connecting portion includes a preferentially weakened region to influence separation of the connecting portion from the collar at a desired location, and wherein the preferentially weakened region is at a juncture of the connecting portion and the collar portion of the next subsequent fastener in the row of fasteners, the preferentially weakened region having a cross-section different from a cross-section of the connecting portion at a location other than the preferentially weakened region.