DUAL SIDED FASTENER, CUSTOM BIT ATTACHMENT SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF USING SAME

Abstract

The dual-sided fasteners as described include the screw-nail fasteners and screw-screw fasteners, and cooperating custom bit tool attachments to insert the dual-sided fasteners. The uniquely designed drill bit tool has a hollow space in the center in which the protruding screw or nail can fit inside allows the crowned shaped tip of the drill bit to reach the screw head and have an interlocking connection with the notched of the screw head. The combined use of the dual sided fasteners and cooperating custom bit tool attachments allow the construction of blind joins.

Claims

1. A system to connect two surfaces, said system comprising: a custom bit attachment tool comprising; a hollow tubular portion, having a closed end and an open end, said hollow tubular portion sized and configured to accommodate an elongated second side of a dual-sided fastener; a hex bit attachment connected to said closed end of said a hollow tubular portion; and two or more connection tines extending from said open end of said a hollow tubular portion, and a dual-sided construction fastener, said dual-sided fastener comprising: an elongated first side, having a screw-threaded portion, bounded at opposing ends by a central portion and a pointed end; an elongated second side, having a second screw-threaded portion or a nail portion, bounded at opposing ends by said central portion and a second pointed end; and a central portion, comprising two or more notches sized and configured to cooperate with said connection tines on said custom bit attachment tool.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said elongated second side is inserted into said hollow tubular portion, said two or more connection tines engaging with said two or more notches, said hex bit attachment being connected to a device that rotates said custom bit attachment, resulting in said elongated first side of said dual-sided fastener to be driven into a surface.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein, upon removal of said custom bit attachment from said elongated second side, said pointed end of said elongated second side is driven into a second surface.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein said device is a multi-bit screwdriver.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein said device is a drill.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said drill is a power drill.

7. The system of claim 3, wherein said pointed end is driven into said second surface using a hammer to urge the second surface towards said first surface.

8. The system of claim 3, wherein said pointed end is driven into said second surface by rotating said second surface around an axis defined by said dual-sided fastener.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said custom bit attachment tool is fabricated from steel, stainless steel, chromium plated steel, nickel plated steel, or titanium.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein said dual-sided construction fastener is fabricated from steel, stainless steel, chromium plated steel, nickel plated steel, copper, aluminum, or titanium.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein said elongated first side has a screw-threaded portion and said elongated second side has a nail portion.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein said central portion has a countersunk profile.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein said elongated first side has a screw-threaded portion and said elongated second side has a second screw-threaded portion.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein said custom bit attachment tool has two connection tines and said dual-sided construction fastener has two notches.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein said custom bit attachment tool has three connection tines and said dual-sided construction fastener has three notches.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein said custom bit attachment tool has four connection tines and said dual-sided construction fastener has four notches.

17. A kit of parts for constructing a blind join, said kit comprising: one or more custom bit attachment tools, said tools comprising; a hollow tubular portion, having a closed end and an open end, said hollow tubular portion sized and configured to accommodate an elongated second side of a dual-sided fastener; a hex bit attachment connected to said closed end of said a hollow tubular portion; and two or more connection tines extending from said open end of said a hollow tubular portion, and one or more dual-sided construction fastener, said dual-sided fastener comprising: an elongated first side, having a screw-threaded portion, bounded at opposing ends by a central portion and a pointed end; an elongated second side, having a second screw-threaded portion or a nail portion, bounded at opposing ends by said central portion and a second pointed end; and a central portion, comprising two or more notches sized and configured to cooperate with said connection tines on said custom bit attachment tool.

18. The kit of claim 17, wherein said kit comprises two or more custom bit attachment tools that are different lengths.

19. The kit of claim 17, wherein said kit comprises two or more custom bit attachment tools that are different diameters.

20. The kit of claim 17, wherein said kit comprises dual-sided construction fasteners having elongated second sides having a second screw-threaded portion, and dual-sided construction fasteners having elongated second sides having a nail portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0022] In the figures, embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and figures are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding.

[0023] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrates side perspective aspect of the subject matter in accordance with embodiments of fasteners of the invention.

[0024] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a side and partial cross-sectional aspects of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the fastener of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a side aspect of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a side aspect of the subject matter in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrates side perspective aspect of the subject matter in accordance with alternative embodiments of fasteners of the invention.

[0028] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a side and partial cross-sectional aspects of the subject matter in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the fastener of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates a side aspect of the subject matter in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates a side aspect of the subject matter in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIGS. 9A to 9J illustrate various aspect of the fastener heads in accordance with one embodiment.

[0032] FIGS. 10A to 10D illustrate different aspects of the subject matter in accordance with the first end screw of various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The invention is a fastening method which provides a firm joint between two surfaces with the use of screws and nails. The advantage of this method over the traditional method is that it is not visible on the outside and thus improves the look of the finished product. With the use of the special drill half of the “double screw” or “screw /nail” can be firmly screwed into one of the pieces leaving the top of the screw head flushed to the piece’s surface and the other half (Nail or screw) protruding and ready for use to join the other piece together.

[0034] The term “connected”, “attached”, “affixed” or “coupled to” may include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements).

[0035] Devices and methods for carrying out the invention are presented in terms of embodiments depicted within the FIGS. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and the configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

[0036] The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out in the specification. The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0037] It is an object of the present invention to provide an elongate double sided construction fastener having a first end and a second end wherein the first end and the second end are capable of penetrating material to be fastened, wherein the first end and second end are joined by a screw head.

[0038] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a double-sided construction fastener wherein the first end is a screw and the second end is a nail.

[0039] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a double-sided construction fastener wherein the first end is a screw and the second end is a screw.

[0040] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a double-sided construction fastener wherein the length and diameter of the first end screw and the length and diameter of the second end nail are the same.

[0041] It is another object of the present invention to provide a double-sided construction fastener wherein the length and diameter of the first end screw and the length and diameter of the second end nail are the different.

[0042] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a double-sided construction fastener wherein the length and diameter of the first end screw and the length and diameter of the second end screw are the same.

[0043] It is a still another object of the present invention to provide a double-sided construction fastener wherein the length and diameter of the first end screw and the length and diameter of the second end screw are the different.

[0044] It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a double-sided construction fastener wherein the first end screw has a screw head with a countersunk profile.

[0045] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an applicator tool suitable for driving the first end of the fastener into the material to be fastened, wherein the first end of the fastener is a screw.

[0046] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an applicator tool suitable for driving the first end of the fastener into the material to be fastened, wherein the applicator tool is configured to cooperated with the screw head.

[0047] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an applicator tool, such as a custom bit attachment, suitable for driving the first end of the fastener into the material to be fastened, wherein the applicator tool is configured to cooperated with a multibit screwdriver or a power drill.

[0048] The dual-sided fasteners as described herein, include the screw-nail fasteners and screw-screw fasteners, and cooperating custom bit tool attachments to insert the dual-sided fasteners. The uniquely designed drill bit tool has a hollow space in the center in which the protruding screw or nail can fit inside allows the crowned shaped tip of the drill bit to reach the screw head and have an interlocking connection with the notched of the screw head.

[0049] The screw-screw fastener option allows a screw thread to firmly attach to the two pieces to be joined. The final result is a tight strong connection of the two pieces with no fastening elements in sight.

[0050] Similarly, the screw-nail fastener option allows a screw thread to firmly attach at one or more positions on the first of the two surfaces or pieces to be joined. The second of the surfaces or pieces to be joined is positioned touching the nail end of the screw-nail fastener and hammered into place. The final result is a tight strong connection of the two pieces with no fastening elements in sight.

[0051] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate elongate double sided construction fasteners in accordance with two different embodiments of the invention.

[0052] FIG. 1A shows a screw-nail fastener 114 having a first end that is a screw end 102, and a second end that is a nail end 104. The sharp first end 110 on screw end 102, and the sharp second end 112 on the nail end 104, are situated at opposing ends of the elongate fastener and are capable of penetrating material to be fastened. The screw end 102 and nail end 104 first end and second end are joined or separated by a screw head 108.

[0053] FIG. 1B shows a screw-screw fastener 116 having a first screw end 120 and a second screw end 106. The sharp first end 110 on the first screw end 120 and the sharp second end 112 on the second screw end 106 also being situated at opposing ends of the elongate fastener and are capable of penetrating material to be fastened. The first screw end 120 and the second screw end 106 are joined or separated by a screw head 108.

[0054] In both embodiments of the invention illustrated, specifically the screw-nail fastener 114 and the screw-screw fastener 116, the screw head 108 having a series of notches 118 positioned on a horizontal top surface or extending transversely down the side of the screw head 108.

[0055] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an applicator tool, such as a hex bit connector 212, showing cooperation with an embodiment of a fastener of the current invention.

[0056] FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of a hex bit connector 212 comprising a main body 202 having an essentially cylindrical shape. A hollow internal chamber 204 is sized and proportioned to accommodate either the nail end 104 of the screw-nail fastener 114 or the second screw end 106 of the screw-screw fastener 116. The hollow internal chamber 204 has a closed end that abuts a hex bit connector 212, and an open end comprising a series of outwardly extending connection tines 206. The connection tines 206 are sized and configured to cooperate with the size and shape of the notches 118 on the screw head 108.

[0057] FIG. 2B illustrates a screw-nail fastener 114 operatively associated with a hex bit connector 212. The nail end 104 of the screw-nail fastener 114 can be seen situated within the hollow internal chamber 204. The connection tines 206 that extend longitudinally from the open end of the hollow internal chamber 204 have a chamfered edge 208 in this embodiment of the invention to cooperated with a screw head 108 that has a countersunk profile 210.

[0058] In operation, the surfaces to be joined are marked up and pilot holes drilled if necessary. The screw-nail fastener 114 has the nail end 104 inserted into the hollow internal chamber 204. The connection tines 206 are engaged with the notches 118 on the screw head 108. The hex bit connector 212, on the opposing end of the main body 202 to the connection tines 206, is then inserted into a power drill of a multi-bit screw driver. The screw end 102 of the screw-nail fastener 114 is then driven into a first surface to be joined, until the upper flat side or top of the screw head 108 is flush with the first surface to be joined. The hex bit connector 212 is removed and the sharp second end 112 of the nail end 104 is then lined up with the marking on the second surface and then hammered into place.

[0059] When a screw-screw fastener 116 is used (not shown), the second screw end 106 inserted into the hollow internal chamber 204. The connection tines 206 are engaged with the notches 118 on the screw head 108. The hex bit connector 212, on the opposing end of the main body 202 to the connection tines 206, is then inserted into a power drill of a multi-bit screw driver. The first screw end 120 of the screw-screw fastener 116 is then driven into a first surface to be joined, until the upper flat side or top of the screw head 108 is flush with the first surface to be joined. The hex bit connector 212 is removed and the sharp second end 112 of the second screw end 106 is then lined up with the marking on the second surface and then the second surface is rotated around the axis defined by the screw-nail fastener 114 until the first and second surfaces are connected.

[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a first surface 304 and a second surface 306 attached together using a screw-nail fastener 114. The screw end 102 of the screw-nail fastener 114 is driven into the first surface 304. The countersunk profile 210 of the screw head 108 being screwed into the first surface 304 until the top surface of the screw head 108 is flush with the first surface 304. The nail end 104 of the screw-nail fastener 114 then being driven into the second surface 306 with a hammer, to form a blind join 302.

[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a first surface 304 and a second surface 306 attached together using a screw-screw fastener 116. The screw end 102 of the screw-screw fastener 116 is driven into the first surface 304. The countersunk profile 210 of the screw head 108 being screwed into the first surface 304 until the top surface of the screw head 108 is flush with the first surface 304. The second screw end 106 of the screw-screw fastener 116 then being positioned and the second surface 306 is rotated around the axis defined by the screw-screw fastener 116 until the first surface 304 and second surface 306 meet forming a blind join 302.

[0062] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate elongate double sided construction fasteners in accordance with two further embodiments of the invention.

[0063] FIG. 5A shows a screw-nail fastener 114 having a first end that is a screw end 102, and a second end that is a nail end 104. The sharp first end 110 on screw end 102, and the sharp second end 112 on the nail end 104, are situated at opposing ends of the elongate fastener and are capable of penetrating material to be fastened. The screw end 102 and nail end 104 first end and second end are joined or separated by an alternative screw head 502.

[0064] FIG. 5B shows a screw-screw fastener 116 having a first screw end 120 and a second screw end 106. The sharp first end 110 on the first screw end 120 and the sharp second end 112 on the second screw end 106 also being situated at opposing ends of the elongate fastener and are capable of penetrating material to be fastened. The first screw end 120 and the second screw end 106 are joined or separated by an alternative screw head 502.

[0065] In both embodiments of the invention illustrated, specifically the screw-nail fastener 114 and the screw-screw fastener 116, the alternative screw head 502 having a series of alternative notches 504 positioned on a horizontal top surface or extending transversely down the side of the alternative screw head 502.

[0066] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an alternative bit tool attachment 602, showing cooperation with embodiments of fasteners of the current invention.

[0067] FIG. 6A shows an embodiment of an alternative bit tool attachment 602 comprising a main body 202 having an essentially cylindrical shape. A hollow internal chamber 204 is sized and proportioned to accommodate the nail end 104 of a screw-nail fastener 114. The hollow internal chamber 204 has a closed end that abuts a hex bit connector 212, and an open end comprising a series of outwardly extending alternative tines 604. The alternative tines 604 are sized and configured to cooperate with the size and shape of the alternative notches 504 on the alternative screw head 502.

[0068] In operation, for the screw-nail fastener 114, the surfaces to be joined are marked up and pilot holes drilled if necessary. For alternative screw heads 502 that do not have a standard countersunk profile 210, it is necessary to router out a void corresponding to the profile of the alternative screw head 502 in the first surface to be joined. The screw-nail fastener 114 has the nail end 104 inserted into the hollow internal chamber 204. The alternative tines 604 are engaged with the alternative notches 504 on the alternative screw head 502. The hex bit connector 212, on the opposing end of the main body 202 to the alternative tines 604, is then inserted into a power drill of a multi-bit screw driver. The screw end 102 of the screw-nail fastener 114 is then driven into a first surface to be joined, until the upper flat side or top of the alternative screw head 502 is flush with the first surface to be joined. The hex bit connector 212 is removed and the sharp second end 112 of the nail end 104 is then lined up with the marking on the second surface and then hammered into place.

[0069] FIG. 6B shows an embodiment of an alternative bit tool attachment 602 comprising a main body 202 having an essentially cylindrical shape. A hollow internal chamber 204 is sized and proportioned to accommodate the second screw end 106 of a screw-screw fastener 116. The hollow internal chamber 204 has a closed end that abuts a hex bit connector 212, and an open end comprising a series of outwardly extending alternative tines 604. The alternative tines 604 are sized and configured to cooperate with the size and shape of the alternative notches 504 on the alternative screw head 502.

[0070] In operation, for the screw-screw fastener 116, the surfaces to be joined are marked up and pilot holes drilled if necessary. For alternative screw heads 502 that do not have a standard countersunk profile 210, it is necessary to router out a void corresponding to the profile of the alternative screw head 502 in the first surface to be joined. The screw-screw fastener 116 has the second screw end 106 inserted into the hollow internal chamber 204. The alternative tines 604 are engaged with the alternative notches 504 on the alternative screw head 502. The hex bit connector 212, on the opposing end of the main body 202 to the alternative tines 604, is then inserted into a power drill of a multi-bit screw driver. The screw end 102 of the screw-screw fastener 116 is then driven into a first surface to be joined, until the upper flat side or top of the alternative screw head 502 is flush with the first surface to be joined. The hex bit connector 212 is removed and the sharp second end 112 of the second screw end 106 is then lined up with the marking on the second surface, and then the second surface is rotated around the axis defined by the screw-screw fastener 116 until the first and second surfaces are connected.

[0071] FIG. 7 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a first surface 304 and a second surface 306 attached together using a screw-nail fastener 114. For alternative screw heads 502 that do not have a standard countersunk profile 210, it is necessary to router out a void corresponding to the profile of the alternative screw head 502 in the first surface to be joined. The screw end 102 of the screw-nail fastener 114 is driven into the first surface 304. The alternative screw head 502 being screwed into the void routered in the first surface 304 until the top surface of the alternative screw head 502 is flush with the first surface 304. The nail end 104 of the screw-nail fastener 114 then being driven into the second surface 306 with a hammer, to form a blind join 302.

[0072] FIG. 8 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a first surface 304 and a second surface 306 attached together using a screw-screw fastener 116. For alternative screw heads 502 that do not have a standard countersunk profile 210, it is necessary to router out a void corresponding to the profile of the alternative screw head 502 in the first surface to be joined. The screw end 102 of the screw-screw fastener 116 is driven into the first surface 304. The alternative screw head 502 being screwed into the void routered in the first surface 304 until the top surface of the alternative screw head 502 is flush with the first surface 304. The second screw end 106 of the screw-screw fastener 116 then being driven into the second surface 306 by rotating the second surface 306 around the axis defined by the screw-screw fastener 116 until the first and second surfaces are connected to form a blind join 302.

[0073] FIGS. 9A to 9J illustrate contemplated alternative screw heads that can be used in various different embodiments of the invention.

[0074] FIGS. 9A to 9H and 9J show various countersunk profiles of different alternative screw heads. FIG. 9J is an example of an alternative screw head that would require routering of the first surface prior to attachment.

[0075] FIGS. 9A, 9C, 9E, 9G, and 9J show various different notch patterns on the screw head. Consequently, the connection tines on the custom bit attachment would be configured to cooperate with the notch patterns on the screw head.

[0076] FIGS. 9D, 9F, and 9H indicate various top views of some examples of different known screw head configurations. Examples of different notch areas are indicated as a slotted notch 904, a square notch 906, and a six-lobe notch 908. The cross-sectional area 902 corresponding to either the nail end 104 or the second screw end 106 of the screw-nail fastener 114 of screw-screw fastener 116 respectively is indicated.

[0077] Embodiments of the custom bit attachment would have connecting tines that are shaped, sized and configured such that the outer surface of the connection tined operatively cooperate with the void created the slotted notch 904 the square notch 906 or the 908 and the cross-sectional area 902 of the nail end 104 of the second screw end 106 of the screw-nail fastener 114 of the screw-screw fastener 116.

[0078] FIGS. 10A to 10D illustrate a variety of screw types that can form the screw end of the screw-nail fastener 114 or the screw-screw fastener 116. The important feature is that the head of the screw is flat. Preferably the screw thread has a countersunk profile, however different shapes can be used provided that the first surface 304 is routered to accommodate the screw head.

[0079] The dual-sided fasteners are fabricated as one-piece, unitary structures. The screw-nail fastener 114 and screw-screw fastener 116 have a central region comprising a screw head 108 or flange that effectively connects the screw end 102 to the nail end 104 or the screw end 102 to the second screw end 106. The dual-sided fasteners may be fabricated from materials that are typical of those used to fabricate nails and screws. For example, the dual-sided fasteners may be made from materials selected from, but not limited to: steel; stainless steel; copper; aluminum; and titanium. In some embodiments of the invention, the steel may be coated or plated with nickel or chromium.

[0080] With regard to the custom bit attachment 214, fabrication can be from steel (optionally chromium and nickel plated), stainless steel and titanium.

[0081] The sizes/dimension, including lengths and diameters of the screw ends 102, nail ends 104, and second screw ends 106 can be independently varied. Similarly, the custom bit attachment 214 can be sized and dimensioned to accommodate varying sizes/dimensions of the nail ends 104, or second screw ends 106.

[0082] The notches 118 on the screw heads 108, and the corresponding connection tines 206 on the custom bit attachment 214, may be configured in a variety of different shapes and patterns. These may include, but are not limited to: Phillips; slotted; hexagonal; one-way, square; tors/lobed; triangle, Y-type; 5-point; and tri-wing. Typically, the screw heads 108 are flat headed, and have a countersunk profile 210, however, various different shaped screw heads 108 that allows two surfaces to be attached to form a blind join 302.

[0083] The various parts of the different embodiments of the invention can be provided individually or as part of saleable kits. Kits can comprise a variety of differently sized custom bit attachments 214.

[0084] The embodiments described herein were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0085] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. As can be understood, the examples described above are intended to be exemplary only.