US5400845A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Technique for fastening logs and fastener therefor
Assignee: Fleet National Bank
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Filing: 1992-12-21
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Granted: 1995-03-28
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Expires: 2012-12-21
Abstract
Abstract A technique for fastening together logs and a fastener therefor is directed to a self-drilling/tapping fastener which allows the fastener to be driven through the log to be secured without pre-drilling a bore. Counter-bore fins on the fastener head also form a counter-bore for the head. A lubricious coating applied to a portion of the shank accommodates settling of the logs and facilitates installation.
Inventors
- 👤 Stanley W. Choiniere
- 👤 Hubert T. McGovern
- 👤 Robert W. Chauvin, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 03:20
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16B; F16B35/00; E; E04; E04B; E04B2/00; E04B2/56; E04B2/70; E04B2/701; E04B2/703; F16B35/04; F16B35/06; F16B35/065; F16B2200/00; F16B2200/79; F16B25/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S411/00; Y10S411/914; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49826; Y10T29/49833; Y10T29/49906
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A fastener for fastening together a pair of logs having a substantial pre-established thickness comprising: a head comprising means for receiving a torque applied thereto; a shank extending from said head, said shank having a first segment of generally uniform diameter and a second threaded section, said shank terminating in a piercing point for self-drilling said fastener, said first shank segment having a longitudinal dimension substantially commensurate with the thickness of said log; counter-bore means adjacent said head for drilling a counter-bore for said head upon application of a torque to said head; and a lubricious coating applied to said shank.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
A fastener for fastening together a pair of logs having a substantial pre-established thickness comprising: a head comprising means for receiving a torque applied thereto; a shank extending from said head, said shank having a first segment of generally uniform diameter and a second threaded section, said shank terminating in a piercing point for self-drilling said fastener, said first shank segment having a longitudinal dimension substantially commensurate with the thickness of said log; counter-bore means adjacent said head for drilling a counter-bore for said head upon application of a torque to said head; and a lubricious coating applied to said shank.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The fastener of claim 1 wherein said counter-bore means comprises a pair of substantially identical fins.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The fastener of claim 1 wherein said head comprises a washer-like flange.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The fastener of claim 1 wherein said threaded segment is approximately 2 inches.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
107 words
A log assembly comprising: a first log having a pre-established thickness and means defining a bore and a counter-bore; a second log; and a fastener fastening said first log to said second log, said fastener comprising a shank extending through said bore and having a threaded portion which is engaged in said second log and a segment of generally uniform diameter which extends substantially the entire thickness of said first log, a lubricious coating applied to said shank, said fastener comprising a head fully received in said counter-bore and fin means comprising a pair of fins extending at the underside of said head for forming the counter-bore.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
107 words
A log assembly comprising: a first log having a pre-established thickness and means defining a bore and a counter-bore; a second log; and a fastener fastening said first log to said second log, said fastener comprising a shank extending through said bore and having a threaded portion which is engaged in said second log and a segment of generally uniform diameter which extends substantially the entire thickness of said first log, a lubricious coating applied to said shank, said fastener comprising a head fully received in said counter-bore and fin means comprising a pair of fins extending at the underside of said head for forming the counter-bore.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The log assembly of claim 5 wherein said counter-bore has an end and said head comprises a washer-like flange engaging the end of the counter-bore.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The log assembly of claim 5 wherein said threaded portion extends a distance of approximately 2 inches.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The log assembly of claim 5 wherein said shank comprises a drilling point for self-tapping said fastener.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
101 words
A technique for fastening together two logs comprising: (a) providing a fastener having a self-tapping point, a distal threaded portion, an intermediate shank segment of generally uniform diameter which extends substantially the entire thickness of the first of said logs, a head and counter-bore forming means adjacent said head comprising a pair of fins; and (b) without pre-drilling a bore for said fastener, rotatably driving said fastener through said first log so that said fastener thread engages said second log, said counter-bore means drills said counter-bore while said fastener is being rotatably driven and said head is countersunk in said counter-bore.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
101 words
A technique for fastening together two logs comprising: (a) providing a fastener having a self-tapping point, a distal threaded portion, an intermediate shank segment of generally uniform diameter which extends substantially the entire thickness of the first of said logs, a head and counter-bore forming means adjacent said head comprising a pair of fins; and (b) without pre-drilling a bore for said fastener, rotatably driving said fastener through said first log so that said fastener thread engages said second log, said counter-bore means drills said counter-bore while said fastener is being rotatably driven and said head is countersunk in said counter-bore.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The fastening technique of claim 9 further comprising pre-applying a lubricious coating to said shank segment.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The fastening technique of claim 9 wherein step (b) further comprises applying a torque to said head.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
The fastening technique of claim 9 wherein said fastener is driven so that the fastener thread only engages said second log when the head is countersunk in said counter-bore.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-03-27 | 1998-09-26 | 1999-03-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-03-27 | 2002-09-26 | 2003-03-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-03-27 | 2006-09-26 | 2007-03-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |