Patent US4426105A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6908275B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fastener having supplemental support and retention capabilities
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2002-04-29
•
Granted: 2005-06-21
•
Expires: 2022-04-29
Abstract
Abstract A fastener, such as a nail, screw, etc., which possesses supplemental support and/or retention capability is provided. The fastener includes an elongated auxiliary member secured interiorly to, exteriorly to, or along the shaft of the fastener. The auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at two or more portions of the shaft. The auxiliary member provides the shaft with additional support strength and/or enables fastened materials to be retained upon breakage or shearing of the shaft as a result of, for example, heavy tensile or shearing loads. To facilitate breakage or shearing of the shaft, the shaft may be provided with a deformation, such as a notch or reduced circumference, at one or more desired locations such that the shaft breaks or shears at the deformation(s), thereby allowing the auxiliary member to function as the sole member which retains the fastened materials. The auxiliary member may be sufficiently flexible and pliable such that, upon breakage or shearing of the shaft, retention of the materials is maintained but in a less stressed form.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles Nelson
- 👤 Matthew J. Esserman
- 👤 James E. Schneider
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:42
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16B; F16B15/00; F16B35/00; F16B35/04; F16B35/041; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S411/00; Y10S411/90; Y10S411/901
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 107
Claim 1
Independent Claim
183 words
A fastener comprising: a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head; and a flexible auxiliary member positioned substantially longitudinally within the shaft such that the auxiliary member resides in a cavity within the shaft, wherein the cavity has a central longitudinal axis, and wherein the auxiliary member occupies space within the cavity along at least a portion of the central longitudinal axis; wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the second end than the first portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft is a unitary structure at least between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft, and wherein the auxiliary member is free from securement to the shaft at at least one location which is between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
183 words
A fastener comprising: a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head; and a flexible auxiliary member positioned substantially longitudinally within the shaft such that the auxiliary member resides in a cavity within the shaft, wherein the cavity has a central longitudinal axis, and wherein the auxiliary member occupies space within the cavity along at least a portion of the central longitudinal axis; wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the second end than the first portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft is a unitary structure at least between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft, and wherein the auxiliary member is free from securement to the shaft at at least one location which is between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at one or more additional portions of the shaft which are in the vicinity of the first portion of the shaft.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The fastener of claim 2 , wherein the first portion of the shaft and the one or more additional portions of the shaft are circumferentially distributed about the shaft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at one or more further portions of the shaft which are in the vicinity of the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The fastener of claim 4 , wherein the second portion of the shaft and the one or more further portions of the shaft are circumferentially distributed about the shaft.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the shaft is located at the head.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary member comprises at least one item selected from the group consisting of cable, rope, strap, cord, bar, chain, wire, and combinations thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary member is a cable.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The fastener of claim 8 , wherein the cable comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, fiber, Plexiglas, rubber, plastic, leather, and combinations thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The fastener of claim 8 , wherein the cable comprises a metal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The fastener of claim 8 , wherein the cable is multi-braided.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
54 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft by at least one securing element selected from the group consisting of a crimp, weld, rivet, high press, glue, epoxy, adhesive, solder, and combinations thereof.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fastener of claim 12 , wherein the at least one securing element is circumferentially distributed about the shaft.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
38 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at at least one of the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft by at least one crimp.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fastener of claim 14 , wherein the at least one crimp is a plurality of crimps circumferentially distributed about the shaft.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
50 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft by at least one securing element selected from the group consisting of a weld, glue, epoxy, adhesive, solder, and combinations thereof.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fastener of claim 16 , wherein the at least one securing element is circumferentially distributed about the shaft.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
46 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of the auxiliary member is abutted against an inner surface of the shaft while the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
34 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the shaft comprises a material selected from the group consisting of metal, Teflon, wood, ceramic, hardened clay, fiber, Plexiglas, glass, stone, rubber, wax, plastic, and combinations thereof.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
12 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the shaft comprises a metal.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a nail exteriorly.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a screw exteriorly.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
31 words
The fastener of claim 22 , wherein the auxiliary member comprises either a philips head configuration or a traditional slot configuration at an end of the auxiliary member adjacent the head.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a bolt exteriorly.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a spike exteriorly.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a pin exteriorly.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a brad exteriorly.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a tack exteriorly.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein at least one deformation is provided along the shaft between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
30 words
The fastener of claim 29 , wherein the at least one deformation is selected from the group consisting of a groove, notch, cut, indentation, perforation, tear, crimp, and combinations thereof.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fastener of claim 29 , wherein the at least one deformation is circumferentially distributed about the shaft.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 29 , wherein the at least one deformation comprises a reduced-diameter section circumferentially distributed about the shaft.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fastener of claim 1 , wherein at least one deformation is provided along the shaft at the at least one location.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
188 words
A method for manufacturing a fastener, the method comprising: providing a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head; and providing a flexible auxiliary member substantially longitudinally within the shaft such that the auxiliary member resides in a cavity within the shaft, wherein the cavity has a central longitudinal axis, and wherein the auxiliary member occupies space within the cavity along at least a portion of the central longitudinal axis; securing the auxiliary member to the shaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the second end than the first portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft is a unitary structure at least between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft, and wherein the auxiliary member is free from securement to the shaft at at least one location which is between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
188 words
A method for manufacturing a fastener, the method comprising: providing a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head; and providing a flexible auxiliary member substantially longitudinally within the shaft such that the auxiliary member resides in a cavity within the shaft, wherein the cavity has a central longitudinal axis, and wherein the auxiliary member occupies space within the cavity along at least a portion of the central longitudinal axis; securing the auxiliary member to the shaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the second end than the first portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft is a unitary structure at least between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft, and wherein the auxiliary member is free from securement to the shaft at at least one location which is between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein the auxiliary member is a cable.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at at least one of the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft via crimping.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft by at least one securing element selected from the group consisting of a weld, glue, epoxy, adhesive, solder, and combinations thereof.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a nail exteriorly.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a screw exteriorly.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 39 , wherein the auxiliary member comprises either a philips head configuration or a traditional slot configuration at an end of the auxiliary member adjacent the head.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
176 words
A fastener comprising: a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head; and a flexible auxiliary member positioned substantially longitudinally within the shaft such that the auxiliary member resides in a cavity within the shaft, wherein the cavity is defined by an inner surface of the shaft; wherein the auxiliary member includes an outer surface which is secured to the inner surface of the shaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the second end than the first portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft is a unitary structure at least between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft, and wherein the auxiliary member is free from securement to the shaft at at least one location which is between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
176 words
A fastener comprising: a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head; and a flexible auxiliary member positioned substantially longitudinally within the shaft such that the auxiliary member resides in a cavity within the shaft, wherein the cavity is defined by an inner surface of the shaft; wherein the auxiliary member includes an outer surface which is secured to the inner surface of the shaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the second end than the first portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft is a unitary structure at least between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft, and wherein the auxiliary member is free from securement to the shaft at at least one location which is between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
36 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at one or more additional portions of the shaft which are in the vicinity of the first portion of the shaft.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
29 words
The fastener of claim 42 , wherein the first portion of the shaft and the one or more additional portions of the shaft are circumferentially distributed about the shaft.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
36 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at one or more further portions of the shaft which are in the vicinity of the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
The fastener of claim 44 , wherein the second portion of the shaft and the one or more further portions of the shaft are circumferentially distributed about the shaft.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the first portion of the shaft is located at the head.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
32 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the auxiliary member comprises at least one item selected from the group consisting of cable, rope, strap, cord, bar, chain, wire, sleeve, and combinations thereof.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
13 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the auxiliary member is a cable.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
28 words
The fastener of claim 48 , wherein the cable comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, fiber, Plexiglas, rubber, plastic, leather, and combinations thereof.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
12 words
The fastener of claim 48 , wherein the cable comprises a metal.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
11 words
The fastener of claim 48 , wherein the cable is multi-braided.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
13 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the auxiliary member is a sleeve.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
28 words
The fastener of claim 52 , wherein the sleeve comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, fiber, Plexiglas, rubber, plastic, leather, and combinations thereof.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
13 words
The fastener of claim 52 , wherein the sleeve is in mesh form.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
54 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft by at least one securing element selected from the group consisting of a crimp, weld, rivet, high press, glue, epoxy, adhesive, solder, and combinations thereof.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fastener of claim 55 , wherein the at least one securing element is circumferentially distributed about the shaft.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
38 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at at least one of the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft by at least one crimp.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fastener of claim 57 , wherein the at least one crimp is a plurality of crimps circumferentially distributed about the shaft.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
50 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft by at least one securing element selected from the group consisting of a weld, glue, epoxy, adhesive, solder, and combinations thereof.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fastener of claim 59 , wherein the at least one securing element is circumferentially distributed about the shaft.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
46 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the outer surface of the auxiliary member is abutted against the inner surface of the shaft while the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
34 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the shaft comprises a material selected from the group consisting of metal, Teflon, wood, ceramic, hardened clay, fiber, Plexiglas, glass, stone, rubber, wax, plastic, and combinations thereof.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
12 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the shaft comprises a metal.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a nail exteriorly.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a screw exteriorly.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
31 words
The fastener of claim 65 , wherein the auxiliary member comprises either a philips head configuration or a traditional slot configuration at an end of the auxiliary member adjacent the head.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a bolt exteriorly.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a spike exteriorly.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a pin exteriorly.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a brad exteriorly.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a tack exteriorly.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
30 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein at least one deformation is provided along the shaft between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
30 words
The fastener of claim 72 , wherein the at least one deformation is selected from the group consisting of a groove, notch, cut, indentation, perforation, tear, crimp, and combinations thereof.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fastener of claim 72 , wherein the at least one deformation is circumferentially distributed about the shaft.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 72 , wherein the at least one deformation comprises a reduced-diameter section circumferentially distributed about the shaft.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fastener of claim 41 , wherein at least one deformation is provided along the shaft at the at least one location.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
180 words
A method for manufacturing a fastener, the method comprising: providing a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head; and providing a flexible auxiliary member substantially longitudinally within the shaft such that the auxiliary member resides in a cavity within the shaft, wherein the cavity is defined by an inner surface of the shaft; securing an outer surface of the auxiliary member to the inner surface of the shaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the second end than the first portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft is a unitary structure at least between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft, and wherein the auxiliary member is free from securement to the shaft at at least one location which is between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
180 words
A method for manufacturing a fastener, the method comprising: providing a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head; and providing a flexible auxiliary member substantially longitudinally within the shaft such that the auxiliary member resides in a cavity within the shaft, wherein the cavity is defined by an inner surface of the shaft; securing an outer surface of the auxiliary member to the inner surface of the shaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the second end than the first portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft is a unitary structure at least between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft, and wherein the auxiliary member is free from securement to the shaft at at least one location which is between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 77 , wherein the auxiliary member is a cable.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 77 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at at least one of the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft via crimping.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 77 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft by at least one securing element selected from the group consisting of a weld, glue, epoxy, adhesive, solder, and combinations thereof.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 77 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a nail exteriorly.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 77 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a screw exteriorly.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein the auxiliary member comprises either a philips head configuration or a traditional slot configuration at an end of the auxiliary member adjacent the head.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
180 words
A fastener comprising: a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head, wherein the shaft includes a cavity positioned longitudinally therein, and wherein the cavity has a central longitudinal axis; and a flexible auxiliary member positioned longitudinally within the cavity such that the auxiliary member occupies space within the cavity along at least a portion of the central longitudinal axis; wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the second end than the first portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft is a unitary structure at least between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft, and wherein the auxiliary member is free from securement to the shaft at at least one location which is between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
180 words
A fastener comprising: a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head, wherein the shaft includes a cavity positioned longitudinally therein, and wherein the cavity has a central longitudinal axis; and a flexible auxiliary member positioned longitudinally within the cavity such that the auxiliary member occupies space within the cavity along at least a portion of the central longitudinal axis; wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the second end than the first portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft is a unitary structure at least between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft, and wherein the auxiliary member is free from securement to the shaft at at least one location which is between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
13 words
The fastener of claim 84 , wherein the auxiliary member is a cable.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
38 words
The fastener of claim 84 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at at least one of the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft by at least one crimp.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
50 words
The fastener of claim 84 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft by at least one securing element selected from the group consisting of a weld, glue, epoxy, adhesive, solder, and combinations thereof.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 84 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a nail exteriorly.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 84 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a screw exteriorly.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
31 words
The fastener of claim 89 , wherein the auxiliary member comprises either a philips head configuration or a traditional slot configuration at an end of the auxiliary member adjacent the head.
Claim 96
Independent Claim
186 words
A method for manufacturing a fastener, the method comprising: providing a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head, wherein the shaft includes a cavity positioned longitudinally therein, and wherein the cavity has a central longitudinal axis; and providing a flexible auxiliary member substantially longitudinally within the cavity such that the auxiliary member occupies space within the cavity along at least a portion of the central longitudinal axis; securing the auxiliary member to the shaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the second end than the first portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft is a unitary structure at least between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft, and wherein the auxiliary member is free from securement to the shaft at at least one location which is between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 97
Independent Claim
186 words
A method for manufacturing a fastener, the method comprising: providing a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head, wherein the shaft includes a cavity positioned longitudinally therein, and wherein the cavity has a central longitudinal axis; and providing a flexible auxiliary member substantially longitudinally within the cavity such that the auxiliary member occupies space within the cavity along at least a portion of the central longitudinal axis; securing the auxiliary member to the shaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the second end than the first portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft is a unitary structure at least between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft, and wherein the auxiliary member is free from securement to the shaft at at least one location which is between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
172 words
A fastener comprising: a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head, wherein the shaft includes a cavity positioned longitudinally therein, and wherein the shaft includes an inner surface which defines the cavity; and a flexible auxiliary member positioned longitudinally within the cavity; wherein the auxiliary member includes an outer surface which is secured to the inner surface of the shaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the second end than the first portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft is a unitary structure at least between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft, and wherein the auxiliary member is free from securement to the shaft at at least one location which is between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
172 words
A fastener comprising: a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head, wherein the shaft includes a cavity positioned longitudinally therein, and wherein the shaft includes an inner surface which defines the cavity; and a flexible auxiliary member positioned longitudinally within the cavity; wherein the auxiliary member includes an outer surface which is secured to the inner surface of the shaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the second end than the first portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft is a unitary structure at least between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft, and wherein the auxiliary member is free from securement to the shaft at at least one location which is between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
13 words
The fastener of claim 92 , wherein the auxiliary member is a cable.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
38 words
The fastener of claim 92 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at at least one of the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft by at least one crimp.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
50 words
The fastener of claim 92 , wherein the auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft by at least one securing element selected from the group consisting of a weld, glue, epoxy, adhesive, solder, and combinations thereof.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 92 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a nail exteriorly.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fastener of claim 92 , wherein the shaft, between the first end and the second end, defines a screw exteriorly.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
31 words
The fastener of claim 97 , wherein the auxiliary member comprises either a philips head configuration or a traditional slot configuration at an end of the auxiliary member adjacent the head.
Claim 106
Independent Claim
176 words
A method for manufacturing a fastener, the method comprising: providing a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head, wherein the shaft includes a cavity positioned longitudinally therein, and wherein the shaft includes an inner surface which defines the cavity; and providing a flexible auxiliary member longitudinally within the cavity; securing an outer surface of the auxiliary member to the inner surface of the shaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the second end than the first portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft is a unitary structure at least between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft, and wherein the auxiliary member is free from securement to the shaft at at least one location which is between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
Claim 107
Independent Claim
176 words
A method for manufacturing a fastener, the method comprising: providing a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head, wherein the shaft includes a cavity positioned longitudinally therein, and wherein the shaft includes an inner surface which defines the cavity; and providing a flexible auxiliary member longitudinally within the cavity; securing an outer surface of the auxiliary member to the inner surface of the shaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the second end than the first portion of the shaft, wherein the shaft is a unitary structure at least between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft, and wherein the auxiliary member is free from securement to the shaft at at least one location which is between the first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US1428247A
Cited
US1469126A
Cited
US1828287A
Cited
US3077809A
Cited
US3983779A
Cited
US4279190A
Cited
US4353673A
Cited
US4637768A
Cited
US4696423A
Cited
US5061137A
Cited
US5292215A
Cited
US5785478A
Cited
US5509765A
Cited
US5564876A
Cited
US5870870A
Cited
US6317937B1
Cited
US6095737A
Cited
US6623492B1
Cited
US6309155B1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2008-06-20 | 2008-12-20 | 2009-06-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-06-20 | 2012-12-20 | 2013-06-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-06-20 | 2016-12-20 | 2017-06-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |