GB2587241A

GB2587241A - Fastener

Info

Publication number: GB2587241A
Application number: GB1913671.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alford Roland; Gale Clive; Carrs Andrew
Original assignee: Alford IP Ltd
Current assignee: Alford IP Ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-23
Filing date: 2019-09-23
Publication date: 2021-03-24
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-23
Also published as: GB201913671D0; GB202015041D0; GB2587241B; GB2590136A

Abstract

A nail gun nail 10 comprises a tip 20 and a shank 15. At least part of the shank 15 has a non-circular section. The nail 10 may be formed from non-magnetic material such as titanium. The shank 15 may have a generally square section. The nail 10 may be used in an underwater ordnance disposal system.

Description

FASTENER

The present invention relates generally to a fastener and particularly, although not exclusively, to a nail suitable for use in conjunction with a nail gun or other means of projection.

Nail guns exist and they are often magnetic, firing magnetic nails. There are circumstances in which non-magnetic fixing mechanisms are required, for example underwater explosive ordnance disposal. In addition, existing nail gun mechanisms permit relative rotation between the gun apparatus and the fastener, which means single point captive fixing is not possible.

The present invention seeks to provide improvements in or relating to nail guns and fixings/fasteners associated therewith.

An aspect of the present invention provides a nail gun nail comprising a tip and a shank, in which at least part of the shank has a non-circular section.

In some embodiments the nail is a captured nail e.g. in use the nail gun fires and this nails the gun to the target.

In some embodiments the material from which the nail is formed is harder than that of the intended target A non-circular section can be used to prevent rotation of a nail (with respect to a nail gun and/or a target) when embedded into a target.

The nail may be formed from non-magnetic material; for example a non-magnetic metal such as titanium.

In some embodiments at least part of the shank has a generally square section. For example, all or substantially all of the shank may be square sectioned, or one or more square section portions may be provided.

In some embodiments the shank includes one or more changes of section along its length, for example square then sharp.

The tip may comprise or include a sharp portion. The sharp portion allows the nail to penetrate and then become embedded in a target.

Some aspects and embodiments relate to a single fixing point nail gun apparatus. To prevent rotation in known systems multiple fixing points are required.

In some embodiments the tip may comprise a pointed dome portion.

In some embodiments the tip may comprise a generally cylindrical portion.

In embodiments in which the nail comprises a round-to-square transition, for example between a cylindrical portion and a square portion.

The present invention also provides a ballistic nail assembly comprising a nail having a tip and a shank, at the end of the shank opposite the tip a driving band, or the like is provided.

A washer may be used as a driving band and may be formed from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The washer may be useful during projection of the nail.

The assembly may further comprise a driving base. The base may be used to provide a seal during projection.

The base may, for example, be formed from a ductile material such as brass or lead. As brass is relatively soft it can expand during projection of the nail, making it possible to provide a useful seal.

When the nail is fired, the base and/or driving band can help to provide a seal in a firing barrel, preventing gases from blowing passed the nail.

The nail component of the assembly may be formed from non-magnetic material, for

example titanium.

The assembly may comprise a nail as described herein.

Also provided is a nail or an assembly as described herein in combination with a nail gun.

Also provided is a nail gun apparatus comprising a nail gun and a captured nail, the nail comprising a tip and a shank, in which at least part of the shank has a non-circular section to prevent rotation between the nail and the gun.

Also provided is an underwater explosive ordnance disposal system comprising a nail gun and a captured nail, the nail comprising a tip and a shank, in which at least part of the shank has a non-circular section to prevent rotation between the nail and the gun.

Also provided is an underwater explosive ordnance disposal system comprising a single point captive fixing nail gun and a captured nail for attaching the gun to a target, the nail comprising a tip and a shank, in which there is provided means to prevent rotation between the nail and the gun.

The nail gun may include a barrel having one or more vent holes. This can be used to prevent pressure lock in use.

Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, while embodiment can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting on the invention.

Referring first to Figure I there is shown a nail gun nail generally indicated 10.

The nail comprises an elongate shank/shaft portion I5 and a tip portion 20 provided at one end of the shank 15.

The shank portion 15 has a generally square section, thereby having four flat generally rectangular faces 17 each terminating with a parabolic curve 19.

The tip portion 20 comprises a pointed dome shape terminus 25. Behind the terminus 25 is a generally cylindrical section 30.

Between the cylindrical section 30 and the shank portion 15 is an inclined round-tosquare portion 35.

The nail 10 is formed from a non-magnetic material, titanium in this embodiment, that can be driven into steel and other materials.

The nail profile provides a sharp point which is able to embed itself in an object and a shaft profile that prevents it from buckling or snapping as it is driven in. Once embedded the square section prevents rotation.

Figures 2 to 4 show a ballistic nail assembly 150. The assembly comprises a nail 110. The nail 110 is similar to the nail 10. In this embodiment the end of the shank opposite the tip an annular flange 155 is provided. Beyond the flange is a cylindrical terminus 160.

An annular washer 165 is provided and fits onto the terminus 160, resting on the flange 155. In this embodiment the washer 165 is formed from PTFE.

A base 170 is provided and fits onto the terminus, resting on the washer 165. In this embodiment the base 170 is formed as a brass cup.

In use the nail assembly 150 can be fired from a nail gun apparatus (not shown), for example being fired through a barrel. The base 170 expands as the nail is fired, providing a seal in the barrel (known as "fire forming"). Vents may be provided in a barrel to prevent pressure lock. The washer 165 provides a better push during firing.

Figure 5 shows a section of a nail shank 215. The section is generally square.

Figure 6 is a section of a nail shank 315 formed according to a further embodiment In this embodiment the section is generally square, but includes four (in this embodiment) longitudinal scallops 380 which reduce the material in the nail without significantly decreasing longitudinal strength/stiffness (resistance against deformation as the nail penetrates a target).

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSI. A nail gun nail comprising a tip and a shank, in which at least part of the shank has a non-circular section.
2. A nail as claimed in claim I, in which the nail is formed from non-magnetic material.
3. A nail as claimed in claim I or claim 2, in which the nail is formed from titanium.
4. A nail as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least part of the shank has a generally square section.
5. A nail as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the tip comprises a sharp portion.
6. A nail as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the tip comprises a pointed dome portion.
7. A nail as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the tip comprises a generally cylindrical portion.
8. A nail as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the tip comprises a round-to-square transition.
9. A ballistic nail assembly comprising a nail having a tip and a shank, at the end of the shank opposite the tip a driving band is provided.
10. An assembly as claimed in claim 9, in which the driving band is a washer.
11. An assembly as claimed in claim 10, in which the washer is formed from PTFE.
12. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 9 to I I, further comprising a base.
13. An assembly as claimed in claim 12, in which the base is formed from brass.
14. An assembly as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, in which the base is generally cup-shaped.
15. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 9 to 14, in which the nail is formed from non-magnetic material.
16. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 9 to 15, in which the nail is formed from titanium.
17. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 9 to 16, in which the nail is a nail as claimed in any of claims I to 8. I0
18. A nail or apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in combination with a nail gun.
19. A nail gun apparatus comprising a nail gun and a captured nail, the nail comprising a tip and a shank, in which at least part of the shank has a non-circular section to prevent rotation between the nail and the gun.
20. A combination or apparatus as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, in which the nail gun includes a barrel having one or more vent holes.
21. An underwater explosive ordnance disposal system comprising a single point captive fixing nail gun and a captured nail for attaching the gun to a target, the nail comprising a tip and a shank, in which there is provided means to prevent rotation between the nail and the gun.