Packaged nails suitable for sheathing having enlarged diameter heads for enhanced retention

Abstract

The present invention provides a nail suitable for sheathing which provides an enhanced resistance to failure. The nail includes an enlarged head as well as a shank having surface deformations. Sheathing panels are secured to a framing structure through the use of the nail. The enlarged head provides a first clamping surface that is seated against an exterior surface of the sheathing panel. The framing structure within which the shank is secured is a second clamping surface. Through the provision of an enlarged head and a shank having surface deformations, the ability of the nail to maintain the securement of the sheathing panel to the framing structure element is enhanced. A plurality of the nails are disposed within a package suitable for use with mechanical drivers.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A package of collated nails suitable for sheathing comprising: 
 a plurality of nails suitable for sheathing, each nail comprising: 
 a substantially round head having a flat top surface suitable for being driven into a flush relationship with an exterior surface of a sheathing panel and a bottom surface, the head further having a head diameter;  
 a single elongate shank integral with the head and extending from the head bottom surface, the elongate shank further including a point opposite the head, and a plurality of surface deformations formed on the shank, the surface deformations being configured to provide an enhanced resistance to panel separation by withdrawal of the nail shank from a framing structure, the shank further having a substantially round cross-section having a shank diameter between 0.092 and 0.148 in.;  
 wherein: 
 each nail is manufactured from steel wire;  
 each nail has a length defining the distance from the head to the shank point, the length being between 1.625 inches and 3.00 inches;  
 for the nail length, the shank diameter of each nail generally corresponds to a shank diameter as specified by ASTM F1667-95 for common nails of that nail length specified for use with mechanical drivers, the head diameter providing an enlarged bottom head surface area for engaging the exterior surface of the sheathing panel to enhance resistance to panel separation by head pull through; and  
 the ratio of the head diameter to shank diameter of each nail is between 2.70 and 3.37; and  
 
   at least one attachment element constructed to temporarily attach the plurality of nails into a package.    
     
     
         2 . The package of collated nails of  claim 1 , wherein the surface deformations of each nail comprise a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart rings extending radially outwardly from the shank.  
     
     
         3 . The package of collated nails of  claim 1 , wherein the length of each nail is approximately 2 inches, the shaft diameter is approximately 0.113 in., the head diameter is approximately 0.320 in., and the ratio of head diameter to shaft diameter is approximately 2.83.  
     
     
         4 . The package of collated nails of  claim 1 , wherein the length of each nail is approximately 2.5 inches, the shaft diameter is approximately 0.113 in., the head diameter is approximately 0.320 in., and the ratio of head diameter to shaft diameter is approximately 2.83.  
     
     
         5 . The package of collated nails of  claim 1 , wherein the head of each nail has a circular shape.  
     
     
         6 . The package of collated nails of  claim 1 , wherein the surface deformations are disposed at least between a middle position on the shank, halfway between the point and the head, and the point.  
     
     
         7 . The package of collated nails of  claim 1 , wherein the shank has a circular cross-section.  
     
     
         8 . The package of collated nails of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment element comprises a frangible plastic binding element attached to each nail of the package.  
     
     
         9 . The package of collated nails of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment element comprises a frangible wire welded to each nail of the package.  
     
     
         10 . The package of collated nails of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment element comprises frangible paper attached to each nail of the package.