Importance

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Abstract

A strip of fasteners is formed by an elongated flexible web having one or two rows of tabs projecting from one or both of the longitudinal edges of the web. These tabs have fastener holding means formed at their ends for removably carrying nails, screws, or nuts. In one form, the holding means are detachable with the fasteners to provide a washer, and in another form, the detachable end of the holding means provides a locking insert for a self-locking nut. The web is formed both as a strip and as a closed loop. In some embodiments, the fastener is disposed at an angle relative to the web to permit inclination of the strip of loop relative to horizontal while presenting the fasteners to a driving station in a vertical position. A fastener feeding mechanism deflects or bends the strip at a point adjacent the drive path of a fastener driver to 'fan out' the fastener carrying tabs so that the tab or tabs carrying the fastener in driving position are spaced from adjacent tabs. In one embodiment, a reciprocating motor in the feeding mechanism retracts the portion of the strip adjacent the drive path to insure that the tab is not inadvertently fastened to a workpiece by the driven fastener.

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First Claim