Protected prong file fastener
A prong style file fastener, and method of manufacturer, is disclosed which has a protective element to prevent damage to paper documents and personal injury. In one embodiment, the prongs of the fastener is covered with a heat shrinkable sheath. In another, the prongs are overcoated with a powder coating which is melted thereon.
1. A protected pronged file fastener having an enlarged bending radius to prevent kinking and tearing comprising:
a. a longitudinal fixation base having first and second ends, and an overlying cover;
b. a pair of prongs extending outwardly from each end of the base, a portion of the prongs being covered by said cover and the remainder of the prongs being bendable and wherein said prongs include a tip and are tapered from the tip to a point between the tip and the end connected to the base;
c. a non-metallic sheath overcoating covering a substantial portion of each prong, said sheath being a tubular member shrinkably engaged onto said prongs and extending from a point proximate said tip and to said base and at least a portion thereof extending under said cover;
d. wherein said prongs include a second taper from where the sheath ends and the tip is exposed, said second taper being greater than the first taper; and
e. wherein the sheath, at least at its distal end, terminates with a concave end.
2. The fastener of claim 1 wherein sheath is a flexible tubular member is heat shrunk on said prongs.
3. The fastener of claim 1 wherein said prongs are increasingly tapered toward the tip.
4. The fastener of claim 1 wherein the sheath, at its distal end, terminates just before the base element.
5. A protected pronged file fastener having an enlarged bending radius to prevent kinking and tearing comprising:
a. a longitudinal fixation base having first and second ends, and an overlying cover;
b. a pair of prongs one each extending from the base and extending outwardly from each end of the base, a portion of the prongs being covered by said cover and the remainder of the prongs being bendable and wherein said prongs include a tip and are tapered from the tip to a point between the tip and the end connected to the base;
c. a non-metallic sheath overcoating covering a substantial portion of each prong, said sheath being a tubular member elastically engaged onto said prongs and extending from a point proximate said tip and to said base and at least a portion thereof extending under said cover; and
d. wherein the sheath, at least at its distal end, terminates with a concave end.