Abstract: A headed multi-lobed blank, method of manufacturing a self-tapping screw from the blank, and resulting multi-lobed self-tapping screw for joining thin workpieces provides desirable thread-forming characteristics at the conical tip and body portions, and improved resistance to vibrational loosening near the head. The resulting screw, obtained from the blank and method, incorporates a threaded tapered root portion between the screw head and body portion having a cross section that varies from nearly circular in the area adjacent to the underside of the head to a maximum out-of-round (or lobular) cross section at the intersection of the tapered root portion and the screw body.

Abstract: A threaded self-tapping screw for joining thin workpieces having a tapered root portion adjacent to the head of the screw. A plurality of threads are disposed on the body and the tapered root portion of the screw such that the radial distance from the center of the screw to the crests of the threads is maintained along both the body and the tapered root portion.

Abstract: A headed multi-lobed blank, method of manufacturing a self-tapping screw from the blank, and resulting multi-lobed self-tapping screw for joining thin workpieces provides desirable thread-forming characteristics at the conical tip and body portions, and improved resistance to vibrational loosening near the head. The resulting screw, obtained from the blank and method, incorporates a threaded tapered root portion between the screw head and body portion having a cross section that varies from nearly circular in the area adjacent to the underside of the head to a maximum out-of-round (or lobular) cross section at the intersection of the tapered root portion and the screw body.

Abstract: A self-tapping fastener is provided. The fastener is formed from a blank having an odd number of lobes along a cross section taken perpendicular to its axis of rotation. The lobes define a relatively high out-of-round cross section along a tapered thread-forming zone, and a relatively low out-of-round cross section along the main body taken in a direction toward the drive head. Between the main body and tapered thread-forming zone is located an additional thread forming zone having an axial length of approximately one thread pitch and a cross section that conforms to the high out-of-round of the tapered zone. The maximum diameter (at the lobes) of the additional thread-forming section approximately matches that of the full-diameter main body section. A lower-diameter stabilizing section can be provided ahead of the tapered zone, adjacent the tip of the fastener.

Abstract: A fastener system capable of clamping a workpiece that provides for enhanced distribution of the internal forces that are generated in the components as a result of the assembly of the system. The fastener system includes an externally threaded member having a thread formed thereon with a substantially non-triangular profile, and an internally threaded member having a thread formed therein which also includes a substantially non-triangular profile. In assembled form, the substantially non-triangular thread faces of the internally and externally threaded members mate along a contact face and, by virtue of their unique thread forms, are able to withstand axial loads of greater magnitude than comparable systems employing threads having substantially triangular profiles.

Abstract: A locking screw having a head at one end, a special entry portion at the other end, and a trilobular shank portion extending from the entry portion toward the head. The screw is further characterized in that the thread profile is of a double angle configuration symmetrical about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the screw. The entry section is tapered and is formed with a series of truncations which serve to clear progressively a contaminating coating in an internally threaded workpiece, such as a nut, when the screw is threaded therein.

Abstract: A locking screw having a head at one end, a special entry portion at the other end, and a trilobular shank portion extending from the entry portion toward the head. The screw is further characterized in that the thread profile is of a double angle configuration symmetrical about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the screw. The entry section is tapered and is formed with a series of truncations which serve to clear progressively a contaminating coating in an internally threaded workpiece, such as a nut, when the screw is threaded therein.

Abstract: Method and dies for threading a screw comprises providing a screw blank with a portion of its length of lobular cross section and an adjacent portion of the blank of circular cross section. The blank is rolled between roll dies so as to roll the thread on the circular portion and simultaneously roll the thread at the lobes only on the lobular portion. Thereafter, the blank is rolled to additional regions of the dies wherein the thread is rolled to form on the lobular section, while the cylindrical section passes through regions of clearance or relief on the dies.