Patents Examined by Neill R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5667347
    Abstract: An improved fastener assembly is disclosed comprising a threaded fastener combined with two disc shaped washer components wherein one disc component is resilient and mounted to relatively rotate with respect to the threaded fastener and other disc component. A dry lubricant material is provided between the disc components to facilitate the relative rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Norman Leslie Matthews
  • Patent number: 5664920
    Abstract: A fixing element has an expansion zone formed by a longitudinal slot having a trapezoidal cross-section and produced by stamping, and an expander member inserted in the longitudinal slot and displaceable therein. On the two sliding surfaces of the longitudinal slot arranged at an angle to one another the expander member rests with its two bearing surfaces, likewise arranged at an angle to one another. The external surface of the expander member provided with teeth of roof-shaped construction projects beyond the shank of the fixing element at least with a part of the height of the teeth. The expander member lying in the longitudinal slot so that it is easily displaceable allows subsequent expansion of the anchored fixing element in the event that the drilled hole widens as a result of cracks forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Fischerwerke, Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. AG
    Inventors: Artur Fischer, Gerhard Porlein, Eberhard Maeder
  • Patent number: 5662444
    Abstract: A preassembled fastener assembly having a washer axially captivated on a threaded screw. The washer includes an elongated cylindrical sleeve, a radially outwardly directed flange and at least two inwardly extending detents within the sleeve to yieldably engage a shoulder on the threaded screw to hold the parts together. The detents are provided with elongated flattened inwardly extending surfaces with tapered lead-in surfaces or radiussed portions. When assembled, the screw tip extends substantially outward of the washer sleeve and beyond the grommet. Methods of forming the detents are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Crest Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolph Schmidt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5662446
    Abstract: A twist lock insertion and twist release extraction type spring cotter pin having one primary straight end extremity to be inserted through an aperture in a structural element and its opposite adjacent free end extremity consisting of a series of arcuate curves allowing them to partially rotate or counter rotate about the surface of said structural element. And, commensurate with this, an easy grasp handle all made of spring steel type wire. The method of said designed invention allows for a new definition of utility for a spring cotter pin of this particular unique function the extraordinary characteristics of which demonstrate a locking spring pins basic need for a revision of often ignored operational safety features without compromising the new standards it has attained for ease of function yet maintaining its overall convenience, reliability and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Louis R. Haan
  • Patent number: 5660513
    Abstract: A stud clip for mating with a threaded stud bolt projecting outwardly from a base member, such as, for example, an automobile body, is used to mount an elongate article, such as, for example, an automobile fuel line, upon the automobile body. The stud clip comprises a plurality of latch members for engaging a threaded shank portion of the stud bolt, and the latch members have a predetermined thickness dimension, which determines the flexibility or rigidity of such latch members, in order to provide the latch clip with a relatively low or small insertion force, however, in order to provide the stud clip with a relatively high or large withdrawal or pull-off force, stopper members are provided in conjunction with and beneath the latch members so as to prevent the latch members from bending or flexing in the opposite direction attendant the attempted withdrawal or removal of the stud clip from the threaded stud bolt. Consequently, the withdrawal or pull-off force is substantially increased or enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshio Shibanushi
  • Patent number: 5658108
    Abstract: An electrical terminal clamping assembly of the character that will simultaneously accommodate and securely grip one or more conductor wires of substantially different diameters. The assembly includes a threaded terminal screw and a uniquely configured clamping plate or tilt washer which is adapted to freely tilt relative to the undersurface of the head of the terminal screw in a manner to move gripping projections provided on the undersurface of the washer into secure clamping engagement with a wire of large diameter disposed on one side of the axial center line of the terminal screw and into secure clamping engagement with a wire of much smaller diameter disposed on the opposite side of the axial center line. The undersurface of the tilt washer is provided with uniquely configured, generally circularly shaped gripping protuberances that provide multiple contact points for firmly gripping the different diameter conductor wires which are disposed on opposite sides of the terminal screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: E. Grant Swick
  • Patent number: 5651651
    Abstract: A two part fastening assembly 30 for use with a common fastener 500 such as a screw, bolt, or the like includes a substantially ring-shaped base member 32 having a washer-shaped element 38 attached to one end. Washer-shaped element 38 has a hole 42 sized to accept the shank 504 of common fastener 500. Base member 32 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 48. A substantially bowl-shaped cap 34 has a corresponding plurality of legs 60 having barbs 62. The shank 504 of common fastener 500 is inserted into base member 32 and into hole 42 until head 502 abuts washer-shaped element 38. Cap 34 is then inserted into base member 32, covering head 502, and barbs 62 snap into apertures 48 and are captively engaged thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Paul E. Spencer
  • Patent number: 5651652
    Abstract: An elongate fastener that may not be removed without destruction is provided for insertion in adjacent cooperating holes defined in box structures and their closure elements to maintain closure. The fastener defines a head, larger than the hole to carry the fastener, that structurally carries a peripherally extending tab to aid manual manipulation. The head structurally connects an elongate perpendicularly extending body that fits in the cooperating holes and is formed by spaced peripheral webs that carry barb-like fasteners in their end portions distal from the head that allow insertion of the body through a hole by deformation, but thereafter expand responsive to retentent memory to prevent removal. The interconnection of the body and head is weaker in tensile strength than the material on either side of the interconnection so that the head may be removed from the body by manual manipulation of the peripheral tab, without the use of tools, to allow opening of the box structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventors: David J. Williams, Mark K. Williams
  • Patent number: 5651650
    Abstract: An attachment assembly formed of an anchor bolt (1) and an expansion wedge (2) with the anchor bolt having an outside surface (4) at its leading end in the setting direction and widening in a wedge-like manner. The expansion wedge (2) can be displaced axially along the wedge-like outside surface (4) for effecting expansion of the attachment assembly. At its trailing end (6), the anchor bolt (1) has a flange-like engagement part (5) for applying a load to a receiving material into which the attachment assembly is expanded. The engagement part (5) has a throughbore (3) through which the expansion wedge (2) extends and is secured in a preassembled state. The expansion wedge (2) has a trailing end section (14) extending rearwardly from the engagement part (5) in the preassembled state so that in the expanded state the expansion wedge is held in a press fit in the throughbore (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Armin Herb, Hubert Forster
  • Patent number: 5649798
    Abstract: A screw insert for deck plates which is configured to both drill the pilot hole and thereafter be screwed into the deck plates in a simple step. The insert also has means to fill the gap between the pilot hole and the insert structure to be completely filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: Katsuo Ito
  • Patent number: 5649797
    Abstract: A nut and bolt securing device is disclosed to prevent loosening of the assembly due to environmental conditions. In a first version of the invention the two piece device is fitted over a nut and a portion of a bolt extending from the nut, the two sections of the device being secured together with set screws, with serrations within the device, and one or more set screws engaging the front end of the device. In a second version of the device a shelf like planar projection on the front end of the device engages a planar surface on a nut, again combining with the serrations within the device to prevent fastener loosening. The device is particularly described in use in conjunction with refrigerant system flare nuts so as to prevent loss of refrigerant at these flare nut unions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Lenwar, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Warren, John Lennon
  • Patent number: 5647713
    Abstract: A panel fastener includes separable components formed from two different plastics, one relatively rigid and the other somewhat more flexible and resilient. The two components are formed in a two shot injection molding process and are joined through a ball and socket joint that allows subsequent separation and reconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Yao Ge, David J. Krysiak
  • Patent number: 5647711
    Abstract: Arrangement for fastening a hollow railing (10) to the front (24) of a drawer. A blind bore (26) is created on the back of the drawer front. The threaded shaft (20) of a fastener having a fastening head (22) of larger diameter, which can be inserted into the bore, is screwed into the front end of the railing. The fastening head tapers from its end at the railing towards its free end such that its upper generatrix is parallel over most of its length with the railing, and its lower generatrix slopes downwardly from the free end of the fastening head over most of its length. Near the free end of the fastening head at least one knife-edged projection reaching radially upwardly is provided and its cutting edge runs more or less circumferentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: MEPLA - Werke Lautenschlager GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Horst Berger
  • Patent number: 5647712
    Abstract: A threaded fastener which is constructed to be turned in one direction by a square socket drive includes a threaded stem and an integral modified head arranged with four raised projections which are circumferentially spaced. Each of the four raised projections includes a substantially flat wall portion and a curved and inclined ramp portion. The four flat wall portions effectively define a square center region which is compatibly sized to receive a one-half inch square socket drive. Rotation of the square socket drive in a counterclockwise direction causes the sides of the square socket drive to engage the flat wall portions so as to turn the threaded fastener in a counterclockwise direction. Any attempt to rotate the square socket drive in a clockwise direction causes the sides of the square socket drive to ride up along the ramp portions and ride out of engagement with the modified head of the threaded fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Caner Demirdogen, Paul D. Miller
  • Patent number: 5645384
    Abstract: A one-part, front mounted receptacle 1 for a quick release fastener has a first element 11 which provides a retention mechanism 12 for engaging and retaining a stud of the fastener. A second element 16 having a pair of flexible elongate components 17 is spaced from the first by a bight portion 14 and has a pair of transverse tabs 19 disposed adjacent the bight portion. These are adapted to engage one face 33 of a support 30, in an aperture 31 of which the receptacle is mounted. In use, the bight portion 14 engages the other face 32. A third element 20 is disposed at the opposite end of the second element 16 from the bight portion 14 and has a flexible barb portion 23 arranged to flex on insertion of the receptacle in the aperture and to engage the other face after insertion in order to retain the receptacle in the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Dzus Fastener Europe Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Charles Walden Wright, Derrin John Bond
  • Patent number: 5645383
    Abstract: A blind rivet comprising a mandrel 2 and a sleeve 3 is provided with two external grooves 11, 12 of different cross-section. This enables the rivet to set on the blind side of a workpiece to form a taper 19 increasing in diameter towards the blind side of the workpiece 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Graham Frank Harry Williams
  • Patent number: 5642974
    Abstract: A building assembly comprises a wooden board, a metal framing member, and a fastener having an elongate shank, an enlarged head, and a generally pointed end and fastening the board to the framing member. The shank has a ringed portion with annular grooves defining annular rings having a uniform, outer diameter, helical grooves intersecting the annular grooves, a cylindrical land having a smaller diameter and dividing the ringed portion into an axially longer subportion nearer to the tip and an axially shorter subportion nearer the head, a cylindrical land between the tip and the ringed portion, and a cylindrical land between the head and the ringed portion. The fastener is driven through the board and through the framing member wall so that the head bears against the board, so that the tip and the shank form, from the wall of the framing member, a generally annular lip projecting toward the tip and so that the lip is disposed around the cylindrical land dividing the ringed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Gabriel, Lawrence S. Shelton, Henry A. Sygnator, Elizabeth J. Eckmann
  • Patent number: 5641256
    Abstract: An anchoring device for anchoring a threaded member such as a screw or bolt in a substrate material includes an anchoring sheath for receiving the threaded member. The anchoring sheath includes annular anchoring ribs formed around a body portion of the anchoring sheath and at least one longitudinal rib extending along at least a portion of the body portion of the anchoring sheath and extend outwardly from the anchoring sheath. In a sheath with more than one longitudinal rib, the longitudinal ribs lie in different planes which intersect at the longitudinal axis of the anchoring sheath. The anchoring sheath preferably includes top and bottom regions which have no annular or longitudinal ribs. The bottom region can have an extended length to accommodate threaded members of varying lengths and a hole providing drainage of water, ice, or other debris as the threaded member is tightened into the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: NPC, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Gundy
  • Patent number: 5641257
    Abstract: A device for holding a workpiece or part in a desired position. The device has a platen with a stop, a threaded shank actuator and a sliding clamping member. The actuator has a tapered head which engages an inner bearing surface of the sliding clamping member to simultaneously apply clamping forces against a workpiece and securing forces to anchor the sliding clamp member to the platen. A spring element joined to the clamping member retracts the clamping member away from the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Kurt Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Leon M. Bernstein
  • Patent number: 5639195
    Abstract: Wall panels are fastened to walls or to one another with pairs of identical elically-wound fastener rods which engage each other by turning. Spacer tubes are provided to maintain the desired spacing between panels, or between panels and walls, and to align the helically-wound sections of the fasteners before engaging. Guide prongs may also be used to assist in the alignment of the fasteners with each other before engaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: William Newell Brabston, Philip G. Malone, Roger H. Jones, Jr.