Patents Examined by Robert H Games
  • Patent number: 6053653
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fastening method for fastening a first member to a second member by a bolt, comprising the steps of: inserting the bolt through a hole in the first member into a hole in the second member to start threadably engaging the bolt in a threaded hole provided in the second member; then, in a subsequent threadably engaging process, shaping, for example by plastically deforming or cutting, the holes of both the first and second members by a large-diameter portion provided around a bolt shank and having a diameter larger than that of the holes. The invention also provides a fastening system and a bolt used for the above-described method. With this method, it is possible to accurately connect the first and second members by the bolt, and to miniaturize the parts without increasing costs or lowering productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Sannohashi Corporation
    Inventors: Shigehumi Tanaka, Hideki Muramatsu, Shigehisa Becchaku