Member Anchors Bolt In Substructure With Threaded Portion Exposed (e.g., Stud Bolt) Patents (Class 411/107)
  • Patent number: 6722832
    Abstract: An assembly unit includes a component including at least one through hole and at least one screw. The screw is associated with the through hole of the component. The screw is designed and arranged to produce a thread. The screw includes a head and a supporting surface to face the component. The screw includes a shank at least partly including a thread. The screw in the region of the shank and close to the supporting surface includes an annular channel, the diameter of the annular channel being less than the core diameter of the thread of the screw and the effective axial length of the annular channel being more than the axial length of the through hole. The diameter of the through hole of the component is more than the core diameter of the thread of the screw and being less than the outer diameter of the thread of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kamax-Werke Rudolf Kellermann GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Gunther Hartmann, Wolfgang Sommer, Frank Wagner
  • Patent number: 6705635
    Abstract: An attachment assembly for attaching a cushion member for an airbag apparatus to a vehicle surface is disclosed. The attachment assembly is particularly useful for attaching curtain type cushion members, as for a side impact airbag system. The attachment assembly may include a protrusion with a rod and a knob larger than the rod. A compressible spring washer is affixed to the rod. A hole formed in a mounting portion of the cushion member is then fitted around the rod, outside the washer. A cap is affixed to the rod to keep the cushion member in place. The protrusion, with the attached cushion member, may then be affixed to the vehicle surface through the use of a keyhole formed in the vehicle surface. The knob is pushed longitudinally into a larger, clearance portion of the keyhole, such that the spring washer is compressed. Then, the protrusion is moved transversely into an engaged configuration, in which the knob and the spring washer engage the interference portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Hoeft, James Hoskyns, Robert F. McGee
  • Patent number: 6688826
    Abstract: A captive fastener system having a fastener and a retention member is provided. The retention member includes a cylindrical body having a flange at one end thereof. Work piece retention members project outwardly of the body for securing the retention member in a bore of a work piece. A plurality of dimples project inwardly in the retention member, and are narrow in a circumferential direction and elongated in an axial direction of the body. The dimples frictionally engage a shank of the fastener, to hold the fastener in the retention member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Henna Agha, Glenn Heavens
  • Patent number: 6688823
    Abstract: A fastening position adjustable bolt is provided which includes a bolt body and a cylindrically shaped collar bolt. The bolt body has a head, a shank, and first male threads formed on a lower outer peripheral surface of the shank, and the collar bolt has second male threads formed on an upper outer peripheral surface thereof. An engaging portion engages the shank of the bolt body with the collar bolt. The engaging portion is disposed between the head of the bolt body and a position on the shank at which the first male threads are formed, and the engaging portion is adapted to release engagement between the collar bolt and the shank of the bolt body upon application of a torque having at least a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Aoyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Kakamu, Shuji Ito, Ryuji Utsuno, Masahito Yabuoshi
  • Publication number: 20040022598
    Abstract: A facilitated tightening device allowing a bolt to be inserted smoothly by preventing a screw block engaged with the bolt from being inclined or fallen down, comprising a base (2) having a bolt insert hole (7) partly forming a bolt receiving surface (9) and an inclined surface (8) gradually decreasing in diameter toward the insert side of the bolt (6) in the state of being continued with the bolt insert hole (7) formed therein, a screw block (3) slid along the inclined surface (8) according to the axial movement of the inserted bolt (6) to be engaged with the bolt (6), an energizing member (5) energizing the screw block (3) in inner radial direction, and guide means (10, 11) engaged with the screw block (3) to prevent the screw block (3) from being fallen down in the base (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Kitamura, Takashi Ogino, Yoshihiro Hemmi
  • Patent number: 6685255
    Abstract: Apart installation structure for a vehicle for attaching a part to a vehicle body through a bracket using an access hole established in the vehicle body and a surrounding portion of the access hole, comprises a bolt including a head capable of passing through the access hole and a thread section projecting from the head and passing through the access hole, a plate member including an opening section and capable of being attached to the thread section through the opening section, a nut for being screwed onto the thread section and for tightening the surrounding portion, the plate member and the bracket altogether, and a rotation stopper provided on the bracket for contacting the head after passing through the opening section and the access hole so as to restrict a rotation when the nut is screwed in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hisao Kasahara
  • Patent number: 6652208
    Abstract: A fastener device for attaching a rear face of an acoustic panel to a substrate, comprising an anchor part for attachment to the substrate and a screw part having an inner end rotatably held by the anchor part. The screw part has a helical member with an outer end capable of penetrating the rear face of the panel when rotated by an elongated drive rod projecting from the outer end. The drive rod can penetrate a panel and is accessible from the front face of the panel to cause the helical member to penetrate and engage a rear portion of the panel, and to secure the panel onto the substrate. The drive rod is removable from the outer end of the screw part after the panel has been secured so that the fastener is essentially concealed within the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Macdonald Joseph Gillis
  • Publication number: 20030215304
    Abstract: Fastening system device using a groove made on any hard surface with a diamond or similar cutting wheel anchoring with traction forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Sergio Natero
  • Patent number: 6648412
    Abstract: A hinge joining system for an automobile seat includes a seat back flange and a seat pan flange. A hinge mechanism is attached to one of the flanges. An assembly fastener component is connected to the hinge mechanism and passes through an opening in the selected flange, the opening including a raised tapered collar. A thrust component is connected to the assembly fastener component, the thrust component having a bore for radially gripping the raised tapered collar and axially pressing the collar against the selected flange. The assembly fastener component has a tapered male section fitting into the tapered collar, and the bore of the thrust component is also tapered for gripping the tapered collar between the bore and the tapered male section when the thrust component is pressed against the selected flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d' Automobile S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Moradell, Yann Reubeuze, François Cillierre
  • Patent number: 6644903
    Abstract: A captive fastener for press-in installation in panels has a ferrule capable of being crimped to provide a positive engagement with a screw element of the captive fastener. The ferrule has a hardness gradient such that a penetration tip of the ferrule has a hardness greater that exceeds the hardness of the panel, and an upper rim of the ferrule is deformable to limit movement of the ferrule relative to the screw element by interference. Typically, the penetration tip has a hardness greater than about Rockwell B60 to permit the press-in installation to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Matdan America Corp.
    Inventor: David W. Arand
  • Patent number: 6632056
    Abstract: A fastening element for doubleglass panels has a threaded bolt having a forward end and provided with an expansion cone at the forward end, an annular expansion element pushed onto the expansion cone for expansion in a hole drilled in a rear glass panel and provided with an undercut in a region of a bottom of the drilled hole, a cap placed on the expansion element and resting against an end face of the threaded bolt, and a spacing sleeve arranged on a shank of the threaded bolt so as to rest against the rear glass panel and to pass through a front glass panel, the spacing sleeve having a portion engageable in the hole drilled in the rear glass panel and providing an abutment for the expansion element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Lind
  • Patent number: 6623226
    Abstract: An assembly unit includes at least one component and at least one screw including a shank having an outer diameter and at least partially including a thread. The head of the screw is designed and arranged to rotate the screw. A supporting surface of the screw faces the component. The component for each screw includes a through hole having a diameter. At least one bush is associated with the at least one screw, and it is designed and arranged to be insertable into the respective through hole. The bush is made of plastic material, and it is designed and arranged to be fixedly connected in the through hole resulting in elastic deformation of the bush. The inner diameter of the bush is slightly more than the outer diameter of the shank. The supporting surface is designed and arranged to operatively contact the component after assembly without contacting the bush to transmit an axial force. The bush, the screw and the component are designed and arranged to be captively connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Kamax-Werke Rudolf Kellermann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mario Braun, Wolfgang Sommer, Frank Wagner
  • Publication number: 20030175091
    Abstract: A captive screw for securing together two panels has a screw and a spring extending between the screw head and a ferrule. A collar is formed on the screw shank under the ferrule to limit penetration of the screw threads in a bottom panel so that the upper panel floats on the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas V. Aukzemas, Albert J. Frattarola, Boyd Wolf, James F. Standish, Joseph N. Caulfield
  • Patent number: 6612794
    Abstract: A fastening structure capable of preventing deterioration in the flatness of a surface of a flange portion (2) when a serration (7) of a bolt (5) is press-fit into the flange portion (2). In this fastening structure, one portion in an axial direction of an outer peripheral surface (6) of the bolt (5) is provided with the serration (7). The bolt (5) is press-fit into a bolthole (3) formed through the flange portion (2) of a mounting member (1). The serration (7) is located apart from respective end surfaces (2A) and (2B) of the flange portion (2) by first and second distances (D, C), and the first and second distances (D, C) each exceed 13% of the thickness (A) of the flange portion (2). With this arrangement, the serration (7) presses a bolthole inner peripheral surface (13) only in the region located far apart from both of the end surfaces (2A and 2B) of the flange portion (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruyuki Kawatani, Yasuhiro Miyata, Nobuyuki Seo, Tomohiro Ishii
  • Publication number: 20030161701
    Abstract: A fastening device (11) on a support panel (12), having at least one structural element (17), is to be designed in such a way that under predefined tightening of the fastening device (11) on the support panel (12) no lasting damage occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Franz Schmich
  • Patent number: 6607339
    Abstract: A stud (1) for mounting a pulley (2) to a plate (3) by a cold forming process has a large diameter head (5), a cylindrical shank (6) which acts as the stub shaft for the pulley (2), the end of the shank remote from the head being connected to a smaller diameter shank (7) via a shoulder (9) (which may include an annual grove (10) into which the plate (3) is deformed), and, beyond the smaller diameter shank, an e.g. threaded shaft (8). To resist rotation after the stud (1) is cold formed to the plate (3), the stud (1) has ribs or studs or flat facets on the shoulder or on the narrow shank (7) against which the plate is cold formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: BAS Components Limited
    Inventor: Bob Mangapora
  • Publication number: 20030133768
    Abstract: A fastener assembly for use with a power actuated gun having a plurality of extending portions or grooves extending from a bearing surface. The extending portion or grooves extending from a bearing leg of a power actuated fastener aid in preventing rotation of the fastener assembly. Additionally, in another embodiment utilizing a raised portion, the raised portion aids in the collapse of the raised portion so as to permit the fastener assembly to form a more complete contact with a substrate. In another embodiment of the present invention, the extending portions or grooves are utilized to aid the feeding of a plurality of loose fastener assemblies in a track of a power actuated gun feeding system. The present invention provides an improved fastener assembly for use in construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Alfonso Losada
  • Patent number: 6592311
    Abstract: A stud for installation in a host panel and for fastening a component to the host panel includes at least one shaft having a longitudinal axis. An annular flange extends radially from the shaft at a substantially right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. A shoulder for engagement with the host panel has a top adjacent to the shaft and a base adjacent to the flange. The shoulder extends radially from the shaft wherein the shoulder and the flange define an undercut therebetween at the base of the shoulder such that a diameter of the shoulder is smaller at the base than at the top. At least one anti-rotation tab is located intermediate between the shoulder top and the flange, and is aligned for engagement with the host panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: FabriSteel Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley E. Wojciechowski, Michael J. McShane
  • Publication number: 20030118421
    Abstract: A fastening structure capable of preventing deterioration in the flatness of a surface of a flange portion (2) when a serration (7) of a bolt (5) is press-fit into the flange portion (2). In this fastening structure, one portion in an axial direction of an outer peripheral surface (6) of the bolt (5) is provided with the serration (7). The bolt (5) is press-fit into a bolthole (3) formed through the flange portion (2) of a mounting member (1). The serration (7) is located apart from respective end surfaces (2A) and (2B) of the flange portion (2) by first and second distances (D, C), and the first and second distances (D, C) each exceed 13% of the thickness (A) of the flange portion (2). With this arrangement, the serration (7) presses a bolthole inner peripheral surface (13) only in the region located far apart from both of the end surfaces (2A and 2B) of the flange portion (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Teruyuki Kawatani, Yasuhiro Miyata, Nobuyuki Seo, Tomohiro Ishii
  • Publication number: 20030113183
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding a screw captive to a printed circuit board (PCB), with a channel formed through the apparatus and a mounting hole formed through the PCB being in alignment to allow a screw to pass therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Eric D. McAfee
  • Publication number: 20030077142
    Abstract: The invention comprises a tolerance compensating mounting device comprising a bushing having an internal and external thread. The bushing is threaded into a part to be mounted to a surface. A bolt is then threaded into a bushing bore using the internal threads. The internal threads cause an interference fit between the bolt shank and the threads, temporarily preventing further insertion of the bolt. The bolt is then turned further, thereby turning the bushing and causing the bushing to unscrew from the part toward the mounting surface until the bushing seats on the mounting surface, thereby completely compensating for a tolerance gap. As the bolt is turned further, at a relatively low torque the sacrificial internal threads are stripped allowing the bolt to be fully torqued into the mounting surface hole, thereby simultaneously connecting the components with a properly torqued connection while compensating for a tolerance gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Roger Stone, Brian Russell Knight
  • Publication number: 20030063960
    Abstract: A rack mount panel fastener system which allows thread size to be changed quickly and without tools. A thumbscrew is held in position in a ferrule attached to a server front panel by a removable retainer. The thumbscrew has a knurled head on one end, a threaded section on the end of its shaft and a reduced diameter section intermediate the threaded end and the head. The ferrule has an inner flange through which the retainer may not pass. The retainer is threaded onto and past the threaded section of the shaft to hold the thumbscrew in the ferrule. Thread size may be changed by manually removing the retainer without tools and replacing the thumbscrew and retainer with a new thumbscrew and new retainer having the desired thread size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph R. Allen
  • Publication number: 20030059272
    Abstract: A fastening system for connecting plastic members to each other via a metal stud having a head and a shaft. The plastic members include a plastic member and a plastic parent member. The plastic parent member is affixed to a head of the metal stud. The shaft of the metal stud is disposed in the plastic member wherein a plastic clip is forced onto to be connected upon the threads of the shaft of the metal stud, from which connection the plastic clip is rotatively removable. Of course, the plastic clip could be formed integrally with the plastic member, and the plastic member could be adapted to carry, or have connected thereto, additional components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher J. Petrok, Gregory A. Wind
  • Patent number: 6537007
    Abstract: A fastening structure capable of preventing deterioration in the flatness of a surface of a flange portion (2) when a serration (7) of a bolt (5) is press-fit into the flange portion (2). In this fastening structure, one portion in an axial direction of an outer peripheral surface (6) of the bolt (5) is provided with the serration (7). The bolt (5) is press-fit into a bolthole (3) formed through the flange portion (2) of a mounting member (1). The serration (7) is located apart from respective end surfaces (2A) and (2B) of the flange portion (2) by first and second distances (D, C), and the first and second distances (D, C) each exceed 13% of the thickness (A) of the flange portion (2). With this arrangement, the serration (7) presses a bolthole inner peripheral surface (13) only in the region located far apart from both of the end surfaces (2A and 2B) of the flange portion (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruyuki Kawatani, Yasuhiro Miyata, Nobuyuki Seo, Tomohiro Ishii
  • Publication number: 20030053882
    Abstract: A unitary bolt for repairing cracked or broken flanges to which the base of a toilet is mounted is characterized by its structure comprising a threaded bolt that extends upwardly from, and is fixedly attached to, an arcuate plate. The repair bolt may be inserted under the damaged flange by sliding the plate under the damaged or cracked flange such that the plate will span the damaged portion and the threaded bolt may fit into a notch provided or formed on the flange such that removal and replacement of the flange is not necessary for proper re-seating of the toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Luke N. Reuter
  • Patent number: 6530731
    Abstract: A self-tapping threaded insert (20) for threadedly mounting another component by a threaded central connector (50). An assembly (24) of the insert (20) and a mounting member (22) for threadedly mounting the insert are assembled by a method for mounting the self-tapping threaded insert. The insert (20) has a threaded shank (26) that is threaded into a partially tapped hole and has a shank end with flutes (32) of a construction that provides self-tapping. Upon final torquing, a locking flange (42) of the insert (20) locks against a surface (46) of the member (22) as threads of the insert shank (26) are completely engaged with the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Fredric J. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6527489
    Abstract: A stress-free method and apparatus are provided for forming assemblies having thin substrates whereby a permanent non-interference fit low stress stud is positioned and secured evenly into a shallow hole of a thin substrate or host material without introducing uneven stress forces to maintain a flat surface on both sides of the thin substrate. The forces of inserting the stud are applied inward, towards a head portion of the tapered stud by a crimping tool adapted to move the substrate material inward and form a flange over the angled edges of the tapered head portion of the stud to secure the stud to the thin substrate. In doing so, the forces are absorbed by the strong tapered head portion of the stud which is able to withstand the crimping forces and will not be distorted by the inward crimping forces, thus maintaining flat surfaces of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Laszlo Kando
  • Publication number: 20030021650
    Abstract: A stud for installation in a host panel and for fastening a component to the host panel includes at least one shaft having a longitudinal axis. An annular flange extends radially from the shaft at a substantially right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. A shoulder for engagement with the host panel has a top adjacent to the shaft and a base adjacent to the flange. The shoulder extends radially from the shaft wherein the shoulder and the flange define an undercut therebetween at the base of the shoulder such that a diameter of the shoulder is smaller at the base than at the top. At least one anti-rotation tab is located intermediate between the shoulder top and the flange, and is aligned for engagement with the host panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Stanley E. Wojciechowski, Michael J. McShane
  • Publication number: 20030017025
    Abstract: A stud for installation in a host panel and for fastening a component to the host panel includes at least one shaft having a longitudinal axis. An annular flange extends radially from the shaft at a substantially right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. A shoulder for engagement with the host panel has a top adjacent to the shaft and a base adjacent to the flange. The shoulder extends radially from the shaft wherein the shoulder and the flange define an undercut therebetween at the base of the shoulder such that a diameter of the shoulder is smaller at the base than at the top. At least one anti-rotation tab is located intermediate between the shoulder top and the flange, and is aligned for engagement with the host panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Stanley E. Wojciechowski, Michael J. McShane
  • Patent number: 6491487
    Abstract: A stud for installation in a host panel and for fastening a component to the host panel includes at least one shaft, having a longitudinal axis. An annular flange extends radially from the shaft at a substantially right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. A shoulder for engagement with the host panel has a top adjacent to the shaft and a base adjacent to the flange. The shoulder extends radially from the shaft wherein the shoulder and the flange define an undercut therebetween at the base of the shoulder such that a diameter of the shoulder is smaller at the base than at the top. A forging collar has a central aperture and is received in sleeve-like fashion over the shaft and is retained therewith. The forging collar includes a forging surface at an end most proximate to the annular flange wherein the forging surface is in deformable contact with the top of the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: FabriSteel Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley E. Wojciechowski
  • Patent number: 6491551
    Abstract: Through-the-wall hot and ground type improved stud connectors are disclosed for use being positioned through heavy duty motor vehicle battery box sidewalls, engine fire walls, dashboards and the like. The stud connector including a connector housing of conductive material including a threaded bore axially therethrough. First and second flat annular lands defining opposing ends on the conductor housing. The annular outer surface on the connector housing extends from the first annular land to the second annular land. A portion of the outer surface adjacent the second flat annular land is threaded. The invention resides in a threaded stud member of predetermined length being threadedly engaged with the threaded bore axially through the connector housing for providing adjustable length threaded stud mountings on opposing ends of the connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Julian Electric Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Julian, Kenneth A. Julian
  • Publication number: 20020159856
    Abstract: A fastening means that can be driven into a pre-fabricated bore hole in a hard substrate such as steel, concrete, rock or the like using a setting tool. The fastening means comprises a shank (1) and a load application means (2), wherein the shank (1) has a free end that is planar and a cylindrical outer contour, such that the driving of the fastening means into the substrate is done with an essentially consistently uniform driving force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Reinhard Buhri
  • Patent number: 6468011
    Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a threaded fastener having an axial shaft. A spring is disposed coaxially around the shaft and is capable of compression and expansion in the longitudinal direction defined by the shaft. First and second stops are disposed along the shaft. The spring is pre-compressed and is disposed between the stops so that its expansion is limited by the stops. One end of the spring is mechanically coupled to a work piece. When the fastener is turned, relative displacement develops between the shaft and the work piece. The displacement causes the spring to further compress as the work piece end of the spring and the second stop move away from one another. The force of the compressed spring is transferred to the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: David W. Mayer
  • Patent number: 6468012
    Abstract: A captive screw attachable an upper panel, for attaching the upper panel to a lower surface, the lower surface having a threaded hole, the captive screw having a screw, a ferrule that attaches to the upper panel, a thin-walled, cylindrical hollow knob and protrusions integral to the outer perimeter of the head portion of the screw to rigidly secure the perimeter of the head of the screw to the inner surface of the knob, the protrusions providing a press-fit of the screw to the inner surface of the knob where the screw is pressed into the knob from the underside of the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Ellis, Edward A. McCormack, Harry L. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 6464438
    Abstract: A captive fastener device is utilized to hold two members together. The device is comprised of a housing which may be securely attached to the first member. Within the housing is a spring which biases a bottom of a first lip of a cup washer. The top of the first lip contacts the top of the housing when the fastener is not engaged. The fastener has a ledge at the bottom of the fastener head which rests on a top surface of a second lip of the cup washer. The bottom surface of the second lip contacts the first member when the fastener has fully engaged the second member to secure the first and second members together. The first lip of the cup washer has a greater diameter than the second lip. The first lip also has a greater diameter than the fastener. When the fastener is not engaged, a top surface of the first lip engages a bottom surface of the top of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Timothy Edward Dowling
  • Patent number: 6454891
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel structures for spin weld assemblies and a method for forming same. The spin weld assemblies are formed by attaching a fastener to a plastic insert which is then attached to a plastic workpiece. The fastener can take the form of many different structures, preferably a stud or a nut. The fastener is formed with a drive for driving the fastener into a bore of the plastic insert having first and second ends. Self-tapping threads on the fastener engage the fastener with the plastic insert when the fastener is driven into the bore of the insert. The insert, having the fastener threadedly engaged thereto, is then rotated and generally axially displaced into an opening of the plastic workpiece, thereby spin welding the insert to the workpiece. The first end of the insert provides proper alignment for the insert to be spin welded into the opening as the diameter of the first end is smaller than that of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Goss
  • Patent number: 6419279
    Abstract: A ball and socket misalignment coupling includes a socket flange, ball member, retaining flange, threaded studs, and threaded retaining rings of limited shear strength. The threaded retaining rings function to permit the coupling to be pre-assembled. When the pre-assembled coupling is installed into service by using the threaded studs and associated nuts to bolt the coupling to a standard flange, the threaded rings are stripped out and remain in the assembly without obstructing the function of the coupling. The threaded retaining rings fit into recesses in the flanges through which the studs insert. The threaded retaining rings may made as a single-piece construction made from a material that has a yield and shear strength lower than that of the threaded studs about which they are mounted, or may be made as a two-piece threaded ring having inner threaded portion and a separate outer portion, each with differing material construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Raymond E. Latham
  • Patent number: 6418609
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a non-piercing, non-shearing fastener, die button, fastener and panel assembly and method for installing the fastener. The fastener has a head with a barrel, the barrel defines a cavity or pocket. The barrel cavity receives a portion of the panel and panel is forced around the outer barrel wall to wrap panel material around the barrel to lock the fastener into the panel. The barrel also includes anti-rotation formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: FabriSteel Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley E. Wojciechowski, Gilbert C. Quick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6406210
    Abstract: A novel captivated jackscrew structure is characterized by the formation of both an internal cavity (15) within one of the two bodies that are to be connected together and an access passage (17). One end of the cavity, located at one end of the body is open. The small diameter access passage extends through the other end of the body into the cavity's other end. A standard machine screw (1) is installed head (3) first and captured within the cavity, with the screw shaft (5) protruding from the end of the body (20). A barrier (7) is provided to prevent withdrawal of the machine screw head, but permit the screw head and shaft to move a limited distance axially within the cavity. A backstop (9), resembling an inverted cup with a hole in the bottom lies in inverted position in the cavity over the screw's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Parrish, Ryan S. Berkely
  • Patent number: 6406237
    Abstract: The fastener of the fastener and panel assembly includes a body portion received in a panel opening and a tubular barrel having a free end extending radially inwardly and a midportion bowed outwardly having a diameter greater than the panel opening. The body portion has an outside diameter greater than the inside diameter of the panel opening to form an interference fit providing torque resistance and preventing push-through of the fastener. The method of installing a fastener includes inserting the fastener body portion into the panel opening with the barrel received in a first die member and the body portion supported in the panel opening by a second die member. The end of the barrel is deformed radially inwardly and toward the body portion by the first die member and the midportion of the barrel is deformed radially outwardly preventing withdrawal of the fastener element from the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: FabriSteel Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley E. Wojciechowski, John J. Vrana
  • Publication number: 20020071736
    Abstract: A stress-free method and apparatus are provided for forming assemblies having thin substrates whereby a permanent non-interference fit low stress stud is positioned and secured evenly into a shallow hole of a thin substrate or host material without introducing uneven stress forces to maintain a flat surface on both sides of the thin substrate. The forces of inserting the stud are applied inward, towards a head portion of the tapered stud by a crimping tool adapted to move the substrate material inward and form a flange over the angled edges of the tapered head portion of the stud to secure the stud to the thin substrate. In doing so, the forces are absorbed by the strong tapered head portion of the stud which is able to withstand the crimping forces and will not be distorted by the inward crimping forces, thus maintaining flat surfaces of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Laszlo Kando
  • Patent number: 6394724
    Abstract: A panel fastener includes a metallic screw insert with an overmolded plastic cap. The screw insert is preferably manufactured by means of cold forming process which allows fabrication of the internal drive recesses and dog point ends for easy location of the mating threads while providing increased thread strength. The plastic cap is in the form of a knob which has large flutes on its outer diameter for ergonomic finger operation. In addition the knob may have a slot molded into its top to allow screwdriver or coin operation. The metallic insert may also be accessed by a drive through a central cavity in the knob. Assembly of the screw to the ferrule is achieved by passing the screw threads through the ferrule body which includes an internal annular retaining ring. The ring is very narrow and dimensioned to allow the screw to be easily pressed through the annular opening since the ring elastically expands as the thread portion of the screw passes through it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: PEM Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Kelly, Peter A. Vogel, Craig G. Link
  • Patent number: 6350095
    Abstract: A sustainer for securing a roof rail to a vehicle surface, which does not require protrusions or bumps to be formed on the vehicle surface to prevent unwanted rotation of the sustainer during tightening of an external bolt onto the sustainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: JAC Products Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Gross, Thomas Stertkamp
  • Publication number: 20020015627
    Abstract: A fastener device for attaching a rear face of an acoustic panel to a substrate, comprising an anchor part for attachment to the substrate and a screw part having an inner end rotatably held by the anchor part. The screw part has a helical member with an outer end capable of penetrating the rear face of the panel when rotated by an elongated drive rod projecting from the outer end. The drive rod can penetrate a panel and is accessible from the front face of the panel to cause the helical member to penetrate and engage a rear portion of the panel, and to secure the panel onto the substrate. The drive rod is removable from the outer end of the screw part after the panel has been secured so that the fastener is essentially concealed within the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Macdonald Joseph Gillis
  • Publication number: 20010048859
    Abstract: A self-fixing bolt 1 has a male-threaded body 2 and an annular barrel portion 3 having an upper region that continues from the lower end of the body. The barrel portion 3 has an outer periphery larger in diameter than the body 2, the barrel portion having a cylindrical opening 4 with a lower end to punch a hole in the metal panel 10 when driven to be attached to this panel. The bolt has a thrust-bearing shoulder 5 formed integral with the upper region of the barrel portion. Anti-rotation retentive lugs 9 protrude in a longitudinal direction from the outer periphery 8 of the barrel portion to be pointed outwards in a radial direction, each lug 9 being of a triangular or trapezoid cross section, so that the bolt is not accompanied by any oversized flange, thus rendered smaller in size and lighter in weight, and nevertheless surely protected from any undesired idle rotation relative to the panel when the its portion and the bolt form an assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Katsumi Shinjo
  • Patent number: 6322376
    Abstract: The invention is a removable bolt holder for securing a terminal bolt to a power distribution box housing with the bolt positioned to accept a battery terminal and to secure the battery terminal to a bus bar, for example with a nut. The bolt holder is formed separately from the housing, preferably of a material which is more heat-resistant than the material of the housing. The bolt holder is provided with locking structure which allows a first bolt to be inserted shank first into a terminal engaging position, and which further allows a replacement bolt head to be inserted to release the locking connection with the first-inserted bolt. If the bolt is stripped or fractured during assembly the bolt can be removed from the holder without removing the holder from the housing. If the holder is damaged, the entire holder can be removed from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki North America
    Inventor: James Thomas Jetton
  • Patent number: 6309156
    Abstract: A mounting unit includes a mounting part having an activation side defining an opening leading to a throughbore. A fixing part is insertable into the throughbore is fastenable to the mounting part, the fixing part including: a head which allows a fastening of the fixing part to the mounting part; a shaft adjoining the head on a top end thereof and being insertable with its bottom portion and with radial play into the throughbore; fixing projections disposed at the bottom portion of the shaft and extending beyond a cross section of the shaft in a plane perpendicular to the shaft longitudinal axis, the fixing projections being effective over an entire circumference of the shaft for fastening the fixing part to the mounting part; and an undercutting space disposed between the head and the fixing projections. A holding sleeve is adapted to be fastened to the mounting part and to surround the shaft and the fixing projections with radial play after the fixing part is inserted into the mounting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Richard Bergner GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Wilhelm Schneider
  • Patent number: 6309158
    Abstract: A captive panel fastener has a telescopically adjustable two-part sleeve which provides a mechanism whereby the length of the fastener is selectively adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Carl P. Bellinghausen, Patrick M. Povilaitis
  • Patent number: 6296431
    Abstract: The present invention is for a fastener device used to releasably fasten a first object and a second object. The fastener device is self-contained and includes a unitary housing that is releasably fastened to the first object. The housing has an annular wall that defines an exterior surface, an interior surface, and an upper and lower opening. Within the housing, extending radially inwardly from the interior surface is a housing stop shoulder. A retaining cover is threadingly attached to the housing at the lower end of the housing. The retaining cover is retained within the housing by a retainer ring. The fastener device also includes a threaded stud that is located within the housing. The stud includes an enlarged section which mates with the housing stop shoulder when the fastener is in a fully engaged position. The engagement of the enlarged section and the housing stop shoulder serves to retain the stud within the housing when the fastener is in a fully engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Nissi Industrial Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Virgil Miller
  • Publication number: 20010024607
    Abstract: A captive screw for securing a lever to a panel has a screw captivated on a ferrule and spring extending between the screw head and the ferrule. The ferrule is press fit into the lever. A collar is formed on the screw shank under the ferrule to limit penetration of the screw threads into the panel, so that the lever “floats” on the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventor: Albert J. Frattarola