Means To Engage Extends Through Aperture Patents (Class 411/173)
  • Patent number: 11702114
    Abstract: A trim assembly includes at least one trim part for a vehicle, wherein the at least one trim part has at least one bearing device where, in order to provide advantageous construction conditions, the trim assembly includes at least one first emergency catch device having a first support, the at least one first emergency catch device includes at least one first catch bolt having a contact surface facing the at least one trim part and includes at least one first spacer, and the at least one first catch bolt and the at least one first spacer are connected to the first support so as to ensure the trim assembly is highly resistant to loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: SIEMENS MOBILITY AUSTRIA GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Czerwinka, David Kreuzweger, Christian Moser, Alexander Prix, Jochen Ringswirth
  • Patent number: 11692581
    Abstract: A first example box nut retainer includes a support, a fastener sleeve, and a wing. The fastener sleeve defines an opening and extends downwardly from the support. The wing extends from the support and has a top corner between the support and the fastener sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Gregory George Buczynski
  • Patent number: 11555514
    Abstract: An attachment unit for providing a mounting thread as an internal thread on a component, in particular on a thin-walled component, includes an attachment body that bears the mounting thread and is arranged on a first side of the component in a region of a recess extending through the component, and a holding element that is arranged on a second side of the component in the region of the recess extending through the component and disposed opposite to the attachment body so as to hold the attachment body on the first side of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventors: Hubertus Kleine-Hartlage, Ulrich Krabbe, Rainer Hofter
  • Patent number: 11209039
    Abstract: A cage nut fastener, capable of installation against a frame member without the aid of tools, includes a spring cage and a nut retained within a space defined by the spring cage and prevented from rotation therein. The spring cage includes a back wall with a wall aperture therethrough, a cage arm extending in a forward direction from a side of the back wall, and a lever arm disposed at a side of the back wall that is opposite the cage arm. The nut includes a nut aperture therethrough that is generally aligned with the wall aperture of the back wall. The lever arm includes an extension portion that extends in a rearward direction behind the back wall of the spring cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Chatsworth Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jared Keith Davis
  • Patent number: 10914331
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for compensating tolerances between a first component and a second component comprising a base element that defines a central longitudinal axis, a compensation element in threaded engagement with the base element, and a holding element fixedly connected to the base element to hold the apparatus at the first component, wherein the holding element comprises a base body, characterized in that a support wall extending from a peripheral surface of the base body has an upper margin remote from the second component in the state of the apparatus held at the first component and comprises a deflection section that is deflectable against a return force along a deflection line not oriented perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: WITTE Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Till Erpenbeck
  • Patent number: 10746220
    Abstract: A connector for at least a first and a second component having a distance therebetween, especially an at least two-piece edge connector, comprising the following features: a first leg having a first opening as a first part and a second leg having a second opening as a second part which are connected movably to each other by means of a one-sided form-fit connection so that a distance between the first and the second leg is freely adjustable in a given interval and a component with a component opening is receivable between the first and the second leg and the connector is fastenable by means of a fastening element in the component opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Böllhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Ulrich Figge, Andreas Metten
  • Patent number: 10670069
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clip body (10) with a retainer (12) for a fastening device (14), wherein the clip body (10) can be fastened to a panel (18) provided with at least one fastening opening (16), wherein the clip body (10) has two limbs, of which one can be arranged on a first side of the panel (18) and the other can be arranged on a second side of the panel (18), and for this purpose is placed onto an edge of the panel (18), and the clip body (10) has at least one positioning element (20). According to the invention, the at least one positioning element (20) can be guided through the fastening opening (16) in the panel (18), and the clip body (10) can be positioned on the panel (18) by a stop of the at least one positioning element (20) on an edge (22) of the fastening opening (16). The invention also relates to a clip (30) and a fastening arrangement (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: SFS intec Holding AG
    Inventor: Sascha Costabel
  • Patent number: 10641308
    Abstract: A fastener to be inserted into a holding hole of a mounted member and a mounting hole of a mount member, includes a head portion disposed on the mounting hole. A leg portion extends from the head portion to be inserted into the holding hole and the mounting hole. An engaging portion is provided on the leg portion to be brought into engagement with the mounting hole. An elastic projecting portion projects outwards of the leg portion. The elastic projecting portion is disposed away from the holding hole. The elastic projecting portion is brought into abutment with an inner circumference of the mounting hole to thereby be bent, and a largest outside diameter of a portion of the elastic projecting portion which is positioned on the rear side of the mounting hole is set to be equal to or smaller than a bore diameter of the mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: PIOLAX, INC.
    Inventor: Naoki Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 10443633
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening clip for fastening a component on a carrier component, comprising a latching element for insertion into a fastening opening of the carrier component and having latching means for latching to the fastening opening, further comprising an arresting element which, in the case of the latching element being inserted into the fastening opening of the carrier component, is insertable into an arresting opening of the latching element, wherein mechanical blocking means, which are adjustable between a blocking position, in which full insertion of the arresting element into the arresting opening is prevented, and an unblocking position, in which full insertion of the arresting element into the arresting opening is enabled, are provided, the mechanical blocking means, in the case of the latching element not being inserted into the fastening opening of the carrier component, being situated in their blocking position and, by way of insertion of the latching element into the fastening ope
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Christian Scherer, Frank Eckstein, Isaac Tejero Salinero
  • Patent number: 10077795
    Abstract: A nut member 10 facilitates an adjustment of the optical axis of a light, has excellent handleability, and includes a flange portion 11 to be supported by an attachment portion 6 disposed on the back side of a vehicle lamp member 1, and a leg portion 15 protruding to the front from the flange portion 11 and to be elastically deformed and fastened to the attachment portion 6, the lamp member 1 having an optical axis 100 to be adjusted by handling a screw 8 inserted into an insertion hole 22 formed over from an inside of the flange portion 11 to the leg portion 15. Before an insertion of the screw 8, a screw thread 14 of a female screw portion 13 has been formed on an inner surface of a flange insertion pass (insertion hole 22) to extend one round in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignees: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., NIFCO INC.
    Inventors: Takeyuki Tachiiwa, Yuji Shibata
  • Patent number: 9599132
    Abstract: An assembly is provided for an aircraft propulsion system. The assembly includes an anti-rotation lug, a first mount, a second mount and a fastener. The anti-rotation lug includes a first curb and a second curb. The first mount is abutted against the first curb. The second mount is abutted against the second curb. The fastener connects the first and the second mounts to the anti-rotation lug, which lug is disposed between the first and the second mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Lance Wyndon
  • Patent number: 9464657
    Abstract: A retainer can couple at least two components together and includes a retainer body defining a body opening and at least one leg extending from the retainer body. The leg can bend relative to the retainer body between a first position and a second position upon application of an external force. The leg includes a connection portion coupled to the retainer body, a support portion coupled to the connection portion, and a bendable portion interconnecting the connection portion and the support portion. The bendable portion can bend such that the leg can move relative to the retainer body between the first and second positions. When the leg is in the first position, the support portion is obliquely angled relative to the retainer body. When the leg is in the second position, the support portion is substantially parallel to the retainer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Alpha Stamping Company
    Inventors: Diego Fernando Rosas Roman, Robert Stewart
  • Patent number: 9457540
    Abstract: A panel-insert assembly including a panel having a core and a skin layer positioned over the core, wherein the skin layer defines an opening therein, and an insert positioned below the skin layer, wherein the insert is aligned with the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael S. Lewis, Jessica Sakurai, Brad J. Reeves
  • Patent number: 9322425
    Abstract: A musical instrument stand clip is provided including a resilient body having a central portion, a first end portion extending outwardly from the central portion and defining a first opening therein and a second end portion extending outwardly from the central portion and defining a second opening therein, wherein the first opening at least partially overlaps the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: William Feldman
  • Patent number: 9161751
    Abstract: A suture system configured to place suture in tissue includes a tool and a suture assembly. The tool includes a proximal portion, a distal end spaced apart from the proximal portion by a throat, and a needle that is movable through a needle exit port formed in the proximal portion of the tool to a cavity formed in the distal end of the tool. The suture assembly includes a leader that is insertable into the cavity. The leader has a distal end attached to a length of suture and a band having at least two prongs extending from a proximal edge of the band. The prongs are configured to engage with the needle to allow the needle to extract the leader from the cavity and deliver it to the needle exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Danel J. Dravis, Sarah J. Deitch
  • Publication number: 20150023757
    Abstract: A method for fixing at least one nut in a housing is provided. The nut includes a latching portion, and the housing defines a connecting hole. The method includes providing a pressing block, placing the nut into the connecting hole of the housing, engaging the pressing block with the nut, heating the pressing block and transmitting heat energy to the nut, rotating the nut into the connecting hole, and melting a portion of an inner wall of the connecting hole to solidify molten material in the latching portion, thereby fixing the nut in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: CHIH-WEI CHANG, SHIH-WEI YANG
  • Patent number: 8790056
    Abstract: A REMOVABLE AND REUSABLE QUICK NUT, of the type used to fasten panels and/or accessories thereto, principally in the automobile industry, wherein on said nut, originating from a planar base, emerge individual opposite compression tabs that rise and fold toward an inner zone of the nut and that, by means of another fold, invert their direction in order on the outside to return to the height of the base, forming joining surfaces; from said surfaces there originate individual lugs or fins that, by means of successive folds, converge toward the inner zone of the nut in a position designed to engage with the screw thread of the screw for fastening the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Ismael Fuentes Domingo, Isaac Tejero Salinero, Raul Ortega Dona
  • Patent number: 8702362
    Abstract: An unconventional bolt includes a main body having two heads, and two threaded rods respectively formed at the external surface of each head coaxially with the main body, wherein the cross section of each head has a noncircular shape, and the axial projection of the cross section of the middle of the main body is located in the noncircular axial projection of each head of the main body. The unconventional bolt has a simple structure and a convenient assembly, and can improve the strength and rigidity of the nested profiled components after the connection; and the fastening device using the unconventional bolt can not only support the component but also reinforce it, thus effectively preventing the nested profiled components from transforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ningbo Bangda Intelligent Parking System Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jianhua Zhu
  • Patent number: 8459918
    Abstract: A cage nut includes a substantially rectangular base portion, two sidewalls, two stopper portions, two arm portions, two clamping portions, and a nut. The sidewalls extend from two opposite edges of the base portion. Each stopper portion extends from an end of a corresponding sidewall away from the base portion. The two stopper portions extend toward each other. Each arm portion extends outwardly from an end of a corresponding stopper portion. Each clamping portion extends from an end of a corresponding arm portion and includes a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge and the second side edge are arranged in an angle. The angle is equal to or less than about degrees. The clamping portions extend away from each other. The base portion, the two sidewalls and the two stopper portions define a receiving space. The nut is received in the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chieh-Hsiang Lin, Huang-Jyun Lu
  • Patent number: 8388289
    Abstract: A bracket nut for coupling a fastener to a sheet member is provided. The sheet member defines a first plane and the bracket nut defines a second plane, which is at an offset angle to the first plane. The sheet member defines a first hole substantially perpendicular to the first plane, and the bracket nut is configured to mate with the first hole. A second hole is defined in the bracket nut and is substantially perpendicular to the second plane. The second hole is configured to accept the fastener. The offset angle may be between approximately thirty to approximately sixty degrees. The bracket nut may include a first cantilevered arm and a second cantilevered arm. The first cantilevered arm and the second cantilevered arm are configured to prevent rotation about the first hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Lorin A. Mazur, Kevin K. Parkila, Michael R. Kaphengst
  • Publication number: 20130026788
    Abstract: A nut in the form of a mounting element made in a single piece and having a first branch and a second branch connected by a web, the first branch and the second branch each including a proximal portion connected to the web and a distal portion extending the proximal portion. The nut includes a screwing element supported by the distal portion of the first branch, with a bore extending inside the screwing element along a screwing axis and emerging inside the mounting element through the distal portion of the first branch. The second branch includes an opening passing through the distal portion of the second branch opposite the bore. The proximal portion of at least one of the first and second branches is deformable so as to allow the distal portions of the first branch and the second branch to be positioned parallel to one another with different spacings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIEUR INDUSTRIE
    Inventors: Michel Kuhm, Dominique Duchet, Frédéric Lard
  • Patent number: 8240964
    Abstract: A sheet metal nut including a cage part (1) that is fitted with a bottom plate (2), supporting edge sections, and opposite side plates (4, 5). Contacting final sections (15, 16) are disposed across from the supporting edge sections and grip the peripheral zones of a hole along with the supporting edge sections in a mounted arrangement of the sheet metal nut. The supporting edge sections are molded onto the bottom plate (2) while a separate securing part (10) is joined to the side plates (4, 5) and is equipped with two leg plates (11, 12) that are located between the side plates (4, 5) and extend from a base region (13) towards the supporting edge sections (24, 25) at an increasing distance from each other. The contacting final sections (15, 16) are molded onto one respective free end of a leg plate (11, 12), are aligned with their front sides directed towards one another, and lie across from the supporting edge sections (24, 25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Uwe Motsch, Klaus Hullmann
  • Publication number: 20120134763
    Abstract: A cage nut includes a substantially rectangular base portion, two sidewalls, two stopper portions, two arm portions, two clamping portions, and a nut. The sidewalls extend from two opposite edges of the base portion. Each stopper portion extends from an end of a corresponding sidewall away from the base portion. The two stopper portions extend toward each other. Each arm portion extends outwardly from an end of a corresponding stopper portion. Each clamping portion extends from an end of a corresponding arm portion and includes a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge and the second side edge are arranged in an angle. The angle is equal to or less than about 90 degrees. The clamping portions extend away from each other. The base portion, the two sidewalls and the two stopper portions define a receiving space. The nut is received in the receiving space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIEH-HSIANG LIN, HUANG-JYUN LU
  • Patent number: 8136328
    Abstract: A panel includes a core and a fastener receptacle extending into the core. The fastener receptacle has an internal hollow and an opening to the internal hollow. The opening is formed by a lip that can engage and structurally support a push-in fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Harold G. Erickson, Douglas A. Brown
  • Publication number: 20120009041
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting device for fastening a module onto a component, in particular an outside housing of another module. The device includes a fastening screw having a thread, a screw carrier to receive the screw shaft of the fastening screw, and a thread carrier which is connected to the component and has an inside thread corresponding to the thread of the fastening screw. A force-locking connection between the screw carrier and the thread carrier is established by means of the fastening screw in the fastening position, and the module is supported on a supporting element of the component in the fastening position. The screw shaft of the fastening screw has an additional shaft section which is connected to the front shaft section at the screw head end for receiving a spring element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: VEGA Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Frank Becherer, Winfried Rauer
  • Patent number: 8083450
    Abstract: An anchor facilitates blind engagement by a first fastener in order to connect an object to a wall. The anchor may be inserted into a cavity accessible through a hole defined in a hollow substrate to connect the object to the wall. The anchor includes a base plate and a pair of laterally offset arms extending from the base plate, such that each arm includes an engagement structure disposed at a distal end of each arm. The engagement structure of each arm cooperatively supports the anchor and complementarily engages the first fastener. The first fastener may be a bolt, a screw, or any suitable fastener such as a threaded fastener. The engagement structure includes a collar extending outwardly from each arm for engaging the hollow substrate upon insertion of the anchor into the cavity. Additionally, the engagement structure includes a tang extending inwardly from each arm, generally defining a portion of a first aperture for engaging the first fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Michael Anthony Giugliano, Daniel James Dickinson, Mark Fleydervish, Edward Sacha
  • Publication number: 20110243727
    Abstract: A joint assembly for a steam turbine includes a threaded stud extending through mating openings in a first flange of the first half shell and in a second flange of the second half shell; a first nut threaded onto a first end of the threaded stud adjacent the first flange; a screw coupling the first nut to the first flange; and a dowel extending between and into the first flange and the first nut so as to bear a substantial portion of a torque load applied to the first nut compared to the screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas William Swart, Jeyaruban Selliah Amirtharajah, Michael Thomas Hamlin
  • Patent number: 8016530
    Abstract: A nut fastener adapted for insertion into an opening in a panel. The nut fastener includes a platform including an upper face and a lower face. A sleeve defining a sleeve axis extends through the platform. The sleeve includes a sleeve inlet opening at the upper face adapted to receive an elongate fastening member along the sleeve axis. A first retention arm extends downwardly from a first position on the platform. At least a second retention arm extends downwardly from a second position on the platform. The first position and the second position are disposed on substantially opposing sides of the sleeve axis. The first retention arm and the second retention arm are adapted to rotate to outboard locking positions upon insertion of the elongate fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Johnson, William S. Pippine
  • Patent number: 7885077
    Abstract: A heatsink may be releasably secured to a substructure of an electronic system, such as a circuit board, in engagement with a heat-generating component, such as a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tony Carl Sass, Paul Andrew Wormsbecher
  • Patent number: 7874775
    Abstract: A fastening device to be fitted into a support part (22) has a cover plate (1) and two clamping arms (6, 7). Each clamping arm (6, 7) has an inner leg (5) and an outer leg (10) which has a bracing structure on its end facing the cover plate (1). The bracing structure of each clamping arm (6) is provided with two flat side cheeks (15, 16) that are joined to mutually opposite side margins (13, 14) of the respective outer leg (10) and extend toward the other clamping arm (6, 7). Each side cheek (15, 16) has an end face (17) that is oriented at an angle to the cover plate (1) and falls away toward the respective outer leg (10) from the end remote from that outer leg (10). The fastening device according to the invention can consequently be used in the presence of relatively high extraction forces with support parts that vary in thickness over a relatively large range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Klaus Hullmann, Michael De Jong, Thomas Eckert
  • Publication number: 20100230936
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for securing an airbag (25) to a motor vehicle. Said method consists of the following steps: an airbag (25) that comprises a securing lug (20) and that can be filled with a gas is secured to a securing device (10) that comprises a plate (11) and an attachment device (16) that is secured to the plate. Said plate comprises a first plate section (12) having a first opening (14) provided with a screw thread (15) and a second plate section (13). Said attachment device (16) is secured to the first plate section (12) and the airbag is secured to the securing device (10) by bending the second plate section (13) in such a manner that the first plate section (12) and the second plate section (13) at least partially surround the securing lug (20) on both sides. The invention also relates to a securing device for an airbag, an airbag module and a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Frank Bonarens, Dietmar Breidert, Matthias Brunner, Benjamin De Buysscher, Johannes Diehl, Mathias Grube, Waldemar Medla
  • Patent number: 7789606
    Abstract: A self-locking panel nut fastener having a nut for being received within an opening in a panel which self-locks and upon receiving a threaded screw or bolt enhances the locking relationship with the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Kosidlo, IV, Bradley J. Jacobs, Lawrence W. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100209211
    Abstract: A section (10; 110) is provided for the manufacture of hollow body elements, in particular for the manufacture of pierce and rivet nuts having a square or rectangular outline in plan view and a ring-like piercing section (36; 236) at a side confronting a component consisting of a sheet metal material or the like. The section (10; 210) is at least substantially rectangular in cross-section with two bars (14, 16; 214, 216) at the side (12; 212) later confronting the component. The bars are spaced apart and extend parallel to the longitudinal sides (18, 20; 218, 220) of the section, are likewise at least substantially rectangular in cross-section and form, in the finished element (11, 211), a feature providing security against rotation. The bars respectively each have an inclined flank (68, 70; 268, 270) at the inner side which forms an undercut (69, 71; 269, 271).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: PROFIL Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Jiri BABEJ, Michael Vieth, Richard Humpert
  • Publication number: 20100129173
    Abstract: A component assembly comprising a sheet metal part and a fastener element which has a flange part of larger diameter and a shaft part of smaller diameter which extends away from the flange part and merges at its end remote from the flange part into a cylindrical rivet section is characterized in that the fastener element is designed for use with sheet metal parts with thicknesses in the range of 3 mm and larger. With relatively thin sheet metal parts the sheet metal part has a smooth pierced cylindrical opening which has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the shaft part, with the cylindrical rivet section being reshaped to a rivet bead which contacts the underside of the sheet metal part. With sheet metal parts of medium thickness the sheet metal part has a stepped hole with the hole region of larger diameter receiving the rivet bead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Jiri Babej, Richard Humpert, Christian Sowa, Michael Vieth
  • Publication number: 20100111638
    Abstract: A plastic, undetachable anchor (10) to affix a component (52) to a support (54), comprising a rectangular affixing aperture (56), the anchor comprising a resilient, flange-like head (12), a hollow shank (16) subtending an axis and connected at one end to the head (12) and receiving an affixation screw (20), further resilient detent arms (40,42) connected to the shank end away from the head (14), where the detent arms (40,42) running obliquely outward toward the head (14) are fitted at their free ends with a detent shoulder (44) engaging { in the assembled state—an edge of an affixation aperture (56) facing them in order to secure the anchor (10) against being pulled out of the affixation aperture (56).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: ITW AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Rueckel
  • Patent number: 7568870
    Abstract: A push nut comprises legs (6, 7), each of which is configured with outer struts (5), inner struts (17) spacedly disposed between the outer struts (5), and a tongue (19) lying between the inner struts (17) and projecting into an inner space (16) and intended to bear against a shank of a bolt that can be screwed into a thread portion (4). A high pull-out strength is thereby obtained with relatively low material expenditure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: A. Raymond Et CIE
    Inventor: Jerome Paquet
  • Patent number: 7524129
    Abstract: A connector for securing first and second substrates together, comprising: an outer fastener and an inner fastener is disclosed and claimed. The outer fastener comprises a dowel shaped stud. The inner fastener comprises a flange and a pair of clips. The pair of clips includes a first portion and a second portion. The flange is lanced and includes a punched out portion. The stud interengages the flange and the second portion of the pair of clips urges the clips away from each other and away from the stud. The outer fastener is pressed into the first substrate and the second portion of the clips is pressed into the second substrate. The second portion of the clips include a turned back portion and the turned back portion of the clip grip the second substrate preventing removal of the inner fastener from the second substrate. The connector is tolerant of the misalignment of the inner and outer fasteners and the bores in which the fasteners reside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Stafast Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Selle
  • Patent number: 7338241
    Abstract: A receptacle for a fastener which is inserted into a receptacle receiving member. The receptacle is insertable and rotatable in a hole in the receptacle receiving member and includes at least one arm extending from a fastener receiving member. The arm is arranged to engage with a first side of the receptacle receiving member on insertion of the fastener receiving member into the receptacle receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Southco, UK Ltd.
    Inventor: Derrin John Bond
  • Patent number: 7226260
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fastener mounting clip for use in securing a fastener to sheet material having a bore hole formed therein. The fastener mounting clip is preferably formed of a single sheet of thin spring steel. The mounting clip includes a rectilinear planar surface having opposing retainer arms extending beneath its outer edge at obtuse angles. The retaining arms are resiliently flexible and compress and expand during insertion wherein a top end of the retaining arm abuts against the sheet material when the fastener mounting clip is fully seated within the bore hole. The planar surface includes support tabs for supporting the planar surface in the plane of the sheet material and also includes a recessed aperture for receiving and retaining a fastener therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: A. Raymond, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Jackson, Jr., Rene Dreiocker, Michael Osswald
  • Patent number: 7128512
    Abstract: A fastener system for mounting to a panel includes a twist-in fastener that rotatably engages an opening in the panel. The fastener includes a fastener body defining an opening extending through the fastener body for receiving a mating fastener, a plurality of facets positioned around the fastener body opening for facilitating the mounting of the fastener onto the panel, and a fastener base. Panel-engaging members extend outwardly from the fastener base to rotatably mount the fastener through the panel opening and onto the panel. At least one anti-rotation member also extends outwardly from the fastener base to prevent the mounted fastener from backing out of the panel opening upon the removal of the mating fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Johnson, John M. Kosidlo
  • Patent number: 6908274
    Abstract: This invention pertains fasteners which are characterized by easy insertion and extraordinarily difficult separation of items that they attach together. This is achieved by a combination of snapping segments with multi-engagement configurations of engageable holes. The snapping segments may comprise anti-opening and/or anti-sliding portions, which immensely increase the strength with which the fasteners hold the objects together. Provision of an elastic body in the vicinity of the bottom section of the fasteners provides water and gas proof properties, and further eliminates squeaking noises. Vehicles comprising objects connected together by the fastening devices described and claimed herein are part of the instant invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventor: Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Patent number: 6899498
    Abstract: A Spring fastener with critical configuration of the barbs, which allow the extraction of the fastener without destruction of the slot and/or the fastener. This critical configuration of the barbs allows spring fasteners to be used in slots of various widths and prevents rattling, which would take place in the case of spring fasteners of the present state of the art. The critical configuration is based on the special dimensions and special shape of the barbs with regard to the parts and the slots involved in assemblies of the spring fasteners and the parts. Assemblies of miscellaneous parts connected together by means of such spring fasteners, as well as vehicles comprising such assemblies may be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: E. Vassiliou Rev. Trust
    Inventors: Joseph William Lowry, Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Patent number: 6896464
    Abstract: This invention pertains fasteners which are characterized by easy insertion and extraordinarily difficult separation of items that they attach together. This is achieved by a combination of snapping segments with multi-engagement configurations of engageable holes. The snapping segments may comprise anti-opening and/or anti-sliding portions, which immensely increase the strength with which the fasteners hold the objects together. Provision of an elastic body in the vicinity of the bottom section of the fasteners provides water and gas proof properties, and further eliminates squeaking noises. Vehicles comprising objects connected together by the fastening devices described and claimed herein are part of the instant invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventor: Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Patent number: 6848874
    Abstract: A fastener with critical configuration of the barbs, which allow the extraction of the fastener without destruction of the slot and/or the fastener. This critical configuration of the barbs allows fasteners to be used in slots of various widths and prevents rattling, which would take place in the case of fasteners of the present state of the art. The critical configuration is based on the special dimensions and special shape of the barbs with regard to the parts and the slots involved in assemblies of the fasteners and the parts. Assemblies of miscellaneous parts connected together by means of such fasteners, as well as vehicles comprising such assemblies may be made. In addition, fasteners with a combination of low and high barbs, which combination prevents rattling of the fastener and allows secure attachment on a part, such as a sheet metal, for example, are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph William Lowry, Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Patent number: 6840727
    Abstract: This invention pertains fasteners which are characterized by easy insertion and extraordinarily difficult separation of items that they attach together. This is achieved by a combination of snapping segments with multi-engagement configurations of engageable holes. The snapping segments may comprise anti-opening and/or anti-sliding portions, which immensely increase the strength with which the fasteners hold the objects together. Provision of an elastic body in the vicinity of the bottom section of the fasteners provides water and gas proof properties, and further eliminates squeaking noises. Vehicles comprising objects connected together by the fastening devices described and claimed herein are part of the instant invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventor: Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Patent number: 6688830
    Abstract: A device f or the bracing connection of spaced-apart components (1, 2) by a connecting screw (5), comprising a supporting part (3), which can be secured on the first component (1) by fastening elements (8), and a spacer part (4), which can be displaced axially in relation to the supporting part (3) by rotation and, as the connecting screw (5), fitted into an opening of the spacer part, is screwed in, is carried along, as a result of friction-fitting engagement of the lateral surface of the screw shank against resilient elements (9) projecting into the opening, until it strikes against the second component (2) Both the supporting part (3) and the spacer part (4) are threaded bushings (6, 7) formed in one piece, the fastening elements (8) and the resilient elements (9) forming parts of the respective shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Witte-Velbert GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bernd Klüting
  • 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: 6629809
    Abstract: This invention pertains fasteners which are characterized by easy insertion and extraordinarily difficult separation of items that they attach together. This is achieved by a combination of snapping segments with multi-engagement configurations of engageable holes. The snapping segments may comprise anti-opening and/or anti-sliding portions, which immensely increase the strength with which the fasteners hold the objects together. Provision of an elastic body in the vicinity of the bottom section of the fasteners provides water and gas proof properties, and further eliminates squeaking noises. Vehicles comprising objects connected together by the fastening devices described and claimed herein are part of the instant invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventor: Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Patent number: 6540463
    Abstract: A blind hole panel nut has an elongated geometrical configuration. The nut is adapted to be inserted and mounted within a similarly shaped aperture defined within a support panel upon which a component is to be mounted. The nut has slots formed within opposite longitudinal end portions thereof and at mid-depth portions such that upper and lower nut disk portions are formed. The nut is rotated a predetermined angle from its initial insertion position with respect to the support panel aperture to its locked position upon the support panel. The slots physically accommodate side wall portions of the support panel which define the aperture. The upper and lower nut disk portions self-support the nut member upon the support panel. The nut member is also provided with a centrally located threaded aperture for receiving a threaded bolt fastener to form a blind hole panel nut member and bolt fastener assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Ward
  • Publication number: 20030039529
    Abstract: A blind hole panel nut has an elongated geometrical configuration. The nut is adapted to be inserted and mounted within a similarly shaped aperture defined within a support panel upon which a component is to be mounted. The nut has slots formed within opposite longitudinal end portions thereof and at mid-depth portions such that upper and lower nut disk portions are formed. The nut is rotated a predetermined angle from its initial insertion position with respect to the support panel aperture to its locked position upon the support panel. The slots physically accommodate side wall portions of the support panel which define the aperture. The upper and lower nut disk portions self-support the nut member upon the support panel. The nut member is also provided with a centrally located threaded aperture for receiving a threaded bolt fastener to form a blind hole panel nut member and bolt fastener assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Michael E. Ward