Means To Engage Grasps An Edge Of Substructure Patents (Class 411/174)
  • Patent number: 10851822
    Abstract: A device, system and method to connect a receiving member and a connecting device with a pin such that an asymmetrical configuration after the alignment of the connecting member and the receiving member does not give rise to asymmetrical glue distribution, nor asymmetrical shrinking nor curing drift. The receiving member has a receiving planar surface with at least one opening, and the connecting device has a main body with a contact plane, the main body having at least one opening where the connecting device is placed with the contact plane towards the receiving planar surface so that the at least one opening of the connecting device overlaps the at least one opening of the receiving surface, and the pin is inserted into the overlap. The system having a device for exerting a force between the contact plane of the connecting device and the receiving planar surface of the receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: BARCO NV
    Inventor: Frank Hellin
  • Patent number: 10851826
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing a solar panel rail and rail-less support structures to a shingle roof. More specifically, the apparatus includes a connection bracket and flashing device for use in installing solar panel rail support structures. The connection bracket is secured to the flashing device by rotating its base around a threaded connection until it locks in place so that a solar panel rail support guide can be connected to a generally U-shaped connection on the top of the bracket. The apparatus also offers an improved means to cover the penetration point on the flashing to protect it and prevent water from leaking into the roof as well as an improved way to install the apparatus over existing products. An alternate embodiment of the apparatus is offered to support a rail-less pivot mount as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Ironridge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Shawn Meine, Anumeha Narain, Clayton Rietz, David Taggart
  • Patent number: 10359069
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing a solar panel rail and rail-less support structures to a shingle roof. More specifically, the apparatus includes a connection bracket and flashing device for use in installing solar panel rail support structures. The connection bracket is secured to the flashing device by rotating its base around a threaded connection until it locks in place so that a solar panel rail support guide can be connected to a generally U-shaped connection on the top of the bracket. The apparatus also offers an improved means to cover the penetration point on the flashing to protect it and prevent water from leaking into the roof as well as an improved way to install the apparatus over existing products. An alternate embodiment of the apparatus is offered to support a rail-less pivot mount as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: IronRidge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Shawn Meine, Anumeha Narain, Clayton Reitz, David Taggart
  • Patent number: 10220886
    Abstract: A compensator assembly for a vehicle frame includes a base member having a clip engaging a first frame component spaced from a second frame component. An extension member is threadably coupled with the base member. A fastener extends coaxially through the base and the extension members to engage the first and second frame components. Rotation of the fastener unthreads the extension member until it contacts the second frame component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jaspinder S. Sahi, John T. Reed
  • Patent number: 10202995
    Abstract: A self-locking push-on clip fastener for securing two components together is disclosed. The clip fastener includes a u-shaped clip body that includes upper and lower legs and a curved end that connects the legs. The clip body has an open end into which the component to be attached is inserted. The legs are movable between an initial, spaced apart arrangement in which the component may be inserted into the clip body, to a final component-engaging position in which the component is captured between the legs. A slidably movable u-shaped trigger is attached to the clip body. A trigger-guiding channel is formed on the inner wall of one or both of the legs of the clip body. The trigger is slidably movable in the channel. An interlock system comprising first and second windows is formed in one of the legs of the clip body and a flange extending from the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Jan Peter Stickelberger, Stefan Schulz, Melanie Anna, Richard Geist, Jimmy Voniez, Michael Danby
  • Patent number: 10066813
    Abstract: A socket assembly is disclosed. The socket assembly includes a light emitting diode (LED) package having an LED printed circuit board (PCB), a base frame, an isolator frame, and an electrical contact. The base frame has a base mounted to a support structure and a spring finger extending from the base, the spring finger applying a clamping force to the LED PCB that acts in a direction toward the support structure. The isolator frame is mounted to the support structure. The electrical contact is electrically connected to the LED PCB and disposed within the isolator frame, such that the isolator frame electrically isolates the base frame from the electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: TE Connectivity Nederland BV
    Inventors: Peter Poorter, Jeroen Iedema, Olaf Leijnse
  • Patent number: 9820402
    Abstract: A circuit board is described herein. The circuit board can include a body and at least one enclosure coupling feature disposed in at least one outer side of the body. The at least one enclosure coupling feature can include at least one protruding section disposed adjacent to the at least one outer side of the body, where the at least one protruding section is configured to couple to at least one first circuit board coupling feature of an enclosure. The at least one enclosure coupling feature can also include at least one recessed section disposed adjacent to the at least one protruding section. The at least one protruding section and the at least one recessed section can form an aperture that traverses a thickness of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew Robert McCurley, Paul Wayne Lewis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9347480
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventors: Michel Kuhm, Dominique Duchet, Frédéric Lard
  • Publication number: 20150117976
    Abstract: A threaded bushing (14) is provided for releasably connecting a fiber-reinforced plastic first component of the motor vehicle structure to a plastic or metal second component of the motor vehicle structure. The threaded bushing (14) has a sleeve-like basic body (15) made of metal. The basic body (15) has an external wall (16) with an external thread (17) and an internal wall (18) with an internal thread (19). The threaded bushing (14) can be screwed via the external thread (17) into a recess in the fiber-reinforced plastic of the first component. A screw penetrates a recess in the second component is screwed into the internal thread (19) of threaded bushing (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Thiemo Erb, Markus Brunner, Marc Cachaj
  • Patent number: 8905693
    Abstract: A retention clip for hardware may include a support surface having an aperture extending through the support surface. The support surface may surround an entire perimeter of the aperture. The clip may further include at least one anti-rotation surface extending from the support surface in a non-parallel direction, and a plurality of angled tabs extending from the support surface in non-parallel directions towards the aperture. At least a portion of each angled tab may be disposed directly below the aperture. The tabs may be elastic below a preset load placed on the tabs, and the tabs may deform and lose their elasticity above the preset load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Donald W. Coffland, Mark D. Klein, Shane C. Kleppen, Kenneth Wayne Lilly, Edward L. White, Douglas S. Jones
  • Publication number: 20140321940
    Abstract: In a clip that copes with pitches of a plurality of types of screw grooves, force to support the engaged screw members is increased at low cost. Each elastic locking piece extends from the first side to the second side opposite to the first side, in the direction of the axis of the screw member such that its leading end approaches the screw member within the insertion hole of a tubular body part. Each elastic locking piece is elastically deformable such that its leading end is separated from the screw member. Each locking piece has at its leading end a locking claw that engages with the screw groove of the screw member. A claw leading-edge of the locking claw has a straight section extending straight on one side in a circumferential direction around the axis, and a curved section extending curvedly along the circumferential direction on the other side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Daiwa Kasei Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Iwahara, Makoto Kato, Atsutoshi Kaji
  • Patent number: 8807898
    Abstract: A connector assembly comprises a base part that defines a through-hole for receiving a bolt and also defines an aperture for receiving a device having a first end that fits through the aperture in the base part and a second end that does not fit through the aperture in the base part. The first end of the device defines a bolt-hole for engaging with a bolt extending though the through-hole in the base part. The second end of the device comprises opposing outer surfaces that engage the base part and thereby prevent the device from passing completely through the aperture, and also align the bolt-hole in the device with the through-hole in the base part when the first end of the device is inserted into the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Westin Nelson, Douglas John Martell
  • Patent number: 8696279
    Abstract: A device for connecting two components, comprising at least one leg, which has a fastening opening and which is connected to at least one holder, further comprising a pin receptacle for receiving a fastening pin which can be guided through the fastening opening, wherein the leg and the pin receptacle delimit between each other a receiving slit for a first component, and wherein the leg, on its side facing away from the receiving slit, has at least one abutment surface for a second component, wherein in each case at least two guiding bars run along two opposing sides of the pin receptacle, and these guiding bars connect the pin receptacle to the holder such that it can be moved elastically in its axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Sbongk
  • Patent number: 8651443
    Abstract: A device for clamping a scale to an attachment face of a support, the device including a securing element and a clamping element that is secured to a support by the securing element. The clamping element includes a first spring element that is resilient in a first direction toward an attachment face of the support, wherein the first spring element introduces a first clamping force on a scale in a direction of the attachment face. The clamping element further includes a second spring element that is resilient in a second direction that extends perpendicular to the first direction and wherein the second spring element introduces a second clamping force onto the scale in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhard Mayer
  • Patent number: 8522408
    Abstract: A clamp includes a base section, from which a pair of sidewalls and prongs extend, where the prongs are designed to grip gussets within the curb inlet and maintain proper alignment with designated portions of the restrictor plate despite manufacturing variations in gussets positioning within the curb inlet. The clamp is capable of securely positioning a floatable restrictor plate within or flush with an opening of the curb inlet so as to prevent floatables from entering storm sewer systems through the curb inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Campbell-ERS L.L.C.
    Inventor: Clifford F. Lill
  • 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: 8434986
    Abstract: A washer includes a wedge-shaped main body, a wedge-shaped adjusting portion moveably positioned on the main body and a flexible connecting portion interconnecting the main body and the adjusting portion. The main body defines a through hole through which the screw passes. The main body includes a bottom surface and a positioning surface angled relative to the bottom surface. The adjusting portion includes a flat contact surface and a latching surface contacting the positioning surface of the main body. The latching surface is angled relative to the contact surface. A wedge angle of the adjusting portion equals that of the main body, thus the bottom surface of the main body is substantially parallel with the contact surface of the adjusting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zi-Ming Tang
  • Publication number: 20130101371
    Abstract: The system (100) of fastening elements formed by a coupling rod (2) and a nut comprises a support structure or blade (30) provided with resilient tongues. The tongues will bend upward during a rotationless translation of the coupling rod along the nut. After further tightening by means of rotation in an opposite longitudinal direction the tongues are pressed flat against a stop surface (93) of the base body. As a result the support structure (30) fixes itself into the base body (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Speed-Fix IP B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Gerhardus Spijker, Ferdinand Schottert, Herman Johan Lüth, Jordy Bloemendal, Christijan Albers, Erik Lambertus Johannes Klein Nagelvoort
  • Publication number: 20120317787
    Abstract: A nut plate assembly includes a nut retainer and a bushing for expanding a tubular body of the retainer. The retainer assembly is used to cold work an opening of a workpiece in order to fix the nut retainer assembly relative to the workpiece. A nut can be snapped into the retainer. A method of installation includes passing a mandrel through the bushing to radially expand the bushing into a tubular body of the retainer. The tubular body is compressed between the workpiece and bushing as the bushing is displaced radially causing corresponding radial displacement of the tubular body. The expanded bushing applies pressure to the tubular body for a desired fit between the nut retainer and workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: FATIGUE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: James Ryunoshin Ross, Timothy Howard Johnson, Scott Harlow Gulick
  • Patent number: 8267629
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a boss of a display module. The mounting structure is constructed with a reinforcing member installed on a chassis base of the display module, a boss including a threaded length having an outer portion on which a screw surface is formed and being coupled to the reinforcing member, and a connecting portion extending from the threaded length in a direction away from the reinforcing member and having an end portion in which a coupling hole is formed, and a supporting nut screwed into the threaded length to press the boss toward the reinforcing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won-Kyu Bang, Myoung-Kon Kim
  • Patent number: 8231317
    Abstract: A fastening clamp for connecting a carrier part (13) and an add-on part (14) has a plug-through leg (1), with a plug-through sleeve (5), and a threaded leg (2), which is connected to a thread unit (10). The plug-through sleeve (5) extends away from the threaded leg (2) and has an effective overall height which is greater than the thickness of an add-on part (14). Engagement elements (11) are present on that side of the thread leg (2) which is directed towards the plug-through leg (1). In a pre-assembly arrangement, the legs (1, 2) are spaced apart by a distance which is large enough to allow a carrier part (13) to be positioned between the legs (1, 2) such that it is essentially free of engagement with the engagement elements (11), in which case, once a screw has been screwed into an end position, the engagement elements (11) thus engage with the carrier part (13) such that the fastening clamp is connected in a non-displaceable manner to the carrier part (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventor: Vincent De Gelis
  • Patent number: 8201848
    Abstract: A fixing element fixes a part to a support wall. When the fixing element is inserted into an opening in the support wall and reaches a predetermined end position, the fixing element locks to the support wall. The fixing element includes a stop element, a snap-on element, and an unlocking element. The stop element bears against a side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The snap-on element is positioned on an inner side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The unlocking element is connected to the snap-on element. The unlocking element is configured to permit the snap-on element to be unlocked and the fixing element to be removed from the opening. An installation tool and a testing tool may be used in conjunction with the fixing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Takata AG
    Inventors: Peter Baumgartner, Ralf Gutmann, Oliver Glöckler
  • Patent number: 8177466
    Abstract: Fasteners such as clip nut fasteners can include a clip having a nut cage and a nut supported by the nut cage. The nut cage can have a wall supporting a portion of the nut wherein the wall can flex toward and away from the nut. The nut can have projections or other discontinuities for engaging bearing surfaces in the nut cage, for limiting rotation of the nut when under torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: The Monadnock Company
    Inventors: Terrence Csik, Igor Komsitsky, Frank Read
  • Patent number: 8087862
    Abstract: A clip having a U-shaped body and a cantilevered replacement tab with a threaded hole. The clip replaces damaged threaded tabs on a metal electrical box. The U-shaped body of the clip is slid over the wall of an electrical box after the damaged threaded tab is removed. A cantilevered replacement tab extends from the U-shaped body of the clip having a replacement threaded hole therein for receiving a machine screw. The machine screw holds an electrical outlet within the electrical box. The cantilevered replacement tab creates a moment arm causing an attached tooth to bite into a surface of the electrical box. The clip is thereby securely held within the electrical box and is prevented from sliding off of the box as the electrical outlet is drawn into the box by the machine screw. The present invention provides an improved clip for the replacement of a tab in a damaged electrical box and eliminates the need for replacing the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7959392
    Abstract: A U-nut fastener assembly includes a U-nut fastener including a first arm member, a second arm member formed unitarily with the first arm member, a bite portion formed unitarily between the first and second arm portions such that the first arm member, the second arm member, and the bite portion are oriented to form a substantially U-shape. The nut includes a single helical thread having a proximal end and a distal end that are separated by a longitudinal gap. The U-nut assembly also includes a fastener device adapted to be received within the U-nut fastener. The single helical thread has a proximal end and a distal end and a gap disposed between the proximal and distal ends. The U-nut assembly is molded from a plastic material to include an anti-reverse feature that inhibits the fastener device from loosening with respect to the U-nut fastener. The anti-reverse feature is also adapted to provide a tactile indication to an operator installing the U-nut assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Brock T. Cooley
  • Patent number: 7896596
    Abstract: The invention relates to a U-shaped clamping piece for attachment to a panel provided with an opening, having two flat legs, connected by a yoke, with a nut part axially movably disposed between the two legs for receiving a bolt, said bolt penetrating the opening and one leg, wherein said nut part is non-rotatably held on the clamping piece by a lateral arm. The nut part is secured by its end in axially resilient manner to the leg facing away from the panel by means of a plurality of straps extending from the end of the nut part to the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ejot GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Rausch, Marko Göring, Eberhard Christ
  • 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: 20100172715
    Abstract: A floating fastener base and pocket are disclosed. The base and pocket permit the adjustable positioning of a stud, such as a striker bolt, prior to final assembly and tightening. A floating fastener base has one or more flanges which fit within a pocket created by one or more respective flange receptacles formed on a substrate. The floating fastener base is inserted into the floating fastener base pocket. This provides a fastening base for a stud wherein the fastening base and the stud are positionally adjustable prior to final retention of the stud, typically accomplished by tightening of the stud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Gary D. Tucker, II
  • Patent number: 7654783
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening element comprising a clip part (4), which has a top plate (10), a base plate (3) and a joining section (9). A cutout (11) is made in the top plate (10), and a cutout (5) is made in the base plate (3), these cutouts facing one another. The fastening element also comprises an elongated shaft part (1), which is formed on the base plate (3), has a smooth-wall shaft cutout (2) that leads into the cutout (5) in the base plate and which provided for receiving a connection part. This connection part is provided with an external thread having a nominal diameter and can be guided through the cutout (11) in the top plate and through the cutout (5) in the base plate (3). The cutout (11) in the top plate has, at least in sections, a diameter that is less than the nominal diameter of the external thread but greater than the inside diameter of the shaft cutout (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: A Raymond & Cie.
    Inventor: Sylvain Giraud
  • Patent number: 7648319
    Abstract: A clip nut is provided including a clip body and nut. The clip body includes an upper arm connected to a lower arm by a connecting end wall. The clip body has a nut housing upon its upper arm for affixing a nut having a tubular body and a radially projecting base. The nut housing includes an end wall, an intermediate wall and a top wall. A ridge projects upwardly from the upper arm between the intermediate wall and end wall. Furthermore, the top wall includes an opening for allowing the nut's base to slide upon the ridge to enter a cavity during assembly. Thereafter, the nut is tilted forwardly and the nut's base is slid into a nut receiving chamber to complete the assembly of the clip nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventors: Orlando Ochoa, Mark Balderrama
  • Patent number: 7641428
    Abstract: A floating fastener base and pocket are disclosed. The base and pocket permit the adjustable positioning of a stud, such as a striker bolt, prior to final assembly and tightening. A floating fastener base has one or more flanges which fit within a pocket created by one or more respective flange receptacles formed on a substrate. The floating fastener base is inserted into the floating fastener base pocket. This provides a fastening base for a stud wherein the fastening base and the stud are positionally adjustable prior to final retention of the stud, typically accomplished by tightening of the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Gary D. Tucker, II
  • Patent number: 7600735
    Abstract: A bracket and nut assembly includes a first bracket, a second bracket and a captured nut. The first bracket includes a body with first end having with an aperture extending therethrough. The second bracket includes a first end with an elongated aperture and a second end moveably attached to the body portion of the first bracket. A captured nut is retained within the elongated aperture. The nut includes a first piece coupled to a second piece and is axially translatable and rotatable within the elongated aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Vaandrager, Richard K. Marsh, Alan E. Rice
  • Patent number: 7568869
    Abstract: A weld nut has a base panel and a nut. The base panel has a through hole formed therethrough and multiple weld points formed on a bottom thereof. The nut is mounted securely in the through hole in the base panel and has a nut body, a connecting section and a threaded hole. The connecting section is formed on and protrudes axially from the nut body and is mounted securely in the through hole. The threaded hole is formed through the nut body and the connecting section to screw with a bolt. The base panel has a lower carbon content and has an excellent weldability to make the weld points easy to be welded on a workpiece. The nut has a higher carbon content and has an enhanced hardness to prevent deformation resulting from an axial force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Sumeeko Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hendry Wang
  • Patent number: 7527463
    Abstract: A nut and a method of attaching the nut to a work piece includes the nut having a top side with a threaded bore therein to receive a bolt and the nut having an underside with a skirt depending from the outer periphery thereof. A shank depends from the nut and extends into a hole in the work piece to which the nut is to be attached. A heat curable adhesive coats the shank and also coats the underside of the nut between the depending shank and the depending skirt so that upon curing of the heat curable adhesive the nut is adhesively secured to the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Pei-Chung Wang, John D. Fickes, James F. Hengel, Mark D. Gugel
  • Publication number: 20080247842
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device to be connected to a screw. Said device comprises a plurality of connecting elements (5, 6, 7) which have respective openings (14) and which can be engaged with a thread of the screw. Said connecting elements (5, 6, 7), in a preassembly configuration, are loose pieces. Along the edge of the opening (14) of the connecting elements (5, 6, 7), a pitch section (15) of a threaded structure is configured. A connecting system (8) allows to maintain, in a final assembly configuration, the connecting elements (5, 6, 7) in a predetermined spatial relationship to each other, thereby increasing the variability of use of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: A.RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventors: Uwe Motsch, Klaus Hullmann, Harald Dorst
  • Patent number: 7399151
    Abstract: A resilient clip is disclosed for engaging a structure having a body with a pair of extending body portions and an elastic flange. The flange has an engagement surface and an engagement member, which engages the mounting structure. The elastic flange also has a base portion and a transition portion. A ramped surface of the engagement feature extends above the base portion. A substantially flat peripheral surface of the engagement feature in the transition portion is adapted to engage the panel to provide resistance to removal of the fastener from the mounting aperture. To manufacture a clip, a punch is used to apply a force to displace material of the elastic flange into a die cavity to form the engagement. The elastic flange portion is bent at a location passing through the engagement feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J Lubera, Jacob A Siudym
  • Patent number: 7290971
    Abstract: A shippable in-assembly bolt having a head portion, a threaded portion containing threads and a gripper portion, wherein the gripper portion preferably comprises a grooved structure and an o-ring. The o-ring is intended to sit between the inner wall of a clearance hole in an assembly/subassembly and the grooved structure of the gripper portion. When the o-ring is in position between the inner wall of the clearance hole and the grooved structure of the gripper portion, the o-ring is in both compression and tension and acts to retain the bolt in the assembly during shipping operations. The invention can be used with any type of mechanical fastener, such as bolts, screws, pins, rivets, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Okabe Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter L. Bakos
  • Patent number: 7182563
    Abstract: A fastener for fastening a component having a mounting hole has an essentially U-shaped clamping region that at least partially grips around the component and has two opposing legs that are connected together as a single piece by a connecting region. The legs are provided with through holes that serve to accommodate a pin or stud that passes through the mounting hole of the component. A nut is attached to a first leg on the side facing away from the second leg such that the connection between the first leg and the nut can be released by a separating force acting on the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Karin Wimmer, Rupert Becker, Thomas Schmidt, Johann Reindl
  • Patent number: 7122739
    Abstract: A universal ground strap assembly including a strap having a series of uniformly sized and spaced apertures to facilitate the installation of the ground strap assembly onto a wide range of structures of various shaped and sized cross-sections is provided. A stud, through which the strap is secured, includes a terminal portion adapted to accommodate and have secured therein a ground wire. The stud includes a curved surface to engage the elongated strap with smooth transition. The stud may be captivated on the strap by at least one projection extending into the hole in the strap within which the stud is held. A curved sliding nut supported upon the strap and a curved surface of the stud are used to form a tight clamping action of the strap about the structure to be grounded, without subjecting the strap to localized stresses or tearing, but permitting the strap to tightly encircle the structure. The curved sliding nut is also captivated on the strap with stops and defines a hole to receive the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Senior Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George J. Franks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6974289
    Abstract: A male threaded fastening member is provided with depressions in at least one or several helix wraps of the thread adjacent the head, the depressions extending inwardly from an edge of the thread at least part way toward a shank of the male fastening member. In a fastening system including the male fastening member, a female member includes projections for engaging the depressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Levey, John D. Fischer, Lawrence W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6971830
    Abstract: Device for the fixing of a part to a panel equipped with a drilling, such device comprising a saddle with two facing arms drilled with coaxial holes one, of which has a shank forming a nut. The arms being able to be placed on either side of the panel with their holes facing the aforementioned drilling. One arm is equipped with a lug in which one of the holes is made. The lug may include a protruding ridge able to be lodged in the aforementioned drilling to allow for the saddle to be snapped onto and thus fixed to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: I.T.W. De France
    Inventors: Martial Hulin, Christophe Trepreau
  • Patent number: 6935823
    Abstract: An anchor nut device for attachment to a structure, the device defining a threaded bore for the reception therein of a corresponding member. The device includes an anchor nut which is fabricated from a first material, the nut defining the bore and a plurality of radially extending ears. A base plate is fabricated from a second material, the plate having a first and a second face, the first face cooperating with the plurality of ears. The second face of the plate defines a plurality of dimples for facilitating welding of the plate to the structure. A plurality of arms extend from the plate, such that each ear of the plurality of ears is disposed between a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms and the first face of the plate for capturing the nut relative to the plate. Also, a stop extends from the anchor nut, the stop being disposed between adjacent ears for controlling rotational movement of the anchor nut relative to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Mitts, Norbert A. Markl
  • Patent number: 6805524
    Abstract: The screw grommet 1 comprises a flange 2 and a shank 3 extending from the flange. The shank is provided with flexible legs 7 extending from the end of the shank towards the flange and outwardly from the shank. The shank has a screw insertion hole 13 into which a tapping screw is screwed to prevent the legs from being bent radially inward towards the shank so that the screw grommet is fixed to the workpiece by means of the legs and the flange. The inner portion of the legs is provided with a threaded section turned by screwing in the tapping screw. The flange 2 is integrated with a tubular fastening torque bearing section 18 extending in the direction opposite the shank 3. The fastening torque bearing section is formed with a screw insertion hole having a diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the tapping screw so as to receive the tapping screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Hideki Kanie, Masashi Dendo
  • Patent number: 6688825
    Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a flexible resilient U-shaped retainer having first and second wall portions and a third wall portion interconnecting adjacent ends of the first and second wall portions such that the first wall portion overlies and is spaced from the second wall portion. The first wall portion of the retainer has a forward edge with laterally spaced tabs at opposed ends. The tabs extend toward the second wall portion and have flat ends spaced from the second wall portion of the retainer. A flange nut is mounted on the first wall portion of the retainer, and has a flange disposed within the first wall portion and spaced from the second wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Alpha Stamping Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Stewart, Carl Lewis
  • 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: 6676137
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a system for shielding electromagnetic energy. The system comprises an electromagnetic interference (EMI) gasket comprising at least one longitudinal member that is operable to exert a spring force upon deflection and at least one lance member; and a chassis comprising a lip member, the lip member being operable to accept the EMI gasket, a base member that is operable to deflect the at least one longitudinal member when the EMI gasket is placed over the lip member, and a locking member that is adapted to latch the at least one lance member in a latched position when the EMI gasket is placed over the lip member, wherein the spring force is operable to retain the at least one lance member in the latched position and the spring force is operable to facilitate electrical contact between the base member and the EMI gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Ronald Paul Dean
  • Patent number: 6637163
    Abstract: A deck including a panel, a retainer and a fastener. The panel includes a flange having an aperture therein. The retainer includes an upper leg and a lower leg embracing the flange therebetween, with the lower leg having a fastener receiving opening. The fastener is for attaching the panel to structural framework, with the fastener including a shoulder. The fastener extends through the aperture of the flange and the opening of the lower leg of the retainer. The shoulder extends through the aperture in the flange and abuts against the lower leg of the retainer to secure the retainer. Furthermore, the shoulder is sufficiently tall as to prevent the fastener from tightly clamping the flange. Additionally, the flange embraced between the upper leg and the lower leg of the retainer is adapted to expand between the upper leg and the lower leg. Therefore, thermal expansion of the panel is accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: GT Plastics Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Thibault, Kevin J. Beliveau, Matthew J. Gary, Ralph Brege, David A. Witt, Edward L. Ivinson, Robin Colbath
  • Patent number: 6559387
    Abstract: A universal ground clamp having a clamping strap having a series of uniformly sized and spaced apertures to facilitate the installation of the clamp onto a wide range of structures of various shaped and sized cross-sections. A metal stud, through which the clamping strap is secured, includes a terminal portion adapted to accommodate and have secured therein a ground wire. A pair of curved plates supported upon the stud are used to form a tight clamping action of the strap about the structure to be grounded, without subjecting the strap to localized stresses or tearing, but permitting the strap to tightly encircle the structure. One of the curved plates is captivated on the strap with stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Senior Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George J. Franks
  • Patent number: 6474917
    Abstract: A metal nut (N) is held by a plastic clip-body (12). The clip-body (12) has a first arm, a second arm and an open end that includes a cam section for camming a member into the open end. It also includes an annular locator wall that extends upwardly from the second arm of the clip-body. The upper end of this locator wall is formed to slope upwardly as it extends inwardly from the open end of the clip-body. The sloping upper end of the locator wall helps to cam the member into the clip-body. The first arm has a transverse end section (15) and sidewalls that extend upwardly from the first arm between the end section (15) and the free end of the first arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Jacques Gauron
  • Patent number: 6450747
    Abstract: A U-nut type fastener, for forming a vertically stacked or nested array of such fasteners, comprises an annular hoop member or retainer ring formed upon a lower arm member of the fastener, and an upstanding sleeve member or internally threaded nut is formed upon an upper arm member of the fastener. When the fasteners are stacked or nested in a vertical array, the annular hoop member or retainer ring of an upper one of the fasteners will engage and be seated upon the sleeve or nut member of a lower one of the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Fischer