Elastic Gripping Action Patents (Class 411/301)
  • Patent number: 11359663
    Abstract: A locking thumb nut includes a thumb nut base and a lock plate. The lock plate can be fastened to the thumb nut base with fasteners so that the lock plate can be removed from the thumb nut base and replaced with a new lock plate when the lock plate becomes worn. The thumb nut base is elongated to provide for ease of grip by the user's fingers to turn the nut and tighten it along a threaded shank of a screw. The lock plate engages the threads of the screw to prevent unintentional backing out of the thumb nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Ryan J. Mohr
  • Patent number: 11298168
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming pilot apertures for surgical screws. The method provides at least three points of contact to the screw shank to provide reliable positioning and retention of the bone screw. The method also provides slots or areas for insertion and retention of bone growth promoting materials which further secure the bone screw over time. The method is useful for patients of all ages, and may be particularly useful for patients that have osteoporosis or patients that are very active by providing additional securement of the bone screw to the underlying bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Bono, James D. Lark, John S. Scales
  • Patent number: 11248646
    Abstract: This invention is a fastener. The fastener has a body, a clamper and a restraint. The body is provided with a coupling part, which comprises a discontinuous raised rib going around an outer surface of the coupling part; the clamper is fitted over the coupling part; a recess going around an inner surface of the clamper; the raised rib is fitted to the recess; the restraint is arranged to surround the clamper, so the restraint is capable of restricting the clamper in a certain position range of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventor: Yongbiao Li
  • Patent number: 10746211
    Abstract: A method for fastening a component to a base element, in which method there is produced in the base element a blind bore which defines a depth direction and which has a force transmission surface which has a depth T in the depth direction, wherein the force transmission surface is of frustoconical form with a cone opening half-angle (?) and a mean diameter (d), wherein the blind bore has a conical blind bore base with a cone opening angle (?) and, at the edge thereof, a bevel which extends in the depth direction to a bevel depth L, wherein, in the method, a fastening element is anchored in the blind bore by way of the force transmission surface, and wherein the component is held by the fastening element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: HILTI AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Thomas Foser
  • Patent number: 10587107
    Abstract: A dual protection inner seal washer employs a radially outward metallic portion having a dielectric coating and a radially inward polymeric portion engaging the metallic portion at an interface with an interference fit. The polymeric portion has at least one tapering compression surface to engage a surface of a structure proximate a hole and further has a fastener element contact surface to engage a mating surface on a fastener system element. Torqueing of the fastener element compresses the at least one compression surface inducing a predetermined pressure in the polymeric portion in a joint created by the fastener element and structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sean D. Morden, Peter A Coronado, Richard P. Whitlock, Haftom Y. Dessalegn, Julie M. Drexler
  • Patent number: 10408250
    Abstract: A load-indicating washer for use with a fastener. The washer is comprised of a circular base plate, a domed cap that projects from the base plate, a cavity formed between the circular base plate and the domed cap, and a fastener hole that extends through the circular base plate and the domed cap. The domed cap is configured to collapse into the cavity upon application of a force that exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Sean Christian Webb
  • Patent number: 10399516
    Abstract: A cable support is provided that includes an elongate support member for supporting a cable or cables secured thereto. A mounting member is connected to the support member and secures the support member to a mounting stud on a trim panel or other support substrate. The mounting member comprises a bore for receiving the mounting stud. A locking member is provided that has an aperture formed therein for receiving the mounting stud. The locking member is connected to the mounting member in axial alignment with the bore and rotatably connected to the mounting member such that the mounting member and support member are rotatable relative to the locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: HellermannTyton Limited
    Inventor: Philip Chapman
  • Patent number: 9238925
    Abstract: A water seal system is provided for a latch assembly that comprises a housing having a receptacle in which a handle extends therein. A trigger extends from the handle through an aperture in the receptacle to a latching mechanism on a rear side of the housing. The trigger is operative to cause the latching mechanism to operate, responsive to movement of the handle. The water seal system includes a gasket mounted to a metal backing plate, with slots extending through the backing plate and gasket. The trigger extends through the slots such that the backing plate abuts a stop surface of the trigger. Movement of the handle from the extended position to the retracted position is operative to cause the stop surface to urge the backing plate to compress the gasket adjacent portions of the receptacle that extend around the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Reese Bernot
  • Patent number: 9174809
    Abstract: A system and method for providing adhesive to a pre-formed blister tray having shoulders and recesses between the shoulders, the system having at least one pallet, each pallet of the at least one pallet having with holes to accommodate recesses within the blister tray and support for the shoulders of the blister tray; a pallet loading station for loading the pallet with the pre-formed blister tray; a printer unit for printing adhesive to the shoulders of the blister tray; a drying station for drying the adhesive; and an unloading station for unloading blister trays with adhesive printed on the shoulders thereof. Further a pallet for use in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Indsale Limited
    Inventors: Paul Marks, Michael J. Markiewicz
  • Patent number: 8753055
    Abstract: A device for connecting two components, comprising: an anchoring element (12) with an elongated anchoring section (14) with an elongated hollow space (16) and a head section (18), a fastening element (38) with a head (44) and a pin section (40) with an outer thread, at least four elastic locking feet (22, 24) being provided on the anchoring section, wherein two locking feet are provided on opposing sides of the anchoring section, respectively and the locking feet (22, 24) each have at least two locking shoulders (28, 30) arranged offset in the longitudinal direction of the anchoring section, for locking on openings of components of different thicknesses, and wherein opposing locking feet each have identically designed locking shoulders, which are however offset with respect to the locking shoulders of other opposing locking feet in the longitudinal direction of the anchoring section, and in the elongated hollow space of the anchoring section at least two diametrically opposed rows are provided, each with a pl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Ruckel
  • Patent number: 8672598
    Abstract: A screw post is detachably screwed with a self-tapping screw. The screw post includes a post body and a rib structure. The post body has an approximately triangular hollow structure formed therein. The approximately triangular hollow structure has three arc-shaped sides. The rib structure protrudes from an outer surface of the post body corresponding to at least one of the three arc-shaped sides in an axially-extending manner. The self-tapping screw is screwed into the approximately triangular hollow structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Dong-Ying Chen, Zhong-hui Mao
  • Patent number: 8585340
    Abstract: A fastening device is provided to cover below a front hood of a motor vehicle has an elastic fixing element for mounting a widened area implemented as a radial expansion of a shaft. When the cover is pressed down, the fixing element detaches from the widened area and arrives over the shaft. In this way, the fastening device is made yielding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Uwe Schmitz, Joachim Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8328487
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retention element for retaining first and second components in assembled relationship. The first component comprises a body having first and second external surfaces and an inner wall defining an aperture extending through the body, and the second component comprises a longitudinal member having a size and configuration to permit insertion within said aperture to thereby assemble the components. The retention element comprises: an elastromeric protuberance extending into the aperture from a base adhering to the inner wall to a distal edge which spans a portion of the aperture. The protuberance also has an inside wall and an outside wall which meet at the distal edge and together define a flexible free end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Nylok Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Jason Dupriest, Juan Carlos Nava, Craig Steven McDaniel, Gregory Alaimo, Eugene Sessa
  • Patent number: 8287219
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement having a first fastening part which is connected to a metal sheet and has a first threaded section, and having a second fastening part which has a second threaded section which engages with the first threaded section, with the fastening parts fixing an electrical connecting part such that an electrical connection is formed between the connecting part and the metal sheet. A cover part is fixed to the first fastening part in an end position and, in a covering position, has covered at least a part of the first threaded section until the second threaded section has engaged with the first threaded section and, in the process, the cover part has been moved from the covering position to the end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Reinhold Opper, Jochen Hain
  • Patent number: 8256960
    Abstract: A seal for an opening of a bore in a component, with a threaded screw, around a core shaft of which a helical screw thread is arranged. The screw engages in the bore and the thread creates a mating thread in a wall of the bore. The diameter of the bore is larger than the diameter of the core shaft. A helical channel, which is located between the core shaft of the screw and a wall of the bore, and which is delimited by the thread, is interrupted at a minimum of one point in a liquid-tight and/or gas-tight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Patrick Daniel
  • Publication number: 20120155985
    Abstract: A device for connecting two components, comprising: an anchoring element with an elongated anchoring section with an elongated hollow space and a head section provided on one end of the anchoring section, wherein the anchoring section is insertable into an opening of a first component and lockable on the opening, and wherein the head section forms a contact surface for a second component on its side facing away from the anchoring section, and a fastening element with a head and a pin section extending from the head with an outer thread, wherein the pin section is insertable into the elongated hollow space of the anchoring element and can be fastened in the same, wherein, at least four elastic locking feet are provided on the anchoring section extending in the longitudinal direction of the anchoring section and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the anchoring section at least in sections, wherein two locking feet are provided on opposing sides of the anchoring section, respectively, the locking
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Rückel
  • Patent number: 8152427
    Abstract: A fastening mechanism including a shaft, wherein the shaft is effectively threaded; the shaft includes a threaded non-deformable material interspersed with at least one portion of a threaded deformable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Puku Limited
    Inventor: Simon Garry Moore
  • Patent number: 8083452
    Abstract: A hybrid clinch-type standoff consists of two component parts, a metal core base and a overmolded plastic barrel. The base has a through-bore and a displacer flange at the bottom. A first undercut is located immediately above the flange and extends upwardly along an outside surface of the base for providing clinch attachment of the base to a substrate. A frustoconical ramp convergent in the upward direction lies along the outer surface of the base is and is located directly above the first undercut. An axially extending segmented ring with circumferential teeth is located at the top of the base. The overmolded plastic tubular barrel composed of plastic fills the second undercut and surrounds the segmented ring. The barrel has an inner portion including a threaded inner wall which extends downardly inside the through-bore to a point flush with the bottom of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: PEM Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Bentrim
  • Patent number: 8083451
    Abstract: A method for providing an electrically conductive connection between an electric terminal device having a cavity, such as a cable shoe, and a sheet metal part. A hollow fixing element is riveted to the sheet metal part to prevent torsion, thus producing an electrically conductive connection between the fixing element and the sheet metal part. The assembled component is then provided with an electrically non-conductive or poorly conductive protective coating, such as a lacquer coating or powder coating. A receptacle for the electric terminal device is configured in the vicinity of the front face of the fixing element, to which the electrical terminal device is attached. The receptacle prevents the torsion of the terminal device in relation to the fixing element. The sheet metal part and a thread forming or cutting screw is screwed through the cavity of the electric terminal device into the hollow fixing element. The screwing action forms or cuts a thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Profil Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Jiri Babej, Richard Humpert, Michael Vieth
  • Patent number: 7950887
    Abstract: A fastener element (16) has a head section (18), a threaded shank section (17) with threads (20) at a pitch and a distal end section (22). A retention device (24) is secured to the distal end section and is engageable with a fastener receiving member (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: MNP Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. Dietz, Richard S. Brown, Charles Earl Abbate, Chris Fenech
  • Patent number: 7946794
    Abstract: Of application in processes of assembly by screwing between a plastic piece and a supporting base, for example a bodywork, from which a fastener stands out perpendicularly. It is constituted by a circular base and a hexagonal body traversed by a central drilled hole which passes through and has a main segment and an expansion in which are some slightly arched internal protuberances which constitute the fastening means for connection of the nut to the fastener after a slight rotation of or pressure from the former and it determines the fastening and provisional positioning of the plastic piece with respect to the supporting base prior to its screwing. During the screwing operation the cutting effect which the metal fastener applies on the plastic walls of the drilled hole gives rise to a thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: ITW Espana, S.A.
    Inventor: Albert Pares Isanta
  • Patent number: 7815408
    Abstract: A fastener assembly including a retention and alignment element used in combination with a first component having a cylindrical wall defining a bore and a second component having an elongated shaft for insertion into the bore of the first component. The retention and alignment element comprises a plurality of elongated polymeric protuberances, each having (i) a base fixed to the cylindrical wall of the first component, (ii) a height sufficient so that together the free ends of the protuberances define a passageway that creates an interference fit with the shaft of the second component, and (iii) a length sufficient to maintain the shaft of the second component generally collinear with the axis of the bore of the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Nylok, LLC
    Inventor: Eugene Sessa
  • Patent number: 7686531
    Abstract: A universal connector apparatus for securing a male-threaded utility handle end into a female receptacle of a tool assembly comprising a tool, comprising: a substantially-circular friction ring; a substantially-circular thread neck attached at a leading end thereof to, and centrally-aligned with, a trailing end of the friction ring; and a substantially-circular threaded-end aperture running centrally through the friction ring and thread neck combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph L. Congdon
  • Publication number: 20090169329
    Abstract: The invention provides for a retainer for stabilizing a threaded member. The retainer may include a base portion having an opening and an outer perimeter lying in a first plane, the opening having a plurality of elongated sections each extending toward the outer perimeter so as to define in the base portion one or more arms. Each of the aims may have a head section having at least one groove, the head sections being located in a second plane which is parallel to and spaced apart from the first plane. The elongated sections may be symmetrically arranged about an axis. The grooves may be arranged to define at least a portion of a helix. The outer perimeter of the retainer may be circular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: David M. Siegal
  • Patent number: 7465137
    Abstract: A fastener element (16) has a head section (18), a threaded shank section (17) with threads (20) at a pitch and a distal end section (22). A retention device (24) is secured to the distal end section and is engageable with a fastener receiving member (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: MNP Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. Dietz, Richard S. Brown, Charles Earl Abbate, Chris Fenech
  • Patent number: 7199296
    Abstract: A device for tension rods or attachment bolts for snare drums. The threaded tension rod or bolt may be a threaded locking bolt. In this way, the vibration caused by use of the drum does not lead to disengagement of the attachment means, or disengagement of the nuts from the tension rods. In these self-locking bolts, tension rods, or fasteners, a portion of the helical screw thread is replaced with a pliant member such as a polymer, and when the fastener is tightened, the polymer friction-fits to the threaded hole within the attachments means or nuts, rendering the fastener difficult to remove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Carl Scott
  • Patent number: 7179036
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement comprising a thread-forming lobular screw and a member defining a non-tapped pilot hole therein. The screw has a shaft and a head joined to a proximal end of the shaft, the shaft defining a plurality N of lobes circumferentially spaced about a central longitudinal axis of the shaft, a thread being formed on an outer surface of the shaft. The pilot hole comprises a central portion of a diameter intermediate the minor and major diameters of the screw thread, and a plurality N of circumferentially spaced cutouts extending radially out from the central portion. A plurality of longitudinally extending edges parallel to the axis of the screw are defined at junctures between the cutouts and central portion of the pilot hole. The screw thread forms a thread in the member beginning at the longitudinal edges of the pilot hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Esab Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Griffin, Thomas D. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7137766
    Abstract: A screw-plastic part unit in which the plastic part can be a guide having a tapered bottom end for fitting into a countersink to center the tip end of the screw in the countersink and also can have at least one cut-out portion at its top end to facilitate fracturing of the guide as the screw is threaded into a base member. In one embodiment the screw has a thread between its head and tip end which extends to near the tip end leaving a clear area between the thread end tip end and the part of plastic material molded around the screw clear area in which there can be a circumferential groove or rib into or over which the plastic part is molded to better hold the part to the screw. In another embodiment fins extend into the part hole to hold the screw by an interference type fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventors: Burton Weinstein, Richard H. Deaton
  • Patent number: 7025552
    Abstract: An assembly for automatically compensating variations of the spacing between first and second structural members due to manufacturing and/or mounting tolerances. The assembly comprises a mounting bolt, a base element, and an adjustment sleeve. The adjustment sleeve has a drive portion adapted to be engaged with the nut by frictional drag and rotatable relative to said mounting bolt when said frictional drag has been overcome. The drive portion comprises an internal annular plastic portion which projects from the wall of the adjustment sleeve radially outwards sufficiently so as to frictionally engage the threads of the mounting bolt to provide for said frictional drag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Bollhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Friedrich Grubert, Uwe Kirchhecker, Frank Kassing
  • Patent number: 6953314
    Abstract: A faucet clamp for retaining a faucet to a sink has first and second jaws that are pivoted together by a hinge. The jaws have internal clamping surfaces which include a thread-engaging surface, for example a compliant liner. The thread-engaging surface engages the threads of a faucet pipe extending from the faucet base and clamps the faucet to the sink. The jaws of the faucet clamp pivot to an open position for installation or removal over the faucet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Timothy Magagna
  • Patent number: 6698986
    Abstract: A mounting bolt for use in mounting toilet stools has upper and lower ends with an elongated threaded shank therebetween. An elongated planar head is on the lower end of the bolt and has a width similar to the diameter of the shank, and a longitudinal length larger than the diameter of the shank. The head has a center axis extending along its length. An indicia mark is on the upper end of the bolt visually indicating the position of the center axis to assist the placement and tightening of a threaded nut on the upper end when the position of the head is concealed when the nut is being threadably mounted on the upper end of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: William T. Fraleigh
  • Publication number: 20040033122
    Abstract: A fastening element and method that utilizes a fastener or stamping which is capable of forming a fastening assembly by engagement with a self-tapping fastener is disclosed. The fastening element includes one or more indentations formed within a portion of the circumference of an unthreaded bore located within the fastening element. Each indentation has an edge that can have the same helix angle or pitch as the self-tapping fastener that it is to engage to serve as a guide to properly align the fastener within the bore. The indentations also assist formation of mating threads within the element by significantly reducing the required end load to start the tapping process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: James Allen Hill
  • Patent number: 6540462
    Abstract: A screw connection, which is intended in particular for plastic members comprises a screw and an insert member which is to be nonrotatably fitted into one of the components involved in the connection and which receives the screwthread of the screw in an axial passage. In accordance with the invention the axial passage of the insert member is of a smooth-walled, that is to say screwthread-free, configuration and the screw has a screwthread, which cuts or grooves the female screwthread of the insert member. The screw, like the insert, can comprise an aluminum alloy, in which case however the alloy of the screw is of a substantially greater hardness than that of the insert member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: EJOT Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Bernd Bretschneider, Heinrich Friederich, Reinhard Schmoock
  • Patent number: 6533301
    Abstract: An expandable insert secures a linkage bolt to the ends of a stabilizer bar. The insert comprises a cylindrical body portion, a cap, and an aperture. The insert is placed in the end of a stabilizer bar. As the linking bolt is torqued within the aperture of the insert, the threads of the linking bolt penetrate the insert. The torquing expands the insert outwardly towards the interior surface of the stabilizer bar, anchoring the insert inside the stabilizer bar and securing the linkage bolt to the end of the stabilizer bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Suspension Systems Company
    Inventor: Michael Vito Catania
  • Patent number: 6474919
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying coatings to a portion of the internal bore or threads of a fastener or similar article having an opening on at least one end is provided. A 360° coating with material is provided using centrifugal force to assist in direction the material to a desired surface, which does not require use of a pressurized air stream in order to propell the coating material toward the walls of the article desired to be coated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: ND Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Wallace, James P. DeFillipi, Joseph A. Lopetrone, Charles M. Stempien
  • Patent number: 6464159
    Abstract: Paint-coated fishing component formed with recesses in which build-up of paint in the recesses is unlikely. A reel body (1) made of a magnesium alloy painted by electrodeposition includes a first side cover (6a) and a second side cover mounted to the sides of a frame. The first side cover (6a) is fastened by attaching screws (30) from the inner side of a first side plate (7a) to a plurality of protrusion portions (20) formed protruding on a rear surface. The protrusion portions (20) are provided with conduits (25) communicating recess portions formed with female threads to the immediate exterior. The conduits (25) are slits that are formed in the protrusion direction of the protrusions (20) or perpendicular to the protrusion direction, and are cut with a T-slot cutter, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shouji Nakagawa, Taisei Morise, Jun Sato, Ken'ichi Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20010046428
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an internally threaded prevailing-torque type self-locking fastener which employs a patch of fused thermoplastic material as the locking element and which satisfies the functional torque requirements of both IFI 100/107 (1987) and IFI 101 (1987). In accordance with the present invention the fastener comprises a metal body having a bore extending to its opposing ends, the bore having a threaded surface; a patch of polymeric material applied and fused to a portion of the threaded surface; and the fastener meeting the prevailing-torque characteristics specified in both IFI 100/107 (1987) and IFI 101 (1987).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Richard J. Duffy, Eugene D. Sessa
  • Patent number: 6309132
    Abstract: A fastening assembly for fastening a first member to a second member comprising at least one threaded fastener having a head at one end thereof, the head having engagement surfaces for a tool, a threaded shank, the other end of the shank having engagement surfaces for a tool, at least one receiving bore in the first member into which the threaded shank is threaded in a pre-mounted state from one end thereof, with the head being spaced from the associated surface of the first member, the second member being preferably of thin sheet material and having at least one elongated opening, the opening having a first portion adapted to allow the entrance of head and a smaller portion adapted to accommodate the shank while the head grips behind the edge of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: ITW-Automotive Products GmbH & Company KG
    Inventors: Andreas Jakob, Lothar Brehmer
  • Publication number: 20010028834
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying coatings to a portion of the internal bore or threads of a fastener or similar article having an opening on at least one end is provided. A 360° coating with material is provided using centrifugal force to assist in direction the material to a desired surface, which does not require use of a pressurized air stream in order to propell the coating material toward the walls of the article desired to be coated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: John S. Wallace, James P. DeFillipi, Joseph A. Lopetrone, Charles M. Stempien
  • Patent number: 6170858
    Abstract: A fastener means for a vehicle occupant restraint system equipped with a gas bag comprises a holder part, a stud non-rotatably connected to the holder part and a nut screwable on the stud. One of the stud and the nut comprises one of a self-tapping and thread-forming thread, the other one of both parts which has no thread defines a counterpart. The thread deforms a thread in the counterpart in one of a tapping, forming and elastically deforming manner so that the nut after being screwed on is locked against turning out of place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH
    Inventor: J{umlaut over (u)}rgen Berger
  • Patent number: 6164889
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic nut having a receiving bore into which a self-tapping screw can be screwed, it being the case that the receiving bore forms a through-passage region and has an adjoining, narrower region which has a diameter which allows the self-tapping screw to be screwed in, the receiving bore forming one or more steps at its transition to its narrower region via thread-like slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: EJOT Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gottfried Konig, Stephan Weitzel
  • Patent number: 6025019
    Abstract: An improved article having a retention element applied to a predetermined portion thereof. The retention element is a soft pliable resin based material that has pockets formed in it through the use of a blowing agent that has been added to the material prior to coating and heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Nylok Fastener Corporation
    Inventor: Richard J. Duffy
  • Patent number: 5961896
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a carburetor fuel adjusting device that facilitates control of the quantity of fuel that flows from the fuel chamber to an air intake port of a carburetor by making it possible for the user to adjust an adjustment valve within the limits defined by emission control regulations. The carburetor fuel adjusting device has a cap having two appendages, and an engagement area to engage a valve extension of the fuel adjustment valves of a carburetor. The cap is retained by the retainer in either a disengaged position, or an engaged position wherein the engagement area of the cap becomes attached to the valve extensions. In the engaged position, the adjustment valves can be turned in unison with the cap within a range formed by the angle between the appendages which, when rotated, abut against stoppers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: U.S.A. Zama Inc.
    Inventors: Kimio Koizumi, Yasuaki Kohira, Satoru Araki
  • Patent number: 5885042
    Abstract: A connection between a metallic threaded fastener having a threaded portion and a part of plastic material having a bore, the threaded portion forming or tapping a counter thread into the wall of the bore, characterized in that for a predetermined number of threads, the entrance portion of the bore is provided with a circular shaped or arc shaped inclined cam surface which encircles the bore helically and which forms a step between the ends of the cam surface or the associated ends of adjacent cam surfaces, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: ITW-ATECO GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Jonatzke
  • Patent number: 5779413
    Abstract: A fastening system comprising a bolt having a threaded shaft portion with a major thread diameter and a member having an aperture formed therein, said aperture being threaded over a portion thereof, a locking element having a preformed thread configuration being positioned within said aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Fairchild Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Frank J. Cosenza
  • Patent number: 5772927
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a carburetor fuel adjusting device that facilitates control of the quantity of fuel that flows from the fuel chamber to an air intake port of a carburetor by making it possible for the user to adjust an adjustment valve within the limits defined by emission control regulations. The carburetor fuel adjusting device has a cap having two appendages, and an engagement area to engage a valve extension of the fuel adjustment valves of a carburetor. The cap is retained by the retainer in either a disengaged position, or an engaged position wherein the engagement area of the cap becomes attached to the valve extensions. In the engaged position, the adjustment valves can be turned in unison with the cap within a range formed by the angle between the appendages which, when rotated, abut against stoppers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: U.S.A. Zama, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimio Koizumi, Yasuaki Kohira, Satoru Araki
  • Patent number: 5736912
    Abstract: A frequency adjustment mechanism for a dielectric resonator in which a change of a unloaded Q is small by adjustment of a resonating frequency, a tuning rod may be stably fixed in place after the adjustment without using any adhesives or the like and it is possible to readily perform the re-adjustment. A hole 14 is provided at an axially central portion of the dielectric resonator 11 and the tuning rod 15 is threadingly inserted into the hole 14. A female screw thread 14a is formed in an inner circumferential surface of the hole 14, and a male screw thread 15a is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the tuning rod 15. Resin layers 16 and 17 are formed on surfaces of the female screw thread 14a and the male screw thread 15a, respectively. The tuning rod 15 is made of dielectric material having a low loss and a high dielectric constant. The resin layers 16 and 17 are made of resin material having an elasticity and a low loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Mikami, Hirotsugu Abe, Yukio Higuchi
  • Patent number: 5523142
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metal fixation insert for stiffening the fixation zone of a part of plastic material on a support. This metal fixation insert is made of rolled steel which is perforated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Sagem Allumage
    Inventor: Raymond Bedoussac
  • Patent number: 5511510
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a resin coating to a plurality of discrete portions of a fastener, such as both internal and external threads. A conveyor supports a fastener. The fastener is first transported past a heater and then past a first powdered resin spray assembly. Powdered resin, supplied to the first spray assembly by a resin reservoir, is used to generate a first air-borne powdered resin stream which coats one set of threads with resin when the fastener traverses the resin stream.The conveyor also transports a second resin spray assembly through the first air-borne powdered resin stream. The second spray assembly uses a resin receiver to aspirate the air-borne resin. The resin is then used to generate a second powdered resin stream which coats the other set of fastener threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventors: Richard J. Duffy, Eugene D. Sessa
  • Patent number: 5419665
    Abstract: A one-piece non-metallic nut ring for surrounding and supporting an electrical connector attached to a bulkhead or other flat panel. The nut ring includes a planar backplate and threaded nuts extending outwardly therefrom. The backplate and nuts are coextensively and continuously connected to one another by compression molding a matrix of resin impregnated, non-metallic fibers. The non-metallic fibers are preferably short chopped fibers that are randomly dispersed within the matrix in directions extending generally parallel to the plane of the backplate. The nut ring of this invention is characterized as being of relatively light weight, corrosion resistant, non-conductive and able to withstand detection by radar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Tiodize Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Adams, Gary R. Wittman