Headed Fastener Element With Securing Means And Biasing Spring Patents (Class 411/347)
  • Patent number: 11867218
    Abstract: A work apparatus includes a housing part and a stud bolt for fastening a work tool on the housing part. The stud bolt extends along an axial direction and has a first section and a second section in the axial direction. The first section is at least in part arranged in a receptacle of the housing part. The second section protrudes from the housing part in the axial direction. The first section of the stud bolt in a first lower portion thereof has an outer thread which, for transmitting longitudinal forces (L), threadably engages an inner thread of the receptacle to define a threaded connection. The first section for transmitting transverse forces (Q) to the housing part, in a second lower portion thereof, has a support region supported on the receptacle. The support region is disposed at a spacing (a1) from the threaded connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Benedikt Posner
  • Patent number: 11649847
    Abstract: A screwable device having a retractable threaded section that has a generally tubular shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and having a front section formed with a radially outwardly open aperture and a rear section. At least one locking element comprising a threaded section and being radially displaceable in the aperture between an outer position with the threaded section projecting radially outward from the shaft and an inner position in which the threaded section is recessed within the tubular shaft. An actuating is rod coaxially slidable in the shaft between a front position and a rear position, the actuating rod having a push-button at its rod rear end, the actuating rod having a structure for engaging the locking element in at least one of its positions pressing the locking element into the outer locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Erwin Halder KG
    Inventors: Stefan Halder, Kilian Lukas Schneck
  • Patent number: 11618521
    Abstract: A latching mechanism removably attaches an accessory to an offroad vehicle without requiring tools. The latching mechanism includes a body, a shaft extending through the body, and a handle riding on a conical surface of the body for rotating the shaft relative to the body. An oblong head extends on a lower side of the body, rotatable by the handle and shaft to a position where the head extends under a shoulder of a mounting recess. A spring system biases the head axially, such that the head can be moved either upwardly or downwardly from a balanced elevation set by a nut tightenable on a bolt. The mounting recess has an upper portion shaped differently from a lower portion. The body includes a hooking portion which extends significantly above the top of the mounting recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Zhejiang CFMOTO Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jinli Meng
  • Patent number: 11313404
    Abstract: A spring-loaded fastening system for fastening a liner to a structure, including a spring-loaded fastener with a cleat defining an interior cavity, a spring element disposed on a floor of the interior cavity, and a shoulder bolt with head portion disposed on the spring element, with a shoulder portion of the shoulder bolt extending through a mounting aperture in a floor of the interior cavity and a threaded portion of the shoulder bolt fastened to the structure. The system further includes a hanger pocket in a rear surface of the liner including a first portion with an opening large enough to accommodate a diameter of a lower portion of the cleat and not large enough to accommodate a diameter of an upper portion of the cleat, and a second portion adjoining the first portion with an opening large enough to accommodate the diameter of the upper portion of the cleat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: APPLIED Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin F. Webb
  • Patent number: 11253276
    Abstract: A guide for positioning an orthopaedic guide pin on a bone structure includes a base having an upper face, a lower face intended to bear against the bone structure, and a through-hole for the pin, said guide including several bearing members able to move in guide holes formed in the base, wherein each bearing member has a lower end facing the lower face and is able to be moved selectively between a retracted position inside the guide hole and at least one deployed position in which the bearing member protrudes from the lower face so as to have a salient lower end intended to bear against the bone structure in order to allow the base to be inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: SHOULDER FRIENDS INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yves Lefebvre, Stephane Audebert, Johannes Barth, Christophe Charousset, Jerome Garret, David Gallinet, Arnaud Godeneche, Jacques Guery, Thierry Joudet
  • Patent number: 11117433
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension arrangement includes a mounting bracket, a trailing arm, an air spring assembly configured to bias a second end of the trailing arm from a vehicle frame member, an axle assembly couple to the trailing arm, and a trailing arm connection assembly that includes a connector having a first portion received within an aperture of the mounting bracket, and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion and including an aperture, a bushing member received within a first end of the trailing arm, a pin member received within the bushing member and including a first aperture, and a first mechanical fastener received within the first aperture of the pin member and within the aperture of the second portion of the first connector, thereby pivotably securing the trailing arm to the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Johnson, Jeffrey Galla, Richard Conaway
  • Patent number: 10843325
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for use with an instrument handle, the apparatus including a housing, a knob receivable in the housing, the knob having a key hole structure to receive an instrument bulb and neck, a slot in the housing to receive the knob, wherein the knob is pressed into the slot to facilitate installation and removal of the instrument bulb and neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Patricia Scheuber, This Aebi, Rhett A. Rapier, Felix Vellappallil
  • Patent number: 10267349
    Abstract: A fastener which comprises a tubular member, a sleeve, a spring, a shank, and an elongate head. A lower end portion of the shank extends through the tubular member to threadedly engage a lower part. The elongate head rotates within a slot in the upper end of the shank between a first position extending longitudinally of the shank so that it can receive an upper part to be attached to the lower part and a second position extending radially of the shank to prevent removal of the upper part. The shank is received within the sleeve and has a pair of slots in its upper end which are alignable with the shank slot. The sleeve is biased to an upper position by the spring, which is in the tubular member. When the sleeve is in a position wherein it is biased upwardly, the sleeve partially covers the shank slot to prevent rotation of the elongate head between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: PAUL KRISTEN, Inc.
    Inventors: Lambros Apostolopoulos, Brian Bortz
  • Patent number: 10144334
    Abstract: A lashing pin for engaging a hole in member to facilitate lashing the member to a fixture or vehicle. The lashing pin combines a cam pin sleeve assembly having a flange and sleeve with an eccentric hole formed therethrough with a cam pin assembly having a cam pin passing through the eccentric hole and connecting a cam disk with an eccentrically mounted cam. Rotation of the cam disk with respect to the flange aligns and misaligned the cam with respect to the cam sleeve, thereby enabling insertion through the hole at first position, and retention of the cam against removal at a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: BNSF Logistics, LLC
    Inventors: Scott C. Landrum, James H. Jones, III, Dale G. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9791229
    Abstract: In broad embodiment, the present invention is a set of sprung pins, operated by paddles, used to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of a firearm. While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventors: Wes Cross, Mark Blakey
  • Patent number: 9665137
    Abstract: A fastening member includes a columnar body and a buckling portion. The columnar body defines a threaded hole along the axial direction of the columnar body and a groove around the external surface of the columnar body along the radial direction of the columnar body. The groove divides the columnar body to a first restriction portion, a second restriction portion and a connection portion. The connection portion is surrounded by the groove. The first restriction portion and the second restriction portion are positioned at two ends of the groove. The buckling portion extends from the first restriction portion away from the first restriction portion. The disclosed subject matter also provides a hard disk fastening apparatus which fastens a hard disk using the fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chang-Wen Chi
  • Patent number: 9664226
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly unit having an assembly part, which is penetrated by a bore and is to be fastened to a basic structure. The basic structure having a shaft, a head, and a fastener. The fastener having a fastening section on the end thereof facing away from the head, which is held captively and movably in the bore between a first axial position and a second axial position. The assembly unit having a spring, which encompasses the shaft and is formed from a wound spring wire and which holds the fastener captively in the bore. The spring wire is wound in a spiral shape such that the windings thereof do not overlap in the radial direction relative to the spring axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: RICHARD BERGNER VERBINDUNGSTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Wilhelm Schneider, Helmut Wierzba
  • Patent number: 9622760
    Abstract: An orthopedic jig and pins therefore are disclosed that allow the pins to be pre-loaded into apertures through the jig before the jig is positioned at a desired location with respect to a bone during an orthopedic surgical procedure. At least one of the pin and/or jig includes a retention mechanism whereby the pin can be inserted into the bore and releasably restrained therein until the jig is place is the selected position and the pins driven into the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: STRYKER EUROPEAN HOLDINGS I, LLC
    Inventors: Matt Brandt, Amir Sarvestani
  • Patent number: 9505335
    Abstract: An anchor and an attachment base assembly comprises a base having at least one base aperture, and an anchor selectively operatively connected to the base. The anchor is selectively inserted at least partially into the at least one base aperture and optionally into an aperture of an accessory. The anchor has a base part movable between a locked position where the anchor is secured to the base and an unlocked position where the anchor is free from the base. An accessory part is operatively connected to the base part. The accessory part is adapted to selectively connect at least partially to a brim of the aperture of the accessory for bracing at least partially the accessory to the base when the anchor is in the locked position. The anchor has other features. A vehicle having an anchor and an attachment base assembly is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Alain Massicotte, Ivan Brousseau, Thierry Cotnoir, Francois Chenevert
  • Patent number: 9279440
    Abstract: A fixing device for securing into a hole in plasterboard 23, comprising: a body 1 having an anchor receiving aperture 3, and a passage 37a that extends within the body, spaced from the anchor receiving aperture 3; a shaft 5a provided within the passage 37a, the shaft 5a being rotatably movable within the passage 37a, independent of axial movement within the passage 37a; and a retaining member 19a coupled to the shaft 5a and configured to be movable between an extended position, in which the device is retainable in said hole, and a retracted position, in which the fixing device is removably insertable into said hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventors: Stanley Pritchard Daykin, Jordan Andrew Daykin
  • Patent number: 9212681
    Abstract: A device comprising a shaft and a fastener. The device requires substantially no tools to apply while generally maintaining the basic shape of a common clevis pin and the robustness of a common cotter pin. The fastener passes through a bore hole in the shaft. A cap positions onto a shaft head, and includes a ridge that engages a slot in the shaft head. The cap and head have low profiles and are non-protuberant, so as to minimize snagging, inadvertent release, and/or damage to contacting objects. A plunger positions inside the shaft, passing through a plunger spring. The plunger spring provides a compressive force that presses against the fastener to hold it in place. Removing the cap reduces the compressive force. The shaft cannot be released by external pressure on the shaft head. A compressive element helps secure the fastener in a shaft cross bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: George John Plzak
  • Patent number: 9004833
    Abstract: A fastener apparatus is disclosed that features projecting locking members that extend and retract when a central drive shaft is rotated. The exterior of the connector has a body that is partially threaded to receive a nut so that two structures (e.g. flanges, panels, plates, beams, etc.) can be pulled together by tightening the bolt when the locking members are in the extended position. In one embodiment, the shaft can be an eyebolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Derrick Prentice
  • Patent number: 8939691
    Abstract: A floating fastener includes a mounting base member affixed to a first panel member, a rotary fastening member supported on an elastic member in the mounting base member for locking a second panel member to the first panel member through a rotary motion, and a cap member affixed to the head of the rotary fastening member and axially slidably coupled to the mounting base member and rotatable to shift inside longitudinal ribs relative to vertical guide grooves at a locating flange around the periphery of the mounting base member and to move the rotary fastening member between a locking position and an unlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Hanwit Precision Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying-Chih Tseng
  • Publication number: 20140294532
    Abstract: A device comprising a shaft and a fastener. The device requires substantially no tools to apply while generally maintaining the basic shape of a common clevis pin and the robustness of a common cotter pin. The fastener passes through a bore hole in the shaft. A cap positions onto a shaft head, and includes a ridge that engages a slot in the shaft head. The cap and head have low profiles and are non-protuberant, so as to minimize snagging, inadvertent release, and/or damage to contacting objects. A plunger positions inside the shaft, passing through a plunger spring. The plunger spring provides a compressive force that presses against the fastener to hold it in place. Removing the cap reduces the compressive force. The shaft cannot be released by external pressure on the shaft head. A compressive element helps secure the fastener in a shaft cross bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: George John Plzak
  • Patent number: 8834087
    Abstract: A push-in fastener clip assembly includes a fastener having deflectable legs and compression ring for sliding along the deflectable legs during installation, with the compression ring connected to the fastener by frangible connections that are broken as the fastener clip assembly is being installed. Slots in the fastener guide the broken frangible connections during installation of the fastener, limiting rotation of the compression ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Kirchen
  • Patent number: 8807901
    Abstract: A universal hammerless pin assembly for internally coupling pieces of heavy machinery includes a pin having a cylindrical shank, a head, and a shoulder disposed therebetween along an axis. A cap is moveable between a free condition off the pin and an assembled condition on the head of the pin. In the assembled condition of the cap, a washer is carried on both the pin and the cap. In the assembled condition of the cap, the cap moves between an uncompressed condition and a compressed condition binding the washer on both the pin and the cap. The washer defines an interference coupling the pieces of heavy machinery and preventing relative movement of the pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Pasquale Lombardo, Gaetano Lombardo
  • Patent number: 8807900
    Abstract: Snap fastener for fastening a first thin wall to a second thin wall, having a base part to be arranged in a through-opening of the first thin wall. A head part extends away from the base part. The head part presents a guide for two holding elements which are pressed by a spring so that they project out over the end of the guide. The head part includes a housing with fastening projections, and can be snapped into the through-opening so that it grips only one thin wall. Unlocking devices, via which the holding elements can be pulled back into the housing from the front, are provided in the housing. The holding elements are formed by the ends of a two-armed lever which is held on a shaft in the housing so as to be rotatable at an angle of approximately 45 to 90 degrees against spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Patent number: 8727276
    Abstract: An anchoring harpoon intended in particular for an aircraft, capable of cooperating with an anchoring grate of a platform, includes jack elements including a cylinder element containing mobile piston elements provided with a rod that extends beyond the cylinder element, the free end of which includes a harpoon head (7) that is hooked in the grate and includes retaining fingers (8, 13, 14) that can be moved between a retracted position and an active position by control elements (9). The control element (9) for controlling the movements of the fingers include a control piston (18) which can slide inside the rod of the jack and which is associated with a bistable actuator (19) of the fingers, capable of moving between a retracted position and an active position in which the fingers are deployed with the application of successive pressure pulses in the jack elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: DCNS
    Inventor: Ronan Affre De Saint Rome
  • Patent number: 8690506
    Abstract: A quick assembly apparatus includes a fastening unit, a control unit and an elasticity unit. The fastening unit includes a head section and a fastening section, a through channel connecting the head section and the fastening section, and a notch at the fastening section to form a plurality of elastic fastening elements. The control unit is movably inserted in the through channel, includes a supporting section supporting the elastic fastening elements, a control shaft connected with the supporting section and extending out from the fastening section, and an extension shaft connected with the supporting section and extending towards the head section. The elasticity unit is fitted around the extension shaft of the control unit, and has its one end pushed against the control unit and its another end pushed against the fastening unit. Accordingly, the quick assembly apparatus is capable of quickly and steadily assembling two plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Dtech Precision Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Jui Wang
  • Patent number: 8641344
    Abstract: A fastener has an integral retention mechanism, which is affixed to the fastener without the need for EDM slots along the length of the fastener. The integral retention mechanism reliably secures the fastener to a panel until it is desired to remove the fastener, in which case the fastener may be easily disengaged without any additional tools. The fastener has an axial aperture having an opening in the tip of the fastener, and axially aligned openings along opposing sides of the fastener which penetrate through to the axial aperture. A u-shaped spring mechanism is disposed within the axial aperture, with a portion of each leg outwardly extendable through the axially aligned openings to provide a retention mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Avibank Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Avetisian, Zeljko Balo, Dan Welter, Dennis Del Castillo, Gerardo Limon
  • Publication number: 20140023454
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a fastener for an ornament having a pin which is excellent in workability on assembly and manufacture and improved in yield ratio, and the fastener of the present invention is characterized that the pin of the ornament is clamped in the fastener and retained between the respective spherical surfaces of a plurality of small balls, wherein a column portion inside a housing is provided with an outer column portion of a cylindrical body which is formed integrally with a pin retaining portion in a direction at which the pin retaining portion is pulled backward and internally has a through hole in the same direction as a direction at which the pin is inserted and an inner column portion of a cylindrical body which is inserted and fixed to the through hole inside the outer column portion, formed integrally with the control lever in a direction at which the control lever is urged and also has a through hole acting as a passage for introducing the pin inserted through the pin passin
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Eri Kikunaga
  • Publication number: 20140014792
    Abstract: A fastener assembly configured for use within an opening defined in a transition piece bracket is disclosed. The fastener assembly may generally include a fastener having a head configured to be positioned proximal to a first end of the opening and a body. The body may include a shank portion, a threaded portion opposite the shank portion and a recessed portion defined between the shank portion and the threaded portion. The fastener assembly may also include a retention member configured to be positioned within the opening adjacent the recessed portion such that the retention member engages at least one of the shank portion or the threaded portion as the fastener is moved within the opening. In addition, the fastener assembly may include a biasing member engaged against the retention member. The biasing member may be configured to bias the head of the fastener away from the first end of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Willis, Patrick Benedict Melton, Lucas John Stoia, Richard Martin DiCintio, David William Cihlar
  • Patent number: 8622673
    Abstract: A screw assembly includes a screw, a spring, and a mounting panel. The screw comprises a head portion and a shaft portion extending from the head portion. The spring comprises a spring body and a securing end extending from the spring body. The spring body defines a surrounding opening. The mounting panel defines a through hole corresponding to the surrounding opening. The mounting panel comprises a positioning portion. The shaft portion is located in the surrounding opening and the through hole. The spring is located between the head portion and the mounting panel. The positioning portion is configured to resist the securing end to prevent the spring from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pei-Hsi Wong, Ching-Yi Shih
  • Patent number: 8613128
    Abstract: A push-in fastener assembly includes a fastener having deflectable retainer wings and a guide ring slidable over the retainer wings. The retainer wings and/or the guide ring are shaped to reduce interference of the guide ring sliding over the retainer wings when distorted by the retainer wings. Structure is provided for more secure preassembly of the guide ring on the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin H. Moerke, Hideki Kanie
  • Patent number: 8591160
    Abstract: A clip is provided which can flexibly deal with a change in thickness of a member in which a mounting hole is formed so as to be stably fixed in the mounting hole without any looseness. This clip 10 includes a grommet 20 and a pin 40. The pin 40 has a head portion 41, a shaft portion 43 which projects from one side of the head portion 41, first locking pieces 50 which are provided flexibly on an outer circumference of the shaft portion 43 so as to be brought into engagement with a circumferential edge of the mounting hole 3 and first engagement portions 50 which are brought into engagement with the grommet 20 so as to prevent the dislodgement of the pin 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Nobuya Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 8585337
    Abstract: A mechanism for attaching a structure to a relatively flat panel includes a housing containing an outer button which contains an inner button. Displacement of the inner button into the outer button causes a moveable attachment portion to partially collapse toward a centerline which permits the moveable attachment portion to pass through an engagement aperture in the panel. Movement of the outer button into the housing permits the moveable engagement portion to extend past a back surface of the panel to engage the back surface and hold the attaching structure to the panel via forces exerted by biasing members once the buttons are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Phong Dang
  • Patent number: 8585336
    Abstract: A fastener includes a bolt, a ring engaged around the bolt, and a coil spring. The bolt includes a head, a threaded engaging portion, a shaft portion between the head and the threaded engaging portion, and a bottom flange extending radially and outwards from an end of the shaft portion connecting the threaded engaging portion. The shaft portion includes a main part connecting the head, a tail part connecting the bottom flange, and a guiding part connecting the main part and the tail part. A diameter of tail part is smaller than a diameter of the main part. A diameter of the guiding part increases from the tail part to the main part along an axial direction of the bolt. The coil spring coils the shaft portion and is sandwiched between the head of the bolt and the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignees: Furui Precise Component (Kunshan) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tao Tao, Bo Hong
  • Publication number: 20130287520
    Abstract: Arrangement for coupling first component and a second component exhibiting thermal expansion. The shank of a fastener extends through the first opening of a flattened first spacer, a spring opening of a spring element, and a second opening of a second spacer element, and is fixedly secured to the first component. The second spacer is disposed within a channel in the second component. The first spacer is disposed subjacent a head of the fastener, and the spring element is disposed between the first spacer and an abutment surface of the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Aaron L. Hartzler, Lucian Stanciu
  • Publication number: 20130227833
    Abstract: The present invention is a locking pin that takes advantage of a simpler manufacturing process, fewer parts to effectively lock the pin onto an object. The locking pin is in one embodiment for fastening an object by means of an object hole of a predetermined object hole diameter to the pin. The pin comprises an elongated shaft having a forward end and a rearward end with a pinhead at the rearward end. A pair of laterally opposed notches formed at a predetermined location along the length of the shaft. The portion of the shaft between the pair of laterally opposed notches is defined for reference purpose as the lock base. A forward hole and at least one rearward hole that extends through the lock base proximal to the forward end of the lock base. A wire lock is made of a spring-biased wire that is bendable upon compression and returns to its original shape. The wire lock is received into the forward hole and rearward hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: DynoRaxx, Inc.
    Inventor: NATHAN T. RIZZO
  • Patent number: 8517652
    Abstract: A winged wall anchor having wings pivotally connected with a rivet and spring biased to an open position. The wings pivot about the rivet axis so that they can open parallel to the wall which allows the wings to open even when they are adjacent an obstacle and requires substantially less backspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Jozsef Sternbach
  • Patent number: 8517653
    Abstract: A snap fastener, for fastening a first thin wall to a second wall, has a base part and a head part extending away from this base part The head part presents a guide/channel for one or more push/holding elements. The ends of the push/holding elements project out of the guide/channel. The head part is provided as a housing with fastening projections. The housing can be snapped into through-openings in the first and second walls such that it grips only one wall. Unlocking devices are provided in the housing, which can pull the push elements back into the housing from the front, and which can disengage the housing from the other thin wall. According to the invention, a compression spring extending between the support plane of the base part and the associated edge plane of the thin wall (front panel) is arranged on the support plane of the base part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Patent number: 8491246
    Abstract: An exemplary securing structure includes a base, a fastener, and a spring mounted around the fastener. The base defines a through hole, and two slots located adjacent to and communicating with the securing hole. Two barriers are formed at a bottom of the base corresponding to the slots. A gap is defined between the bottom surface and each of the barriers. The fastener includes a head, a bolt, and two blocks extending outwardly from a periphery of the bolt corresponding to the slots, respectively. When the bolt is extended through the securing hole with the blocks extending through the slots until the blocks are received in the gaps, the fastener is then rotatable to cause the block to escape from the gap and abut on the bottom surface of the base, with the spring resiliently compressed between the head of the fastener and a top side of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Yu Chao, Yen-Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 8475101
    Abstract: A locking screw for connecting two or more articles together is provided. The screw includes an externally threaded shaft, a head, and an elastic member. The head defines a chamber in which a spiral groove is defined. The shaft extends from the bottom of the chamber; and the elastic member is arranged around the shaft and one end of the elastic member is received in the spiral groove of the chamber and another end abuts against an article. The elastic member can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the shaft, to change the length of the elastic member, so that enough tension is created to ensure locking the screw in place and prevent any rotation, thus maintain a tight engagement among the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peng-Yu Chen, Hung-Ti Su
  • Publication number: 20130164095
    Abstract: A fastening assembly includes a fastening member, a locking member engaged with the fastening member, and an elastic member sleeved on the fastening member. The fastening member forms an arc resisting sidewall. The elastic member includes a main body and a plurality of elastic strips extending from a same side of the main body and spaced from each other. Each elastic strip gradually closes to an center axis of the main body along the direction of away from the main body. Each elastic strip forms an arc protrusion towards the center axis of the main body on an inner wall. The arc protrusion matches with the resisting sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YU-CHENG CHOU, LIAN-CHENG HUANG
  • Patent number: 8454290
    Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a bushing having a flange configured to be urged toward a work-piece, and an isolation spring configured to be positioned between the flange and the work-piece. The isolation spring includes a metal core integrally formed with a rubber coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Schaser, Jason D. Holt, Albert W. Van Boven, Jeremy R. D. Tuttle, Glenn G. Heavens
  • Patent number: 8439613
    Abstract: A fastener apparatus is disclosed that features projecting locking members that extend and retract when a central drive shaft is rotated. The exterior of the connector has a body that is partially threaded to receive a nut so that two structures (eg. flanges, panels, plates, beams, etc.) can be pulled together by tightening the bolt when the locking members are in the extended position. In one embodiment, the shaft can be an eyebolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Derrick D. Prentice
  • Patent number: 8434983
    Abstract: An exemplary locking assembly includes a locking member and a sleeve. The locking member includes a locking portion, a neck portion, and a head portion. One end of the neck portion is connected to the head portion, and another end of the neck portion is connected to the locking portion. An outer diameter of the locking portion is larger than that of the neck portion. An outer diameter of the locking portion is larger than that of the neck portion. The sleeve defines a through hole therein for holding and guiding the locking member. The through hole includes a first part. The sleeve further includes a restricting portion extending out from an inner surface of the through hole adjoining the first part of the through hole. After locking portion of the locking member passes through the restricting portion of the sleeve, the restricting portion blocks the locking portion from sliding out of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsuan-Chen Chen
  • Publication number: 20130108393
    Abstract: A screw assembly includes a screw, a spring, and a mounting panel. The screw comprises a head portion and a shaft portion extending from the head portion. The spring comprises a spring body and a securing end extending from the spring body. The spring body defines a surrounding opening. The mounting panel defines a through hole corresponding to the surrounding opening. The mounting panel comprises a positioning portion. The shaft portion is located in the surrounding opening and the through hole. The spring is located between the head portion and the mounting panel. The positioning portion is configured to resist the securing end to prevent the spring from rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: PEI-HSI WONG, CHING-YI SHIH
  • Publication number: 20130045062
    Abstract: A fastener includes a bolt, a ring engaged around the bolt, and a coil spring. The bolt includes a head, a threaded engaging portion, a shaft portion between the head and the threaded engaging portion, and a bottom flange extending radially and outwards from an end of the shaft portion connecting the threaded engaging portion. The shaft portion includes a main part connecting the head, a tail part connecting the bottom flange, and a guiding part connecting the main part and the tail part. A diameter of tail part is smaller than a diameter of the main part. A diameter of the guiding part increases from the tail part to the main part along an axial direction of the bolt. The coil spring coils the shaft portion and is sandwiched between the head of the bolt and the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicants: FOXCONN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., FURUI PRECISE COMPONENT (KUNSHAN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: TAO TAO, BO HONG
  • Publication number: 20130037238
    Abstract: A fastener for fixing heat dissipation devices includes a shaft, a cap and an elastic member. The shaft includes a first end, an opposite second end, and a flange between the first and second ends. The cap is detachably engaged with the second end of the shaft. The elastic member partly encloses the shaft, and is retained between the flange and the cap. A heat dissipation device matching with the fastener is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicants: Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd., Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiang-Yang YANG, Jing ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20120301248
    Abstract: A fastener device for fastening two or more objects together, and more particularly a fastener device of the type that incorporates a pin having an undulating section and a corresponding mating housing having a resilient biasing member for fixing the mating housing along a desired position on the pin. The mating housing can be caused to permanently lock onto the pin or can be removable from the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Arnold, Farshid Dilmaghanian, Jeffrey Frederick, Robert Valdez
  • Patent number: 8267420
    Abstract: A hitch system includes a handle portion including a handle loop, a pin portion extending from the handle portion, a pair of opposite retainers and a trigger. The retainers are movable between a retracted position relative to the pin portion and an extended position relative to the pin portion. The trigger is coupled to the retainers to actuate the retainers between the retracted position and the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: M Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Merten, Jay Z. Muchin
  • Publication number: 20120213609
    Abstract: A push-in fastener assembly includes a fastener having deflectable retainer wings and a guide ring slidable over the retainer wings. The retainer wings and/or the guide ring are shaped to reduce interference of the guide ring sliding over the retainer wings when distorted by the retainer wings. Structure is provided for more secure preassembly of the guide ring on the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin H. Moerke, Hideki Kanie
  • Publication number: 20120170992
    Abstract: Captive panel fasteners are configured to be held captive on a panel by multiple retaining elements. The fasteners include longitudinal grooves along a cylindrical portion of the fastener, a retaining ring over the cylindrical portion, a primary structure for retaining the retaining ring on the cylindrical portion, and secondary structure for retaining the cylindrical portion within a bore of the panel. The retaining ring includes radially inwardly extending opposing prongs that fit into the longitudinally extending grooves. A stop point may be provided in the longitudinally extending grooves, or an end of the fastener may be flared, to retain the retaining ring on the fastener. The prongs may also be slightly flexible and flared to grip the longitudinally extending grooves. The secondary structure can include one or more spring loaded pins in the fastener extending externally outward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: FASTENER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Bulent G. GULISTAN
  • Publication number: 20120141227
    Abstract: A fastener includes a post, a first and a second threaded portions extending from opposite ends of the post, a head portion extending from the first threaded portion opposite to the second threaded portion, a spring fitting about the post, and a nut screwed to the first threaded portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: ZHEN-XING YE