Abstract: A self-retained fastener including locking means provided near the end of the fastener first inserted through a hole in a workpiece wherein the locking means becomes operative after passing beyond the hole in the workpiece. The locking means comprises an annular groove near the end of the fastener having a configuration which increases radially outwardly from a point axially inwardly from the end of the fastener toward the end of the fastener. A spring ferrule member is engaged about the end of the fastener around the annular groove and includes a portion thereof which cooperates with the exterior surface of the workpiece and the annular groove on the fastener to oppose unintentional removal of the fastener from the workpiece once it has passed through the hole in the workpiece. The ferrule also serves as a removal tool for permitting removal of the fastener when desired.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for removably securing a gear or hub to a shaft by means of a spring wire clip which clip includes a curved portion formed by radially and circumferentially bending an intermediate portion of the clip for resilient engagement with an axial groove formed in a central bore of the gear, a pair of loop portions extending from opposite ends of the curved intermediate portion and arranged to be fitted around the shaft for engagement with either side surface of the gear, and a pair of detent pin portions formed by radially inwardly bending the end of each of the loop portions for engagement with a pair of radial holes formed in the shaft.

Abstract: An electrical wiring box having a pair of mounting elements associated therewith for permitting the quick and easy mounting of an electrical device within the wiring box. Each mounting element has a central portion with a screw receiving opening. Side portions extend from the central portion and deflective V-shaped flanges including thread-engaging portions are integral with the side portions. The thread-engaging portions terminate at opposed thread-engaging surfaces which are parallel and lie at an acute angle to a reference line which is perpendicular to the major axis of the flanges. The mounting elements fit in openings in the box and are held in place by abutments on the central portions and by the V-shaped flanges. In installing an electrical device in the box, screws are pushed through the central openings and into the regions between the thread-engaging surfaces. The screws may be further tightened by turning a fraction of a turn.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprising a molded case formed by two half-cases abutting each other. A snap on mounting clip embraces the half-cases. The clip comprises a central portion and arms on either side thereof embracing the half-cases. The arms include locking protrusions which are received in holes formed in the half-cases. The protrusions are deformed toward the embraced half-case. The arms include end portions flared outwardly of the case. The arms are angled to permit the arms to spring freely as they are pushed over the half-cases. The case includes an upper wall, and the central portion is bowed downwardly so as to be concave relative to said upper wall of said case. The upper wall includes an opening and the central portion of the clip includes a thread receiving opening. The openings in the wall and in the clip are aligned to receive the shank of a threaded fastener for mounting the circuit breaker to a panel.

Abstract: An improved device for interconnecting a pair of different parts together, such as the fastening of a pitot tube to the side wall of an air flow duct of an air conditioning system. The device includes a barrel having a number of resilient legs mounted thereon near one end thereof, the barrel being externally threaded to receive a hex nut or the like. The legs, which initially project laterally from the barrel, are movable into positions extending longitudinally of and adjacent to the barrel as the barrel and legs are inserted into a hole in a second part. The legs spring back after passing through the hole and the outer ends of the legs engage the surface portion surrounding the hole when the nut is tightened on the barrel so that the first part carried by the barrel is effectively rigidly connected to the second part having the hole.