Having Attaching Or Retaining Means Patents (Class 411/372.6)
  • Patent number: 11787611
    Abstract: A storage apparatus which allows the secure storage of items within a cavity defined by a base, side walls and a top. Access can be gained to the cavity to allow the removal of introduction of said items by moving a portion of the apparatus between open and closed positions. Locking means are provided to allow the said portion to be retained in a closed position and at least one part of the apparatus is or is provided with at least one sacrificial element such that if a force is applied thereto in an attempt to break the locking means and gain unauthorised access to the cavity, the sacrificial element will break before a sufficient level of force can be applied to break the locking means and hence prevent the said at least one part being used as a means to exert force to break the locking means and gain unauthorised access and theft of items from the said cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Power Box AG
    Inventor: Tim Trollope
  • Patent number: 11286031
    Abstract: An assembly with an aircraft fuel tank is disclosed having a captive nut with an internal thread, a secondary structure, and a fastener which secures the secondary structure to the fuel tank. The fastener has a shaft which passes through the secondary structure and has an external thread coupled to the internal thread of the captive nut. The fuel tank has a fuel tank element with a hole, and the captive nut has a sleeve which is located in the hole with an interference fit between an outer surface of the sleeve and an inner surface of the wall of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: William Tulloch, Pat Broomfield
  • Patent number: 10837358
    Abstract: An engine cover assembly including a fastener concealing plug is disclosed. The plug includes a conical wall having upper and lower ends. A lower circumferential ring is spaced apart from the upper ring. The lower end of the concealing plug includes a fastener-receiving recessed area. The fastener pocket of the engine cover includes upper and lower grooves having a ring area formed therebetween. The upper circumferential ring of the plug nests with the upper groove of the pocket, the recessed area of the plug nests with the ring area, and the lower circumferential ring of the plug nests with the lower groove of the pocket. The engine cover is positioned on the engine such that a cover attaching stud passes through a stud-passing aperture of the cover. A fastening nut is threaded onto the cover-attaching stud until it comes into contact with a compression-limiting spacer. The plug conceals the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher William Newman, Gary Nola
  • Patent number: 10253441
    Abstract: A door assembly for a laundry treating appliance that comprises an inner door subassembly, an intermediate door frame, an outer door screen; and a user interface controller. The intermediate door frame is adhered to the inner door subassembly and to the outer door screen. The user interface controller is affixed to the intermediate door through an aperture in the inner door subassembly to control a user interface that is viewable through and accessible on the outer door screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Prabhjee Anand, Yogesh Dhanabalan Chandrasekaran, Timothy E. Heater, Ndjeka K. Luhahi, Jose Aldo Ramirez, Scott T. Thalls
  • Patent number: 10060066
    Abstract: A laundry appliance door assembly with an integrated user interface is adapted to eliminate any visible mechanical fasteners to create an aesthetically smooth appearance. The door assembly includes an inner door assembly to support an inner window, an intermediate door frame that houses the user interface controller, and an outer door screen with embedded touch film. The inner door assembly carries a hinge with wiring harness assembly and the intermediate door frame is adhesively bonded with the inner door assembly to form an intermediate door assembly. The outer door screen includes a touch film adhesively attached to the screen with a roller apparatus of low durometer. The outer door screen is then adhesively bonded to the intermediate door frame to complete the door assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Prabhjee Anand, Yogesh Dhanabalan Chandrasekaran, Timothy E. Heater, Ndjeka K. Luhahi, Jose Aldo Ramirez, Scott T. Thalls
  • Patent number: 9108743
    Abstract: A cap capable of achieving enhanced safety by inhibiting the occurrence of sparks thereinside even if a lightning current has flowed through a fastener, a fastening structure using the same, and an aircraft including the fastening structure. The cap (27) is attached so as to cover a portion of a fastener (15) that couples an upper skin (3) of an aircraft and a stringer (11) located inside the upper skin. The covered portion projects through the stringer (11). An outer surface (33) of the cap that comes into contact with an interior space of the upper skin (3) is a curved surface, and the cap is made of a conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., KAZUO YAMAMOTO
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kamihara, Koichi Murakami, Kazuo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9011062
    Abstract: An assembly comprising at least two non-metal components which are fixed to each other using at least one fixing system. The fixing system includes a fixing device with a fixing element which is provided with a head and a rod, and a crimping ring which is in contact with one of the components. A protection device is a part of the fixing system which delimits a cavity for confining gas around a portion of the device comprising the crimping ring. In order to improve the repeatability of the operation for positioning the protection device, a guiding device is provided which includes an assembly element on the portion of the fixing device, and an element for guiding the protection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignees: Airbus Operations SAS, Airbus Operations Ltd.
    Inventors: Clement Chirol, Philip Cresswell, Florian Dapot
  • Publication number: 20150063945
    Abstract: A cap (10) for sealing a mechanical fastener (200), method for making the cap, and driver and method for applying the cap is disclosed. The cap includes a shell having an exterior surface (14) and an interior surface (16) defining a cavity (18), an opening (19) extending through the shell between the interior and exterior surfaces, and a sealant (13) at least partially filling the cavity. A package and a holder for holding a plurality of cap assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: PRC-DeSoto International, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Obuhowich, Soccorso Rizzello, Russell Shellenberger
  • Publication number: 20150000625
    Abstract: A locking sealing arrangement for providing a fluid tight seal between a cap or a spigot and an adjacent structure is set forth. The locking sealing cap includes a peripheral sealing member such as an o-ring to form the fluid tight seal. The locking sealing cap engages the inner surface of the adjacent support structure by a cam-lock arrangement. A locking tab extends from the surface of the support structure. A tab-receiving slot is formed in the locking sealing cap. Once the locking tab is aligned in the tab-receiving slot, rotational movement of the locking sealing cap causes engagement of the locking sealing cap with the support structure. One embodiment of the locking sealing cap includes an internal torque feature for receiving a tool to allow engagement. In another embodiment of the locking sealing cap an external, multi-sided tool engagement surface is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher William Newman, Katherine Jane Randall, David Born
  • Patent number: 8916011
    Abstract: A fireshield fastener hood and method of bonding a cover to a substrate therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Kenneth Holland, William Bogue
  • Publication number: 20140363255
    Abstract: A wheel mounting bolt includes a male thread portion, a collar portion, an engagement portion, and a protruding shaft portion. The male thread portion has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in an axial direction of the male thread portion to be threadedly engaged, from the first end portion, with a female thread portion of a hub. The collar portion is provided between the first end portion and the second end portion of the male thread portion to fit into a bolt insertion hole of a wheel. The engagement portion is provided at the second end portion of the male thread portion integrally with the male thread portion to be gripped by a fastening tool. The protruding shaft portion protrudes from the engagement portion toward a direction opposite to the first end portion and is provided with male threads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: KYO-EI INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daisaku KISHIDA
  • Patent number: 8832920
    Abstract: A standoff adaptor for a threaded hollow wall anchor for mounting an item to a wall. A threaded member has a washer mounted thereon with a recess to receive and contact the head of a mounting anchor. The distal end of the threaded member is received into a standoff having at its opposite end a bolt threadedly mounted thereto for holding an item between the bolt and standoff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Accurate Manufactured Products Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Matt Goldberg
  • 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: 8657546
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cover device for a fixing portion, including a coupling hole formed at a side of the fixing portion, and a cover member rotatably coupled with the coupling hole to selectively close the fixing portion, wherein the fixing portion includes a fastening member and a fastening hole, to which the fastening member is fastened. By forming the coupling hole at a side of the fastening hole and rotatably coupling the cover member to a case member, the cover device can prevent the cover member from being lost during fastening or separating the fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae-Hwan Kang
  • Patent number: 8622678
    Abstract: A nut assembly includes a nut and an carrier. The nut defines a number of latching grooves. The carrier includes a planar board and a number of flexible holding elements protruding from the planar board. Each flexible holding element is releasably latched in one of the latching grooves to latch the carrier to the nut. The carrier is capable of moving relative to the nut from a first state to a second state, so the flexible holding elements slide out of the latching grooves to release the carrier from the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Cong Liu
  • Publication number: 20130336743
    Abstract: A hardware apparatus includes a base portion formed by a disc-shaped base plate and a cylindrical member. The cylindrical member includes a first threaded surface. The disc-shaped base plate includes a first opening and the cylindrical member includes a second opening, with the first and second openings being concentric. The hardware apparatus further includes a cap portion including a second threaded surface. The cap portion is attachable to said base portion through engagement of the first and second threaded surfaces. In one implementation, the first threaded surface is an outer surface and the second threaded surface is an inner surface. In an alternative implementation, the second threaded surface is an outer surface and the first threaded. surface is an inner surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Publication number: 20130302108
    Abstract: A specialized fastener cover is suitable for attaching to a fastener used to attach one object to another. The fastener cover includes a decorative faceplate and a method of pivoting the faceplate between two positions. In one position, the fastener can be inserted into the two objects to hold the objects together, or can be removed from the objects to release them from each other. When the faceplate is pivoted to the second position, the decorative faceplate conceals the fastener. The fastener cover can be used to cover fasteners attaching a variety of objects to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Cruiser Accessories, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Spencer, Bret Zelenka, Eldon Goates
  • Patent number: 8517210
    Abstract: An exemplary screw protection cover is provided, which includes a cover head, a cover body and a positioning piece. The cover body protrudes outward axially from one end thereof and is coaxially disposed with the cover head. The positioning piece protrudes outward from the peripheral edge of the cover head toward the cover body and is at the same side with the cover body. The positioning piece includes a stop catch disposed at the distal end thereof away from the cover head. The invention also discloses a shell assembly using the screw protection cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Shi-Jin Long, Li Cheng
  • Patent number: 8435623
    Abstract: A removable fastener insulating device comprising a heat resistant cover configured for insulating a fastener. The heat resistant cover may comprise a first portion with a hole formed therein for the fastener to be inserted through and a second portion with a cavity formed therein. The cavity may be lined with an insulating portion made of material resistant to heat transfer. In use, a portion of the fastener may be inserted into the hole of the heat resistant cover and the second portion may be actuated into the closed position. In the closed position, an end portion of the fastener may reside within the cavity between the first portion and the second portion. The heat resistant cover may also comprise attachment elements for holding the second portion in the closed position against the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Clyde Jundt, Chris Ronald Gernaat, Jay F. Shore, Rory Lee Deichert, Sean Christopher Underwood
  • Publication number: 20130051953
    Abstract: A projected bolt impact protection device configured to protect a projected bolt may comprise a cap having a substantially hollow vertical shaft with a first section configured to accommodate a portion of the projected bolt. Another impact protection device configured to protect one or more projected bolts may comprise a cap having a plurality of substantially hollow vertical shafts, each shaft configured to accommodate at least a portion of each projected bolt. Yet another impact protection device may comprise a cap having a substantially hollow vertical shaft, the shaft configured to accommodate the one or more projected bolts; a disk member configured to fit within the shaft having one or more vertical ports; and support means for supporting the disk horizontally within the shaft at an axial depth configured to provide for a portion of the projected bolts to extend through and protrude from the one or more disk ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Mark William Ryan
  • Patent number: 8366367
    Abstract: A nut and bolt cover apparatus is preferably made from three pieces. A cover piece may be placed over a nut and may have an adapter piece placed over the cover. An exterior cover may be releasably attached to the adapter piece and may squeeze a portion of the adapter piece as the exterior cover is releasably attached to the adapter. Squeezing the adapter piece preferably compresses the cover piece and causes the cover piece to grip the nut of a nut and bolt assembly while the adapter piece grips the cover piece. Removing the exterior cover may relieve the compression forces causing the adapter piece to grip the cover piece and the cover piece to grip a nut, thus permitting the nut and bolt cover apparatus to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Matlock
  • Patent number: 8333537
    Abstract: This nut torque indicator cover includes a cover piece that is joined to an indicator piece. It is fastened to a nut/bolt assembly primarily by pressing it down onto and over the exposed threads of the bolt so that the indicator piece registers with the hex portion of the nut. A snap fit design is incorporated into the nut torque indicator cover such that the cover piece and indicator piece can rotate relative to each other. The cover piece fastens securely to the external threads of the bolt providing protection to the threads, while the indicator piece, secured by the hex flats of the nut, indicates the nut circumferential position, allowing an indication of any torque loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hutchinson, SA
    Inventors: Larry K. Rogers, Andy Y. Chen
  • Patent number: 8308115
    Abstract: There is provided an in-vehicle holder support device to which an in-vehicle holder unit can be easily attached, with an improved rigidity thereof in an attached condition. In the in-vehicle holder support device, there is provided, in a base portion 12, a sloping surface 12c which slopes toward a side of a right seat frame cover 4 that is an object for attachment. An attaching portion 6 is allowed to slide via the sloping surface 12c and is guided to a gap G to be fitted thereinto. Besides, own weight of a pocket 2 can be certainly received by an opposed surface 14b that is formed flat in a holding portion 14. Thus, the pocket 2 can be easily attached to the in-vehicle holder support device and further rigidity of the in-vehicle holder support device 3 can be improved with the pocket 2 attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Access Corp.
    Inventor: Masayoshi Goto
  • Patent number: 8282327
    Abstract: An anti-theft fastening device for fastening an SBW motor externally mounted to a transmission case that includes a bolt having a head portion and a threaded portion integrally formed with the head portion, a bottomed tubular bolt cover having an opening end, and a cap member closing the opening end of the bolt cover. The bolt cover has a through bore to allow the threaded portion of the bolt to pass through, a bottom portion abutting a bottom surface of the head portion of the bolt, and a grip portion projecting from an outer circumference of the bottom portion and surrounding a periphery of the head portion of the bolt. When the threaded portion of the bolt is screwed into a threaded groove of the transmission case, the bottom portion of the bolt cover is interposed between the bottom surface of the head portion and each fastening portion of a bracket portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Miyagawa, Hitoshi Nomasa
  • Publication number: 20120155989
    Abstract: A dome-shaped aluminum screw cover is adapted to be placed over the head of a self-tapping concrete screw that is used to fasten a metal structure to concrete on a house or building. A concave inner surface of the screw cover provides a space between the cover and the screw head for receiving a charge of silicone adhesive that bonds the cover to the metal structure and screw head, while also providing a watertight seal around the screw head that minimizes entry of moisture and corrosion of the screw. The screw cover is preferably of the same color as the metal structure so as to reduce its visibility while effectively concealing the unsightly screw head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Gary Zack, Robert R. Laviolette
  • Patent number: 7967562
    Abstract: A fastener for a turbine engine includes a bolt and a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) cap mechanically secured to the bolt. CMC components are attached to an exhaust nozzle case with the fasteners. The fastener includes a bolt made of metal and having a head. A CMC cap is located on the head of the bolt and secured to the bolt by a mechanical device. The mechanical device allows the CMC cap to have a different thermal expansion than the bolt. The CMC cap also acts as a thermal shield for the bolt, aiding in the reduction of a heat signature of the turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Allen R. Frost, John D. Riehl
  • Patent number: 7931430
    Abstract: A locking device for a rotational based fastener for fastening an object to a substrate, the device including a washer for placement between the fastener head and the object a locking plate for removable engagement to the fastener head to prevent relative rotation of the locking plate and the fastener head, and a flexible, substantially non-elastic integral folded tab connecting the locking plate and washer, the locking plate has a first aperture to receive the the fastener shank such that the fastener head will upon tightening draw the washer into tight contact with the substrate, the locking plate is larger than the fastener head and has a second aperture of smaller or equal size than the fastener head, and the locking plate includes a swagable portion near the perimeter of the second aperture to bridge the fastener head when the locking plate is swaged over the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Building Systems Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Phil Thrift
  • Publication number: 20110070049
    Abstract: A fastener includes a barrel for fastening to a mounting through hole of a first metal plate member, a screw member inserted through the barrel for threading into a screw hole of a second metal plate member to joint the first and second metal plate members together, a cap molded on the screw member for holding the barrel temporarily on the inside by means of friction engagement between the barrel and the cap, a spring member sleeved onto the screw member and stopped between the shoulder of the screw member and an inside annular flange of the barrel, and a C-shaped retainer ring fastened to the shank of the screw member to prohibit falling of the screw member out of the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: KUO-CHUNG WANG
  • Publication number: 20110027044
    Abstract: In a security cover, or system, for a fastener both (1) a step washer, and (2) a hollow cylinder rotating to the contained step washer, are affixed to a surface by a nut, or by a bolt head, that is to be protected from tampering. A (3) hollow cap fits loosely over the bolt head or nut, and is either (A) compressively forced upon the step washer, the cap being within cylinder that is then rotatable relative to the cap, step washer and nut or bolt head; or else (B) compressively forced into the hollow of the cylinder, therein to rotate together with the cylinder relative to the step washer and nut or bolt head. The (3) hollow cap may also be fit compressively over, as opposed to within, the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Eric John Dillenberger
  • Patent number: 7862278
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing removal of, or tampering with, a construction fitting includes two construction element engaging components and a fastener for connecting the two construction element engaging components to one another. The fastener includes a bolt extending between the two construction element engaging components and a nut for tightening on the bolt rigidly connecting the two engaging components with a gap therebetween. A body portion, for at least partially covering a nut, prevents access thereto by an unfastening tool with the body portion extending from the nut to a position alongside the bolt within the gap. A locking device is able to be moved relative to the body portion between a first position, in which the apparatus is removable from the construction fitting, and a second position in which the apparatus is prevented from being removed from the construction fitting with the locking device extending, in the second position, from the body portion in a direction toward the bolt with the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Keith Ching
  • Publication number: 20100300035
    Abstract: A mounting device (20) for frameworks is disclosed having a washer (2) having a sleeve (1) extending downward, which fits over the body (12) of a screw (5), and a cap (3) that is secured to the washer to conceal the screw head (8) of the screw from harmful elements. The length of the sleeve is equal to or slightly greater than the height of a hollow frame (6) being secured to a structure (7) so that the body of the screw is protected from coming into contact with any water or air. The sleeve also acts as a spacer in between the top of the aluminum frame and the structure to prevent over-tightening of the screw, thereby preventing dimpling a top surface of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Edward W. Pither
  • Publication number: 20100303582
    Abstract: The present invention features, in preferred aspects, a cowl cross member mounting unit that includes an adjustment bolt for suitably absorbing a tolerance occurring when a vehicle body panel and a cowl cross member are suitably coupled with each other, and a cap maintaining the coupling between the adjustment bolt and a fixing nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD., HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun Hyuck Choi, Jae Seob Choi, Phil Je Cho
  • Patent number: 7761972
    Abstract: An eccentric fastening device is provided. The eccentric fastening device includes a first threaded fastener, a base and a rotary lug providing a non-fastened pre-assembled position. The base includes a top, a bottom, a stem and a hole, where the stem axially extends from the bottom of the base, and the hole axially extends from the top through the stem of the base. The rotary lug is releasably retained in the hole of the base by the first threaded fastener. The rotary lug includes a cylindrical portion having a thread and a head, wherein the head is offset from the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is substantially axially concentric with the hole of the base, allowing the head to be eccentrically rotated on or off of the stem, whereby a selective structure may be variably clamped and releasably retained between said head and said base. An aircraft having an eccentric fastening device is also provided. A method of installing the same is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard J. LaConte, Michael O. Nebeker
  • Patent number: 7740434
    Abstract: There is provided a fastener able to prevent damage due to environmental factors such as ultraviolet rays, and impact from sanddust, lumps of ice, and raindrops without obstructing a flow of electric shock current that flows along a top surface of an outer skin. The fastener connects an outer skin of an aircraft to a structural member positioned inside this outer skin, and is provided with a dielectric layer arranged to cover one end surface of a head section, and a conductive layer arranged to cover one end surface of this dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichiro Kamino, Kazuyuki Oguri, Makoto Senda, Takahiro Sekigawa, Akiko Inoue
  • Patent number: 7713012
    Abstract: A two-piece, decorative fastener assembly for securing a license plate to a vehicle. The decorative fastener uniquely includes a threaded fastener for securing the license plate to the vehicle and a decorative cover that can be quickly and easily connected directly to the head portion of the threaded fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: John Coonjohn
  • Publication number: 20100034614
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an insulating cover for fasteners. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprises a washer and a cover. The washer is capable of receiving a fastener. The cover is capable of being secured to the insulating washer, wherein an insulating volume is created with the cover secured to the washer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas A. Dean, John George Kladouris
  • Patent number: 7584582
    Abstract: An adhesive bonded attachment assembly is provided for supporting and retaining an insulation blanket on a substrate such as aircraft engine nacelle or the like. The attachment assembly includes a stud attachment having a base for adhesive bonded affixation to the nacelle substrate and a fastener element such as a threaded stud extending from the base at least partially into a grommet-lined mounting port formed in the insulation blanket. A radially enlarged, insulated cap fastener is secured to the fastener element to retain the insulation blanket on the nacelle substrate in a manner shielding surrounding structures and components from heat generated during engine operation. The insulated cap fastener projects radially beyond the associated grommet for improved heat-shielding of the adhesive bonded stud attachment, thereby safeguarding against debonding of the attachment base in response to high temperature exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Physical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles G. Hutter, III
  • Patent number: 7524154
    Abstract: An eccentric fastening device is provided. The eccentric fastening device includes a first threaded fastener, a base and a rotary lug providing a non-fastened pre-assembled position. The base includes a top, a bottom, a stem and a hole, where the stem axially extends from the bottom of the base, and the hole axially extends from the top through the stem of the base. The rotary lug is releasably retained in the hole of the base by the first threaded fastener. The rotary lug includes a cylindrical portion having a thread and a head, wherein the head is offset from the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is substantially axially concentric with the hole of the base, allowing the head to be eccentrically rotated on or off of the stem, whereby a selective structure may be variably clamped and releasably retained between said head and said base. An aircraft having an eccentric fastening device is also provided. A method of installing the same is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard J. LaConte, Michael O. Nebeker
  • Publication number: 20080292428
    Abstract: A two-piece, decorative fastener assembly for securing a license plate to a vehicle. The decorative fastener uniquely includes a threaded fastener for securing the license plate to the vehicle and a decorative cover that can be quickly and easily connected directly to the head portion of the threaded fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: John Coonjohn
  • Publication number: 20080286071
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a decorative fastener assembly is provided having a fastener with a receiving chamber. A decorative member having a minor shaft is insertable into the receiving chamber for attaching the decorative member to the fastener. The minor shaft can be threaded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Jonathan J. A. Potter
  • Patent number: 7384225
    Abstract: A bolt head cover (10) comprises an outer heat resistant portion (12) and an inner gripping portion (14). The bolt head cover (10) is arranged to be placed over the bolt head (16). The bolt head cover (10) is retained in position by means of the inner gripping portion (14) which grips the bolt head, with the gripping portion (14) being retained in the heat resistant portion (12) by means of flanges (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Matrice Material Systems Limited
    Inventor: David Harold Woolstencroft
  • Patent number: 7316374
    Abstract: A fastener for a pipe is able to prevent an end of a stud to which the fastener is attached from puncturing a fuel tank or breaking other parts of a car body and causing the fuel tank to rupture when a collision occurs. The fastener comprises a fastener main body and a protective member. The fastener main body has a base, pipe fastening portions connected to the base, and a stud engaging portion connected to at least one of the base and the pipe fastening portions to engage a stud extending from a support. The stud engaging portion has a stud receiving hole for receiving the stud. A protective member is attached to at least one of the stud engaging portion and the base to cover the end of a stud in the stud receiving hole and has sufficient rigidity to prevent the end of the stud from protruding out of the stud receiving hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Toshio Maruyama
  • Patent number: 7172381
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an unfastening prevention device which has nothing projecting outside, and can prevent unfastening at either head or distal end of a bolt. An unfastening prevention is attained by covering a cap (6, 16) to screwed up fastening means formed of a bolt (2) and a nut (3). In a groove (6a, 16a) formed on an inner surface of the cap (6, 16) an outer periphery of a spring ring (8) is engaged, an inner periphery of the spring ring being engaged in a groove (7a) of a holder (7), restricting axial direction (2a) and resulting in slip out prevention. Even when a torque is given on the cap (6, 16), the cap idles, fastening condition does not change and unfastening prevention is attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignees: Nishioka Byoura Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 7004700
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a decorative cap for enclosing the head of a wheel bolt or wheel nut or the like which fastens a wheel to the hub of a vehicle, comprising an end closure wall, an endless side wall extending from an outer periphery of said end closure wall, a skid extending radially outwardly from a periphery of said side wall, and said skirt having a plurality of locking lips depending therefrom for releasably gripping the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventor: Larry J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6964549
    Abstract: A license plate fastener assembly useful in attaching a license plate to a motor vehicle includes a cup-like resilient adapter provided with an annular base surface conformed to receive the license plate fastener. The skirt of the adapter surrounding the fastener head is provided with a peripheral bead that is captured in an interior recess of a covering cap that opposes the plate surface once installed, thereby imparting partial tension to the adapter to develop frictional variations against the plate. The cap also includes an exterior circular depression in which variously marked plugs are receivable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Phoenix P. A. Fallon
  • Patent number: 6923230
    Abstract: To fasten snow chains to vehicle wheels, an adapter device (100; 200; 300; 400) is used that can be fastened to at least one wheel bolt and comprises a body that is constructed to be connected to connection and installation elements of the snow chains. The adapter device comprises at least one magnet (120; 403) connected to its body which is applied to the head (130) of at least one wheel mounting bolt, so as to retain the body of the adapter device on the wheel by means of magnetic retention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Konig SpA
    Inventors: Romolo Airoldi, Marco Arrigoni Neri
  • Publication number: 20040258503
    Abstract: A spindle nut retainer is provided for preventing a nut threaded upon a spindle from unthreading and detaching from the spindle. The spindle nut retainer includes an integral base section and peripheral section maintaining a cup-shaped configuration. The base section includes an aperture through which the spindle may pass and the peripheral section includes a plurality of fingers which form windows therebetween used to form a locking connection between the spindle nut retainer and the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: James Craig Tuthill
  • Patent number: 6739631
    Abstract: A torque-limiting bolt-and-nut assembly is provided for actuating a pipe-pressing member in order to secure two pipe ends together. The bolt includes a threaded shank, a secondary drive head, and a shearable drive head designed to be sheared-off by a torque exceeding a predetermined value. A recess is formed between the shearable drive head and the second drive head. The nut is mounted on the shearable drive head and is configured for transmitting torque to the shearable drive head from a manual tool. A nut includes a connection structure extending into the recess for resisting dislodgement of the nut from the bolt. The shearable drive head has at least four sides, all of the sides being of equal length, and the number of the sides being an even number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventors: Radford S. Smith, Roger D. Woody
  • Patent number: 6736656
    Abstract: An electrical card connector (1) mounted on a printed circuit board (2) via a bolt (3) includes an insulating body (10) in which a number of terminals (11) are provided for electrical connection to the printed circuit board, a shield (12) covering the insulating body, a pair of stand-off devices (14) secured on opposite sides of the shield and a pair of shield members (15) attached on the stand-off devices. Each stand-off device includes a retention portion (140) secured to the shield and a terminal portion (141) with a screw hole (1412) defined therein extending laterally from a lower edge of the retention portion for connection to the printed circuit board. The shield member defines a round hole (151) aligned with the screw hole for receiving therein a tail portion (31) of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Chi Yu
  • Patent number: 6719511
    Abstract: A series of high security fastener constructions feature rotatable anti-theft shrouds mounted on locking wheel nuts and wheel bolts designed for vehicular wheels. Each construction features (1) a fastener body having a first body end adapted to accommodate a key receiving pattern or member, a second body end having thread pattern extending therefrom, and a shroud receiving portion located between the first and second body ends, (2) a shroud concentrically mounted on the shroud receiving, and (3) a shroud retaining system for retaining the shroud for rotation relative to the fastener body such that the shroud will rotate under an applied torque prior to the fastener rotating when it is installed at a design installation torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: McGard, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Notaro, Adam W. Schreckengost