Having Resilient Securing Structure On Shank Patents (Class 411/508)
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Patent number: 7614125Abstract: A positive hold tube weld stud assembly connectable to a vehicle body panel includes a substantially hollow tubular-shaped body. The body includes an inner body wall defined by a body internal aperture. A raised engagement portion extends inwardly from the inner body wall. A first chamfer positioned proximate an end surface of the body transitions between the inner body wall and the raised engagement portion. A second chamfer transitions between the raised engagement portion and the inner body wall. An insert is partially received in the body internal aperture and is adapted to engage a body connectable device. The insert includes a chamfered stud engagement portion releasably engageable with the second chamfer in an insert installed position.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Mark H. Delcourt, Bradley D. Smith
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Patent number: 7614836Abstract: An arrangement is provided for attaching an automotive surface component, such as a carpet and/or trim, to a primary surface on an automotive panel forming a wall of an automotive structural member, such as a rocker panel. The automotive panel has a space therebehind and holes therethrough. Plug portions of plug fastener assemblies having hollow bodies are pressed through the holes prior to filling the space behind the panel with foam. Fastener insert portions of the plug fastener assemblies for retaining carpet and/or other automotive surface components, such as trim strips, are inserted into the hollow bodies of the plug portions. Cooperating shoulders and flanges hold the plug portions in the panel and cooperating shoulders and flanges hold the fastener insert portions in the hollow bodies of the plug portions. While the use described is for rockers in automotive vehicles, the plug fastener arrangement is usable as fasteners for other purposes.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2006Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Gulam Mohiuddin, Gregory A. Nadlicki, Joseph T. Cusumano, Anna L. Dunnigan
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Publication number: 20090238659Abstract: A fastening device having a fastening element includes a plug-in region and a contact area at a distance therefrom, and a shaft between the plug-in region and the contact area. The plug-in region is axially pressable through a through opening in a wall area in a plugged position of the fastening element, until the contact surface, or an intermediate part situated in between, presses against the wall area from one side and the shaft is radially centered in the through opening. The fastening element is connected to another component. The fastening element is located in its installed position after the fastening element is in its plugged position through the through opening and is then rotated around an axis of its shaft into an installed position delimited by a stop, in which at least one radial projection of the plug-in region engages behind an edge area of the through opening to fix the fastening element in the installed position and thus prevent axial displacement of the shaft out of the through opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicants: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Angela Zoeller, Frank Eckstein, Albert Sbongk
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Publication number: 20090238660Abstract: In aircraft construction, connection elements for connecting layers of insulating material onto walls are subject to special requirements for ease of installation, weight considerations, and resistance to heat. The invention provides a connection arrangement, in particular for superimposed layers of material, whose function is not impaired under extreme heat. The connection arrangement is comprised by a pin with a head or head arrangement, engaging positions, and a retaining element. The pin, the head or the head arrangement, and retaining element are made up of a skeleton and an outer material where the skeleton is made of a material more resistant to heat than the outer material. Following destruction or removal of the outer material by heat, the remaining skeleton parts of the pin, head part, and retaining element maintain their connections and structure keeping the layers of material in place.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventor: Bernhard HOMNER
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Patent number: 7591819Abstract: A bone nail, particularly a proximal femoral nail, has a nail shank having at least one cross-bore near one end and an axial bore having a threaded portion. A screw, for example, a femoral neck screw is provided having a threaded portion and a smooth shank portion between the threaded portion and a screw head, which can be introduced into the cross-bore. An interlocking pin or screw is placed in the axial bore. The locking pin has a male threaded portion interacting with the female threaded portion of the bore. The locking pin or screw has an end portion which engages the smooth shank of the screw to locate it axially and wherein at least the end portion of the locking pin is made of an elastically and/or plastically deformable material.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Stryker Trauma GmbHInventors: Nils Zander, Axel Cremer
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Publication number: 20090199501Abstract: An insulation system includes a panel having a major surface, a layer of fibrous insulating material and at least one securing clip affixed to the panel and securing the insulation layer to the major surface. Each clip includes first and second connectors. Each connector includes a head, two diametrically-opposed resilient latching elements projecting from the head and a first locking shoulder extending at least partially between the latching elements. Each latching element includes a latching shoulder adjacent a distal end opposite the head.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventor: Brian P. O'Riordan
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Publication number: 20090191024Abstract: A blade bolt for attaching a blade to a rotating member of a rotary mower has a head at a lower end, a cylindrical shoulder portion extending from the head, a shank extending from the shoulder portion, the shank having a cross-section that is rounded and non-cylindrical, and a threaded portion extending from the shank. The shoulder portion extends laterally beyond at least a portion of the shank such that the shoulder portion bears against the rotating member when the shank is inserted into a mounting aperture defined by the mounting member that has a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the shank. The rounded and non-cylindrical shank prevents rotation of the bolt, and distributes stress forces across a wider area compared to the prior art.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventor: Blake Neudorf
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Patent number: 7553116Abstract: The fastener comprises a first part having a stem and a head attached to one end of the stem, and a second part having two elastic feet and a plate from which the elastic feet project transversely, the stem being adapted to slide in an opening formed in the plate, the fastener being adapted to assume a waiting position in which the first part is held in the second part by means of the stem passing through the opening and clamping said plate between a stop surface and a tooth; a locking position; and an unlocking position.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: ITW de FranceInventor: Jean-Pierre Lesecq
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Patent number: 7549829Abstract: A clip has a head part adapted to be contacted with a peripheral edge of a fitting hole in a panel to be fitted, and a leg part adapted to be inserted into the fitting hole thereby to be engaged with the peripheral edge of the fitting hole. The leg part has a post suspended from a center of a lower face of the head part, at least three projections which are radially extended from the post in a diametrical direction and connected to the lower face of the head part at their upper ends, and engaging pieces which are extended from these projections in a circumferential direction to be respectively positioned between the projections. The engaging pieces are connected to the head part at their upper ends, and provided with slits between their circumferentially extended ends and the opposed projections.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Piolax Inc.Inventors: Shigeo Okada, Takeshi Kuroda
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Patent number: 7549199Abstract: A device for connecting a carrier part and an add-on piece. The device includes a receiving part (1), an anchoring part (3) and a connecting part (2). The connecting part can be connected to the receiving part (1) and the anchoring part (3). The connecting part (2) is provided with two flange disks (13, 14) that are connected to each other via an interpiece. The receiving part (1) is configured with a plurality of arms (19) that bend away from the direct connecting line between an inner receiving element (21) serving to receive the interpiece, and an outer fixing region. The flange disks (13, 14) clasp, edgewise, a plate-shaped region (16) in which the outer fixing region of the arms (19) is disposed.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: A. Raymond et CieInventor: Eric Bügner
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Patent number: 7549830Abstract: A w-base fastener that may be used in many applications, including numerous applications throughout the automotive industry, combines the functionality of a w-base fastener with the serviceability of other fasteners. The w-base fastener of the invention provides the ability to service the w-base fastener without damaging the panel or hole in which the fastener is inserted. This is accomplished by incorporating a secondary connection into the w-base fastener. This secondary connection permits the fastener to be easily extracted by providing a technique for pulling the legs of the w-base fastener inward prior to extraction of the fastener from the hole.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Brock T. Cooley, Wayne M. Hansen
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Patent number: 7523959Abstract: A fastener for fixing a curtain airbag to a body panel of an automobile comprises a screw grommet having a shank to be inserted into mounting holes of an airbag-anchor portion and a body panel, and a flange to press the airbag-anchor portion against the body panel. The flange has an opening and the shank has a shank hole continuous to the opening into which a tapping screw is driven. The shank has resilient fingers protruding outward from sides of the shank to engage edge regions of mounting holes in a temporary fixing state. The fingers are held in a permanent fixing state by screwing the tapping screw into the shank hole, preventing the fingers from being bent inward. The flange has an edge with an upstanding partition to allow a central region of the flange to be partitioned from a main body of the curtain airbag.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Yasuhiro Kawai, Yoshiharu Kawasaki, Shuichi Okinaka, Mitsuo Nogami
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Patent number: 7503528Abstract: A cable mount for receiving and carrying cable bundles comprises a shaft and a cable tie receiving member. The shaft comprises a top end portion and a bottom end portion and first and second adjacent projections spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The adjacent projections extend radially from the shaft and are circumferentially displaced about the longitudinal axis relative to one another. The cable tie receiving member comprises a top surface and opposing sidewalls defining a slot to receive a cable tie. The cable tie receiving member is positioned at the top end portion of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Michael Scott Adams, Kevin Larry Nelson
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Publication number: 20090060679Abstract: A fastening apparatus of a heat radiator, disposed on an upper folding edge and a lower folding edge of each radiator body, comprises more than one opening on each of the folding edges, more than one arrow-headed fastener with a notch in the center thereof, and more than one inwardly slanted projection on each upper and lower folding edges respectively. The arrow-headed fasteners on the upper and lower folding edges of each previous radiator body sequentially hook to the corresponding openings on the upper and lower folding edges of each next radiator body, so that a plurality of heat radiators are joined integrally, the inwardly slanted projections are disposed on the upper and lower folding edges of each previous radiator body to hold the rear part of each next radiator body, and the fastening apparatuses are joined more stably at a constant distance, and thus are prevented from being loosened.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventor: Chin-Hsing Horng
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Publication number: 20090060680Abstract: An exemplary locking assembly includes a locking member and a sleeve. The locking member includes a locking portion and a neck portion connecting the locking 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: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: HSUAN-CHEN CHEN
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Patent number: 7496993Abstract: A retention clip includes a generally cylindrical main portion having a leading end configured to pass into a hole of a panel, at least one retaining tab extending from the main portion, and at least one spring member extending from the main portion. The at least one retaining tab and the at least one spring member are configured to compressively sandwich a portion of the panel therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: John M. Kosidlo, James B. Carrier, Kent S. Gimmy
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Publication number: 20090028667Abstract: The invention relates to a device for covering a recess in a carrier part (8), said device comprising a shaft (1) that can be guided through the recess (7), a covering screen (6) that is connected to the shaft (1) and laterally protrudes in relation to the same, and a catch arrangement (3, 4) connected to the shaft (1). Said catch arrangement (3, 4) is designed in such a way that it engages with the carrier part (8) when an axial force is applied to the shaft (1), and the covering screen (6) lies in a bearing region on a bearing side (11) of the carrier part (8). According to the invention, the covering screen (6) comprises a rigid peripheral outer section (9) and a peripheral deformation section (12) arranged between the outer section (9) and the shaft (1), said deformation section being less rigid than the outer section (9). In this way, the covering screen (6) can be prevented from pivoting even with the application of relatively high insertion forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2005Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventor: Mohieddine Boubtane
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Patent number: 7481474Abstract: A retainer employs a flexible arm with an internal rib. In another aspect of the present invention, a retainer has at least one generally triangularly shaped projection laterally extending from an arm. A further aspect of the present invention retainer provides a laterally enlarged member, a trim panel-retaining head and stem, a central post, one or more flexible wings flexibly spanning between a tip of the post and the laterally enlarged member, and an internal rib and/or at least a pair of generally angular extensions flexibly extending from each arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Lawrence John Higgins, Steven Michael Benedetti, Girishsingh A. Mokashi
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Publication number: 20090022569Abstract: A flange to be assembled to a duct member includes a plurality of pre-fabricated apertures or areas of weakened wall strength for receiving fasteners to assemble the flange to the end of a duct member. The apertures may be spaced apart such that the fasteners can be inserted at regular intervals along the length of the flange and the length of the end of the duct member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: RAM DEVELOPING LLCInventors: Alain Denis Richard, Richard Carl Houle, Jr., Michael Paul Houle
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Patent number: 7474530Abstract: An apparatus for dissipating heat in a computer system includes a heat sink, at least one fastener which secures the heat sink to at least one first support member, and at least one cup. The first support member has a top side and a bottom side. The at least one cup includes a cylindrical cavity, an upper protruding lip, and a lower base having a hole through which the at least one fastener passes. A method for dissipating heat in a computer system includes, mounting a heat emitting component onto a printed circuit board, pressing a heat sink into thermal contact with a heat emitting component, inserting a cup into an aperture of the heat sink, and supporting a heat sink.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2007Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas E. Stewart, Daniel Hruska
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Publication number: 20080267731Abstract: A Bolted Flanged Connection (BFC) includes “negative creep” bolts with cores manufactured from Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) and “negative creep” gasket manufactured from the same SMA. The gasket is shape-memorized to the “swelling”, and bolt cores are shape-memorized to the compression. Temperature interval of reverse martensitic phase transformation of SMA is close to operational temperature interval of the assembly. The constrained shape recovery of the gasket and bolt cores is combined with inverse flexion flange design that constitutes original type of BFC with feature to inhibit flange rotation and creep of bolts and gasket under conditions of a variety of operational temperatures and internal pressures.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventor: Anatoly Efremov
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Patent number: 7428770Abstract: A spring fastener, which comprises two engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement portion comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio when the engagement portion does not have the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion into, with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Termax CorporationInventors: Daniel James Dickenson, Michael Walter Smith, Lawrence John Conway, Paul Lester Clements
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Publication number: 20080227379Abstract: A magnetic fan-attaching structure and a magnetic attaching element are disclosed. The magnetic fan-attaching structure includes a fan body and at least one magnetic attaching element. The fan body has at least one through hole. The magnetic attaching element includes a main body and a magnetic unit located at the main body. The main body has a head portion and a rod body. The head portion has a contacting surface and an attaching surface that are opposite to the contacting surface. The contacting surface is linked to the rod body. The attaching surface is exposed to a side surface of the fan body. The rod body passes through the through hole to combine the magnetic attaching element with the fan body. Thereby, the fan body can be easily and rapidly installed at the desired location by a magnetic-absorbing method. It is convenient for users.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: Chung-Liang Hung
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Publication number: 20080193258Abstract: A device to be fixed in a recess (19) configured in a support member (20) comprises an outer part (1) made of a soft material and insertable into the support-member recess (19), an inner part (4) made of a hard elastic material and able to be brought inwardly into engagement with the outer part (1) by means of a retaining arrangement (15), and an insertion part (6) that can be inserted in the inner part (4) from an insertion side (21), is configured to be more rigid than the inner part (4), and when inserted expands both the outer part (1) and the inner part (4). The outer part (1) has a pot-like configuration, with a circumferentially closed outer wall portion (2) and a base portion (3) that seals the outer part (1) at a rear face disposed opposite the insertion side (21) and is peripherally connected to the wall portion (2). The support-member recess is thereby sealed reliably even under relatively extreme external conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2006Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: A. RAYMOND ET CIEInventors: Jean-Jacques Legat, Jerome Blanc
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Patent number: 7405939Abstract: A heat sink assembly (100) includes a fastening device (20) and a heat sink (10). The fastening device includes a sleeve (24), a pin (22) received in the sleeve and a biasing means (26) disposed around the sleeve. The sleeve includes a locking portion (246) formed at a bottom end thereof. The pin includes an engaging portion (226) formed at a bottom end thereof. At least a slot (248) is defined through the locking portion of the sleeve (24). The engaging portion extends outwardly through the slot and resiliently abuts against a bottom surface of the heat sink. The biasing means is slightly deformed between a top end of the fastening device and a top surface of the heat sink, thereby keeping the fastening device in a vertical position with respect to the heat sink.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chih-Hao Yang
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Patent number: 7405938Abstract: A heat sink assembly (100) and a heat sink clip (20) are provided. The heat sink clip (20) includes a pin (22) and a spring (24) disposed around the pin (22). The pin (22) includes an upper section (22a) and a lower section (22b). The upper section (22a) has a head (222) thereon, and the lower section (22a) has a clamping portion (224) and an abutting portion (226) which is located between the head (222) and the clamping portion (224) and is in the form of an annular flange extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the pin (22). A plurality of slots (22c) are defined through the clamping portion (224) and the lower section (22b) of the pin. The abutting portion (226) engages with a bottom surface of a heat sink (10) before the clip (20) secures the heat sink assembly (100) to a circuit board (40).Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chih-Hao Yang
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Patent number: 7384226Abstract: The present invention is directed to a blind fastener, usually a blind rivet, (10) comprising a mandrel (22) and an elongate cylindrical body (16) mounted on a stem (24) of such mandrel so as to extend co-axially about a central axis A of such blind rivet, the body (16) having a flange (18) at one end and a tail end (20) at an axially opposed end, for insertion through a hole in a workpiece, the mandrel having a mandrel head (26) in operative engagement with this tail end (20) for transmitting force thereto during setting of such fastener, wherein the body (16) has two different external diameters (d, D) and a radially extending shoulder (32) therebetween such that the external diameter (D) of the body adjacent to the flange (18) is greater than the external diameter (d) of the body adjacent to the tail end, wherein the body between this shoulder (32) and the flange is at least partially encased in a resilient, shock absorbing material (36).Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Steven V. Jones, Geoffrey Weeks
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Patent number: 7383610Abstract: This invention relates to a two-piece grommet adapted for holding a cable in an aperture, such as in a desk or work surface so as to absorb any strain imposed on the cable and to provide an attractive covering for the hole drilled to pass the cable. The grommet consists of two portions. The first portion comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a circular lip. The second portion comprises a cap having an extended flange and adapted to frictionally fit into the cylindrical sleeve and against the lip. The cap has an aperture cut into it through which the cable passes. A pivotal tab is connected under the cap to close the aperture when no cable passes therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Inventor: Douglas A. J. Mockett
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Patent number: 7364382Abstract: A fastener for joining trim pieces to a motor vehicle includes a metal insert molded into an elastomeric body of a fastener. An anti-rotational rib prevents excessive rotation of the fastener after installation. Oppositely extending flexible wings of the metal insert are spaced from each other to allow full deflection upon insert of the fastener without interference between the flexible wings. Protective guards formed at distal ends of a pair of support legs provide improved insertion alignment for the fastener as well as protection between the fastener and metal surfaces of the vehicle. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a dog house assembly is provided having aperture and slots mating with the installation features of the silver plate fastener. In still another embodiment, a method for installing a silver plate molding into a vehicle using a fastener of the present disclosure is provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Steven M. Benedetti, Rosalind A. Nessel
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Patent number: 7359200Abstract: A fastener for mounting a heat dissipation module on a central processing unit, includes a shank having opposite upper and lower ends and a head at the upper end of the shank. The shank includes a first portion located between the upper and lower ends, and adapted to engage, by snap engagement, with a fastener retaining portion of the heat dissipation module. The shank also includes a second portion located at the lower end and adapted to engage with a matching mounting element of a base, thereby fastening the central processing unit between the base and the heat dissipation module.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Chunnan Zhou, Simeon Chou
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Patent number: 7354024Abstract: A system and apparatus for storing an item is provided that includes a pegboard wall-plug having a plate including a central opening. A tube projects outwardly from a rear surface of the plate in surrounding relation to the central opening. A plurality of circumferentially arranged, spaced-apart parallel ridges project outwardly from a surface of the cylindrical tube. A hole is defined by a surface of a wall where the surface defines a diameter of the hole that is less than a diameter of at least one of the circumferentially arranged, spaced-apart parallel ridges. In this way, when the tube is received within the hole, the circumferentially arranged, spaced-apart parallel ridges engage and bite into the surface so as to retain the pegboard wall-plug in the wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: SS3 Storage Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Alan Winig, Richard Winig, James Eldon
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Patent number: 7351023Abstract: A w-base retainer that may be used in many applications, including numerous applications throughout the automotive industry, includes two-stage double-snap-over w-base features with opposite w-base features for assembling moldings to a sheet metal or substrate panel. The w-base retainer will improve the ease of assembly of parts, provide a proper fit, and provide a functional retention of moldings to structural panels. The w-base retainer may be used on, for example, automotive body side moldings, including, for example, doors, pillars, green house moldings and other moldings.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Derek Scroggie, Robert Osterland
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Patent number: 7347655Abstract: A hole plug includes a head portion and a foot portion projecting from a back surface of the head portion to be inserted into a hole to be blocked. The foot portion has a cylindrical shape formed of several uprising plates extending from the back surface of the head portion. An engaging step portion is formed at a base end of each uprising plate for holding a rim of the hole to be blocked together with the head portion. A supporting device is formed at an inside of each uprising plate for limiting bending of each uprising plate inwardly in the radial direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventors: Norimasa Nagasawa, Noboru Obayashi
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Patent number: 7344331Abstract: A molded product assembly includes a molded product being mountable to a body to be mounted having a mounting hole via a fastener. The molded product has a post projecting toward the mounting hole and disposed on a back surface of the molded product, at least a part of the post projecting through the mounting hole to a back surface side of the body to be mounted in mounting the molded product to the body to be mounted, and a holding portion disposed on the part of the post to hold the fastener. The fastener has a portion to be held that is held by the holding portion, and an elastic engagement leg being elastically deformable and having an engagement portion to be engaged with a peripheral edge of the mounting hole, the elastic engagement leg being located on the back surface side of the body to be mounted.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Tokai Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yohsuke Kobayashi, Yasuhiro Wato
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Publication number: 20080050202Abstract: A fastening device includes a main body and a first wedging part extending from the main body and fastened onto a first element. A pin passes through the main body. One end of the pin contacts the back surface of the first wedging part, and the second end of the pin has a second wedging part that is fastened onto a second element. Thereby, the first wedging part and the wedging fastening part fasten the second element on the first element firmly. The structure of the fastening device is simple, and the fastening effect is good.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2006Publication date: February 28, 2008Inventor: Yu-Chiao Liu
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Patent number: 7328489Abstract: A fastener for fixing a panel to a support is provided with a snapping-in foot adapted to contract elastically to enter a fixing orifice of the support. The fastener is further provided with a head having a plate, a hub, a shank and a deformable member, the plate and the hub being connected by the shank adapted to be received in a keyhole-shaped groove of the panel formed within the thickness of the panel in which the member and the hub are adapted to be received. The fastener also has a deformable rim including a plurality of arcs and deformable arms, each disposed between one of the arcs and the hub.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: I.T.W. De FranceInventors: Eric Leverger, Laurent Huet
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Patent number: 7306419Abstract: A snap-fit fastener having deflectable, diverging wings extending from a distal end of a pedestal is provided with lead-in extensions from the connection of each wing to the pedestal. The extensions define a slot therebetween and are curved relative to the wings. By inserting an implement such as a screwdriver in the slot and twisting the implement, the lead-in extensions are spread relative to each other and the wings are moved toward the pedestal to allow the fastener to be disconnected from an object.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works IncInventor: Mark Lepper
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Patent number: 7287945Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion with a pair of top flanges and a pair of abutting coupling flanges. Each of the abutting flanges has an engagement surface and an engagement member, which engages the mounting structure. The elastic abutting flanges also have a base portion and a transition portion. A ramped surface of the engagement feature extends above the base portion. A substantially flat peripheral surface of the engagement feature in the transition portion is adapted to engage the panel to provide resistance to removal of the fastener from the mounting aperture. To manufacture a clip, a punch is used to apply a force to displace material of the elastic abutting flange portion into a die cavity to form the engagement. The elastic abutting flange portion is bent at a location passing through the engagement feature.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2004Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Daniel J Lubera, Jacob A Siudym
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Patent number: 7278810Abstract: A grommet for an opening of a sheet member includes a shank, a head and at least a flexible locking tab. The shank includes, in a region adjacent the head and outside the locking tab, a shoulder to be placed below an edge of the opening when the shank is rotated an angle about the axis of the opening after being inserted therein. The shoulder and the locking tab prevent withdrawal of the grommet from the opening. The shank further includes an inclined outer surface section connecting the shoulder and the lower surface of the head. The inclined outer surface section engages the edge of the opening and draws the shank into the opening upon rotation of the shank.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Christian Bauer
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Patent number: 7273227Abstract: A clip for attaching a curtain-shield airbag to a body panel of a vehicle comprises a bushing and a pin. The bushing has a flange with a leg extending therefrom. A bore extends through the flange and into the leg for receiving the pin. Outer surfaces of the leg have engagement pieces with shoulders for coupling the bushing to edge regions of a body panel hole into which the leg is inserted. The pin and the bushing are capable of being coupled in a provisionally fixed condition or a permanently fixed condition. When the pin is partially inserted into the bore, the engagement pieces are permitted to flex inwardly of the bore, but when the pin is fully inserted, such inward flexing is prevented. The flange has a wall that provides a partition between the main airbag unit and the entrance hole of the bore in the flange.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignees: Newfrey LLC, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Yasuhiro Kawai, Yasushi Kubota, Tatsuya Goto, Hirokazu Niimi
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Publication number: 20070172336Abstract: A mounting button suitable for fixing the relative position of a first plate and a second plate in a display module is provided. The first plate has a first opening and the second plate has a second opening. The mounting button comprises a shaft, a first sticking part, a second sticking part, and a spacing part, wherein the first sticking part, the second sticking part, and the spacing part protrude from the shaft, and the spacing part is located between the first sticking part and the second sticking part. The mounting button used in the display module permits quicker assembly and disassembly for improving the efficiency of production and repair.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventor: Yao-Tung Hsu
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Patent number: 7246837Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a sheet-form member for protecting vehicle occupants comprises a clip that is secured in an attachment hole in a body panel. The clip has a flange that covers edge portions of the attachment hole and has a protection member attaching part that receives and retains an engagement part of the protection member, which may be a soft elastic sheet.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Masashi Dendo, Takahiro Sano, Junji Adachi
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Publication number: 20070166127Abstract: A w-base fastener includes multiple legs that compress towards a common member, to which the legs are attached, during the installation through an opening of a structure. These legs then engage the backside of the structure to which the fastener is mounted to hold the fastener in a mounted position within the opening. The fastener also includes a head or similar structure that permits items to be mounted to the fastener. The w-base fastener described herein also includes opposite flex arm features for thermal expansion for assembling moldings to a panel. Embodiments of the invention are used to provide for the ease of assembly, proper fit, and functional retention of moldings to structural panels, while also providing for the thermal expansion of the moldings. Aspects of the invention may be advantageously employed on automotive body side moldings including doors, rockers, wheel flares and other areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Derek Scroggie, Robert Osterland
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Patent number: 7241095Abstract: A hollow dowel pin adapted to secure together at least two mating components during the assembly thereof includes an elongate generally cylindrical main body portion, first and second mating edges, and at least one outwardly extending tab. The elongate generally cylindrical main body portion is preferably formed from a sheet member, and the first and second mating edges are disposed along a length of the body portion being spaced from one another. The at least one outwardly extending tab is formed along the main body portion and is adapted to engage one of the mating components when an end of the main body portion is frictionally held in an opening formed in the other of the mating components.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Driv-Lok, Inc.Inventor: Michael Apsey
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Patent number: 7237451Abstract: A gear-changing device for a motor-vehicle gearbox, including a gear-changing lever which is pivotable arranged with respect to a support part about a bolt. The bolt is held in an axially nondisplaceable manner with respect to the support part. In order to provide a cost-effective and easy-to-install gear-changing device, the bolt is held by a catch.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Dieter Junge, Armin Segeler
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Patent number: 7229052Abstract: A fixing tool includes a holding portion and fitting portion. The holding portion allows a chassis to hold a component. The fitting portion is integrally formed with the holding portion and is to be fitted in a through hole formed in the chassis, so that the holding portion is fixed to the chassis. The fitting portion has a post, a pair of fitting pieces, a pair of disengaging pieces, and a pair of leg pieces. The post projects downward from one side of the holding portion. The fitting pieces are formed at a distal end of the post to have an arrowhead-like shape, and elastically deform outwardly in diameter so as to be fitted in the through hole. The disengaging pieces extend from distal ends of the fitting pieces along two side surfaces of the holding portion, and elastically deform the fitting pieces, when operated manually, to disengage them from the through hole.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Takeuchi Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuichi Takeuchi
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Patent number: 7210886Abstract: A fastener for fixing a curtain airbag to a body panel of an automobile comprises a screw grommet having a shank to be inserted into mounting holes of an airbag-anchor portion and a body panel, and a flange to press the airbag-anchor portion against the body panel. The flange has an opening and the shank has a shank hole continuous to the opening into which a tapping screw is driven. The shank has resilient fingers protruding outward from sides of the shank to engage edge regions of mounting holes in a temporary fixing state. The fingers are held in a permanent fixing state by screwing the tapping screw into the shank hole, preventing the fingers from being bent inward. The flange has an edge with an upstanding partition to allow a central region of the flange to be partitioned from a main body of the curtain airbag.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Yasuhiro Kawai, Yoshiharu Kawasaki, Shuichi Okinaka, Mitsuo Nogami
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Patent number: 7207759Abstract: A fastener comprises a pin and a bushing having a hollow shank that is inserted into holes in a plurality of members being attached. A pin shank is inserted into the bushing shank to effect a widened-diameter coupling condition in which the diameter of the bushing shank is widened, and the members being attached are coupled between the diameter-widened bushing shank and a bushing flange. On the bushing shank are pawls for maintaining a non-widened-diameter coupling condition in which the pin and the bushing are coupled with the pin shank partially inserted into the bushing shank, and the diameter of the bushing shank is not widened. On the pin shank there is a groove for engaging the pawls, which normally extend out beyond the diameter of the attachment holes, but can bend inward. The groove has a depth that will accept the pawls when they are bent inward.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventor: Hiroyuki Kato
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Patent number: D570203Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2007Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: NIFCO Inc.Inventor: Tadahide Shiomoto
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Patent number: D572129Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2007Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: ITW Australia Pty Ltd.Inventor: Gregory K. Keays