Similar, Opposed Ramp Surfaces Patents (Class 411/553)
  • Patent number: 6725739
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a tiltable steering column includes a rod disposed within and selectively actuable along a longitudinal axis of a sleeve. A biasing member biased the rod into a locked position with the sleeve, the biasing member having a first end coupled to a mounting portion extending from the sleeve. A collar is arranged around a portion of the sleeve, the collar includes a dog tangentially extending from an outer wall of the collar and a groove portion formed between the outer wall and the dog for receiving the second end of the biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Sean A Bannon, William A Jolley, Benjamin S Basa, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6722831
    Abstract: A fastening device having a pin with an enlarged head and a central longitudinal bore to receive a rod having a head with a drive receiving recess and a footed keeper. The pin and rod have adjacent surfaces that aid in the prevention of turning relative to each other. In use, the pin, with the footed keeper in alignment, is inserted to aligned openings in overlapping maps used in roadways and a tool is used to turn the keeper a quarter turn to prevent the pin from coming out of the opening and securing the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: OLS Consulting Services, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Scott Rogers, Corey J. Fontenot, Don A. Couvillion, Ronald L. Latiolais
  • Patent number: 6688831
    Abstract: A fastening device for securing a panel to a frame is adapted to shear at a predetermined load to free the panel. A stud and an “S”-shaped receptacle cooperate to provide a predetermined breakpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Antonucci, Nicholas Roy Weiland
  • Patent number: 6682267
    Abstract: A piering device includes a shaft having a polygonal cross-section with a series of notches spaced at intervals along the vertices of the shaft. For example, the shaft can have a square cross-section with rounded corners. The helical plate has a passageway with a cross-section to slide along the shaft when the helical plate is in a first rotational position on the shaft. However, notches within the passageway of the helical plate engage the notches on the shaft when the helical plate is rotated to a second rotational position, thereby preventing the helical plate from sliding along the shaft. A key is inserted between the shaft and helical plate to hold the helical plate in the second rotational position and thereby fix the axial position of the helical plate on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Robert L. Jones
  • Patent number: 6676176
    Abstract: Performance and aesthetic attractiveness of industrial enclosures of the type used to house electrical and hydraulic equipment are enhanced through use of an improved quick-release fastener for attaching removable access panels of such enclosures. The improved fastener includes a split bushing with integral retaining tangs configured for retaining the quick-release fastener in access panels having different thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation
    Inventor: Robert H. Quandt
  • Patent number: 6612795
    Abstract: The fastener includes a head with an oval-shaped base. The head is supported by a cylindrical post and includes overhanging or cantilevered portions along the major axis of the oval-shaped base. These overhanging portions are ramped and face a first seal. The head engages a slot in a panel by first being inserted therethrough and then being twisted by one quarter turn so that the edges of the slot are engaged between the first seal and the cantilevered portions. Flex tabs lock the head in place. The fastener further includes a cylindrical retainer with flexible retaining fingers which is inserted by a linear motion into an aperture in another panel, thereby engaging the panel between the retaining fingers and the second seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Kirchen
  • Patent number: 6575682
    Abstract: A quarter turn fastener, for securing a plurality of members together, includes a blade member which has upturned corner portions defining sharp points for bitingly engaging the undersurface of the lowermost one of the plurality of members so as to prevent retrograde movement of the quarter turn fastener from the locked state back to the unlocked state. A quarter turn fastener assembly also comprises a stop member for engaging wall portions of another one of the members to be secured together such that rotation of the quarter turn fastener is limited to 90° arcuate extents either from the unlocked state to the locked state or from the locked state to the unlocked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Dohm, Jeffrey D. Anderson, Jennifer L. Crumrine, James M. Van Ingen
  • Publication number: 20030103834
    Abstract: An assembly comprising two parts to be assembled, a substantially cylindrical peg, a ring, a support comprising pins, means for guiding in rotation the ring relative to the support, and resilient means linked on the one hand to the ring and on the other hand to the support. The assembly further comprises a helical ramp provided on the peripheral surface of the peg and intended to receive the pin, said helical ramp comprising a first portion and a second portion in opposed helical directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Christian Brancheriau
  • Patent number: 6568893
    Abstract: The apparatus is a double quarter turn fastener which includes a first element with a head, a square seat, and prongs extending from inwardly adjacent to the sides of the seat outwardly so as to terminate in surfaces with hemispherically extending nubs. The double quarter turn fastener further includes a second element which engages the first element by detent elements or by a rotatable snap fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth LeVey, Franco Cisternino
  • Patent number: 6520725
    Abstract: A holder for connection to a first unit has a locking device designed for insertion, in a first position, into a receiving part in the first unit and, in a second position, for locking the holder to the first unit, is described. The holder's locking device has a threaded locking shaft arranged for axial movement in the holder, a handle with a threaded hole for admitting the locking shaft and a locking element rigidly connected to the locking shaft. The holder also has at least one beveled shoulder against which the locking element is axially movable, the handle axially pulling the locking shaft, as well as the locking element, against the beveled shoulder when rotated for locking, thereby inducing simultaneous rotation of the locking element to lock the holder to the receiving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens-Elema AB
    Inventor: Thomas Valeij
  • Patent number: 6499923
    Abstract: A fastener is configured for engagement upon a panel having a panel opening, and for engaging a mating fastener through the panel opening. The fastener includes a body having an axis of rotation, a peripheral edge, a main portion and a panel end. At least two lugs project from the peripheral edge at the panel end and are the points of fixed engagement with the panel without causing yielding of the panel or of the fastener. In another embodiment, a fastener system includes a fastener having a body with at least two lugs projecting from the body, a panel with an opening and at least two pocket formations disposed relative to the opening to receive the lugs and place the body in registry with the opening. The lugs lockingly engage the pocket formations as the body is rotated, the engagement being achieved without causing yielding the fastener or the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. LeVey
  • Publication number: 20020176766
    Abstract: The apparatus is a double quarter turn fastener which includes a first element with a head, a square seat, and prongs extending from inwardly adjacent to the sides of the seat outwardly so as to terminate in surfaces with hemispherically extending nubs. The double quarter turn fastener further includes a second element which engages the first element by detent elements or by a rotatable snap fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth LeVey, Franco Cisternino
  • Patent number: 6481916
    Abstract: To permit operators to change dies quickly and easily and to remove shot shells from any station, inspect them and replace them, bayonet snap in dies may be easily inserted into a tooling section of a reloader and shot shells can be removed from shell plates by pivoting the retainer free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Hornady Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Stephen Hornady, Kenneth L. Elshof, John W. Goodin, Dennis L. Grudt
  • Patent number: 6439626
    Abstract: An actuator for a vehicle door lock has an exterior handle with a flap and an inner support on which the flap is pivotally supported. The flap has stays with connecting points penetrating an opening in the vehicle door. A first connecting point has a pivot pin and a pivot seat. When inserting the pivot pin into the pivot seat, the handle is in an angular position relative to its final fastening position. The pivot seat has an inner shoulder engaged by a radial projection of the pivot pin for axially securing the pivot pin. The second connecting point has a first part on the handle and a second part on the flap. The handle is rotated back from the angular position until the first and second parts of the second connecting point are radially aligned. They are then connected to one another and the final fastening position of the handle is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Manfred Rohlfing
  • Patent number: 6345946
    Abstract: A fastener which allows for the attachment of two articles without the need for hardware such as a screw, or such as nuts, bolts and washers. The fastener comprises two members—a fastener post which serves as a male member, and a fastener post receiver which serves as a female member. The male post defines two elongated prongs, with each prong having a flange near its end. The female receiver is configured to mate with the prongs of the post. To this end, the receiver has walls which extend from a base, with the walls having a series of teeth for receiving the flanges of the post as the post is advanced into the female receiver. In addition, the walls of the female receiver are separated by channels. The channels allow the walls of the receiver to pivot about the base. This feature, in turn, allows the walls to contract and engage the male post when one attempts to separate the male post from the female receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher E. Mainini, Lawrence E. Towle, William S. Groh, David L. Druif
  • Publication number: 20010041113
    Abstract: A fastening device for securing a panel to a frame is adapted to shear at a predetermined load to free the panel. A stud and an “S”-shaped receptacle cooperate to provide a predetermined breakpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Antonucci, Nicholas Roy Weiland
  • Patent number: 6267543
    Abstract: A quarter-turn latch for fastening a first panel to a second panel includes a bolt with a bayonet key that rotationally engages a keyhole in the second panel, and a capture key that engages with the first panel to prevent loss of the bolt. A track on the underside of the second panel, surrounding a portion of the keyhole, secures the bolt in the closed position. Bump stops engageable with the bayonet key define open and closed positions. A spring integrated with the bolt prevents rattles, overcomes misalignment and/or assists disengagement of the latch. The system may be used, for example, in network interface devices (NIDs), plastic enclosures, and other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Anthony Joseph David, Jason A. Kay, David Stevens Kerr, Ronald Marchisin, Ivan Pawlenko
  • Patent number: 6261042
    Abstract: A quick-release fastener system for attaching a first structural body to a second structural body. The quick-release fastener system includes a stud assembly that is engaged with the first structural body and a receptacle assembly that is engaged with the second structural body. The stud assembly includes a stud and a nut body engaged with the stud. The receptacle assembly includes a retaining clip, and a biasing member and receptacle which are engaged with the retaining clip. The stud includes a receptacle-engaging portion which engages the receptacle, and the nut body is engaged with the stud such that rotation of the nut body effects rotation of the receptacle-engaging portion of the stud in the receptacle. The biasing member contacts the stud and biasing the receptacle-engaging portion of the stud into engagement with the receptacle. The engagement between the receptacle-engagement portion of the stud and the receptacle effects attachment of the first structural body to the second structural body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Pratt
  • Patent number: 6250836
    Abstract: Production-induced tolerances in the assembly of components involve very high outlay if, after the assembly, these components have to be located in a certain position in relation to one another. The novel tolerance-compensation device is intended to render the position of the components adjustable in relation to one another, assembly also being simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Richard Jurr, Klaus Werner, Joachim Bandemer
  • Patent number: 6237970
    Abstract: A fastener for coupling two members together is provided with a rotatable core carried by a first member and a protruding elbow for insertion through an elongated slot in the second member. By rotating the core, the elbow is caused to swing over the outer surface of the second member, adjacent the slot, coupling the two members together. The inner, member-engaging surface of the elbow is tapered to form a ramp-like surface that, with rotation, draws the two members together and frictionally fixes the elbow in its engaged position. The latch core when installed in a tubular first member may be provided with resiliently based, expanding locking members positioned adjacent to the core to secure the latch within the hollow core of the tubular first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Constantinos J. Joannou
  • Patent number: 6086300
    Abstract: A clamping screw (1) comprises a screw shaft (3) with a thread and a hammer-shaped screw head (2) which can be inserted in a positive-locking manner into a T groove (4) of a construction component (25). In the mounted position, the screw head (2) extends transverse to a longitudinal slot (5) of the T groove (4) and engages with clamping portions (7) support legs (6) extending on either side of the longitudinal a slot (5). The clamping portions comprise respectively a leading edge (12) and a blocking edge (13) resting at one of the groove walls (14). The blocking edge (13) projects from a lateral surface which is part of the longitudinal side (11) and a connecting line (15) between the leading edge (12) and the blocking edge (13) of the same longitudinal side (11) intercepts a transverse axis (10) of the screw head (2) at an angle which deviates from 90.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Halfen GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Klaus Frohlich
  • Patent number: 6065766
    Abstract: A securement device used for attaching a hitch to a vehicle bed in which the device includes a bracket secured to a frame part of the vehicle, a support post which is seated upon the bracket and which extends upwardly through the bed and the hitch, a retainer which forms a part of the support post and which upon rotation of the support post relative to the bracket prevents separation of the support post from the bracket, and a keeper part which is secured to the support post and which overlies at least a portion of the hitch to prevent the support post from rotating relative to the bracket and which further serves to prevent the hitch from being removed from the support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Randall Pulliam
  • Patent number: 6007296
    Abstract: A guide blade for steam turbines, having in the blade interior a cavity (18) to which a vacuum is applied, is provided with an opening (3) for drawing off fluid in the region of the trailing blade edge (4). This opening is provided with a porous cover (7). The cover is dimensioned in such a way that, during operation, all its capillaries are filled with the fluid to be drawn off. It is anchored in the guide blade by a mechanical fastening element (20).The mechanical fastening element (20) is a spring-loaded quick-acting lock and comprises a bush (21) which fixes the cover in the blade opening (3) and projects with its cylindrical part (24) into the blade cavity (18), and a pin (25) which is axially displaceable in the interior of the bush, is equipped with spring means (26) and is provided at its end with a cap (28), which rests on the inner wall of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Ernst, Kurt Faller, Reinhard Fried
  • Patent number: 6004065
    Abstract: A system for interlocking together two panel members comprises a washer member having a first washer portion connected by a first necked down portion to a second intermediate washer portion and a third washer portion connected by a second necked down portion to the second intermediate washer portion. A bore runs through the washer member for receiving a screw for fastening the washer member to a side of a first panel member. A second panel member has a keyhole slot and an aperture spaced from the keyhole slot. A resilient clip member has one end formed with a right angle projecting portion and a second end formed with an aperture configured to securely receive the first necked down portion of the washer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Dale B. Higdon, Brad J. Addink
  • Patent number: 5975822
    Abstract: A quick release fitting for securing equipment, such as seating, to floor or ceiling tracks of T-shaped internal channel section comprises a first member securable to the seating and a second member rotatable through a quarter turn in the first member, the second member including a T-shaped end complementary in shape with the channel and engageable therein by insertion in the channel with the cross-member of the "T" extending along the channel and subsequently turning the second member through a quarter turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Martin-Baker Aircraft Company Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Anthony George Ruff
  • Patent number: 5868537
    Abstract: The retainer pin includes a plurality of longitudinal rows of radially extending wings about a circumference of a shank. The radially extending wings within any one row are longitudinally offset from longitudinally adjacent wings by a pitch. The wings of circumferentially adjacent rows are offset by a distance equal to one half of the pitch thereby forming a double helix. The double helix configuration of the radially extending wings creates a screw-like configuration which is used to engage a partially threaded aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Latal, Paul J. Dorn
  • Patent number: 5810535
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for the releasable, positive fastening of the back wall of the housing of an airbag module to a supporting component of a motor vehicle body, wherein at least two fastening points are formed. For each fastening point, on the housing back wall or on the supporting component, a pin is provided and on the other of the supporting component or the housing back wall, an opening is provided. A resiliently biased catch mechanism is disposed in the area of the opening. The pin has on its shaft a detent and has a cone-shaped or wedge-shaped front portion. The catch mechanism is biased transversely of its longitudinal axis from a closed position to an open position from which it springs back into a catching position when the pin has reached the given fastening position in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: MST Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Jupp Fleckenstein, Guido Hirzmann
  • Patent number: 5797572
    Abstract: The device has a mounting frame with a nut housing, into which a threaded rod is inserted. The threaded rod has interrupted teeth and meshes with a nut, which likewise has interrupted teeth. An adjustable carrier, with which the threaded rod can be detachably fixed at each depth of insertion, is arranged behind the nut. A time-consuming screwing in and out of the threaded rod as well as fixing with a lock nut are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventors: Peter Schmucki, Silvio Marti
  • Patent number: 5795122
    Abstract: A fastener for holding panels together includes a grommet for engaging a first panel, a stud received in the grommet, and a receptacle for securement to a second panel, wherein the receptacle includes a body having an internally threaded bore, an externally threaded barrel member in engagement with the threads of the bore, curved slots in the barrel member for receiving a cross pin of the stud, and a mechanical arrangement for selectively locking the barrel member from movement relative to the body. The grommet can include diametrically opposed slots having open ends extending through an end of the grommet for receiving the cross pin of the stud. The mechanical arrangement can comprise slots on the barrel member and the receptacle body which are registrable with one another and a locking clip secured to the receptacle body, the locking clip comprising an annular portion biasing a fixing member into the registered slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Ned C. Bowers
  • Patent number: 5791808
    Abstract: A semi automatic twistlock for engagement with corner castings of ISO containers is operated by a cable. The cable extends around a shaft journalled in a housing, to rotate the cones that arc fixed to opposite ends of the shaft. The cable is extended or retracted though an operating channel and is biased to the retracted position by a spring coupled to the cable on an opposite end of the cable. The cable has a collar which can engage with a first or second stop formed in the operating channel or can remain disengaged in the fully retracted position to thereby permit selective positioning of the cones relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Ture Nyholm
  • Patent number: 5779422
    Abstract: Two secateur jaws are jointed together by means of a pin with radial lugs engaging a ring attached to one jaw and extending through a sleeve slidably arranged in the two jaws. Said sleeve encloses a helical return spring between the sleeve and the head of the pin. The head of the sleeve has an external screw thread with a ring screwed thereon for adjusting the tension of the spring. The sleeve may be moved axially by screwing said ring on or off to change the tension of the spring and thus the force exerted by the latter on said jaws, whereby the engagement pressure therebetween also changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignees: Maurice Petignat, Etablissements Sarran S.A.
    Inventor: Maurice Petignat
  • Patent number: 5718549
    Abstract: A fixing clip includes a female member and a male member. The female member includes a flange, a barrel and an inner hole bored from the flange through the barrel thereof. The male member is provided with a shank for insertion into the inner hole of the female member. The inner hole of the female member is a blind hole rectangular in cross section and open exclusively at the flange. The blind hole has the opposed inner wall surfaces provided with a pair of engaging projections. The shank of a male member has the leading end of a width smaller than a distance between the engaging projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignees: Piolax, Inc., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Noda, Oomi Arisaka, Koji Arakawa
  • Patent number: 5716180
    Abstract: A fastener for holding panels together includes a grommet for engaging a first panel, a stud received in the grommet, and a receptacle for securement to a second panel, wherein the receptacle includes a body having an internally threaded bore, an externally threaded barrel member in engagement with the threads of the bore, curved slots in the barrel member for receiving a cross pin of the stud, and a mechanical arrangement for selectively locking the barrel member from movement relative to the body. The grommet may include diametrically opposed slots having open ends extending through an end of the grommet for receiving the cross pin of the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: Ned C. Bowers
  • Patent number: 5700122
    Abstract: A quick-attachment fastener has an elongate barrel and a plunger translatable in forward and aft directions in the barrel. A pivot pin in the barrel extends through the plunger and has an axis fixed relative to the barrel. An arm on the pin swings between a retracted position in the barrel and a deployed position where the arm extends from the barrel. An aft facing part of the plunger engages the arm so that a spring biasing the plunger urges the arm toward the deployed position. A forward facing part of the plunger opposes the arm so that aft plunger translation swings the arm to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: John G. Korpi
  • Patent number: 5695296
    Abstract: A connector for plates, including a connector body having a base plate bent at its intermediate portion to form plate insert recesses and, and pin insert holes formed through the base plate; a pin member having a shaft portion and a head portion formed at one end of the shaft portion, the shaft portion having elastically deformable locking lugs, the other end portion of the shaft portion being inserted in at least one of the pin insert holes; and breakable connecting portions integrally formed between the other end portion of the shaft portion and the inner circumferential surface of the at least one pin insert hole, for connecting the pin member and the connector body. With this structure, the plates can be reliably connected and fixed together by the connector with a simple operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Hideya Miura
  • Patent number: 5690460
    Abstract: A fastener assembly for attaching a cover to a panel includes a stud assembly mounted on the cover and having a stud extending through an opening formed in the cover. The stud has a shank portion which extends through the opening in the cover, a head portion provided on an upper end of the shank portion, and a cross pin provided on a lower end of the shank portion. A grommet is secured to the cover within the opening of the cover for attaching the stud to the cover. The fastener assembly further includes a receptacle assembly including a receptacle barrel having a cylindrical wall with an interior surface having female threads formed thereon. The receptacle assembly further includes an insert having a cylindrical body with an exterior surface having male threads formed thereon. A helix is disposed between the receptacle barrel and the insert, the helix being fabricated from wire-like material and having alternating large and small diameter loops extending along the length of the helix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Pilgrim Screw Corporation
    Inventor: Jerry E. Attanasio
  • Patent number: 5688093
    Abstract: A fastener for holding panels together includes a grommet for engaging a first panel, a stud received in the grommet, and a receptacle for securement to a second panel, wherein the receptacle includes a body having an internally threaded bore, an externally threaded barrel member in engagement with the threads of the bore, curved slots in the barrel member for receiving a cross pin of the stud, and a mechanical arrangement for selectively locking the barrel member from movement relative to the body. The grommet can include diametrically opposed slots having open ends extending through an end of the grommet for receiving the cross pin of the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Ned C. Bowers
  • Patent number: 5666700
    Abstract: A strap divider for diverging a pair of straps which are disposed one on top of the other into a Y configuration which may be used for the chin straps of a bicycle helmet. The strap divider includes a main body which receives the pair of straps therethrough, and a rotatable clamping member which can be rotated from a position where the straps are clamped in place to an open position where the straps may be adjusted. In one embodiment, the rotatable member includes a cam around its circumference which cooperates with a projection in the main body for adjusting the clamping member between the open position and the locked position as the clamping member is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: National Molding Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Anscher, Gary Fraze
  • Patent number: 5632586
    Abstract: The twistlock comprises a housing with a shaft journalled into the housing with a cone formed on a first end of the shaft protruding from a top of the housing. The cone biseing elongate radially for passage through a first elongate slot of an upper container corner casting. An upper surface of the cone is bevelled so that sides of the first elongate can force the cone and shaft to rotate from a locked position to an unlocked position to enable passage through the first elongate slot, and a lower surface of said cone being bevelled so that the sides of the first elongate slot can force the cone and shaft to rotate from the locked position to the unlocked position. The shaft is biased by a spring into the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Ture Nyholm
  • Patent number: 5626450
    Abstract: An expansion plug fastening assembly (15, 115) for fastening a hardware element (13, 113), in particular a runner for drawers, to a hole (11, 111), comprises an expansion plug casing (10, 110) which fits into the hole. The casing (10, 110) comprises an axial housing (16, 17, 116, 117) axially rotatably housing the shank (24, 25, 124, 125) of a pin (22, 122) for fastening the hardware element. At least one first segment of the shank (25, 125) has an axis (23) eccentric with respect to the head (18, 118) to permit adjustment of the position of the hardware element in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the pin on rotation of the pin. The shank advantageously also comprises a second segment (24, 124) coaxial to the head and the housing comprising a first (17, 117) and a second portion (16, 116) receiving the first (25, 125) and the second segment (24, 124) respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Franco Ferrari
    Inventors: Franco Ferrari, Carlo Migli
  • Patent number: 5622392
    Abstract: A panel mounted feed-through connector assembly for interconnecting flexible pneumatic hose lines, such as used on air brakes for trucks and other vehicles, has a rigid plate with a plurality of apertures, and a separate and removable feed-through connector is formed with a tubular sleeve and is formed with tabs with interfit with projections formed on the rigid plate so that the connector may be twisted and locked into position. Mutual detents formed on the plate and on the connector cooperate to interlock the connector with the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Q.sub.3 JMC, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick C. Gochenouer
  • Patent number: 5620291
    Abstract: A device used to fasten and retain two or more conducting elements with sufficient normal force to insure a reliable electrical contact. The device consists of three individual parts: a bolt, a nut, and a spring washer. The bolt of this invention differs from conventional bolts in that it has no threads and has a keying feature. The nut is distinguishable from a standard nut in that it also has no typical thread, but has a keying feature and internal ramps. The spring washer provides a linear increase in force proportional to deflection. Like the bolt and nut, the spring washer also has a keying feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Earl J. Hayes, Stefano Spadoni, Jason E. Porter
  • Patent number: 5605424
    Abstract: A two-part fastening system composed of an anchoring part (1) which is pressed into a fastening body (4) of hard-elastic synthetic material. The anchoring part (1) consists of a relatively soft synthetic material and is provided with a plurality of parallel ribs extending perpendicularly from a carrier plate 2. The fastening body (4) includes a pair of clamping walls (5) having several rows of pointed projections (9) spaced one over another. The ribs of the anchoring part are pressed into engagement with the pointed projections so that a high strength connection between the parts is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: A. Raymond & CIE
    Inventors: Daniel Boville, Bernard Houte
  • Patent number: 5593265
    Abstract: A stored energy torsional rotary fastener device providing ready releasable attachment of first and second components. A fastener housing, attached to the first component, includes a cylindrical socket having an upper open end and a lower end configured by a pair of base segments defining a cross-slot the parallel edges of which are formed with concentrically disposed arcuate cutouts. The segments have interior helical pitched ramp portions establishing an interrupted thread support. A rotor, including an axial stem terminating in a radial disc axially positioned in the socket, is rotatably biased by a coiled spring interconnecting the rotor and housing. The rotor disc is formed with a depending axial hub having its lower portion journalled in the slot cutouts. The hub upper end includes oppositely extending radial lugs, with each lug underface formed with a helical pitch adapted to mate with an associated ramp portion, enabling axial threaded rotor travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas L. Kizer
  • Patent number: 5572838
    Abstract: A strongback attachment system for temporarily attaching a reinforcing beam or the like to a poured concrete structural member includes an insert adapted to be set in the poured concrete member. The insert has a body for creating a void in the concrete structural member and a base for supporting the body in spaced relation above a floor of the concrete structural member. The base has a pair of leg members in which a portion thereof extends through the body so as to be free of concrete. A bolt is also provided for securing the reinforcing beam to the concrete structural member, where the bolt includes a shaft with a threaded end and an opposite end terminating in an engagement head. The engagement head is adapted to be releasably engaged by the leg member portions extending through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Dayton Superior Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Truitt, Mark E. Kaler
  • Patent number: 5570984
    Abstract: A combination of a plastic part and metal part functions as a fastener to attach a panel to the flange of a portion of a chassis for electronic equipment or the like. The panel is formed with a counterbored hole and has an arcuate groove outside the counterbore on the outside of the panel and angularly spaced dimples on the underside. The fastener is a peripherally flanged hollow cylindrical member fitting into the hole and counterbore. It has a partially closed bottom and opposed openings in the cylindrical walls. A detent slants upward-outward from the bottom through one of the openings. A metal clip attaches to the cap, having an inverted U-shape having a web and two depending sides which fit through the openings. The top has a shoulder which locks outside the detent to hold the parts assembled and has a locking extension beyond the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Naum Reznikov, John C. Nuttall, deceased
  • Patent number: 5571485
    Abstract: There is provided a novel terminal bus and retainer for a multicellular converter, particularly a catalytic converter, which converter is characterized by an electrically heatable portion and a light-off portion. The electrically heatable portion includes flat thin metal strips as heater bands and flat thin metal bands not electrically heatable. A terminal bus and retainer is adapted to be connected to a voltage source and to the ends of the heater bands. A portion of the terminal bus and retainer may be used as a connector bus. The terminal bus and retainer also retains the thin metal foil elements in tightly spirally wound condition. These devices are especially useful in catalytic converters for automotive vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: Gordon W. Brunson
  • Patent number: 5564860
    Abstract: A grate attachment fixture is disclosed which rotationally engages a locking bar with the opposed sidewalls of a drainage channel and which thereafter secures a grate to the drainage channel. The grate attachment fixture includes a rotatable connector adapted to adjustably interconnect the locking bar and the grate. The grate attachment fixture also includes a grate securing member affixed to the locking bar. The grate securing member includes a pair of adjustment surfaces including a positive engagement surface for engaging a portion of the connector such that upon rotation of the connector in a first angular direction, the locking bar initially rotates within the trench in the first angular direction until the first locking bar engages the opposed sidewalls. Thereafter, the positive engagement surface cooperates with the connector to apply a tensile force between the grate and the locking bar upon further rotation of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: ABT, Inc.
    Inventor: Max Amann
  • Patent number: 5518267
    Abstract: A mechanical igniter for a gas generator has a weight, a latch lever and a firing pin, which are provided in a casing as movable elements to fire a percussion cap attached to the gas generator in response to acceleration. The mechanical igniter further has a restraint member movably supported in the casing as a safety catch for making the movable elements immovable. The casing and the restraint member are respectively formed with cam surfaces which cooperate with each other to rotate the restraint member about its own axis so that the restraint member is selectively set in a restraint position and a release position. The restraint member has a rotary control portion that is concealed in the casing and has a portion that is engageable by a rotary tightening tool, such as used in an ordinary bolt tightening operation or the like. The restraint member is rotated by engaging the rotary tightening tool with the rotary control portion of the restraint member and turning the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Muneo Nishizawa
  • Patent number: RE36681
    Abstract: A fastener used to secure an object on a channel including a channel nut which may be entered into a slot in the channel and then turned about an axis of rotation to extend in a generally crosswise position relative to the slot for engagement of portions of the nut at locations generally adjacent opposite ends of the nut with edges of the channel. A retainer for the nut has a body and a flange integral with the body which may engage the channel at opposite sides of the channel slot for preventing the retainer from being pushed inwardly completely through the slot when the nut is turned to a crosswise position in the channel and when an object is being fastened to the channel. Resiliently deformable spring elements on the body of the retainer are so sized and arranged as to be engageable with the channel for holding the nut in its crosswise position against slippage lengthwise of the channel slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Sigma-Aldrich Co.
    Inventor: Eric R. Rinderer