Including Element For Holding Fasteners Against Separation From Member Patents (Class 411/85)
  • Patent number: 6685255
    Abstract: Apart installation structure for a vehicle for attaching a part to a vehicle body through a bracket using an access hole established in the vehicle body and a surrounding portion of the access hole, comprises a bolt including a head capable of passing through the access hole and a thread section projecting from the head and passing through the access hole, a plate member including an opening section and capable of being attached to the thread section through the opening section, a nut for being screwed onto the thread section and for tightening the surrounding portion, the plate member and the bracket altogether, and a rotation stopper provided on the bracket for contacting the head after passing through the opening section and the access hole so as to restrict a rotation when the nut is screwed in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hisao Kasahara
  • Patent number: 6679640
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for a printing system that includes a threaded bolt that engages a threaded bore of a first dovetail nut. The assembly also includes a second dovetail nut with a bore through which a shaft of the bolt passes. Each dovetail nut has two tapered portions located on opposite sides of the bore of the respective nut. When the bolt/dovetail nut combination is assembled, the two dovetail nuts are located a distance apart so that the tapered portions of the two nuts define a pair of slots. To connect sections of the web guide together, each slot engages a flared connector of a respective section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Vutek, Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030185643
    Abstract: The present invention is a flexible bridge that positions a strut nut in a C-shaped mounting channel. The flexible bridge is graspable between a thumb and forefinger for rapid positioning, and converts to an anti-rotation device that prevents the strut nut from rotating within the channel. A harness supports the strut nut while a flexure member provides a grippable location to position the harness and strut nut combination at a desired location within the channel. The flexure member remains outside of the channel while the strut nut and harness are disposed within the channel, and at least a portion of the flexure member has a dimension greater than the width of the channel. This dimension prevents the flexible bridge from withdrawing into the channel when the strut nut is in place in the channel. The flexure member converts to an anti-rotation mechanism for preventing the strut nut from rotating within the channel during engagement with the threaded member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: William J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6615413
    Abstract: A toilet mounting assembly for securely and easily mounting a toilet to a structure includes a sealing ring securable to a structure and having either integral threaded rods extending from a main body portion of the sealing ring or threaded rods easily and securely attached to the sealing ring using a tongue and groove. Alternately, the sealing ring may include threaded apertures for receiving specially structured bolts to secure the toilet to the sealing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventors: Rodney C. Grant, Robbie Grant
  • Patent number: 6581339
    Abstract: An erectable platform includes at least one bay, the bay having; at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers. The platform further includes support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto, and a plurality of depending columns operably removably coupled to the support structure in a supporting disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventor: Martin E. Thiede
  • Patent number: 6582170
    Abstract: A channel nut is attachable to a structural channel. The channel nut includes a nut portion having a planar surface and a resiliently flexible cone attachable to the nut portion. The cone includes an attachment portion for attachment to the planar surface of the nut portion, the conical portion extending conically from the attachment portion. The conical portion is defined by a conical wall having at least one slot therethrough to permit resilient deflection of the conical wall portion with respect to the attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 6511120
    Abstract: A reinforcing nut plate (40) contacts one surface of an automotive vehicle body pillar (28) with hot-melt adhesive bodies (52) therebetween. A door hinge plate (15) is secured to the pillar (28) and nut plate (40) by one or more bolts (20,22) providing a predetermined mounting arrangement. On rust-proofing or other manufacturing treatment raising the door temperature a significant amount, the adhesive bodies affix the nut plate to the pillar. Now, the door may be removed from the pillar and transported to another work site for accessories to be mounted, following which the door can be readily reinstalled to the predetermined arrangement with the pillar and nut plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Richard K. Mitts
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6447200
    Abstract: A connector having gripping teeth which are formed intrinsically with a first set of locking lugs which are in a parallel relationship with a second set of locking lugs, the first and second set of locking lugs being spaced apart with two parallel supporting posts disposed therebetween. The second set of locking lugs has a bore through an approximate center thereof and the first set of locking lugs is split in two portions to form a slit aligned with an axis of the central bore of the second set of locking lugs such that a screw or similar fastener can be inserted so as to open the slit for forcing the gripping teeth against a channel member wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Linking Industries, LLC
    Inventor: C. Stuart Hungerford, III
  • Patent number: 6443677
    Abstract: A nut plate is formed from a generally U-shaped clip having first and second elongated legs and a connecting leg extending therebetween. The first leg has an opening therein for receipt of a nut and for securing the nut in the leg. The second leg has a pass-through opening opposing the nut opening. The nut is fully passed through the pass-through opening for securing in the first leg. The nut can be positioned in the first leg without deflection and urging away of the legs from one another. A method for making the nut plate includes the steps of forming an elongated strip, forming a nut opening in the strip and forming a pass-through opening in the strip. The strip is bent to define a clip having the first and second legs and the connecting leg. The clip can be heat treated. A nut is then passed through the pass-through opening into the nut opening and is secured to the first leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Patterson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6434903
    Abstract: A section fixable in a mounted position to an anchoring base by means of fastening screws has at least one fastening segment extending in the mounted position substantially parallel to the anchoring base. The fastening segment is, for example, a fastening flange, which is provided with at least one screw hole for receiving a fastening screw provided with a slot or cross slot as the surface engaged by a screwdriver. A safety (or securing) tab protrudes from the fastening segment at least within the area of the screw hole. When the section is in its mounted position and after the fastening screw has been driven in, the safety tab can be deformed by bending or folding it into its safety or securing position. In this position, the tab grips over the edge of the screw head of the fastening screw and leaves free the surface engaged by the screwdriver. In an alternative embodiment of the section, a spring-elastic safety arrest is used instead of a bendable safety tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Profil-Vertrieb GmbH
    Inventor: Theo Hertweck
  • Patent number: 6413005
    Abstract: A fastener for securing objects to a slat floor, having a self-centering and self-aligning capability. A first embodiment comprises a body formed of a durable material and having a top surface, a lower surface, at least one side surface, and a central hole extending between the top surface and the lower surface. A second embodiment comprises a body formed of a durable material and having a top surface, a lower surface, at least one side surface, and a central hole extending between the top surface and the lower surface, wherein the top surface of the body has a flat central surface and two sloping upper surfaces starting adjacent to the flat central surface and angling downward toward either end of the body, and a lower fastener component that is coaxial with the central hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Wahoo Concrete Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Massie
  • Patent number: 6408583
    Abstract: A section fixable in a mounted position to an anchoring base by means of fastening screws has at least one fastening segment extending in the mounted position substantially parallel to the anchoring base. The fastening segment is, for example, a fastening flange, which is provided with at least one screw hole for receiving a fastening screw provided with a slot or cross slot as the surface engaged by a screwdriver. A safety (or securing) tab protrudes from the fastening segment at least within the area of the screw hole. When the section is in its mounted position and after the fastening screw has been driven in, the safety tab can be deformed by bending or folding it into its safety or securing position. In this position, the tab grips over the edge of the screw head of the fastening screw and leaves free the surface engaged by the screwdriver. In an alternative embodiment of the section, a spring-elastic safety arrest is used instead of a bendable safety tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Profil-Vertrieb GmbH
    Inventor: Theo Hertweck
  • Publication number: 20020071735
    Abstract: A channel nut is attachable to a structural channel. The channel nut includes a nut portion having a planar surface and a resiliently flexible cone attachable to the nut portion. The cone includes an attachment portion for attachment to the planar surface of the nut portion, the conical portion extending conically from the attachment portion. The conical portion is defined by a conical wall having at least one slot therethrough to permit resilient deflection of the conical wall portion with respect to the attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 6386809
    Abstract: A nut assembly is provided which has a pivotable nut having both sides thereof increased in wall thickness to impart strength and thereby to prevent breakage of the nut upon tightening of a bolt. The nut assembly includes a nut having pivot pins about which the nut is pivotable, and a frame having a flange formed with a bolt hole and a pair of arms provided on both sides of the flange. A pair of hanging walls extending in the bolt inserting direction are provided around the bolt hole at two opposing positions on an imaginary plane perpendicular to a line connecting the pins. This makes it possible to narrow the width of the guide hole of the nut in which the hanging walls are received by an amount by which the banging walls have narrowed. By this arrangement, the wall thickness of both sides of the nut is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Wakai & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuichi Ikuta
  • Publication number: 20020048497
    Abstract: An attachment device including an anchoring unit having at least two gripping members (9, 22, 37) and a receiving member (10, 26, 35) with openings (14, 28, 36) for guiding the gripping members (9, 22, 37), a mounting rail (2, 20) with a mounting opening (3) limited on its opposite sides by longitudinal walls (4), with the longitudinal walls (4) being provided on its adjacent to each other sides with retaining projections (5, 21, 40) that are engaged, in a locking position of the device, at least partially by corresponding gripping members (9, 22, 37) in a directions transverse to a longitudinal direction of the mounting rail (2); and a bolt (7, 33) for connecting an attachable object to the anchoring unit (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventor: Armin Herb
  • Patent number: 6331092
    Abstract: A corner joint for profile sections (13) provided with one or more longitudinal channels (16), in connection with the outside of the profile section via a likewise longitudinal slot opening (12). The channel (16) constitutes an attachment for a nut means (11) which cooperates via screw means (14) with connector fittings (17, 24). Each screw means (14) is provided with a lock means (10) which is located in the slot opening (12) between the nut means (11) and the connector fittings (17, 24). The lock means (10) is provided with a screw opening (15) and means (20) for locking the nut means (11) against rotation out of a locking position. The lock means (10) is also provided with at least one boss (23) which during rotation of the nut means (11) from its locking position cooperates with a shoulder (22) on said nut means, in order to position the nut means and facilitate its removal from the channel (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: Mats Linger
  • Patent number: 6290426
    Abstract: A strut-rod connector enables the rod to be quickly and easily attached at any adjusted position along the strut, or axially adjusted. The connector has an internal and external head assembled to each other for limited rocking and opening and closing movement. The rod is threaded in the inner head and extends through a transverse slot in the outer head. A lock nut quickly clamps the parts together, and each self-centers on the legs of the strut. The connection can be made by simply rocking the assembly of the two heads and rod to insert the assembly and rod at any desired location. Tightening a lock nut centers and clamps the assembly and rod in place. Optimum loading in either axial direction of the rod is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: Gerardus Emanuel Cornelius van Gijsel, Stefan Walter Huwer
  • Patent number: 6270281
    Abstract: Two alternative mounting methods and devices for mounting rails achieve new points of mounting (8) by adding new pitch-holes to mounting rails (2) and using either adjustable cage-nuts or cage-nuts containing two nuts in their respective pitch-holes. The shape of the new pitch-holes preserves the structural integrity of mounting rails (2). The number of mounting points and possibilities can be dramatically increased, thereby satisfying various ventilation and pass-through requirements between devices (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Tommi Ensio Ruusuvuori
  • Patent number: 6226952
    Abstract: A device for anchorage to a grating floor. The device includes a lower element the cross-section of which is larger than the width of the openings in the grating in one direction and is narrower in the other direction so that it can pass through the grating after pivoting through 90°, the lower element housing a nut in its lower face and having, on two of its lateral faces, respective housings with toothed regions on their respective upper portions, the toothed regions being complementary with an upper element of a width larger than the openings in the grating and having two legs of a width smaller than the openings in the grating, the legs having respective lower studs which can be introduced into the housings of the lower element, allowing the lower element to pivot, and respective teeth on the inner faces of the said legs for meshing with the teeth adjacent the housings for the studs in the lower element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Rotecna, S.A.
    Inventor: Gener Romeu Guardia
  • Patent number: 6205719
    Abstract: A roof screen system comprises a number of triangular frames assembled from aluminum beams held together with pivotable clamps. Such clamps also bolt down onto roof footers with flashing boots that prevent roof leaks. A number of clips are attached to the upright triangular frames. Horizontal rails are then attached with the clips to the triangular frames, and screen panels are hung and attached to the rails. The pivotable clamps allow a slip-connection anywhere along the aluminum beams that can be locked down with ordinary wrenches. As such, the screen panels can be tilted back or forward to accommodate painted signs, electric signs, advertising, and even solar photovoltaic panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Royal Roofing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan W. Bruce
  • 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: 5991976
    Abstract: A backing member includes locking structure for locking a Z-axis clip in alignment with the aperture of the clip aligned with aperture in the backing member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the backing member includes a track with spaced inwardly projecting lips which overlie edges of the base of the fastening clip for holding the clip adjacent the backing member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the backing member further includes an interlocking tab which can be ramped to snap-lock into an alignment aperture associated with the fastener clip for locking the fastener to the backing member against sliding motion within the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Todd C. Adams, Thomas M. Kelley
  • Patent number: 5988930
    Abstract: A connecting apparatus for producing a firm, releasable and reproducible mechanical interconnection of two profile member ends includes a groove strip (6) with threaded holes, an apertured strap (1) with through holes and screws (7), wherein the profile members (4) to be connected have mounting grooves (5) for the reception of the groove strip (6). The apertured strap (1) has, formed on a support surface thereof, penetration elements (3) which project from the surface and which on tightening of the screws (7) penetrate in a cold-deforming manner into the material of the profile members (4) to be connected and thus yield a multiply mechanically positive connection. The penetration elements (3) are formed as grater gashes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Christoph Liebetrau, Kaspar Schindler
  • 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: 5897276
    Abstract: A U-shaped clip-on slide nut with two parallel sliding limbs provided with notch elements and capable of being clipped onto an undercut ridge. One sliding limb has a bore and the other limb is provided with a threaded bore aligned with the bore and accommodating a clamping screw. The invention facilitates fixing of a component on the ridge in that the bore is a blind bore, the clamping screw is a countersunk screw, and at least one sliding limb also has a screw receptacle for a securing screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh Gmbh & Co. KG
    Inventor: Marc Hartel
  • Patent number: 5860576
    Abstract: A vehicle roof rack assembly for retaining a roof rack to the roof of a vehicle. The assembly includes a plurality of spanners which span a pair of spaced round holes through the roof of the vehicle at preselected locations. Each spanner includes a main body portion having spaced integral downwardly extending insert portions or apertured bosses which extend into the spaced round holes. These apertured bosses are self tapping for receiving screws therein. Thus, the rack, having holes at each end aligned with the apertured bosses, receives a self tapping screw in each apertured boss securing the rack to the roof of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Avibank Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Duran
  • Patent number: 5839787
    Abstract: An improved seat assembly for mass transit vehicles and an improved methodology for providing seating in mass transit vehicles. The seat assembly includes a universal seat frame which is formed of aluminum extrusions welded together and which is usable in combination with a variety of support bracketry so that a single common seat frame may be utilized to provide a variety of seating positions and seating attitudes within the vehicle. The seat frame includes side rails and cross rails extending between the side rails. Each cross rail includes an upper tube portion and a lower track portion formed integrally with the bottom wall of the upper tube portion and defining a groove. A slot in the bottom wall of the track portion communicates with the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: American Seating Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Magnuson, Michael E. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5833417
    Abstract: An adjustable clamping assembly is provided for holding and supporting a conventional structural component. The assembly includes a support element having an elongate channel that employs a pair of longitudinal locking grooves. A screw-like component is engaged with a structural component and a clamping nut is aligned with and inserted into the channel at a selected location. The nut includes a pair of locking tabs and a latch mechanism for permitting the nut to be rotated from an aligned orientation to a generally perpendicular orientation within the channel, wherein the locking tabs are respectively inserted in the locking grooves. The latch mechanism holds the nut in the perpendicular orientation to prevent removal of the nut from the channel. The nut further includes a threaded opening that is operably engaged by the screw-like component to attach the structural component to the support element at the selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Quality Boat Lifts, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Sargent, Daniel S. Carter
  • Patent number: 5823727
    Abstract: An anchor fitting assembly for securing objects on an elongated track. The track is of the type commonly used in aircraft and in various vehicles to secure seats, wheelchairs, cargo and other objects. The track has an elongated groove which has a bell-shaped profile. The top of the groove is open and has a series of opposed tabs and semicircular faces. There are many styles of fittings which are placed in such tracks and secured to the tracks. The anchor fitting assembly of the present invention has a securable fitting which has a flared based held beneath the opposed tabs of the groove. The fitting is prevented from sliding along the track by a pair of buttons which are inserted downwardly into two opposed semicircular openings adjacent the securable fitting. When an object is screwed onto the securable fitting it holds down the buttons preventing them from coming out of the semicircular openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Ray Lee
  • Patent number: 5820322
    Abstract: A fastening element for a C-shaped rail (30) including a rail nut (2) insertable through the rail opening (35) into the interior of the rail (30) when longitudinal sides (6, 7) of the rail nut (2) extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rail (30), and pivotable in the interior of the rail (3) so that a longitudinal extent (1) of the rail nut (2), which is larger than the width (w) of the slot-like opening (35), would overlap the opening (35); and a rail clip (3) overlapping the rail nut (2) at least in some areas and spaced from the rail nut by an axial distance (d), which is reduced upon clamping the free ends (33, 34) of the shoulders (31, 32) the rail clip (3) being formed as one-piece with the rail nut and being connected with the rail nut (2) by a connection link attached to an edge of the rail nut (2) so that with the longitudinal sides (6, 7) of the rail nut (2) extending parallel to the longitudinal extent of the opening (35), it would engage the free end (33) of one should (31) and, with
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Fritz Hermann, Andreas Sedlmeier, Armin Hoffmann, Helmut Mirsberger, Jakob Dischinger
  • Patent number: 5802891
    Abstract: An improved anchor assembly for a multiple drawer locking system having a "C" shaped lock bar with an access slot, the anchor assembly including an anchor having an anchor element for slidably mounting in the lock bar and a mounting device; a multi-faceted locking pin for engaging the mounting device and an indexing plate between the anchor element and the pin and including at least one anti-rotational element extending through the slot into the lock bar to prevent the anchor element from rotating and aligning with the slot; the indexing plate may also include a first indexing device and the locking pin may include a second indexing device for constraining the pin to lock with one of the facets in a predetermined position; the indexing plate may also include at least one gripping edge for gripping the lock bar to prevent sliding of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: ESP Lock Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Arthur Kahara, Wayne Rodriques Crespo
  • Patent number: 5803687
    Abstract: A compression clip of the present invention comprises a bolt and a self-tightening member having two side sections and a grooved intermediate section therebetween. The intermediate section has a hole for receiving the bolt. Preferably, the intermediate section has grooves on both an interior and exterior surface thereof. After tightening of the clip, the intermediate section flattens to become somewhat planar and the side sections are compressed inward to securely engage a guide rail or wear strip within the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: 5794901
    Abstract: Functional component usable for demonstration and/or training purposes which can be releasably secured to the mounting face of a support base (1). It is provided with a clamping device (8) which is brought into engagement with a mounting recess (3) of support base (1), which is activated by rotating an actuating element (12). A downwardly extending clamping head (18) is mounted on the actuating element which is insertable into the mounting recess (3) and which can be positioned by rotating in such a manner that it engages behind two retaining protrusions in the mounting recess (3). By a further rotation of the actuating element, the functional element is clamped against the surface of the support base (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Festo KG
    Inventor: Albert Sigel
  • Patent number: 5779412
    Abstract: A nut (30) carried by a nut holder (11) is inserted into a dovetail groove (46) in a profile frame (45) to connect another profile frame or a mechanical component to the profile frame (45). The nut holder (11) has clamping portions (19A, 19B) at both longitudinal ends that extend in one direction at approximately right angles to a bottom member. Coupling projections (23) or recesses are formed on the inner sides of the clamping portions (19A, 19B). Elastically deformable portions (13) project from the sides of the bottom member. Abutments (34) are formed at both ends of the nut (30). When the nut (30) is coupled to the nut holder (11), the coupling projections (23) are engaged with the coupling recesses (34) to maintain the coupled state. When the nut (30) coupled to the nut holder (11) is inserted into the dovetail groove (46), the nut is maintained at a predetermined position in the groove by frictional force due to resilient force from the elastically deformable portions (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Koji Sugano
  • Patent number: 5716178
    Abstract: A gang channel nut assembly permits nut plates held therein to be used even though the assembly channel is in contact with a stringer. The instant invention enlarges the fastener hole in the channel as well as slots on both sides of the channel and cuts a connecting slot between the hole and the slot sufficient to permit passage of a fastening screw or bolt. In this way the gang channel nut assembly still functions as originally intended that is, to positively retain the nut plates and align them in the channel, but permit the nut plates to be flexible or float transverse of the channel without falling out of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Thai O. Vu
  • Patent number: 5699944
    Abstract: A vehicle roof rack assembly for retaining a roof rack to the roof of a vehicle. The assembly includes a plurality of spanners which span a pair of spaced round holes through the roof of the vehicle at preselected locations. Each spanner includes a main body portion having spaced integral downwardly extending insert portions or apertured bosses which extend into the spaced round holes. These apertured bosses are self tapping for receiving screws therein. Thus, the rack, having holes at each end aligned with the apertured bosses, receives a self tapping screw in each apertured boss securing the rack to the roof of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Avibank Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Duran
  • Patent number: 5655816
    Abstract: An improved seat assembly for mass transit vehicles and an improved methodology for providing seating in mass transit vehicles. The seat assembly includes a universal seat frame which is formed of aluminum extrusions welded together and which is usable in combination with a variety of support bracketry so that a single common seat frame may be utilized to provide a variety of seating positions and seating attitudes within the vehicle. The seat frame includes side rails and cross rails extending between the side rails. Each cross rail includes an upper tube portion and a lower track portion formed integrally with the bottom wall of the upper tube portion and defining a groove. A slot in the bottom wall of the track portion communicates with the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: American Seating Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Magnuson, Michael E. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5655865
    Abstract: An attachment arrangement for securing components or construction parts to an attachment rail (32) with a slot-like opening (34). The attachment arrangement includes a spring element (27) for improved handling which is deflectable both in the axial and radial directions. An axially elastic region (28) of the spring element (27) provides an axial prestress between a base member (21) and an intermediate member (29) whereby spontaneous detachment of the attachment arrangement by turning the base member (21) through 90 degrees relative to the attachment rail (32) is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengeschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Plank, Kurt Waibl
  • Patent number: 5636891
    Abstract: A vehicle accessory has a mounting wall with an elongated slot which slideably receives a snap-in fastener which is fixed in the orthogonal direction of installation of the snap-in fastener. The fastener cooperates with an elongated slot formed in a vehicle support structure which slot extends orthogonally to the slot in the vehicle accessory such that the fastener can be moved into alignment on two axes to align with the aperture in the vehicle for insertion of the fastener and installation of the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Kim L. Van Order, Nels R. Smith, Dean T. Miller
  • Patent number: 5636954
    Abstract: An adapter apparatus for securing the slats, or outer rail end or center supports, of a vehicle article carrier to an outer body surface of a vehicle. The adapter apparatus has a plurality of groups of openings for enabling attachment of a slat having previously formed openings to a variety of vehicles having different spacings of holes drilled therein, which would otherwise normally require additional drilling of holes in the slat or additional drilling of holes in the outer body surface to enable direct alignment of the holes in the slat with the holes in the outer body surface of the vehicle. The adapter apparatus, through its plurality of groups of openings, enables the adapter apparatus to be secured to vehicles having openings in their outer body surfaces which differ in spacing, and which otherwise would require additional drilling of holes in either the slats or the outer body surface to secure the slats thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Henderson, Donald R. Potter
  • Patent number: 5628597
    Abstract: A spring-biassed nut includes a generally rectangular nut body which has a spring device fitted on one main surface thereof. The nut can be fitted into a slotted hollow rail by inserting the nut through the rail slot in the direction of its plane. The spring tightens the nut against the rail legs defining the rail slot, so that the nut will be held in a chosen position along the rail by friction. A pivot point around which the long-edge flange of the nut pivots when the nut is first inserted into the rail is defined in the interior of the rail, preferably in the inner corner region between the rail side-wall and the flange. The length of the nut as measured between the edges of the long-edge flanges is essentially equal to or slightly smaller than the distance between the pivot point and the edge of the opposing rail flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Josef Chudoba
    Inventors: Josef Chudoba, Sven-Erik Kaufeldt
  • Patent number: 5628598
    Abstract: An attachment nut includes a base member (1) and an elastic retaining insert (6) connected to the base member. The attachment nut serves for fastening components (18), for instance pipe members, to a C-shaped profiled rail (15). The retaining insert (6) has locking tabs located diametrically opposite one another. The tabs can be pivoted about an axis into a slot-like opening in the profiled rail (15) to prevent the turning of the attachment nut. Each locking tab has a projecting lug for effecting the manual turning of the attachment nut within the profiled rail (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Siegfried Hofle
  • Patent number: 5624217
    Abstract: A connector comprises first and second opposed, spaced apart locking lugs having first and second opposed, spaced apart faces between which the channel member is clamped. A flexible connection integral with the opposed faces of the locking lugs joins the locking lugs together in a unitary structure in a manner which allows for the space between the opposed faces of the locking lugs to be varied. The first and second locking lugs are provided with axially aligned bores which, when securing the connector to the channel member, receive a fastener for drawing the opposed faces of the locking lugs toward one another when the fastener is advanced into the axially aligned bores for clamping the channel member in between the opposed locking lugs of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Charles S. Hungerford, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5577303
    Abstract: A connector for supporting an object engages channels 4 in a track 1. The connector is retained laterally and guided longitudinally thereon. A locking element located between connector and track is moveable longitudinally to effect a locking.backslash.unlocking action. An object 40 to be supported is secured to one part 36 of a two-part connector in which the two parts have a quick-attach fastening 32,42 between them. One part 5 is connected to the track 1 and the other part 36 is connected to the object 40. The quick-attach fastening comprises a spring detent 44 and release button 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Michael Sacks
    Inventors: Michael Sacks, Islah Z. Ali, David F. Clark
  • Patent number: 5536124
    Abstract: A semi-liquid impervious captive fastener system for electronic components and the like which includes a first rigid member adapted for securement to a second rigid member. The first rigid member has a well opening, a fastener well, and a fastener aperture. An elastic member is co-molded to the first rigid member such that the elastic member extends at least partially over the well opening and into the well so as to surround the fastener aperture. A threaded fastener having a head portion may reside in the well such that a driving instrument may be inserted through the elastic member for driving the threaded fastener so as to secure a first rigid member to a second rigid member and forming at least a semi-liquid impervious seal while acting to secure the threaded fastener within the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Norand Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis Silva
  • Patent number: 5503511
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for the spring elastic position fixing of fasteners, e.g. spring nuts, in a recess, e.g. a T-slot. In smooth recesses, a reliable position fixing of a fastener, such as a rail, can be obtained if the fastener is placed in the recess. For spring elastic reception of the fastener, locking areas are formed in the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Knurr-Mechanik fur die Elektronik Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans Flamme
  • Patent number: 5489173
    Abstract: An attachment device secures structural component (39) to a fastening rail (32) having a slot-like opening (34). The attachment device includes a flexural member (27) to afford better handling. The flexural member (27) is deflectable in the axial direction as well as in the radial direction. A snap-in connection of the attachment device to the fastening rail (32) is achieved by the outside contour of a radially spring deflectable region (31) of the flexural member (27) which has a dimension greater than the width of the slot-like opening (34). An elastic axially extending region (28) of the flexural member (27) provides an axial prestress between a base member (21) and a cap member (29), so that accidental detachment of the attachment device positioned in the fastening rail (32) is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Siegfried Hofle
  • Patent number: 5471715
    Abstract: An adjustable fastener assembly for attaching a flexible cover sheet to an object such as a boat comprises an elongated housing provided with a slot extending along its length. Within the housing, there is positioned a slide having an extension protruding through the slot in the housing. The portion protruding through the slot carries a fastening element which engages a complementary fastener such as a ring in the cover. The slide and the housing are provided with complementary locking means permitting the slide to be locked in any desired position along the length of the housing. The slide locking means is provided with a first engaging portion capable of engaging a first portion of the housing locking means which prevents movement in only a first direction along the length of the housing and a second engaging portion capable of engaging a second portion of the housing locking means which prevents movement in only a second direction along the length of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Elmer J. Knize
  • 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