Abstract: A novel fastener comprises a head having a recess for receiving a rotary driver, a shank having knurls defined by generally helical grooves and intersecting generally annular grooves, wherein a plurality of the knurls include a lateral cutting edge, and a generally pointed tip. Another novel fastener comprises a head having a recess for receiving a rotary driver, a shank having a predetermined diameter small enough so that the head will break away from said shank upon application of a predetermined torque, and said shank having knurls defined by generally helical grooves and intersecting generally annular grooves.

Abstract: A male threaded fastener particularly suited for use in plastics has a high thread and a low thread. Depressions are provided in the pressure flank of the high thread. Dimensional relationships are defined for scaling the fastener to commonly accepted sizes.

Abstract: A cover structure is provided for the end of a fuel system filler tube. The cover structure includes a closure mechanism that opens and closes as a refueling nozzle is inserted or removed. The cover structure is attached to the filler tube assembly by frangible connections, and will separate from the filler tube assembly in the event of a crash.

Abstract: A new and improved threaded fastener comprises a first, primary thread lead, and a pair of second, auxiliary thread leads alternatively interposed between successive threads of the first, primary thread lead. The threaded fastener further comprises a pointed tip portion for initiating driving insertion of the threaded fastener into an underlying workpiece, and that portion of the dual reinforcing lead, which has previously been interposed between the tip portion and the primary thread lead, or between the first and second successive threads of the first primary thread lead, has been removed.

Abstract: A fabric having a plastic member integrally connected thereto. A frame member component of plastic is provided with a metal wire extending therethrough. The frame member component is placed in contact with the web, and the wire is heated to soften the plastic of the frame member component, bonding it to the web.

Abstract: A new and improved thread rolling die for forming a new and improved threaded fastener, and a new and improved method or technique of manufacturing the new and improved threaded fastener, is disclosed wherein the new and improved threaded fastener comprises a first, primary thread lead, and a pair of second, auxiliary thread leads alternatively interposed between successive threads of the first, primary thread lead. As a result of the provision of the pair of second, auxiliary thread leads being interposed between successive ones of the threads of the first, primary thread lead, not only is additional axial reinforcement provided for the threaded fastener, but more importantly, the lateral or transverse distance through which the material comprising the blank member must be displaced or moved in order to form the successive threads of the first, primary thread lead is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A damper includes a housing, a cover, a rotor and a valve relatively rotatable with respect to the rotor. When rotated in one direction, a space between the valve and the rotor is opened to increase damper fluid flow and reduce damper resistance. When rotated in an opposite direction, the space between the valve and the rotor is closed to decrease damper fluid flow and increase damper resistance. A shaped flange on the rotor provides a changing space between the rotor and ribs in the housing when the rotor is rotated. The cover is self-centering on the housing.

Abstract: A male threaded fastening member is provided with depressions in at least one or several helix wraps of the thread adjacent the head, the depressions extending inwardly from an edge of the thread at least part way toward a shank of the male fastening member. In a fastening system including the male fastening member, a female member includes projections for engaging the depressions.

Abstract: A cover structure is provided for the end of a fuel system filler tube. The cover structure includes a closure mechanism that opens and closes as a refueling nozzle is inserted or removed. The cover structure is attached to the filler tube assembly by frangible connections, and will separate from the filler tube assembly in the event of a crash.

Abstract: A side airbag retention system for installation in a keyhole opening including a bolt with a generally conical head portion and a shaft disposed through an aperture of the air bag retainer, and a bolt retainer disposed about the bolt shaft between the bolt head and the air bag retainer. The bolt retainer preferably includes a spring washer having a pronged engagement member extending generally radially therefrom between anti-rotation tabs extending from a side thereof opposite the bolt head, and a compression limiting member disposed about and protruding from the washer opening toward the bolt head.

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.

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.

Abstract: The check valve has rotationally symmetric outer boundaries with a transverse plate separating a first portion which is intended to be within a first air space and a second portion which is intended to be within a second air space. Two internal passageways are formed within the interior of the check valve, each with an opening in the first portion and another opening in the second portion. The first and second portions each include a circular channel with flared walls into which one of the openings is formed. Each circular channel includes an O-ring which serves as a valve to control flow into the respective internal passageway.

Abstract: A car seat tether restraint system having an anchor with a fastening portion and a leg with a foot extending from a mounting side thereof, a resilient locking flange extending from the mounting side of the anchor in an opposite direction as the foot, a body panel having a locking flange recess on one side thereof and an aperture therein, the leg disposed in the aperture with a portion of the body panel disposed between the mounting side of the anchor and the foot, the locking flange disposed in the locking flange recess.

Abstract: A lock nut having a body member with a threaded axial bore and a washer having an axial opening coupled to a bottom end portion thereof so that the opening of the washer is aligned substantially with the threaded axial bore. The washer has one or more fingers with threaded finger tip portions partially defining the opening thereof. The threaded finger tip portions of the washer are in-phase helically with the threaded axial bore of the body member. A recess is disposed between the washer and the body member, and a protruding portion of the washer extends from the bottom end portion of the body member.