Abstract: A fastener has a shaft, a head at a first end of the shaft, and a point at the other end of the shaft. A first portion of the shaft adjacent the point is threaded. The first portion typically extends about one-half the total length of the shaft. A second portion of the shaft (adjacent the head) is not threaded, but has a plurality of spaced rings. A knurled portion can be provided between the first and second portions, if desired. Conventional symmetrical or asymmetrical thread can be used in the threaded portion, or a three lobe thread can be used.

Abstract: A fastener has a shaft, a head at a first end of the shaft, and a point at the other end of the shaft. A first portion of the shaft adjacent the point is threaded. The first portion typically extends about one-half the total length of the shaft. A second portion of the shaft (adjacent the head) is not threaded, but has a plurality of spaced rings. A knurled portion can be provided between the first and second portions, if desired. Conventional symmetrical or asymmetrical thread can be used in the threaded portion, or a three lobe thread can be used.

Abstract: A screw for use in a composite lumber member or a wood member has at least one disruptive surface that cuts composite material away from the composite lumber member as the screw is driven into the member to prevent a mound and/or strings from being formed that are attached to the composite lumber member when the screw is set therein. The screw may be used with conventional wood members wherein the screw of the present invention provides increased clamping when driven into a wood member to fasten the wood member to a support member or the like.

Abstract: A fastener has a shaft, a head at a first end of the shaft, and a point at the other end of the shaft. A first portion of the shaft adjacent the point is threaded. The first portion typically extends about one-half the total length of the shaft. A second portion of the shaft (adjacent the head) is not threaded, but has a plurality of spaced rings. A knurled portion can be provided between the first and second portions, if desired. Conventional symmetrical or asymmetrical thread can be used in the threaded portion, or a three lobe thread can be used.

Abstract: A low profile double slot spanner locknut for engaging a threaded fastener having a substantially ring-shaped main body including a round outside edge, a hollow lower interior engagement portion and a hollow coined lip, portion. Two adjustment slots are positioned about 180.degree. apart on the outside edge and are used by a spanner drive tool for installing and adjusting the locknut. An impressionable nylon insert is positioned in a cavity in the coined lip portion. The insert is configured to further engage the thread of the fastener impressing the thread into the insert for self-locking during installation of the locknut.

Abstract: A low torque fastener screw for securing a wooden workpiece to a substrate includes an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and having an enlarged head formed on one end, an external pointed thread formed on an opposite end, an elongated unthreaded shank between the enlarged head and the threaded end, and a reamer formed at the juncture of the shank and thread. The reamer has a plurality of longitudinal cutting edges formed about its periphery which ream out the hole formed by the threaded end to a diameter larger than the shank, thereby reducing frictional resistance to rotation of the screw and optimizing the torque applied by the driving tool.

Abstract: A sealing nut has an annular heat stabilized nylon sealing insert retained within a recess in a metallic nut body by a coined collar on the nut body. The sealing insert is initially formed symmetrical about a transverse median plane to enable bidirectional assembly into the nut body recess, and undergoes dynamic preloading when the collar is coined onto the periphery of the insert. When installed onto a threaded shaft extending from a bearing surface so that the coined collar is torqued against the bearing surface, the sealing insert forms a fluid-tight seal between the threaded shaft and a threaded bore in the bearing surface through which the threaded shaft extends. The nut body and sealing insert facilitate reduced manufacturing costs while enabling re-use without significant loss in sealing properties.

Abstract: A fastener screw includes a head portion, an elongated shank and a multiple-lead thread formed on the shank opposite the head portion. The head portion has a generally planar end surface having a polygonal drive recess therein. A generally longitudinal chip relief slot is formed along the thread and defines a longitudinal thread profile cutting edge. The underside of the head portion is defined by a generally concave annular surface having a plurality of outwardly projecting serrations formed about its periphery which burr into the workpiece and effect a self-locking action therewith as the screw is threaded into the workpiece.

Abstract: A self-locking fastening arrangement includes a member having a substantially planar surface intersected by a blind threaded bore adapted to receive a complimentary threaded bolt or shank. The tapped bore terminates a predetermined distance from the planar surface in a closed end. A resilient substantially cylindrical insert is disposed within the bore adjacent the closed end and is configured to establish a space between the insert and the closed end of the tapped bore. The insert is compressed upon insertion of a threaded shank into the bore a predetermined distance so as to effect self-locking axial loading between the interengaging male and female threads. An annular lip is formed adjacent at least one end of the insert for engaging the tapped bore to prevent inadvertent release of the insert from the bore. In one embodiment, the fastening member takes the form of a self-locking acorn or cap nut having a blind taped bore which receives the resilient insert.

Abstract: A cleat or calk for use with boot soles and the like to provide enhanced gripping and wear life includes a generally cup-shaped spike member defining a plurality of pointed spike elements spaced about and projecting from a base adapted for mounting on a boot sole through a mounting shank and sole-mounted cleat anchor. In one embodiment, spring means cooperates with the spike member and mounting shank to enable limited pivotal movement of the spike member when mounted on a boot sole so as to acommodate uneven surfaces engaged by the spike member, while effecting self-leveling of the spike member upon release from the underlying surface.

Abstract: A reusable syringe has a push rod with a threaded entrance hole in its tip end. The threaded hole leads into an inner capture area. A shot package includes a glass tube with a plunger having a stud with an interrupted thread for passing through the thread entrance hole and becoming captured in the inner capture area. When the rod is pushed, the stud transfers forces to the plunger without applying compression forces thereto. This way, the plunger does not expand and chatter against the glass tube wall, thereby risking breaking it. The inventive stud with interrupted thread is otherwise identical to prior art studs which are fully threaded. Thus, the syringe may receive and is fully compatible with both types of studs.

Abstract: A miniature screw switch assembly is provided with side extending leads that are spaced apart at DIP standard distances. Each segment of the segmented body, which facilitates separation into individual switches, is molded around a pair of opposed, lead contact portions. A socket is provided in the segment between the contact portions for receiving a headed screw forming a bridging member between the two pole forming contact portions. Central portions of the leads extend substantially perpendicular from the body and segment sides and are bent downwardly at right angles to terminate in end portions. The end portions are intended to be inserted in through openings in printed circuit boards or surface-mounted on printed circuit boards. The disclosed assembly facilitates automatic manufacture, carrying to circuit board assembliers and insertion or surface-mounting on circuit boards.

Abstract: A screw-switch assembly for use in place of present Dual-Inline-Package (DIP) slide-or snap-action switch assemblies is disclosed. An insulative body is molded to form a strip of joined segments arranged side-by-side, each segment constituting a single, independent switch having two poles and a single bridging contact member in the form of a screw head. The segments provide two passageways opening to both the top surface and the bottom surface of the segment and a socket opening to at least the top surface of the segment adjacent alternating passageways in sequential segments. A headed stake is inserted through the passageway of each segment adjacent the socket and a bent stake is inserted through the other passageway of each segment. The top portions of the stakes of each segment are formed to provide electrical contact surfaces adjacent the socket of that segment. The bottom portions of the stakes extend beyond the bottom surface of the segment for mounting in a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A sealing nut having a shouldered insert of heat stabilized-lubricated nylon with a protruding crown, locked into a recess provided at one end of the nut body by means of a coined lip engaging the shoulder. Sealing is effected when the nut is engaged on a threaded male member and screwed against a bearing surface through which the male member extends by exterior folding of the crown upon itself and confining the resulting fold within the lip, said lip being brought into metal-to-metal engagement with the bearing surface. The folded crown or turtle-neck-like fold may be partially preformed prior to use to enhance reusability.

Abstract: A switch device for a printed circuit board and the resulting circuit structure. The device comprises a mounting stud with a pilot threaded section and a working threaded section axially separated by an unthreaded shank and means for mounting the stud to a printed circuit board; and a hollow shell having a locknut mounted on its interior. The distance between the two threaded sections is greater than the interior threaded axial length of the locknut.The circuit structure is intended to provide an optional switch between a first conductor on the upper surface of a printed circuit board and a second conductor on the bottom surface of the printed circuit board. The mounting stud is permanently secured to the circuit board in a hole formed in the board passing adjacent one of the conductors and close to but spaced from the other of the conductors.

Abstract: A sealing nut having a shouldered insert of heat stabilized-lubricated nylon with a protruding crown, locked into a recess provided at one end of the nut body by means of a coined lip engaging the shoulder. Sealing is effected when the nut is engaged on a threaded male member and screwed against a bearing surface through which the male member extends by exterior folding of the crown upon itself and confining the resulting fold within the lip, said lip being brought into metal-to-metal engagement with the bearing surface.