Having Elastically Deformable Portion For Attaching Member To Substructure Patents (Class 411/112)
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Patent number: 8303223Abstract: The invention relates to a fastener (21) for arranging a rod element (9) on a mounting channel, said fastener (21) including an engaging part (22) that can be inserted and made to engage behind edges (14) of an installation opening of the mounting channel, whereby the engaging part (22) has an opening (25) with an internal thread for the rod element, a stop plate (42) for making contact on the outside of the mounting channel having a hole (44) through which the rod element (9) passes, and flexible connection elements (32) that connect the engaging part (22) to the stop plate (42; 76; 96) at a distance from each other. Moreover, a nut element (52) that has a hole (53) with an internal thread and that serves to secure the rod element (9) to the mounting channel can be rotatably held on the stop plate (42) using a holding device (62).Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Franz Rass, Peter Mugg, Thomas Merhar, Peter Woergartner
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Patent number: 8240964Abstract: A sheet metal nut including a cage part (1) that is fitted with a bottom plate (2), supporting edge sections, and opposite side plates (4, 5). Contacting final sections (15, 16) are disposed across from the supporting edge sections and grip the peripheral zones of a hole along with the supporting edge sections in a mounted arrangement of the sheet metal nut. The supporting edge sections are molded onto the bottom plate (2) while a separate securing part (10) is joined to the side plates (4, 5) and is equipped with two leg plates (11, 12) that are located between the side plates (4, 5) and extend from a base region (13) towards the supporting edge sections (24, 25) at an increasing distance from each other. The contacting final sections (15, 16) are molded onto one respective free end of a leg plate (11, 12), are aligned with their front sides directed towards one another, and lie across from the supporting edge sections (24, 25).Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: A. Raymond et CieInventors: Uwe Motsch, Klaus Hullmann
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Patent number: 8235634Abstract: A cage nut assembly is provided for retaining a nut within a cage's nut capture region defined by a base with a hole substantially in its center, two lateral truss integral with the base and perpendicular to each other, and two upwardly extending arms also integral with the base. The two upwardly extending arms form a C-shaped head at the distal end that extend over the nut capture region. Thus a nut disposed in said cage is substantially flush with the base of said cage. A multiple cage nut assembly is provided for retaining a nut within cage's plurality of nut capture regions. One such nut capture region being defined by a base with a hole substantially in its center, two lateral truss integral with the base and perpendicular to each other, and two upwardly extending arms also integral with the base. The two upwardly extending arms form a C-shaped head at the distal end that extend over the nut capture region. Thus a nut disposed in said cage is substantially flush with the base of said cage.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.Inventors: Lars R. Larsen, Stewart A. Levesque
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Patent number: 8181926Abstract: A clamp includes a first member, a washer, a nut, a threaded bolt, a spring and a torsion spring. The first member may include side portions and have a first opening. The washer may include a second opening and at least one portion protruding in a downward direction from an upper surface of the washer. The nut may have an upper surface, a lower surface and a threaded opening. The threaded bolt may be disposed through the first opening, the second opening and the threaded opening. The spring may be located between a portion of the first member and the washer. The torsion spring may be located between the washer and the nut, where the torsion spring causes the nut to rotate when force is applied to an upper part of the first member.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Joey D. Magno, Jr., Robert K. Jolly, Andrew C. Cole, Cong T. Dinh
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Patent number: 8162579Abstract: A plastic, undetachable anchor (10) to affix a component (52) to a support (54), comprising a rectangular affixing aperture (56), the anchor comprising a resilient, flange-like head (12), a hollow shank (16) subtending an axis and connected at one end to the head (12) and receiving an affixation screw (20), further resilient detent arms (40,42) connected to the shank end away from the head (14), where the detent arms (40,42) running obliquely outward toward the head (14) are fitted at their free ends with a detent shoulder (44) engaging {in the assembled stateāan edge of an affixation aperture (56) facing them in order to secure the anchor (10) against being pulled out of the affixation aperture (56).Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Thomas Rueckel
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Patent number: 8132992Abstract: A fastening assembly is provided for fixing an object to a profiled element with flanges which bound a longitudinal slot between them. The fastening assembly includes a metal washer element having a bearing face arranged for resting against the outside of the profiled element, and an elongated metal anchoring member situated on the underside of the bearing face of the washer element. The assembly furthermore includes a support connected to the washer element and supporting the anchoring member. The support includes a head with one or more connecting members engaging with the washer element, and legs, each extending from the head in a direction away from the washer element to a bottom end of the corresponding leg situated below the anchoring member. The support below the anchoring member includes one or more spring members supported upon the bottom ends of the legs and resiliently supporting and engaged with the anchoring member from underneath.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2006Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: J. van Walraven Holding B.V.Inventor: Jan van Walraven
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Patent number: 8083450Abstract: An anchor facilitates blind engagement by a first fastener in order to connect an object to a wall. The anchor may be inserted into a cavity accessible through a hole defined in a hollow substrate to connect the object to the wall. The anchor includes a base plate and a pair of laterally offset arms extending from the base plate, such that each arm includes an engagement structure disposed at a distal end of each arm. The engagement structure of each arm cooperatively supports the anchor and complementarily engages the first fastener. The first fastener may be a bolt, a screw, or any suitable fastener such as a threaded fastener. The engagement structure includes a collar extending outwardly from each arm for engaging the hollow substrate upon insertion of the anchor into the cavity. Additionally, the engagement structure includes a tang extending inwardly from each arm, generally defining a portion of a first aperture for engaging the first fastener.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Termax CorporationInventors: Michael Walter Smith, Michael Anthony Giugliano, Daniel James Dickinson, Mark Fleydervish, Edward Sacha
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Patent number: 7921539Abstract: An inexpensive and reliable floating fastener is provided by manufacturing an integrated nutplate into the backside of the interior structural member. A retention clip engages the nutplate to capture the nut while allowing the nut to float. The integrated nutplate roughly aligns the floating nut to the axial through-hole in the structural member and provides the torque resistance required to drive the screw into the nut. The retention clip holds the nut in place and provides the axial resistance required for the lead chamfer of the screw to engage the nut and resist the axial loading on the screw during installation. The nutplate is designed to facilitate cost-effective manufacturing. The per hole cost of the integrated floating-fastener is approximately 30% of the cost of the industry standard riveted floating fastener.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Wayne K. Woodall, Walter S. Pope, E. Russ Althof, Scott A. Muse
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Patent number: 7806619Abstract: A shaft assembly having a first shaft and a second shaft interconnected by a bipot joint is disclosed. The first shaft and the second shaft are disposed in overlapping spaced relationship. The bipot joint includes a pivot block sandwiched between the first shaft and the second shaft. The pivot defines a mounting surface abutting one of the first and second shafts, and a semi-annular surface opposing the mounting surface and abutting the other of the first shaft and the second shaft. A fastener extends through a bore defined by the first shaft, the pivot block and the second shaft to interconnect the first shaft, the pivot block and the second shaft. The fastener includes a spring to bias the first shaft, the pivot block and the second shaft together, thereby de-lashing the bipot joint.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Joen C. Bodtker
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Patent number: 7736111Abstract: This device for holding screw-like means (1) in position in a through-hole (2) in a first part (3) for clamping the first part to a second part is characterized in that it comprises a one-piece tongue (4) comprising a central portion provided with a tapped hole (5) for receiving screw-like means (1) and either side of which extend two resilient wings (6, 7) intended to engage with clearance in apertures (8, 9) in the first part to allow the screw-like means to be held in position with clearance in the hole (2) in this first part.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: ATTAXInventors: Helder De Azevedo, Dominique Dubost
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Patent number: 7658579Abstract: A nut and retainer fastener assembly includes a one-piece retainer having a flat base with an opening and a plurality of retainer clips extending from the base around the opening. At least one flange nut is secured to the base between adjacent clips and offset from the opening in the base. The opening preferably is polygonal, most preferably rectangular (including square), and the clips preferably are disposed at corners of the opening. The clips preferably have integral spring fingers that extend from ends of the clips toward the base and at an angle away from the opening to capture the mounting wall between the base and the ends of the spring clips. The base preferably has an ear extending away from the opening, most preferably laterally opposed ears extending away from the opening, and a flange nut mounted on each of the ears for alignment with a fastener opening in the mounting wall when the nut and fastener assembly is secured to the wall.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Alpha Stamping CompanyInventors: Robert E. Stewart, Charles Lee Dardas
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Patent number: 7648319Abstract: A clip nut is provided including a clip body and nut. The clip body includes an upper arm connected to a lower arm by a connecting end wall. The clip body has a nut housing upon its upper arm for affixing a nut having a tubular body and a radially projecting base. The nut housing includes an end wall, an intermediate wall and a top wall. A ridge projects upwardly from the upper arm between the intermediate wall and end wall. Furthermore, the top wall includes an opening for allowing the nut's base to slide upon the ridge to enter a cavity during assembly. Thereafter, the nut is tilted forwardly and the nut's base is slid into a nut receiving chamber to complete the assembly of the clip nut.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Inventors: Orlando Ochoa, Mark Balderrama
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Publication number: 20090245967Abstract: A cage nut assembly includes a cage, a nut and a heat sensitive adhesive. The cage includes a plurality of walls defining an internal chamber and an open end. An opening is formed through one of the walls. The nut is secured to the cage within the internal chamber. The nut includes a threaded channel exposed through the opening. The heat sensitive adhesive adhesively secures the nut to the cage within the internal chamber. The nut breaks away from the cage within the internal chamber when heat is applied to the heat sensitive adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: WILLIAM J. CURLEY, JR., ANTHONY PASCARIELLO
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Patent number: 7568868Abstract: A plug-in device for connecting a support element (27) to an add-on piece (26). The device includes a plug-in element which can be inserted into a recess of the support element (27) and includes at least one laterally projecting bearing section (6, 7) serving to bear externally against the support element (27), and an abutment region (3). An inner element (12) has a threaded region (14) for receiving a screw (31) and at least one counter-element (22, 23). The inner element (12) is received in the plug-in element (1) so as to be axially displaceable. A threaded shank (32) of the screw (31) comes into engagement with the abutment region (3), which forms a stop for the screw (31) in the direction of insertion. The add-on piece (26) can thus be fixed at a distance from the support element (27) to secure the add-on piece to the support element.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignees: A. Raymond Et Cie, Ford-Werke GmbHInventors: Uwe Motsch, Gerd Koch
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Publication number: 20090103997Abstract: A nut plate assembly and a method for securing a nut plate assembly may include a support for a fastener element wherein the support has a base to be supported and/or fixed on a support surface and the base has another surface against which the fastener element bears. The base also supports a structure for supporting the fastener element where the structure is at least partly non-symmetrical about a plane other than a horizontal plane parallel to the base. One side of the base may be secured to the support surface and the other side of the base may have the fastener element bearing against it when a complementary fastener element is secured to the first fastener element.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Terrence Csik, Igor Komsitsky
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Publication number: 20090074534Abstract: A supporting apparatus for mounting electrical components, includes a plate, a supporting member and a clamping member. A through hole is defined in the plate. The supporting member includes a shank with a slot defined therein and a cap formed on one end of the shank. The shank is inserted in the hole of the plate from the bottom of the plate to protrude over the top of the plate with the cap resisting against the bottom of the plate. The clamping member defines a locking hole. The clamping member is placed on the top of the plate with the shank inserted in the locking hole of the clamping member. The clamping member is rotatable about the shank between a first position where the shank is movable relative to the clamping member in a lengthwise direction thereof, and a second position where the clamping member is locklingly engaged in the at least one slot of the shank.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: XIU-ZHONG YIN, HUNG-CHIEH CHANG, LI-PING CHEN
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Patent number: 7465135Abstract: The present invention relates to a U-nut comprising, a substrate including a flex area wherein the substrate and the flex area include a polymer, a first substrate segment, a second substrate segment, and a flex area, wherein the first substrate segment and the second substrate segment are located adjacent to the flex area; a retainer located on the first substrate segment; and an acceptor located on the second substrate segment.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2003Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: MacLean-Fogg CompanyInventor: John Fritsch
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Patent number: 7441996Abstract: A vehicle floating nut assembly is part of a body mounting fixture that couples a vehicle body onto a vehicle frame. The floating nut assembly has a nut element that floats with in a nut retainer assembly. At least one of the sliding surfaces located between the nut element and the retainer assembly is coated with a coating resistant material such as polytetrafluoroethylene. Thus, the nut retainer assembly is arranged so that the nut element is slideable relative to the planar surface of the retainer assembly within a predetermined range of movement. Several floating nut assemblies are utilized to fixedly couple the vehicle body to the vehicle frame in which one of the vehicle floating nut assemblies includes is arranged to only allow limited movement of the nut element in one linear direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventors: Mark Odulio, Mike Smith, Youichi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7344168Abstract: A door handle device for vehicles is capable of preventing falling of the screw locking member and the screw and improving the assembling workability. In the door handle device (1) for vehicles including a handle base (3) to be fixed to a door panel (5) by screwing, the handle base (3) has a through hole (18) for inserting a screw (6) thereinto, and a screw locking member (14) into which a fore end of the screw (6) inserted into the through hole (18) is to be screwed, the screw locking member (14) being formed integrally with the handle base (3) so that the screw locking member (14) can be moved to a position corresponding to the through hole (18).Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: U-Shin Ltd.Inventors: Masayoshi Matsubara, Tsuyoshi Muneta
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Patent number: 7226260Abstract: The present invention provides a fastener mounting clip for use in securing a fastener to sheet material having a bore hole formed therein. The fastener mounting clip is preferably formed of a single sheet of thin spring steel. The mounting clip includes a rectilinear planar surface having opposing retainer arms extending beneath its outer edge at obtuse angles. The retaining arms are resiliently flexible and compress and expand during insertion wherein a top end of the retaining arm abuts against the sheet material when the fastener mounting clip is fully seated within the bore hole. The planar surface includes support tabs for supporting the planar surface in the plane of the sheet material and also includes a recessed aperture for receiving and retaining a fastener therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: A. Raymond, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas Jackson, Jr., Rene Dreiocker, Michael Osswald
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Patent number: 7204666Abstract: A fixing clamp for anchoring a component within a hole in a support plate includes an anchoring part having two side walls and a transverse wall, a generally planar locating strip projecting outwardly, an expanding tab projecting upwardly that defines a window in the side wall, and an inwardly bent edge strip on an end of the expanding tab. The fixing clamp also includes a movable threaded plate initially supported by the edge strip. The fixing clamp further includes a holding plate for the component and a fixing screw, and the fixing screw is threaded onto the threaded casing of the threaded plate, such that tightening of the fixing screw displaces the threaded plate downwardly along a longitudinal axis of the threaded portion of the fixing screw while deforming the expanding tabs outwardly until the expanding tabs are clampingly engaged with the support plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2002Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: A. Raymond & CIEInventors: Klaus Hullman, Michael De Jong, Martin Habrom, Horst Karg, Aschwin Maas
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Patent number: 7192231Abstract: A cage nut assembly is disclosed having a body defining a through bore. The cage is disposed about at least a portion of the body. The body is hexagonal in shape, while the cage defines a seam configured to be placed adjacent the coupling surface of the cage and base material.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventor: Colin Blackaby
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Patent number: 7156599Abstract: A cage nut assembly includes a nut and a cage wrapped therearound. The nut and/or the cage are provided with a number of stand-offs. The stand-offs reduce the amount of bearing surface interface between the cage and the nut thus reducing the possibility that the two parts will stick to each other after a bath is applied to the mating surface, and thus to the cage nut assembly, as the cage is welded to the mating surface. The stand-offs can be configured such that the cage nut assembly can move through the bath in a horizontal position, an upside down position, or a sideways position, substantially without the cage and nut sticking to one another.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventors: James Patrick Clinch, Paul Douglas Purdy
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Patent number: 7147418Abstract: A cage nut assembly has a nut and a cage. The cage has a base having an aperture therethrough and a pair of flexible arm portions which are capable of supporting the nut off of the base. The cage nut assembly is welded to a workpiece. The workpiece is sent through an e-coat or ELPO bath. As the flexible arm portions of the cage support the nut off of the base, the possibility of the nut being stuck to the cage is reduced. A fastener is inserted through an aperture of the workpiece, through the aperture of the base and is threadedly engaged with the nut. As the fastener is torqued down, a force is applied to the nut such that the arm portions of the cage flex and allow the nut to come into contact and be secured against the base.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventors: James Patrick Clinch, Paul Douglas Purdy
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Patent number: 7134821Abstract: The invention provides a cage nut assembly having a nut member and a cage member. The nut has a threaded aperture therethrough. The cage is capable of encaging the nut such that the nut has a limited range of movement within the cage in at least one dimension. The cage has an aperture therein sized and located to allow access to the threaded aperture of the nut within the range of movement of the nut. The cage has a plurality of protrusions, such as dimples or tabs, extending therefrom. At least one of the protrusions is formed in halves which abut against one another to define a seam therebetween. The protrusions are capable of being welded to a mating surface to secure the cage to a mating surface, and, substantially contemporaneously, the halves of the at least one protrusion are capable of being welded together along the seam.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventors: James Patrick Clinch, Gary Puzzella
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Patent number: 7101135Abstract: A nut assembly includes a base plate and a nut. The base plate includes a bearing surface with bore for the passage of a bolt or the like therethrough. The nut includes a bearing surface engaged with the bearing surface of the base plate. The said nut includes a bore engageable with a bolt or the like passing through the bore of the base plate. The base plate may include foot members disposed around the bore of the base plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.Inventor: David W. Hassed
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Patent number: 7021876Abstract: A simplified captive panel fastener including a head, shank, a threaded outer end, and a centrally threaded opening at the outer end. Longitudinal slots extend along the outer end of the fastener to receive a retention washer with inwardly extending prongs. The method of mounting the fastener to its desired location and locking a retention washer and fastener in place is easily performed by employing a tool which disposes the threaded mating part, for example, a screw or bolt, into the central threaded opening of the outer end of the fastener. The head of the screw or bolt has radial extent sufficient to block the slots and prevent loss of the retention washer. Only a common screwdriver is used to mount the retention screw or bolt in the end of the fastener.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Bulent Gulistan
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Patent number: 6979158Abstract: A cage nut assembly includes a nut and a cage wrapped therearound. The nut has a number of stand-offs or protrusions provided on a lower surface thereof such that the stand-offs are the only part of the nut which are in contact with the cage. The stand-offs reduce the amount of bearing surface interface between the cage and the nut thus reducing the possibility that the two parts will stick to each other after a coating is applied to the mating surface which the cage is welded to. The nut is engaged by a male threaded fastener which is torqued into place and the stand-offs push into the material of the cage causing the cage material to flow out of the way such that the stand-offs embed into the material of the cage without deforming the stand-offs to a flattened condition.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventors: James Patrick Clinch, Paul Douglas Purdy, James Ray Berkshire
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Patent number: 6971830Abstract: Device for the fixing of a part to a panel equipped with a drilling, such device comprising a saddle with two facing arms drilled with coaxial holes one, of which has a shank forming a nut. The arms being able to be placed on either side of the panel with their holes facing the aforementioned drilling. One arm is equipped with a lug in which one of the holes is made. The lug may include a protruding ridge able to be lodged in the aforementioned drilling to allow for the saddle to be snapped onto and thus fixed to the panel.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: I.T.W. De FranceInventors: Martial Hulin, Christophe Trepreau
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Patent number: 6935823Abstract: An anchor nut device for attachment to a structure, the device defining a threaded bore for the reception therein of a corresponding member. The device includes an anchor nut which is fabricated from a first material, the nut defining the bore and a plurality of radially extending ears. A base plate is fabricated from a second material, the plate having a first and a second face, the first face cooperating with the plurality of ears. The second face of the plate defines a plurality of dimples for facilitating welding of the plate to the structure. A plurality of arms extend from the plate, such that each ear of the plurality of ears is disposed between a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms and the first face of the plate for capturing the nut relative to the plate. Also, a stop extends from the anchor nut, the stop being disposed between adjacent ears for controlling rotational movement of the anchor nut relative to the plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2002Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Richard K. Mitts, Norbert A. Markl
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Patent number: 6918725Abstract: A metal nut (N) is held by a plastic clip-body (12). The clip-body (12) has first and second arms (16, 18) and an end wall (20) that form a closed end and an open end (6). The open end (60) includes cam surfaces for camming a member (M) into the open end (60). It also includes an annular locator wall (28) that extends upwardly from the second arm (18). The upper end of this locator wall is formed to slope upwardly as it extends inwardly from the open end of the clip-body (12). The sloping upper end of the locator wall (28) helps to cam the member (M) into the clip-body (12). The clip-body (12) includes a first arm (16) having sidewalls (36, 38) that extend outwardly from the arm (16).Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Marketing Masters, Inc.Inventor: Jacques Gauron
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Patent number: 6871431Abstract: A mounting kit for securing a license plate removably to a vehicle includes a pair of fasteners having a tapered screw thread shank, a hand-turnable fastener head, and a grommet captured between the head and the screw thread portion. The grommet is installable in an associated fastener opening of a license plate to capture the grommet within the fastener hole and in turn to capture the fasteners within the grommet, while enabling the fasteners to be turned relative to the grommets and license plate for releasably mounting the plate on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Inventor: Tyson Schmidt
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Patent number: 6854941Abstract: A clip nut is provided having a plastic body holding captive a nut. The body includes two aligned arms projecting from an aft section, each arm defining an aperture at a forward portion of the arm. The nut includes a base and a upstanding portion extending from the base that defines an internally threaded bore. The body further includes a nut cage positioned disposed about the aperture of the first arm. The nut cage includes an upper wall spaced above the first arm that defines a slot having a narrowed inlet and a recess aligned with the apertures of the first and second arms. The body is configured to readily and securely receive the nut. To insert the nut into the cage, the nut is forced against the nut cage such that the upstanding portion presses into and past the narrowed inlet. In this manner, the cage yieldably receives the nut without undue manipulation of either piece.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: The Monadnock Company, Inc.Inventor: Terrence S. Csik
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Patent number: 6840727Abstract: This invention pertains fasteners which are characterized by easy insertion and extraordinarily difficult separation of items that they attach together. This is achieved by a combination of snapping segments with multi-engagement configurations of engageable holes. The snapping segments may comprise anti-opening and/or anti-sliding portions, which immensely increase the strength with which the fasteners hold the objects together. Provision of an elastic body in the vicinity of the bottom section of the fasteners provides water and gas proof properties, and further eliminates squeaking noises. Vehicles comprising objects connected together by the fastening devices described and claimed herein are part of the instant invention.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Termax CorporationInventor: Eustathios Vassiliou
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Publication number: 20040228700Abstract: A cage nut assembly includes a nut and a cage wrapped therearound. The nut and/or the cage are provided with a number of stand-offs. The stand-offs reduce the amount of bearing surface interface between the cage and the nut thus reducing the possibility that the two parts will stick to each other after a bath is applied to the mating surface, and thus to the cage nut assembly, as the cage is welded to the mating surface. The stand-offs can be configured such that the cage nut assembly can move through the bath in a horizontal position, an upside down position, or a sideways position, substantially without the cage and nut sticking to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2004Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: James Patrick Clinch, Paul Douglas Purdy
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Patent number: 6811363Abstract: A floating and captured cage nut assembly includes a structural member that is U-shaped with a pair of rolled sides defining mounting legs and a rolled front end defining an anti-rotation flange. The rolled sides of the structural member are positioned on the component and are welded or otherwise secured thereto over the opening during manufacture. The floating and captured cage nut assembly further includes an anti-rotation plate having a hexagonal opening to receive a flange nut and a locking window. The anti-rotation plate and the flange nut are inserted within the structural member and the anti-rotation flange is received within the locking window with clearance to loosely secure the components together. The flange nut is retained on the component, and the anti-rotation plate prevents its rotation. The clearance between the anti-rotation flange and the locking window facilitates the threading of the fastener into the nut within a predetermined tolerance zone.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Dana CorporationInventor: Kerry S. Minnich
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Publication number: 20040202523Abstract: A clip nut is provided having a plastic body holding captive a nut. The body includes two aligned arms projecting from an aft section, each arm defining an aperture at a forward portion of the arm. The nut includes a base and a upstanding portion extending from the base that defines an internally threaded bore. The body further includes a nut cage positioned disposed about the aperture of the first arm. The nut cage includes an upper wall spaced above the first arm that defines a slot having a narrowed inlet and a recess aligned with the apertures of the first and second arms. The body is configured to readily and securely receive the nut. To insert the nut into the cage, the nut is forced against the nut cage such that the upstanding portion presses into and past the narrowed inlet. In this manner, the cage yieldably receives the nut without undue manipulation of either piece.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2003Publication date: October 14, 2004Inventor: Terrence S. Csik
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Patent number: 6796760Abstract: A retention structure includes a retainer housing for retaining an object, such as a fastener, commonly used to secure trim panel to an inner vehicle panel. The retainer housing is defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a back wall, and a base. The first sidewall, the second sidewall and the back wall extend from a substrate to the base. The base includes an insertion slot and a retention portion for retaining the fastener. The retention portion includes at least one cutout for increasing the flexibility of the base. The retainer housing also includes a holding arm integral to the retainer housing. The holding arm acts provides a biasing force on the fastener once the fastener is inserted into the retaining portion and restrains lateral movement of the fastener. This abstract submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventor: Larry P. Tanner
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Patent number: 6769850Abstract: The present technique provides a stemmed washer and fastener assembly, which has a fastener retained in assembly with a stemmed washer. The assembly is particularly useful for applications in which a standoff is desired between a washer and a mating fastener. The stemmed washer includes a washer portion, a retaining portion, and a standoff portion. The retaining portion interfaces with the fastener, such as with a plastically deformed skirt portion, to retain the fastener in the assembly. The standoff portion has a toolfree mounting structure, such as a snap-fit member, to mount the stemmed washer and fastener assembly to one or more panels, thereby forming a fastener-panel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Alec Lay
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Publication number: 20040136805Abstract: A cage nut assembly is provided having a nut with a body and depending base. The body and base define a bore through the body and base. A cage is disposed about at least a portion of the nut. The cage enables a limited range of movement for the nut within the cage and defines an aperture coaxial with the bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventors: Rex Miller, Larry E. Carter
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Publication number: 20040131442Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping piece of springy sheet metal with two opposing, V-shaped latching recesses and a spring bottom connecting the latching recesses, said spring bottom having in its middle a hole for receiving a screw for securing a component to a panel, wherein, for latching into a penetration in the panel, the latching recesses are of such depth that, with the clamping piece in the latched position, their arms encompass the edges of the penetration on both sides in such a manner that the spring bottom maintains a distance from the panel. Provided between spring bottom and component is a supporting part, wherein, when pressure is exerted on the spring bottom, said supporting part holds the spring bottom at a minimum distance from the component through supporting of the supporting part on the component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Applicant: EJOT GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Volker Dieckmann
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Publication number: 20040109739Abstract: A cage nut assembly has a nut and a cage. The cage has a base having an aperture therethrough and a pair of flexible arm portions which are capable of supporting the nut off of the base. The cage nut assembly is welded to a workpiece. The workpiece is sent through an e-coat or ELPO bath. As the flexible arm portions of the cage support the nut off of the base, the possibility of the nut being stuck to the cage is reduced. A fastener is inserted through an aperture of the workpiece, through the aperture of the base and is threadedly engaged with the nut. As the fastener is torqued down, a force is applied to the nut such that the arm portions of the cage flex and allow the nut to come into contact and be secured against the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventors: James Patrick Clinch, Paul Douglas Purdy
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Patent number: 6709182Abstract: The invention relates to a holding element for holding a fastener to be secured to a carrier plate. The holding element includes a holding plate having a hole that is adapted to receive a fastener. An intermediate portion extends from the holding plate substantially parallel to an axis of the hole. An end portion extends from the intermediate portion substantially parallel to the holding plate. A mounting element extends from the holding plate in a direction away from the carrier plate and is adapted to hold a construction element wherein the mounting element is integrally formed on the holding plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: A. Raymond & CIEInventor: Michael De Jong
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Publication number: 20040052607Abstract: A fastener system for mounting to a panel includes a twist-in fastener that rotatably engages an opening in the panel. The fastener includes a fastener body defining an opening extending through the fastener body for receiving a mating fastener, a plurality of facets positioned around the fastener body opening for facilitating the mounting of the fastener onto the panel, and a fastener base. Panel-engaging members extend outwardly from the fastener base to rotatably mount the fastener through the panel opening and onto the panel. At least one anti-rotation member also extends outwardly from the fastener base to prevent the mounted fastener from backing out of the panel opening upon the removal of the mating fastener.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Lawrence W. Johnson, John M. Kosidlo
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Publication number: 20040028499Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventors: Kenneth R. Levey, John D. Fischer, Lawrence W. Johnson
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Publication number: 20040013492Abstract: A cage nut assembly is provided having a nut and a cage wrapped therearound. The nut has a number of stand-offs or protrusions provided on a lower surface thereof such that the stand-offs are the only part of the nut which are in contact with the cage. The stand-offs reduce the amount of bearing surface interface between the cage and the nut thus reducing the possibility that the two parts will stick to each other after a coating is applied to the mating surface which the cage is welded to. The nut is engaged by a male threaded fastener which is torqued into place and the stand-offs push into the material of the cage causing the cage material to flow out of the way such that the stand-offs embed into the material of the cage without deforming the stand-offs to a flattened condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: James Patrick Clinch, Paul Douglas Purdy, James Ray Berkshire
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Publication number: 20040005205Abstract: A cage nut assembly is disclosed having a body defining a through bore. The cage is disposed about at least a portion of the body. The body is hexagonal in shape, while the cage defines a seam configured to be placed adjacent the coupling surface of the cage and base material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventors: Donald L. Yake, Steven Crowther, Rex Miller
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Patent number: 6637993Abstract: There is provided a floating nut which opportunity of application can be expanded by increasing the floating amount of the floating nut. The clearance between the spline of an outer circumferential surface of a nut 6 and a spline opening 5b of a retainer 5 is freely set on the condition that the outside diameter df of a flange 6c of the nut 6 and the outside diameter dj of a stop ring 7 are larger than the diameter of a spline opening 5b of the retainer 5. The applications of the floating nut 4 can be extended by determining the clearance between the spline of the outer circumferential surface of the nut 6 and the spline opening 5b of the retainer 5 according to the required floating amount.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Mineba Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuichi Murakami
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Patent number: 6595732Abstract: An open retainer cage provides for retaining a threaded female fastener having a non-circular cross section such as a nut adjacent to a surface of a component part for blind-hole fastening. The retainer cage includes a web portion and a plurality of legs extending from the web portion toward the surface of the component part. The plurality of legs are configured to position the web portion parallel to the surface of the component part. At least one of the plurality of legs is affixed to the surface of the component part. An opening is provided between the plurality of legs for receiving the nut within the plurality of legs, the web portion and the surface of the component part. At least one leg is configured to abut the non-circular cross section of the nut for resisting rotation of the nut. The web can also be provided with a tongue extending from the web over an area not occupied by one of the legs.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Case CorporationInventors: Ronald H. Werner, Ramakrishna R. Nandyala, Robert Eric Dotseth, David J. Sanning
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Patent number: 6558095Abstract: A nut locking clip assembly holds a nut in a desired orientation. The clip assembly has a first member or arm secured to a structure. A second arm is secured to the first arm through a spring portion. The first member defines a hole whereas the second member defines a longitudinal opening. The longitudinal opening has two edges define a width that is slightly wider than the width of the nut head. When the nut is threaded into the structure through the hole in the first member, it is oriented to allow the second member to slide over the nut. The edges of the longitudinal opening or slot prevent the edges of the nut from rotating. To remove the nut, the second member is forced back toward the first member allowing the nut to rotate.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventor: Andrew J. Miller