Having Elastically Deformable Portion For Attaching Member To Substructure Patents (Class 411/112)
  • Publication number: 20030059273
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020182027
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Jacques Gauron
  • Patent number: 6474917
    Abstract: A metal nut (N) is held by a plastic clip-body (12). The clip-body (12) has a first arm, a second arm and an open end that includes a cam section for camming a member into the open end. It also includes an annular locator wall that extends upwardly from the second arm of the clip-body. The upper end of this locator wall is formed to slope upwardly as it extends inwardly from the open end of the clip-body. The sloping upper end of the locator wall helps to cam the member into the clip-body. The first arm has a transverse end section (15) and sidewalls that extend upwardly from the first arm between the end section (15) and the free end of the first arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Jacques Gauron
  • Patent number: 6457924
    Abstract: A fastener designed to press into two slots of a barrier and become captivated with spring tension barbs is disclosed. The fastener thus allows two vertical barriers to be fastened together by driving a screw through a first barrier, a second barrier, and then the fastener, to compress the barriers in place during assembly. The fastener may be provided with a nut holding cage with caged nut or a pair of thread engaging flanges to secure the screw to the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert Bruce Wallace
  • 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.
  • Publication number: 20020119026
    Abstract: A metal nut (N) is held by a plastic clip-body (12). The clip-body (12) has an open end that includes a cam section for camming a member into the open end. It also includes an annular locator wall that extends upwardly from the bottom wall of the clip-body. The upper end of this locator wall is formed to slope upwardly as it extends inwardly from the open end of the clip-body. The sloping upper end of the locator wall helps to cam the member into the clip-body. The clip-body includes a top wall having a transverse end section (15) and sidewalls that extend upwardly from the top wall between the end section (15) and the free end of the top wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Jacques Gauron
  • Patent number: 6439816
    Abstract: A lug nut assembly is provided for securing a wheel rim defining at least one aperture to a wheel hub including at least one threaded stud extending from the wheel hub. The lug nut assembly comprises an elongated sleeve that includes a central bore that defines a longitudinal axis. The elongated sleeve has a secured end rotatably secured to the wheel rim and an opposed distal end extending outwardly from the rim. The sleeve includes at least one wrench engaging surface. A nut, having a central threaded bore that is adapted to matingly engage the threaded stud, is slidably mounted within the sleeve to move coaxially along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. Means are provided for preventing independent rotation of the sleeve relative to the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: James Noland Nance, James A. Snyder, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6416266
    Abstract: A thread-insert device is provided including a hollow-cylinder shaped sleeve part having an upper and lower sleeve edge and at least one supporting recess located on said upper sleeve edge; and a hollow-cylinder shaped thread insert, having two ends, a central axis, internal threads, and at least one supporting edge part projecting outwardly at one end of the thread-insert substantially perpendicularly to the central axis. The at least one supporting edge part is structured to be received by the at least one supporting recess, wherein the at least one supporting edge part is movable within the at least one supporting recess, and wherein the thread insert is movable within the sleeve part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Schwarz Verbindungs-Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6302628
    Abstract: A fastener retention apparatus 10 for retaining a fastener base 60 has first and second complementary half-channels 20 and 30, each having a plurality of holes 40 therein for acceptance of a fastener 50 to secure the half-channels in a nested arrangement. Each half-channel further has a plurality of slots 24, 34 therein for acceptance of a plurality of tabs 64 depending from the periphery of said fastener base 60, thereby providing for secure retention thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Fairchild Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Imre Berecz, Dennis L. Hinton
  • Patent number: 6287064
    Abstract: A clip type nut device for attachment about an aperture or opening of a support structure is provided with the clip nut device having a resilient main body member having a pair of transversely oppositely extending bushings at opposite ends of a flexible strap with a captured nut member in one bushing. One bushing has a first opening and is receivable within the support structure opening. The other or second bushing has a second opening with the threaded nut member captured in the second opening. A securing structure associated with the first and second bushing is operable to secure the first bushing to the second bushing with the first opening being aligned with the second opening such that the threaded nut member is aligned with the opening through the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Western Sky Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Khusro M. Jhumra, Raymond C. Scherer, Larry E. Tarr
  • 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: 6183180
    Abstract: A tubular stem (14) at one end of a nut mount (10) is inserted into an opening (O) in a wall (W) and is expanded to connect it to the wall (W). An annular collar or space (16) contacts the wall (W) where it immediately surrounds the opening (O). A clip-on nut (12) is clipped onto a nut receptor (18) that is endwise outwardly of the collar (16). A pushing movement on the clip-on nut (12) moves catch tabs (54, 56) past diametrically opposite edge portions (30, 32) of the nut receptor (18), placing them into positions below the edge portions (30, 32) of the nut receptor (18). When the catches (54, 56) are so positioned, they hold the clip-on nut (12) on the nut receptor (18). The clip-on nut (12) may be a sealed nut. If so, catch tabs (54, 56) are positioned so that when they engage underneath portions of the edge portions (30, 32) of the nut receptor, a seal ring at the base of the clip-on nut (12) is compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Fatigue Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Copple, Leonard F. Reid
  • Patent number: 6146071
    Abstract: An improved cage nut assembly for attachment to a frame, which includes a channel therein adapted to receive the caged nut assembly is provided. The caged nut assembly includes a fastener body having a female connector therein and a retainer for encaging the fastener body. The retainer provides a limited range of movement of the fastener body in at least one direction and has cutouts therein sized and adapted to allow access to the female connector within the range of movement of the fastener body. At least one detent extends from a surface of the retainer, which detents are sized and shaped to correspond to at least one notch in the channel of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: James Norkus, William J. Curley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6074146
    Abstract: A self aligning connector to engage with a tapered surface of a body to be connected, having a head with a tapered surface capable of engaging the tapered surface of the body to be connected to the receiving body, a shaft portion having threads capable of threadingly engaging threads of the receiving body, a retainer sized and shaped to engage the shaft portion and to seat against a retaining surface of the body to be connected, and a substantially conical spring having an end portion engaging the head and/or shaft portion and another end engaging a surface of the body to be connected opposing the retaining surface and biasing the head and/or shaft portion away from the receiving body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John William Soemer
  • Patent number: 6062602
    Abstract: A device for securing a functional part on a body-in-white of a motor vehicle. The mounting location of the body-in-white is designed as a receptacle that has an opening in a bottom to bring the screw parts together and the screw part on the body-in-white side is held in a cage that is adapted to the dimensions of the receptacle for insertion into the tub-shaped receptacle. The cage is capable of being secured in the receptacle via a latching connection, with at least two latching points being provided at walls of the receptacle at a distance from one another, and with at least two matching latching elements being provided on corresponding support sections of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Ursula Biesinger, Bernd Schray, Manfred Schulz
  • Patent number: 6059502
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic nut for inserting into a through-hole in a panel-like component, the plastic nut comprising retaining parts, of which one is designed as a flange which can be pressed onto the component from the fitting side and another is designed as snap-action hooks which can be pressed on from the opposite side and are intended for latching in behind the component, the retaining parts being provided with a nut part which has a receiving bore for a screw, the flange being a constituent part of a flange part which encloses the nut part, and it being possible for the nut part to be pressed in the direction of the flange, in which case the nut part, which can be moved axially with respect to the flange part, is pressed in the direction of the flange part by an elastic supporting arrangement which forms a spring zone, it being the case that, once the plastic nut has been inserted, the spring zone brings the nut part and the flange part into abutment against the component, different thicknesse
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: EJOT Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Gottfried Konig, Stephan Weitzel
  • Patent number: 6053680
    Abstract: A sleeve nut includes a nut (1) and a screw like sleeve (2) screwed into that nut, thereby fixing the sleeve nut to a component (7) of e.g. an aircraft, a car or the like. Between the component (7) and the nut (1) a socle (3) is inserted having at least one upright tongue (22). This socle (3) is locked against rotation with respect to the component (7). Furthermore the nut (1) is positively locked against rotation at the socle (3) by flats (21) or edges there-between respectively with the tongue (22) of the socle (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Manfred Menke
  • Patent number: 6027293
    Abstract: A fastener assembly is adapted for attaching an article to a workpiece having a slot. The fastener assembly includes a flanged nut which has internal threads and a non-circular cross-section, and a bolt having a threaded shank for engagement with the internal threads of the nut. The fastener assembly also includes a plate which comprises a main body and a tab portion extending from the main body. The plate has an opening complementary to the non-circular cross-section of the nut for receiving the nut therein and for securing the nut against rotation relative to the plate when the nut is placed in the opening. Alternatively, a nut is fixed to an underside of the plate against rotation and the opening in the plate is adapted for receiving the bolt therethrough. The tab portion of the plate extends into the slot in the workpiece for retaining the plate and nut and allowing limited float of the plate and nut with respect to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Andrew Paul Beemer, Patrick Leonard Windschitl, Chris Allen Cline, Daniel Dean Radke
  • Patent number: 6006414
    Abstract: A one-piece floating spring nut that has overlying upper and lower flattened leaves that extend from separated free ends into connection with a u-shaped spring hinge that resiliently joins the arms at their inboard ends. The upper leaf has a centralized nut locating and retaining collar extruded therefrom that also serves as a guide and through passage for a threaded fastener. The lower leaf has an extruded sleeve portion aligned with the locating and retaining collar, which is internally threaded to threadly receive the threaded fastener. The locating and retaining collar has a generally cylindrical configuration that extends with clearance into an opening in a support member to retain the spring nut in a pre-assembled position on the support member. The collar further cooperates with the edge of the enlarged opening to establish the amount of adjustment that the nut can float relative to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Max A. Corporon, Norman B. Robbins, Brett G. Bamford
  • Patent number: 5980175
    Abstract: A body, plastic molded, comprises a plate with an integral, extending hub, having a throughgoing bore in which to nest a coaxial coupler. The hub has an outer periphery which is uniformly fluted, for holding the hub fast to the inner surface of a hub-receiving hole formed in a wall, floor, or ceiling of a structure, while the plate unobtrusively interfaces the planar surface of the structure. Consequently, a coaxial coupler can be emplaced, securely, without need for a supporting junction box, vertical stud, or any such prop, anywhere in a wall, floor or ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Dean C. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5951223
    Abstract: A self-retaining snap-in clip is provided for securely mounting a fuse holder with mounting tabs onto the panel of an equipment enclosure or frame mounted drawer. The clip has a body portion having a pair of spaced legs and a base connecting the legs together. A locking leg extends upwardly from one of the legs away from the other leg and a holding means on the locking leg serves to securely engage the fuse holder with the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: San-O Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Carl E. Lindquist
  • Patent number: 5919019
    Abstract: A nut (10) for mounting into an opening (18) located in the central part of a panel (14) includes a sleeve (16) and resilient locking trips (44,46) and panel edge securing means 948) extending from opposite sides of the nut. When the nut is positioned within the opening (18) the locking strips (44,46) obstruct removal from the opening. On a bolt (62) being fully received within the sleeve (16) both the strips and edge securing means (48) contactingly engage the panel (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: California Industrial Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Fischer
  • Patent number: 5893694
    Abstract: A caged nut fastener (100) is provided that features a first arm (6) in overhanging substantially parallel spaced-apart relationship to a base portion (4) defining a cage therebetween. Arm (6) has an opening (20) therethrough having a breadth "B" through which is received a tubular end portion (18) and a portion of a frusto-conical projection (16) extending from a base (14) having a planar surface (15) in facing sliding engagement with base portion (4). The breadth of the frusto-conical projection (16) within opening (20) is sufficiently less the breadth (B) to enable the nut member to move substantially the same distance in any direction transverse to a central rotational axis ("C") extending through a threaded bore (22) in portion (18) of the nut member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John Wilusz, David J. Vidal, Jeffrey J. Cornell, Robert B. Nita
  • Patent number: 5827026
    Abstract: An attachment device for attaching one object to another object. The attachment device comprises a U-shaped clamp, a bolt, and a U-shaped nut. The clamp has an upper and low portion and the nut has two upward projecting members. The upper and lower portions have a hole for receiving the bolt and the lower portion has two nut holes for receiving the upward projecting members of the nut. A first object is inserted between the upper and lower portions and the bolt is tightened to cause the upper and lower portions to grasp the first object. The upward projecting members prevent the attachment device from being over tightened and weakening the clamp. The members also prevent the attachment device from rotating when it is clamped to the first object. A second object may be attached to the attachment device by inserting the bolt through a hole in the second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Tony J. Patti
  • Patent number: 5797581
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and mounting fixtures is described. At least one ring for fitted insertion into a fixture to be mounted is provided. A disc having an opening for receiving a fastening device is provided for each ring. The fastening device is installed through the opening in the disc, then aligned through the ring in the fixture with a pre-drilled hole in the mounting surface, and loosely tightened into the pre-drilled hole. The fixture is then aligned to a desired position relative to the mounting surface, and the fastening device is tightened such that the underside of the disc fixedly engages the ring and the fixture to the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Norman Sherman
  • Patent number: 5730540
    Abstract: A fastener assembly having a receptacle attached to the underside of a first panel aligned with a first hole adapted to receive therein a threaded bolt extending through a second hole in a second panel. The holes are aligned and a spring-biased expandable bushing, associated with the receptacle, extends into the first hole receiving the bolt therethrough. When the bolt is threaded into the receptacle, the nut is drawn up, compressing the spring and biasing the bushing, expanding the same, completely, filling the first hole and providing a firm locking engagement therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Duran, Peter D. Chang, R. Kendall Cox
  • Patent number: 5713707
    Abstract: An improved U-nut with the ability to be frictionally mounted to a panel by the frictional engagement of first and third legs with the panel. The third leg is resiliently connected to a second leg that is in turn connected to the first leg. A threaded barrel on the third leg receives a fastener to connect two panels together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael G. Gagnon
  • Patent number: 5630686
    Abstract: A support device includes a nut having a neck-like retainer for a screw, wherein the neck-like retainer is provided with a radial projection. A support member having a stirrup-shaped cross section engages over the radial projection of the neck-like retainer. The neck-like retainer extends with play through an opening of the support member. A support collar is releasably mounted on the radial outer circumference of the neck-like retainer of the nut. The support collar extends over a cross-member of the support member on the side facing away from the radial projection of the neck-like retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Sukosim Sicherheitsmuttern Verbindungselemente GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Peter Billmann
  • Patent number: 5605353
    Abstract: According to the invention, a vehicle chassis includes first and second longitudinal extending side rails which are laterally spaced apart. A cross member extends transversely between the first and second side rails and has bolt holes therein. A longitudinally extending slotted aperture is provided in each side rail and registers with the bolt holes of the cross member. Each of the side rails has a cage member attached thereto and overlying aligned the slotted aperture. Each cage member has a longitudinally extending slotted aperture registering with the slotted aperture of the side rail and each has a nut captured therein for longitudinal movement of the nut within the cage member along the slotted aperture. A bolt is installed through the cross member bolt hole, through the slotted aperture of the side rail, and into the nut to attach the cross member and the side rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen P. Moss, John C. Johnson, Dilip M. Bhalsod, Craig W. Stumpf
  • Patent number: 5599148
    Abstract: A fixing device for securing a sheet member to a substrate, having a stud projecting upwardly therefrom, comprises a cap member which is disposed over the stud and has inwardly projecting detents for engaging threaded portions of the stud. The sheet member has an aperture defined therethrough and within which the stud and cap member assembly project. A first clip member has a first flange portion for engaging one surface of the sheet member, and a body portion extending within the aperture of the sheet member so as to surround the cap member. A second clip member has a second flange portion for engaging a second surface of the sheet member, and a body portion which is also inserted within the aperture of the sheet member so as to be interposed between the cap member and the body portion of the first clip member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Akihiko Hirose
  • Patent number: 5577301
    Abstract: A clip fastener includes a retainer member having a spring clip cooperating with a post projecting from the underlying sheet metal of the vehicle such that the retainer can be slid over the post and locked into position by the clip. An accessory, such as a grab handle, is attached to the retainer using a conventional fastener. The retainer preferably includes a tapered slot for allowing the fastener to slide into locking engagement with the mounting post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Donald N. De Maagd
  • Patent number: 5538377
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an enclosed nut and bolt retainer to protect against the penetration of adjacent objects by the end of the bolt. The retainer is formed by drawing an enclosed pocket from a material, such as metal. The pocket has an opening for receipt of a nut, which is preferably press fit into the pocket. The pocket is deep enough to provide space between the bolt end, when fully threaded into the nut, and the bottom of the pocket. In this way, the bolt is shielded by the pocket enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Multifastener Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Stewart, Carl Lewis
  • Patent number: 5536125
    Abstract: A fastening assembly for securing plastic panels (50) to metallic substrates (52) is provided in which a metallic nut (14) is mounted in snap-fit relationship on plastic insert (12), which is in turn engaged in snap-fit relationship on the metallic substrate (52). The nut (14) slidably engages the plastic insert (12) to permit certain movement along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the insert (12) to provide thermal compensation for the mounted plastic panel (50). The nut (14) itself utilizes the same guide lug structure (26) of the insert member (12) to both effect snap-fit retention of the nut (14) on the insert (12) and to guide the sliding movement of the nut (14) with respect to the insert (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: William D. Gaw, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5397078
    Abstract: A pallet that is initially not completely aligned with a support structure, such as support rails in the floor of an aircraft, is properly aligned by the function of an aligning and coupling device which has two sections interconnected by a coupling member, such as a screw bolt that can be tightened. One section is connected to the support and the other section is connected to the pallet. Relative movement at least in a radial direction of the components of one section permit an adjustment. The relative movement is preferably permitted in the radial and axial direction. The continued tightening of the two sections to each other provide the required alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Eilenstein-Wiegmann, Guenter Vogg
  • Patent number: 5306091
    Abstract: A U-nut in which a pair of axially aligned collars are formed on the opposed plate members of the nut with one of the collars having internal threads for accommodating a bolt and the other of the collars is provided with a reversely bent radially inwardly extending circular projection which serves as a locator for properly locating the nut relative to hole formed in a support panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Saturn Corporation
    Inventors: Wieslaw S. Zaydel, Eleonora K. Curti
  • Patent number: 5288191
    Abstract: A device for the clamping attachment of spaced structural parts by a connecting screw and a distance plate arranged in the space between them, which plate is provided with ascent support surfaces opposite which there are form-fitting mating ascent support surfaces associated with the other structural part, the rotation of the support surfaces with respect to each other determining the axial distance assumed in the manner that the distance plate is carried along into the resting position by the connecting screw. In case of use the resting height (Al) is adapted to be reduced a predetermined amount by the clamping force of the connecting screw (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Ewald Witte GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Edvard Ruckert, Willi Piontek
  • Patent number: 5256018
    Abstract: A clip on fastener (100) is provided that features a pair of spaced apart legs (2) and (6) extending from a closed end (9) to an open end (10) of fastener (100). Leg (6) includes a pair of resilient arms (16 and 18) that extend away from the side of the leg (6) facing away from leg (2) and end in overhanging relationship to an opening (7) through arm (16). Arm (18) extends towards closed end (9) and includes a guide tab (20) that extends angularly away from leg (2) towards open end (10). Tab (20) is operative to initiate separation of legs (2 and 6) to enhance receipt of an edge of a panel or plate (P) into open end (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Hans R. Rattmann, James P. Clinch, James H. Laarman
  • Patent number: 5209620
    Abstract: A fastener, to be inserted into a receiving hole in a panel, has a cylindrical body with a longitudinal axis and a straight bore through the body with an axis that is inclined relative to the axis of the body. In another type of fastener, the fastener has a body formed of cylinders that are joined end-to-end and have axes that are inclined relative to each other. One cylinder is a right cylinder. A straight bore passes through both cylinders such that the bore axis is aligned with the right cylinder. Generally, the axis of the straight bore is perpendicular to the panel surfaces and the axis of the inclined cylinder is inclined at between 5.degree. and 60.degree. relative to the bore axis. The axis of the receiving hole is aligned with the axis of the inclined cylinder. When the fastener is inserted into the panel, the inclination of the receiving hole cooperates with the fastener body to prevent rotation and provide an axial holding force when a fastener bolt is threaded into the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: VSI Corp.
    Inventor: Vahid Zare-Ardestani
  • Patent number: 5193643
    Abstract: A nut and retainer assembly for mounting an engine cradle to a vehicle frame. The assembly has a nut with a planar base and a hub provided with a threaded opening and a one-piece, spring steel, sheet metal retainer. The retainer has an apertured planar body, a pair of U-shaped channels along its sides and a pair of spaced deflectable tabs for loosely slidably receiving and retaining the planar base of the nut so as to have limited floating movement relative to the retainer. The retainer also has a deflectable third tab and a deflectable hand to enable it to be readily detachably connected to the vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Saturn Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth A. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 5172608
    Abstract: A joint connection for rotating members has a fastener and nut for securing the members together. A spring clip and a lug are provided to position and retain the nut on one element for ease of assembly. The spring clip has a pair of radially inwardly extending spring arms which are connected to the main body of the spring clip by respective inwardly facing concave portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Schultz, John D. Beres, III, Lee R. Krahn, Victor M. Rose's
  • Patent number: 5096350
    Abstract: A cage nut for minimizing problems of paint welding comprises a body having a threaded bore, and means for encaging that body, and a separating member located between the body and the necaging means. The separating member may take a variety of shapes, forms and orientations, but is preferably a shim having an uneven surface. In one possible embodiment, the shim may be formed with four detents extending from the surface of the shim towards the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Buell Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5067863
    Abstract: A fastener which can be economically made for securing parts to metal framing (e.g. channel framing) having side flanges with inwardly turned, hook-shaped lips defining a slot therebetween. The fastener comprises an elongate body having inside and outside faces, opposite sides and opposite ends, a width less than that of the slot and a length greater than the width of the slot. The fastener also includes a carrier constituting an elongate platform having inside and outside faces, opposite sides and opposite ends. The body is mounted on the outside face with means for rotatably mounting the body. The platform is suspended in the slot on resilient non-linear arms which increase in effective length when stressed by an effective inward force permitting the body to be rotated into generally crosswise position relative to the slot and tending to draw the body into clamping engagement with the lips of the framing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: B-Line Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Kowalski
  • Patent number: 5039264
    Abstract: A clip-on nut for enabling a panel to be secured to a support structure, the clip-on nut being secured to the support structure. The clip-on nut has a portion for guiding the clip-on nut into an aperture formed on the support structure, the guide portion comprising a spherically rounded projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: The Monadnock Company
    Inventor: Howard M. Benn
  • Patent number: 5028189
    Abstract: A device suitable for use in firmly fixing one member (10), to another member (12) in a relatively adjustable position, comprising a retaining part (2) fixable to said one member and a retained part (4) in use retained by, yet movable relative to, said retaining part, the retained part being adapted to be secured to the other member and to become substantially immovable relative to the retaining part when said securement is tightened, characterized in that the retained and retaining parts are formed as one piece but are breakable apart (6) to permit said relative movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Titus Tool Company Limited
    Inventor: David N. Harley
  • Patent number: 5022804
    Abstract: A self-mounting fastener adapted to mount to an aperture in a workpiece, comprising a fastener body having a base and a connecting stem; and a cage formed of a sleeve sized to slidably receive the base, having an opening in at least one side thereof, and having a fixed latch and at least one hinged latch operable and adapted to engage the aperture by the sliding of the base in the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Buell Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4975007
    Abstract: A captive screw is provided which has a head and a threaded shank with grooves extending inwardly from the outer end of the shank, with a washer extending around the shank and provided with tabs extending into the grooves. A bore is provided in the outer end of the shank and formed with an undercut portion of enlarged diameter. A plug having a straight knurl on a shank is pressed into the bore to retain the plug to the shank, becoming embedded in the shank at either end of the enlarged portion. A head on the plug engages the outer end of the shank and interferes with the tab to hold the washer to the shank. The plug may have an annular groove for engagement by a removal tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: Jorge Molina
  • Patent number: 4929136
    Abstract: The devices are floating engageable means which may be a floating nut or a floating driver for use in hostile environment, such as space. The device includes a housing with a cross-shaped opening, each arm of the cross receiving a wing of a floating member. A spring between the base of the housing and the back of the floating member urges the wings against the top surface of the arms of the cross-shaped opening in the housing. The cross-shaped openings may have a rectangular configuration with a thread surface forming the top surface of the opening. This permits the floating member to maintain a lateral offset. Alternatively, the arms may have a triangular outline with the vertex forming the top surface of the arms. With this configuration, a force will be provided to center the floating member in the housing. The floating member terminates in a an outwardly facing taper guiding surface which tapers to the engaging means of the floating member. With this arrangement, off axis and off angle mating is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Spar Aerospace Limited
    Inventor: Francis H. A. Mee
  • Patent number: 4923347
    Abstract: An anchor nut-cage fixing system is provided for positioning on a metal sheet from one of the faces of this metal sheet with a view to receiving bolts presented from this same face and comprising: a nut (1) with wings adapted for cooperating with an elongate hole (3) formed in the metal sheet (4); a plastic material cage (5) split by windows (6) and connected to an external collar (7). This collar is covered by a flat metal cap (9) perforated so as to let the bolts pass therethrough and having axially bent flanges (12) whose axial height is equal to or slightly less than the thickness of the collar, one at least of these flanges being bent to a little more than 90.degree. so as to imprison the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Compagnie De Materiel Et d'Equipements Techniques C.O.M.E.T.
    Inventors: Richard Moryl, Roger Bouery
  • Patent number: 4900209
    Abstract: A nut and washer assembly comprising a nut structure and a washer member with the nut structure including a nut member and a cage gripping the nut member and having resilient tabs permitting insertion of the tabs into a washer bore with the tabs having protrusions for engaging a surface on the washer bore whereby the nut structure and washer member are held together as an assembly with the nut member being free spinning relative to the washer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Pac-Fasteners
    Inventor: Richard L. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 4897005
    Abstract: A fastener clip is adapted to be pushed onto an edge of sheet materials of varying thicknesses. The clip has two legs. The first leg has cut from it a U-shaped elongated tongue with an elongate aperture which is between the two legs; the tongue is gutted to provide a clearance between the outer perimeter of the tongue and the surrounding portions of the first leg. The elongated tongue has a length to width ratio of at least 1.3:1. The second leg has a threaded means opposite the elongate aperture for receiving a bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Buell Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis C. Peterson, Michael G. Gagnon