Abstract: A system for interlocking together two panel members comprises a washer member having a first washer portion connected by a first necked down portion to a second intermediate washer portion and a third washer portion connected by a second necked down portion to the second intermediate washer portion. A bore runs through the washer member for receiving a screw for fastening the washer member to a side of a first panel member. A second panel member has a keyhole slot and an aperture spaced from the keyhole slot. A resilient clip member has one end formed with a right angle projecting portion and a second end formed with an aperture configured to securely receive the first necked down portion of the washer member.

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.

Abstract: An interchangeable fan blade system for a ceiling fan, made up of a set of adapters having a plurality of elongated attachment apertures that allow the adapter to be threadably fitted to virtually any type of fan support arm, and a complimentary set of interchangeable fan blades. The adapters include one of a variety of connectors for attaching one end of the fan blades to the support arm. The one end of the fan blade is configured and adapted, or otherwise provided with mating connector elements adapted to engage the connectors of the adapters, thereby allowing the fan blades to be removably attached to the adapters. A second embodiment of the interchangeable fan blade system is a set of interchangeable fan blades having a plurality of elongated attachment apertures which allow the fan blades to be secured to virtually any type of fan arm, by threading a plurality of shoulder cap screws and a plurality of male-female connectors though the plurality of attachment apertures.

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.

Abstract: A clamp-style sheet metal nut having a self-centering strip. The nut has two legs resiliently spaced apart. One leg has a threaded boss, the other leg has a through-bore for accepting the thread fastener. The self-centering strip is formed by twisting an annular strip of metal cut from the second leg and supported by a pair of resilient arms. The self-centering strip forms a circular aperture for accepting the threaded member and extends up into the bore of the carrier plate.

Abstract: A fastening element for a C-shaped rail (30) including a rail nut (2) insertable through the rail opening (35) into the interior of the rail (30) when longitudinal sides (6, 7) of the rail nut (2) extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rail (30), and pivotable in the interior of the rail (3) so that a longitudinal extent (1) of the rail nut (2), which is larger than the width (w) of the slot-like opening (35), would overlap the opening (35); and a rail clip (3) overlapping the rail nut (2) at least in some areas and spaced from the rail nut by an axial distance (d), which is reduced upon clamping the free ends (33, 34) of the shoulders (31, 32) the rail clip (3) being formed as one-piece with the rail nut and being connected with the rail nut (2) by a connection link attached to an edge of the rail nut (2) so that with the longitudinal sides (6, 7) of the rail nut (2) extending parallel to the longitudinal extent of the opening (35), it would engage the free end (33) of one should (31) and, with

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.

Abstract: A clip is installable on the edge area of a panel to assume a tight or floating condition centered on a fastener hole in the panel. The clip includes at least one prong or similar gripper mechanism designed to hold the clip-panel in place on a fastener while the fastener is being tightened. The clip further includes a pressure limiting mechanism for limiting the pressure exerted by the clip walls on the panel when the fastener is in its final tightened position. The clip can also be used as a fastener means.

Abstract: A mounting structure including a locking plate disposed between a mount and a frame structure is described. The locking plate is provided with a central locking hole. A screw is provided with a washer that has a plurality of teeth at the outer periphery of its bottom side. The screw is passed through the washer, the mount and the locking plate into the flame structure. The teeth of the washer clutch the surface of the mount and prevent movement with the turning of the screw. The locking plate will slightly elevate with the turning of the screw, imposing a pressure on the screw to stop it from turning. This ensures firm locking of the mount to the frame structure preventing the screw from driving unduly deep into the frame structure to damage the frame structure or the screw threads.

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.

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.

Abstract: A nose cone on the fan of a gas turbine engine contains access holes that provide access to cap screws that hold the nose cone on the fan hub. The cap screws extend through an internal flange on the nose cone. A spring clip extends from the flange in a configuration that covers the access hole and holds the cap screw in the flange as the nose cone is installed.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed that comprises a catch within a tab extending from one component that locks into a receiving opening on another component. The second component slides between the tab on the first component and the first component from which the tab extends and locks when the catch is received by the receiving opening of the second component.

Abstract: A U-shaped stud mounting clip adapted for securing an projecting stud to a panel by means of an edge thereof formed with an upstanding flange. The resilient clip is stamped from sheet metal and has an elongate, generally U-shaped bifurcated configuration defining an upper contoured leg and a lower planar leg having their proximate ends joined by a bight wall. The upper leg has a first proximate sloped portion, a second angled portion, a third platform means, and a fourth lead-in distal portion. The platform means fixedly supports a projection stud thereon. The clip is flexed over the panel upstanding flange enabling a retaining tongue, struck from the clip upper leg sloped portion, to capture the clip on the panel flange while allowing the clip stud to be moved along the panel upstanding flange in a predetermined adjustable manner.

Abstract: A nut plate fastener retains a screw inserted through an aperture formed in a panel. A double-sided adhesive tape may be adhered to one face of the fastener to mount in the panel aperture. The nut plate fastener consists of an integral member and includes a bottom plate with a cone-shaped ring-liked raised screw impression to receive and retain a screw, and a top plate portion connected to the bottom plate. The screw when in the fastened position is confined between the top and bottom plates as to be isolated from objects contained within the panel and adjacent the nut plate fastener. Three tabs project from the bottom face of the bottom plate and project through the tape which centers the fastener in the panel aperture.

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.

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).

Abstract: A method of permanently attaching a fastening element, such as a nut or bolt to panels having a range of panel thicknesses, such as the metal panels used by the automotive and appliance industries. The fastening element includes a tubular barrel portion and preferably an annular bearing face surrounding the barrel portion. The method includes punching a hole in the panel, then plasticly deforming and drawing the panel surrounding the hole into a dome or frusto-conically shaped portion. The panel hole is thus enlarged to receive the fastener element barrel portion from adjacent the apex of the frusto-conically shaped panel portion and the bearing face is then driven against the panel, deforming the panel to a generally planar shape. The panel surrounding the hole is thereby driven against the tubular barrel portion which, in the preferred embodiment, includes radially projecting ribs, forming a secure anti-rotation assembly even in very thin panels.

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.

Abstract: The mounting frame has for attachment of sanitary fixtures two attachment plates (7) provided with holes (9) arranged in a predetermined pattern. Base nuts (11) with threaded bolts (10) are inserted detachably into the holes (9). To attach a sanitary fixture to the threaded bolts (10), a suitable pair of holes is chosen. A vertically adjustable flush pipe (2) can be fixed in position at the desired height by stop cams (5), which are also arranged in a predetermined one-dimensional pattern. A vertically adjustable discharge elbow (12) is also mounted on the frame (20).

Abstract: A nut plate retainer comprises a planar body, nut elements, and at least two orienting tabs. The tabs are formed from and extend parallel to the body. One tab has a locking element having a ramped leading edge and a cutaway trailing edge for snap engagement with an opening in a workpiece. The tabs fit into slots in the workpiece and the nut plate can be moved until the locking element snaps into place in the opening. The nut plate retainer is thereby mounted to the workpiece, and is prevented from rotation or displacement.

Abstract: A push-in fastener (50) is provided having a base portion (4) having a threaded aperture (11) for receiving a threaded member (8) therethrough and from which a pair of spaced-apart resilient legs (14,14') extend that are configured to contract towards each other sufficiently to be received through an opening (16) through a workpiece (12) and then expand to secure fastener (50) thereto yet have respective free-ends (18,18') that are lockingly engaged together by a tab (20) in one of legs (14,14') to prevent warpage and undesirable movement in the legs (14,14').

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.

Abstract: A clasp-like sheet metal nut for automatic fitting onto a support plate comprising a threaded leg, which has a thread profile, and a clasp leg, which is connected to said threaded leg via a cross-piece and is provided with a screw through-hole, the two legs running at an angle toward each other in the direction of their free ends and the free end of the threaded leg having an insertion plate protruding obliquely away from the clasp leg, wherein laterally outward-protruding guide fins are formed on one of the two legs.

Abstract: A fastener clip adapted to be mounted onto a substantially plate-shaped carrier and by means of a fastening element is used for fastening of a structural part to the carrier. In order to be able to withstand sufficiently high screwing-in forces by the fastening element and in order to be able to connect the fastening element in a secure manner with the fastener clip, the fastener clip has on its leg a hollow-sleeve portion preferably with a central hole which extends over a length adjusted to the length of the fastening element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of plastic outer body panels to automotive vehicle subframes including positioning a cup within apertures in the subframe, applying a thixotropic heat curable plastic/adhesive to the cup, heat curing the plastic/adhesive in situ while forming a blind aperture in the plastic/adhesive, and securing the body panel to the subframe through threaded insertion of a fastener into the blind aperture.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of plastic outer body panels to automotive vehicle subframes including positioning a cup within apertures in the subframe, applying a thixotropic heat curable plastic/adhesive to the cup, heat curing the plastic/adhesive in situ while forming a blind aperture in the plastic/adhesive, and securing the body panel to the subframe through threaded insertion of a fastener into the blind aperture.

Abstract: A blind hollow fastener with a slotted head and a depending tubular sleeve with a bore extending therethrough for use on a thin vertically disposed plate. The plate is slotted to receive the fastener with the slotted head engaging the side surfaces of the plate while the upsetting action on the tubular sleeve above its lower internal threaded portion engages notches that extend out away from the slot in the plate.

Abstract: A nut is provided particularly for use with a sheet metal screw, which nut has a screw-receiving sleeve, with two or more roll-tapped threads having a flattened crest at the apex of the thread angles. An alternate embodiment contemplates providing a double thread on the sleeve inner surface of at least two full revolutions.

Abstract: A clip-like, C-shaped sheet-metal nut and an assembly device therefor, the nut having a thread leg with an embossed thread portion and a clip leg having a through hole, with the forward end of the thread leg having an upwardly and forwardly inclined insertion plate. A pair of guide webs are integrally formed on the two lateral edges of the thread leg that extend upwardly at right angles to the leg with the upper edges of the webs protruding above the insertion plate and running parallel to the clip leg and with their side surfaces being in line with the lateral edges of the clip leg to provide a substantially outer rectangular perimeter to the nut.

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 a U-shaped elongated tongue cut from it and bent towards the second leg to frictionally engage a sheet material disposed between the two legs; the second leg has an integral threaded barrel for receiving a bolt. The U-shaped tongue is formed with offset bends to allow the tongue to yield when the clip is mounted on a thick sheet material.

Abstract: A self-locking sheet-metal nut having a generally flat leg with an embossed thread portion for receipt of a screw and a pair of locking tabs resiliently and integrally connected to one end of said leg that extend over and are spaced from the leg. The tabs are approximately perpendicular to the axis of the screw and have clamping edges which are directed toward each other and form an opening downstream of the embossed thread portion that is smaller than the core diameter of the screw to be threaded into the nut. Upon turning of a screw through the nut, the clamping edges are forced apart and resiliently grip the core of the screw to lock it in place.

Abstract: A clip nut comprises a body having a channel-shaped part having two opposed portions and an extension part united by a hinge portion to one of said opposed portions. The extension part has a nut retaining section, and it can be overlapped over one of the opposed portions with a nut accommodated in the nut retaining section. In this state, a panel is fitted in the space between the two opposed portions, and a bolt can be inserted through the channel-shaped part and panel and screwed into the nut.

Abstract: A fastener for securing primary and secondary panels together comprises a molded plastic one-piece U-nut and a molded plastic screw. The nut comprises two plates, each having a plate hole therethrough, which face each other with their plate holes in registry and which are integrally and resiliently interconnected along one edge in spaced apart relationship. One plate supports on its outer side an integrally formed nut shank having an internally threaded bore in registry with the plate holes. The other plate supports on its innerside an integrally formed annular shaped sloped lock tab which surrounds its associated plate hole and holds the nut in place on the primary panel. The bore thread is formed in discrete thread sections and locking teeth are formed on the undersides of the bore thread sections. The screw comprises a threaded screw shank having a screw head at one end. The screw thread has locking teeth formed on the upper side thereof at intervals therealong.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener assembly for application to a support panel to receive a threaded bolt extending through a passage in the support panel. A sheet metal element body portion has means for threadably engaging the bolt. The sheet metal element is formed with an integral attaching ramp portion of a size to pass through an open loop strap struck from a pierced transversely extending slot in the support panel. A V-shaped cut-out in said ramp portion defines a spring arm struck therefrom terminating in a downwardly bent tongue. The ramp portion has a pair of stop shoulders operative to engage the strap transversely facing walls thereby aligning the body thread engaging means with the support panel passage upon the tongue being snapped into interlocking relation with the slot.

Abstract: Enclosed is a removable fastening assembly (80, 82, 84, 86) that can be secured to and removed from the same side of an opening in an article such as a plate (10) or the like into which an externally threaded member such as a screw ("S") is to be received by compressing opposed spaced-apart contracting means (18, 18', 58, 72) towards each other exposed on the side of the fastener facing away from the article opening (38) to cause a compressible member (16, 16', 56, 68) disposed on the side of the fastener facing towards the opening to contract sufficiently to be received into the opening with at least a portion thereof pressing against opposite sides of the wall of the fastener surrounding the opening with sufficient force to secure the fastener to the article upon release of the compressive force.

Abstract: Disclosed are two embodiments (40, 50) of a self-locking prevailing torque fastener featuring a common base portion (2) having an aperture (4) therethrough for receiving a threaded member that is at least partially surrounded by means such as a warped helical edge (6) for engaging the threads of the threaded member. Fasteners (40, 50) are provided with a pair of spaced-apart resilient torque arms having respective sections (8) that respectively extend downwardly from opposite edge of base portion (2) to sections (10) that extend upwardly to sections (12) that extend through respective openings (14) in each to respective free-ends (16) that are adapted to press against opposite sides of the threaded member.

Abstract: A sheet metal clinch nut configured to be attached to a plastic panel. A portion of the plastic panel is extruded into a toothed aperture without puncturing the plastic to axially and rotationally fix the clinch nut to the panel. A plurality of embodiments are disclosed as is the method of assembling these clinch nuts to the plastic panel. Also a method of feeding an interconnected strip of clinch nuts and breaking off the lead nut at the staking station is described.

Abstract: FIG. 1 shows fastener, sealer member 100 mounted to fastening member 102 through access opening 106. Fastener sealer member 100 has flap member 300 mounted to unitary fastener member 200 seals fastening opening 104; flap 300 with areas 302 and 304 seals access opening 106.

Abstract: A slip-on receptacle adapted to be inserted on one of two members to be fastened in alignment with a hole therein and to receive and engage with a stud coupled with the other of the two members so as to fasten the two members together. The receptacle includes a resilient strip folded upon itself with one section of the strip engaging the undersurface of the one member and another section of the strip engaging the upper surface of the one member. A central portion of the strip is severed along both side edges and across the one end thereof which is folded upwardly and back upon itself above the upper section to form a cantilever spring. The cantilever spring is in alignment with the hole in the one member and is designed to receive the stud coupled with the other member and passed through the hole and to interengage with the stud and hold the members together.

Abstract: A blind spring clip fastener for insertion in a round hole in a work piece has a head portion and a shank portion extending perpendicular to the head portion. The shank portion comprises a pair of spaced-apart mirror image sections extending from opposite side edges of the head portion, each section including a resilient leg and a pair of wings integral with the free ends of the leg and extending toward the head portion at opposite side edges of the leg. Each wing is shaped so that it has a side edge extending upwardly-outwardly beyond the plane of its leg and a free end extending from a point beyond the plane of the associated leg relatively steeply upwardly-inwardly toward the head portion.