Nut Deforms Wall Of Preformed Opening In Substructure During Assembly Patents (Class 411/180)
  • Patent number: 5391031
    Abstract: Disclosed is an insert comprising a tubular plastic body having a hollow, axially extending threaded interior, and a plurality of interlocking portions preferably in the form of integrally formed plastic protrusions extending outward from the plastic body. The insert is maintained by force-fit engagement within a corresponding recess in a plastic base. Thereafter, the plastics of the body, protrusions and base are brought to a flowable condition at their interface to integrally bond the insert to the base and/or to interlock portions of the base and insert. The threaded interior of the insert remains intact during this insert bonding procedure to then accept and threadably engage with a threaded member, which may be metal or any other material. The metal threaded fastener may be already threaded into the insert at the time of bonding together of the plastics of the insert and base so that a driving of the metal fastener into the base is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Unimation, Inc.
    Inventor: James Medal
  • Patent number: 5356255
    Abstract: A nut and panel assembly useful for pierce, clinch and weld nuts used in automotive applications, wherein the nut bore must be masked or blocked during paint application, including electrodeposition coatings. A generally cylindrical polymeric plug or blocking member is press fitted into the nut bore preferably prior to attaching the nut to the metal panel. Following installation of the nut in the panel, the plug masks the nut bore during the later coating operation. The disclosed plug or blocking member includes an axial configured cavity and the plug may then be removed following coating by threading a bolt having an end protuberance configured to be received in the plug axial cavity into the nut bore. The plug is then retained on the bolt protuberance following removal from the threaded bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Multifastener Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Takahashi, Hiroshi Takehara
  • Patent number: 5340251
    Abstract: A pierce nut having a central pilot, a cylindrical flange portion surrounding the pilot and a groove in the flange portion having at least one inclined side wall and a bottom wall having a convex annular protuberance preferably comprising spaced arcuate protuberances extending around the pilot which deforms panel metal beneath the inclined side wall and providing anti-rotation means when the nut is attached to a metal panel. The outer groove side wall includes radial notches or grooves which receive panel metal to provide anti-torque means. The improved die button includes an annular lip having an inside piercing edge spaced from the end to pierce a smaller slug and an annular convex fillet which deforms more panel metal into the nut groove to form a secure mechanical interlock between the nut and panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Multifastener Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Takahashi, Hiroshi Takehara
  • Patent number: 5335411
    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, providing securement against rotation even in very thin panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Profil Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rudolf R. M. Muller, Jiri Babej
  • Patent number: 5290131
    Abstract: A fastener assembly to be used in the construction of semi-trailers consisting of a first fastener having a head and a shank, a mating second fastener, and a plurality of radially spaced projecting barbs formed on the shank. The barbs, which may also be spaced axially on the shank, engage in a hole for receiving the first fastener to prevent rotation and removal of the first fastener. The first fastener may also be provided with an encapsulating cover with two sealing points on its underside to seal the fastener to a surface through which the fastener is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Arne Henriksen
  • Patent number: 5273383
    Abstract: A fastener has multiple secondary threads intertwined with a primary thread installable in a thermoplastic workpiece. A method and die are arranged for fabricating such a fastener. The fastener comprises a threaded shank portion having a primary thread of a desired form and a driver head attached thereto. At least one secondary thread is intertwined with the primary thread. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an outer surface of the fastener may be heated to a preselected Curie temperature during the installation of the fastener into a workpiece. The preselected Curie temperature enhances the flow of the thermoplastic material around the fastener while the fastener is being installed in the workpiece. A coating material having a particular desired Curie temperature may be applied to the fastener to produce desired driving characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Research Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry J. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5266258
    Abstract: Method of installing an insert in a plastics body so as to provide a screw thread therein, the insert being of metal and formed with the screw thread, and in which the hole in the plastic which receives the insert is sealed, by providing the insert with an `O` ring located in an external peripheral groove and projecting therefrom, the size and shape of the insert and hole being related and selected so that in axial displacement of the insert into the preformed hole accompanied by softening of the plastic caused by the fastener being preheated or by vibrations applied to the plastic via the fastener as it is inserted, the `O` ring only comes into contact with unsoftened plastic and only comes into contact with plastic towards the end of the axial installation movement. This ensures a good seal between the `O` ring and the plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: PSM International PLC
    Inventor: Paul A. Martin
  • Patent number: 5253966
    Abstract: A fastener is provided which is adapted to be at least partially embedded within a molded workpiece. The fastener comprises a first threaded section and a second section. The second section has a first end part defining a shoulder for making contact with a first portion of a mold during formation of the workpiece and a second end part having an outer end face for making contact with a second portion of the mold during formation of the workpiece. The second section further includes a crush-boss extending outwardly from the outer end face for contacting the second portion of the mold and thereby ensuring that the second section of the fastener is compressively engaged by the first and second portions of the mold during formation of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: William J. Clemens, Dale M. Mayol, John J. Anderton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5251370
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Profil Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rudolf R. M. Muller, Jiri Babej
  • Patent number: 5244326
    Abstract: A fastener assembly including a first fastener member adapted to be inserted into a first structural component. The first fastener member includes a head portion and a generally cylindrical shank portion extending from the head portion. The fastener assembly also includes a second fastener member having a head portion and a shank portion extending therefrom. The first and second fastener members include respective internally and externally threaded portions that interengage to secure the fastener members together. One of the fastener members is provided with anti-rotation structure that prevents rotational movement of the fastener members with respect to the structural components, while permitting non-destructive axial removal of the fastener members from the structural components. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-rotational structure is provided as a plurality of longitudinal ridges disposed on an outer surface of the shank portion of one of the fastener members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Arne Henriksen
  • Patent number: 5222850
    Abstract: Disclosed is an insert comprising a tubular plastic body having a hollow, axially extending threaded interior, and a plurality of interlocking portions preferably in the form of integrally formed plastic protrusions extending outward from the plastic body. The insert is maintained by force-fit engagement within a corresponding recess in a plastic base. Thereafter, the plastics of the body, protrusions and base are brought to a flowable condition at their interface to integrally bond the insert to the base and/or to interlock portions of the base and insert. The threaded interior of the insert remains intact during this insert bonding procedure to then accept and threadably engage with a threaded member, which may be metal or any other material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: The Fastron Company
    Inventor: James Medal
  • Patent number: 5205690
    Abstract: A concrete insert having a U-shaped part with two legs and a bridge between them, the bridge having a hole in which an internally threaded coupling is engaged with a friction fit, a bolt threaded in the coupling to extend above the bridge so that the position of the coupling with respect to the U-shaped element can be set by tapping the bolt and held by friction against the side of the hole in the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Steven Roth
  • Patent number: 5201624
    Abstract: An anchor, preferably formed of metal, has at least one flat side and is adapted to be forcefully inserted axially into a complementary shaped aperture formed in an object made of a softer material than the anchor, such as plastic. The anchor is adapted to receive an attachment fastener in a central threaded opening formed in the anchor, after the anchor is forcefully seated in the aperture of the object. A plurality of angled barbs extend outwardly from the body and cut into the object to resist pullout of the anchor once seated in the object, with the flat side resisting rotation of the anchor with respect to the body. The anchor may be formed with flat corner areas which align with rounded corners of the object aperture. In the alternative, generally circular stress relief areas are formed in the corners of the aperture which align with shape square corners of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack D. Ecktman
  • Patent number: 5133630
    Abstract: A thread-forming fastener and method of installation thereof are provided for use with a workpiece constructed of a thermoplastic material. The fastener includes a threaded shank having a thread of desired form and a driver head portion. A metallic coating of a predetermined composition is applied to the threaded shank. The composition of the coating is selected for its effective Curie temperature for heating the fastener during application of the fastener to the thermoplastic workpiece. The heated surface enhances plastic flow of the thermoplastic material during thread forming and effectively reduces the required drive torque for thread forming by the fastener while increasing the holding torque. The fastener is preferably also formed with a spaced thread defining an unthreaded surface portion running adjacent to the thread at substantially the root diameter of the thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Research Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry J. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5131795
    Abstract: A screw threaded insert adapted to be fitted in a bore of a workpiece made of thermoplastic material. The screw threaded insert is externally tapered at an angle of about four (4) degrees and is defined externally with a thread of approximately equal pitch and depth, and of saw toothed shape. The insert is also threaded internally for receiving a bolt. A pair of cutting slots is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Bollhoff & Co. GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klaus Kobusch
  • Patent number: 4971499
    Abstract: A flush mountable pierce nut including a rectangular pilot portion, flange portions on opposed sides of the pilot portion and parallel re-entrant grooves defined in the flange portions on opposed sides of the pilot portion, wherein the areas of the fracture planes through the axis of the nut and generated from the nut grooves are generally equal pursuant to a predetermined dimensional relationship, thereby minimizing the material costs of the nut fastener while maintaining the optimum strength of the fastener in a proof load condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: Harold A. Ladouceur
  • Patent number: 4941788
    Abstract: A screw threaded insert to be installed in for example thermoplastic material by ultrasonic vibrations applied to the insert is double-ended and comprises a main helically ribbed portion separated from a minor portion formed with teeth or projections aligned with helical ribs, and a pilot portion. The pilot portion is to locate the insert in a performed bore in the required orientation of insertion, the toothed portion displaces material in complementary grooves, so as to facilitate travel of the insert into the material and ensure good filling of the inter-rib spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: P.S.M. International PLC
    Inventor: Anthony M. Highfield
  • Patent number: 4938314
    Abstract: A plastic oil pan for internal-combustion engines is disclosed which includes an oil drain plug screwed into a threaded insert. This oil drain plug is braced with respect to the threaded insert. In order to avoid an undesirable discharge of oil when the oil drain plug is fixed, a radial seal is operative between the oil drain plug and a recess in a local thickening of the oil pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Klaus Sitzler, Herbert Ampferer
  • Patent number: 4915558
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to self-piercing fasteners, such as studs, bolts or nuts, the method of attaching such fasteners to a panel and fastener installation apparatus, including the installation head and die button. The fastener includes a self-piercing and riveting annular wall which is driven into a panel supported against a die member by the installation head. The die member includes an annular die cavity surrounding a central projecting die portion which is telescopically receivable in the free open end of the fastener annular wall. The free end of the fastener annular wall includes a piercing surface which mates with a piercing surface at the outer edge of the projecting die portion to pierce a slug from the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Multifastener Corporation
    Inventor: Rudolph R. M. Muller
  • Patent number: 4893976
    Abstract: An improved method and joint structure are provided for assembling a self-clinching fastener to sheet material, particularly thin sheet metal, in which an aperture and a peripheral flange are formed in the sheet metal; thereafter the shank portion of the fastener is inserted into the flange followed by clinching the fastener to the flange to secure the assembly. The sheet metal aperture and peripheral flange can be fabricated in a single work station in which the fabricating tooling punches the sheet metal aperture and extrudes or shapes the peripheral flange between a pair of forming dies. Assembly of the fastener joint with the flanged metal is performed in a second work station in which the fastener shank is inserted into the flange and then the head portion of the fastener is driven into the flange material to begin the clinching step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Milliser, James T. McGuire
  • Patent number: 4842462
    Abstract: A screwthreaded insert comprises a series of generally cylindrical body portions provided with inclined ribs or teeth, with the teeth of one portion extending in the opposite direction to those of the next adjacent portion, and the successive toothed portions being separated by grooves. The fastener is made by diecasting, and a pair of flats is formed on opposite sides of a diameter of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: P.S.M. Fasteners Limited
    Inventor: James M. G. Tildesley
  • Patent number: 4840524
    Abstract: An anchor member is formed of an axially extending core member enclosed from one end toward the other by an electrically non-conductive plastics material jacket. The anchor member can be secured in a borehole in a receiving material by a hardenable mass. The jacket at the one or leading end of the core member has a tip located on an extension of the core member axis, so that the tip abuts the center of the base of the borehole. With the centering action afforded by the tip, damage to the jacket is prevented as the anchor member is inserted into the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz Bisping, Erich Leibhard, Peter Mauthe
  • Patent number: 4825527
    Abstract: A method of attaching a self-attaching element, including a self-piercing element, to a panel in a die member. The self-attaching element includes a tubular barrel portion having a free open end and may include a piercing surface at the free end of the barrel portion. The die member includes an annular concave die cavity which surrounds a center die post. The method includes coating at least the tubular barrel portion with a fluorocarbon coating, such as polymerized tetrafluoroethylene, prior to the installation of the fastening element to the panel. The tubular barrel portion is then driven through an opening formed in the panel generally coaxially aligned with the die member center post. The opening may be preformed or more preferably pierced by the piercing surface of the barrel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Multifastener Corporation
    Inventor: Harold A. Ladouceur
  • Patent number: 4818165
    Abstract: A threaded element for forming a threaded profile in the wall of a bore formed in a material and for insertion into the bore so as to reinforce the bore. The threaded element includes a cylindrical stem having an external thread having a plurality of separate tapping lobes for cutting the threaded profile in the wall of the bore. The stem has an unthreaded radius smaller than the unthreaded radius of the bore and a threaded radius greater than the unthreaded radius of the bore. A recess is defined between each adjacent pair of tapping lobes. Each tapping lobe is defined by two cutting arcs formed at its opposite ends and a convex escape-gap arc is located intermediate the two cutting arcs. Each cutting arc has a convex configuration relative to the center of the stem, and the apex of each of the cutting arcs defines the maximum thread radius of the threaded profile, as measured from the center of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventor: Yoji Shirai
  • Patent number: 4815907
    Abstract: A fastener and a joint including the fastener, wherein the material in which the fastener is set is a composite. The fastener has a shank with an external helical rib that makes a slightly tighter than net to a moderate interference fit in a cylindrical wall of the hole. The rib has a form whose maximum radial protrusion is flat or convex, and which extends away from its maximum protrusion as a convex curve, devoid of sharp cutting edges. Voids between the convolutions of the rib are adequate to receive displaced material of the hole wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Hi-Shear Corporation
    Inventors: Herman L. Williamson, Edwin E. Hatter, Gerhart Hufnagl
  • Patent number: 4800643
    Abstract: A method for mounting an insert fastener to accommodate a bolt in lightweight panels is described. A hole is bored in a panel to penetrate the core and upper facial sheet and then is filled with a quick setting resin. A fastener having a flat circular head and central threaded bore is inserted into the hole. Integral with and depending from the head is a cylindrical body with a pair of radial flanges parallel to each other and to the head. The flanges are spaced apart from each other and the head. The edges of the flanges are serrated. Two holes, one on each side of the central bore, are present in the head to allow excess resin potting material to leave the hole in the lightweight panel. A bolt for holding auxiliary structures to the panel is screwed into the central bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: ATR International, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Higgins
  • Patent number: 4779326
    Abstract: A metal rod having a radial flange formed at one end and space pointed projections formed on the underside of the flange is inserted through a round hole in a metal plate. The metal rod plate combination is placed in a press on a bottom die having an axial insertion hole and an annular step formation of alternate grooves and ridges on the top surface of the bottom die round the insertion hole. Under pressing force, metal of the metal plate in its region around the bottom edge of the round hole is extruded radially inwardly against the neck portion of the flanged metal round rod under the effect of the step formation on the bottom die while at the same time the projections are driven into the surface of metal plate. The resulting metal assembly exhibits substantially improved adhension and torsional resistance between the metal members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Japan Hollow Steel Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Muneshige Ichikawa
  • Nut
    Patent number: 4749318
    Abstract: A nut intended for being retained in a blind hole is provided with a number of lips (11) extending from the cylindrical part (1) of the nut and forming cutting edges (2) which extend most at the upper corner. When these edges (2) are turned in the direction of rotation (10) of the nut when a bolt (5) is being tightened, they will cut further into the wall of the hole. The result is a downturned force which will contribute to securing the nut in the object, and the bolt (5) will not be capable of loosening because the material (6) will be wedged in between the bolt (5) and the lip (11). If the nut is to be withdrawn from the hole, this is most easily done by turning the nut in the opposite direction at the same time while being drawn out. This will cause no appreciable damage to the material in the rim area of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Aktieselskabet J.H. Holm Holding
    Inventor: Torben Bredal
  • Patent number: 4729705
    Abstract: An improved insert fastener for use in lightweight panels is described. The fastener has a flat circular head overlapping a hole in the panel. Integral with and depending from the head is a cylindrical body with a pair of radial flanges parallel to each other and to the head. The flanges are spaced apart from each other and the head. The edges of the flanges are serrated. A central threaded bore through the head and cylindrical body receives a bolt for holding auxiliary structures to the panel. Two holes, one on each side of the central bore, are present in the head to allow excess epoxy resin potting material to leave the hole in the lightweight panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: ATR International, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Higgins
  • Patent number: 4722647
    Abstract: An assembly is disclosed having a simple, standard fastener secured to sheet material such as sheet metal. A support strap is integrally formed in an offset relationship with the sheet material, and opposite sides of the fastener are deformed to interlockingly engage the remainder of the sheet material. A method and apparatus are also disclosed for securing the fastener to the sheet material in substantially one operation, including alternate manual and automatic means for feeding fasteners to such apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: BTM Corporation
    Inventor: Edwin G. Sawdon
  • Patent number: 4713872
    Abstract: A riveting or self-fastening element such as a stud for permanent attachment to a panel preferably having a preformed panel opening, including the method of attachment and the panel assembly. The self-attaching element includes an annular barrel portion having a conical external surface which is press fitted in the panel opening to deform the panel opening and form a mating conical internal surface preventing further penetration of the fastening element into the panel. The free end of the barrel portion, which is preferably cylindrical, is simultaneously deformed outwardly in a die member having an annular die cavity, forming an annular rim which is U or hook-shaped in cross section, wherein the free end is biased against the panel preventing pull-out of the fastening element. The fastening element, method of attachment and panel assembly is particularly adapted for relatively thick metal panels, including panels having a thickness greater than 0.1 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: Multifastener Corporation
    Inventor: Rudolph R. M. Muller
  • Patent number: 4708556
    Abstract: An improved fastener includes a shank section which is coaxial with and extends outwardly from a head section. The head section has a rim which cooperates with the shank section to form a groove in which sheet metal is received. The head and shank sections have arcuate indentations into which the sheet metal is forced. In addition, the shank section has arcuate outer side surfaces which oppose flat outer side surfaces on the rim. Due to the difference in the configurations of the side surfaces of the rim and shank sections, constrictions are formed between the rim and shank sections. Each constriction tends to deform or extrude sheet metal upon the application of torque to the fastener. The corners of the indentations in the shank sections and the rim apply shear forces to the sheet metal to further resist relative rotation between the fastener and the sheet metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Russell, Burdsall & Ward Corporation
    Inventors: W. Richard Pamer, James A. Zils
  • Patent number: 4690599
    Abstract: A self-piercing adapted to be affixed to a metal panel. The nut includes a substantially rectangular body, with a pilot portion provided at the center of an upper surface of the body, which pilot portion is defined by a circumferential side wall which is slightly converged toward an upper surface of the body. The pilot portion includes a punching face disposed around the threaded bolt accommodating hole. Seat faces are provided at each corner of the body, with each seat face being defined toward the pilot portion by a wall spaced from the circumferential side wall of the pilot portion but facing the same. A top level of the seat faces is slightly lower than that of the punching face of the pilot portion. A recess is defined by a space lying between the pilot portion and the seat faces. The recess is opened to continue each side of the rectangular body between adjacent seat faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Yugen Kaisha Shinjoseisakusho
    Inventor: Katsumi Shinjo
  • Patent number: 4637766
    Abstract: A self-clinching fastener of the type for connection to a workpiece comprising sheet material, includes a head and a shank, with a groove formed in the shank, with the head being embeddable in the sheet material to displace material thereof into the groove to form a mechanical interlock between the material of the sheet material and the fastener. The head includes a plurality of radially disposed projections extending axially outwardly of an undersurface thereof and intermediate the undersurface and the groove. These projections each include an axially facing recess therein, such that the material of the workpiece being displaced will flow into the groove and the recesses in the projections, to lock the fastener to the workpiece. The shank may also include an extruding portion to resize an aperture in the sheet material, prior to the deforming of said sheet material by said head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: John Milliser
  • Patent number: 4610589
    Abstract: A screw anchoring plug or bushing for use in predrilled mounting holes in elements of semihard materials such as chipboard, consisting of a sleeve made as a rolled up piece of metal sheet material provided with a number of slightly projecting barb-like tongue portions and cured to be resilient, whereby the tongue portions project as leaf springs. The sleeve is threaded for direct engagement with a standard screw, and when it is inserted in the mounting hole and the ends of the tongue portions are hereby caused to resiliently engage the wall of the hole, the sleeve will thereafter be moved axially outwardly when the screw is tightened, and the tongues will cut themselves into the hole wall and get spread to resist further retraction of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: Tri-Bolt Fasteners ApS
    Inventor: Torben Bredal
  • Patent number: 4600332
    Abstract: A strong transition joint between an aluminum plate and a steel object includes an aluminum sleeve adapted to be fusion-welded to the aluminum plate and a titanium core explosion-welded to the aluminum sleeve in the center thereof with the titanium core having an internally threaded hole adapted to receive a steel bolt so that the occurance and economic consequences of corrosion are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignee: Explosive Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Sharp, John G. Banker, Roy Hardwick
  • Patent number: 4597154
    Abstract: A strain transducer of the kind in which a plug is inset into a workpiece surface requires an accurate interface fit with a drilled hole. One method proposes an oversize hole (12) which first receives an annular insert (14) in whose aperture (15) the transducer plug is a precision fit. The outer cylindrical surface of the insert has axially parallel serrations (16) which bite into the sides of the hole. Another method also has an oversize hole (22) whose mouth is constricted by a cylindrical punch (25) around a precision mandrel (24) which is then replaced by the transducer plug (28). Serrations (35) may alternatively be provided directly on the transducer plug (32), which can then be driven into a drilled hole (36) of only approximate accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: TRW Probe Electronics Co. Ltd
    Inventors: John Harbour, John D. Barnett
  • Patent number: 4577402
    Abstract: A stud with a threaded shank at one end and a flat head at the other end. Between the threaded shank and the flat head is a collar of smaller diameter than the head, but of larger diameter than the threaded shank. The collar has a knurled portion adjacent the head to secure the stud to a printed circuit board. At the juncture of the collar with the threaded shank, the collar forms a shoulder or seat upon which the heat sink and the semi-conductor case rest in spaced relation with the printed circuit board. A nut is then threaded onto the shank to secure the stud, the heat sink, the semi-conductor case and the printed circuit board to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Assignee: Penn Engineering & Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Swanstrom
  • Patent number: 4572718
    Abstract: An anti-rotation locking assembly is provided for preventing rotation of a surface such as in a housing member with respect to a threaded shaft as on a body to which the housing member is threadably mounted. There are provided two opposing flats or relief surfaces on the end of threaded shaft extending beyond the housing surface. A recess is provided in the surface around the hole for accepting a locking c-ring. The recess has a non-circular profile in the plane of the surface to prevent rotation of the ring in the hole. A ring having an outer profile matching that of the recess is provided. The ring has outer dimensions and a shape to its sides which will cause its periphery to engage and cam over the sides of the recess. A threaded nut is provided for threading on the shaft over the ring to press the sides of the ring into the recess so as to cause the ring to grip the flats and engage the sides of the recess upon tightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley J. Stevens, Jeffrey G. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 4557651
    Abstract: A sheet metal clinch nut receives an extruded portion of the workpiece in an aperture in the nut. Part of the extruded portion is swaged radially outwardly of the aperture and locks or clinches the nut onto the workpiece. A screw threads into the nut below the extruded portion of the workpiece. In some forms of the invention the nut is tubular. In other forms the nut comprises a pair of generally parallel arms. The extruded portion of the workpiece extends through an aperture in the first arm and rotation preventing teeth or serrations lock the nut against rotational movement. A self-tapping fastener is inserted creating threads in the workpiece extrusion and then in a second arm of the clinch nut. Tightening of the fastener causes the second arm to deflect toward the first locking the fastener against rotrograde movement. Also disclosed is a simple tool for advancing an interconnected strip of clinch nuts, severing the leading nut and staking the workpiece to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4557650
    Abstract: This invention provides improved fatigue life for a fastener having a sleeve associated with a basket and extending through an opening in a workpiece. The sleeve has curved lobes that penetrate the workpiece to prevent rotation, the lobes having inclined leading edges, and inclined abutment surfaces at the inner ends of their roots that compress the displaced material of the workpiece around the entrance to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Deutsch Fastener Corp.
    Inventor: Jorge W. Molina
  • Patent number: 4554196
    Abstract: A method for hardening a portion of a fiberglass product and fibrous product with a hardened portion are disclosed. A heated thermoplastic resinous material is applied to a fibrous product. The thermoplastic resinous material has a viscosity that allows the resin to permeate the fibrous product. THe resinous material is only applied to the portion of the fibrous product to be hardened. The resinous material is then cooled whereby the resinous material solidifies and the portion of the fibrous product permeated with the resins is substantially hardened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Inventor: Brian L. Meeker
  • Patent number: 4543023
    Abstract: An improved fastener has a head section and an axially extending shank section. A thread convolution is disposed in a coaxial relationship with the head and shank sections. An improved holding action against rotational and axial movement of the fastener relative to a metal base member is promoted by a plurality of radially extending wedge-shaped compression ramps. The compression ramps are disposed on the head section and slope radially and axially inwardly toward the shank section. The compression ramps are effective to force metal of the base member into an annular groove which circumscribes and undercuts at least a portion of the shank section. The metal which is received in the undercut portion of the groove is effective to hold the fastener against being pushed or pulled axially outwardly from the base member. The compression ramps also force the metal of the base member radially inwardly against corners formed on the shank section of the fastener to hold the fastener against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: Russell, Burdsall & Ward Corporation
    Inventor: Terry D. Capuano
  • Patent number: 4518293
    Abstract: A tube connector comprises an integral sheet metal stamping including a body and a plurality of legs. The body has a centrally disposed securing portion for receipt of a threaded fastener and is of a substantially dished shape presenting sharp peripheral edges for aggressively engaging the interior wall of a tube to resist retrograde movement of the connector axially of said tube. The legs extend generally axially from said body adjacent the periphery thereof and have sharp longitudinal edges for aggressively engaging the interior wall of a tube to resist rotating movement within said tube upon rotating association of a threaded fastener with the centrally disposed securing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Pleickhardt, E. Grant Swick
  • Patent number: 4432681
    Abstract: An improved fastener has a head section and an axially extending shank section. A thread convolution is disposed in a coaxial relationship with the head and shank sections. An improved holding action against rotational and axial movement of the fastener relative to a metal base member is promoted by a plurality of radially extending wedge-shaped compression ramps. The compression ramps are disposed on the head section and slope radially and axially inwardly toward the shank section. The compression ramps are effective to force metal of the base member into an annular groove which circumscribes and undercuts at least a portion of the shank section. The metal which is received in the undercut portion of the groove is effective to hold the fastener against being pushed or pulled axially outwardly from the base member. The compression ramps also force the metal of the base member radially inwardly against corners formed on the shank section of the fastener to hold the fastener against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Assignee: Russell Burdsall & Ward Corporation
    Inventor: Terry D. Capuano
  • Patent number: 4430033
    Abstract: A one-piece sheet metal insert for use in anchorage and fastening applications. The insert is designed to provide sufficient resistance to axial pull-out loading when utilized in relatively soft material workpieces such as structural foam plastic. The insert is also configured to take the clamp load between its collar and internal thread ribs thereby preventing tensile and compressive forces from being applied to the workpiece material surrounding the insert which commonly cause creep to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: Microdot Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur J. McKewan
  • Patent number: 4370794
    Abstract: A clinch nut having a projecting rectangular pilot and opposed laterally extending flanges. The side edges of the pilot are inclined inwardly from the pilot end face and the flanges have opposed projecting abutment portions extending laterally from the inclined pilot faces to an edge spaced from the side faces of the flanges. The method includes punching a rectangular opening in a panel to receive the nut pilot and ramming the nut abutment portions against the panel to deform the panel beneath the inclined pilot side faces. The nut and nut ram-die are configured to fully seat the nut and fill the spaces beneath the pilot side faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1983
    Assignee: Multifastener Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred A. Bien, Frederick W. Heidt
  • Patent number: 4350464
    Abstract: An anchor bolt (10) for use in concrete or masonry is described. The bolt is formed of an integral shaft (13) having an elongate round holding portion (12) defining a cylindrical surface with at least one helical or spiral patterned weld line (14) along the surface. The bolt is positioned in the concrete by being forced into a hole (101) having the same diameter as the shaft such that it rotates or turns as it is being forced into the hole due to the helical patterned weld line. The anchor bolt resists pulling from the concrete and is particularly adapted for use in holding machinery on concrete floors and in construction purposes in concrete flooring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Inventor: Richard L. Brothers
  • Patent number: 4329768
    Abstract: A lock follower, particularly a handle or pressure follower, comprises a hub part consisting of a machined rod-like or tubular material and an arm part consisting of a punched sheet-metal material. The parts are rigidly joined together by flow of material from the arm part to a peripheral groove in the hub part. Preferably the hub part exhibits in the neighborhood of the groove a portion of smaller diameter than the main portion of the hub but of larger diameter than the hole for the hub part in the arm part. Said portion is pressed so far into the hole in the arm part while deforming the material defining the hole that the arm part abuts an abutment in the hub part. Further, the portion of the hub located between the peripheral groove and the abutment preferably has axially extending ridges around the periphery thereof to facilitate flow of material and rigidly securing the two parts together in both axial and circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1982
    Assignee: GKN Stenman AB
    Inventors: Erik R. Tranberg, Bo G. Widen
  • Patent number: 4325178
    Abstract: A screw anchoring device and method for preassembled aperture sealing attachment with an apertured panel to confine insulating material foamed in place between the panel and a spaced wall. The screw anchoring device includes a flat portion having a central helical screw receiving impression with a retained knock-out central area capable of being displaced by a screw. The device is secured to the apertured panel with a screw receiving impression overlying the panel aperture. The screw anchor device has one or more wing portions formed integrally with the flat portion, said wing portions diverging from the plane of the flat portion in a direction away from the screw receiving impression and adapted to be imbedded in the foamed insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Leslie L. Pruehs