Nonmetallic Nut, Resiliently Deformed During Assembly Patents (Class 411/182)
  • Patent number: 5340257
    Abstract: The accessory spacing element for dowel anchoring devices for wall covering slabs includes a tubular body made of plastic material which is interposed between the dowel and the respective accommodation seat of the slab. The body has an elastically deformable frustum-shaped annular flange at one end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Fischer Italia S.a.s. di Paolo Morassutti & C.
    Inventor: Paolo Morassutti
  • Patent number: 5340123
    Abstract: Pressure hardware for a seal block assembly used to form a modular, annular seal around a conduit passing through a wall, the assembly including elastomer seal blocks joined in an annulus around the conduit, the seal blocks having pressure bolt apertures parallel to the conduit; the seal blocks are axially compressed and radially expanded to form the seal. The pressure hardware is in sets each including a bolt, a matching nut, and a first molded resin pressure plate having a recess large enough for freely rotatably seating the bolt head, with peripheral access for a wrench; a washer is rotatably positioned in the bottom of the recess, which is deep enough so that the bolt head does not project substantially. The bolt rod extends through a bolt-receiving aperture in the first pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Thunderline Corporation
    Inventor: Carl R. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 5332347
    Abstract: A mat fastener comprises a cylindrical main body having a central insertion hole and engagement claws projecting from the inner surface of the insertion hole, a retainer provided around the lower periphery of the cylindrical body defining the main body and consisting of a pair of vertically spaced upper and lower retaining members, and an operating member provided on the upper periphery of the main body or the upper retaining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Toshihide Kimisawa
  • Patent number: 5324147
    Abstract: An attachment fitting for the fastening of a part provided with a rod onto a wall, the attachment fitting having the shape of a shank of plastics material comprising a base forming a cup for receiving a washer with claws whereas above the base are provided elastically deformable tongues allowing to clip the shank into the aperture of a wall while positively retaining the washer within the cup of the base, the attachment fitting being applicable in particular to the fastening of a shield onto a metal sheet belonging to the body of an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Rapid S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre R. Leon
  • Patent number: 5316422
    Abstract: A fastener which enables the attachment of an article to a panel having front and rear surfaces and an aperture formed therebetween, particularly in cases where access to the panel is limited to one side only. The fastener includes a stud having a head and a shank, a spring mounted upon said stud, and a washer having a through hole. The shank further includes a first retaining portion for securely engaging the washer within said through hole and a second retaining potion for engaging an article for securement thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventor: Ron D. Coffman
  • Patent number: 5314280
    Abstract: A fastener for securing two workpieces together in a desired spatial relation, at an axial distance within a predetermined spacing range comprising a screw, an insert, and a heat curable member. The heat curable member has a predetermined thickness establishing a maximum spacing within the predetermined range. The screw is drawn down toward the insert and the heat curable member is reduced in thickness until the desired spacial relation is attained. The heat curable member is subsequently cured setting the fastener and the first and second workpieces in the desired special relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Matthew Gagliardi, Noah B. Mass
  • Patent number: 5310298
    Abstract: Disclosed is a one-piece expansion nut for a T-joint of pipes, including an internal thread hole at the center thereof and a plurality of long expanding pieces and short expanding pieces alternatively disposed around the outer periphery thereof, wherein the outer diameters formed by the long and short expanding pieces the same, but slightly larger than the inner diameter of one pipe to be jointed, upon putting the expansion nut into the pipe and passing a bolt through another pipe to screw onto the internal thread hole for a T-joint, the long and short expanding pieces being respectively expanded to exert force against the inner wall of the one pipe in two stages, so as to firmly hold the expansion nut in place and effectively complete the T-joint as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Shoei-Muh Hwang
  • Patent number: 5308205
    Abstract: Dowel-like retaining peg (10) of plastics material--particularly for fastening furniture fittings to articles of furniture--which may be fitted by pressing or driven into a bore (16). The retaining peg has an elongate peg portion (18) from whose outer peripheral surface a number of peripheral projecting ribs (20) extend radially, offset in the longitudinal direction of the peg and with a triangular cross-section tapering towards the exterior and defining a respective knife blade-like retaining ridge. Over the major portion of its longitudinal extent the peg portion (18) has a substantially smaller diameter with respect to the diameter (d) of the associated bore (16) and the peripheral annular projections (20) are constructed as annular disc-shaped, elastically deformable fins (20) which are integrally connected to the peg portion (18) and whose external diameter (D) is larger than the diameter of the associated bore (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: MEPLA-Werke Lautenschlager GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Horst Lautenschlager
  • Patent number: 5294225
    Abstract: Disclosed is a synthetic resin grommet comprising a head portion having a screw insert hole, a bottom cylindrical portion having a cylindrical hole, and a pair of locking claws. With this arrangement, the syntheric resin grommet can improves its water-proof property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: K.K. Aoyama Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kazino, Masaaki Ide, Tomiyasu Kakeno
  • Patent number: 5291639
    Abstract: A plastics push button for fastening an article such as trim strip or body panel to a motor body using weld studs attached to the surface of the motor body comprises a large circular retaining head at one end of a short, hollow cylindrical stem and a circular skirt at or near the other end of the stem, the diameter of the skirt being substantially equal to the diameter of mounting holes provided around a panel or at intervals along the length of a trim strip and the diameter of the head being greater than that of mounting holes, the skirt being provided with a plurality of protruding, resilient fringe members which can lightly engage the rim of a mounting hole and the bore of the cylindrical stem being provided with resilient fingers which can engage the projections of a weld stud when the push button is pressed through a mounting hole so that the cylindrical head abuts the top surface of the article and the cylindrical stem passes through the mounting hole and is pressed over the weld stud so that the articl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Heinz-Otto Baum, Lothar Schliessner
  • Patent number: 5281064
    Abstract: A fastening system allows the panel mounting of handles and similar hardware in both front and rear mount configurations. A caged bolt is provided in a transverse aperture extending through the hardware item. A mounting bolt includes a head-distal shank portion for engagement with the bolt when inserted through the hardware rear face, and head-proximate unthreaded shank portion for capture by the caged nut when the bolt is inserted through the hardware item from the front face. The caged nut can be positioned along the length of the aperture to align with a panel mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Standard Keil Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 5269640
    Abstract: A holding device for use in assembling mechanical members comprises a joint head having a spherical head and a fastener formed continuous with the spherical head; and a clip having a joint cavity member formed of an elastic material, the joint cavity member having a groove portion having a cross-section corresponding in shape to an external shape of the spherical head, and receiving lip portions formed continuous with the groove portion, the receiving lip portions spreading outward, and a fastener formed continuous with the joint cavity member. The spherical head of the joint can be fitted in the groove portion to be held therein, whereby a member which is fastened to the fastener of the joint head and a member which is fastened to the fastener of the clip can be preliminarily held to each other. The invention provides the preliminarily-holding device for use in assembling mechanical members, which is capable of causing a part (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Aoyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Jonishi, Masao Sakai, Yoshinori Kanou, Susumu Kitajima, Yoshiaki Nishimura, Hiroshi Kazino, Masaaki Ide, Tomiyasu Kakeno, Hiromichi Mizuno, Yoshihiro Murase, Hideki Kakamu
  • Patent number: 5249901
    Abstract: A fastener assembly with a recess in a part in which a nut is received with resilient fingers engaging with an interference fit the periphery of the recess to retain the nut therein. A fastener with a threaded stud is engaged and retained by a threaded hole through the nut. Preferably, the nut is a relatively thin and generally flat plate with the threaded hole formed by displacing a portion of the plate around the periphery of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Richard B. Moore
  • Patent number: 5249900
    Abstract: A light-weight sheet metal fastener (10) is formed from a single flat metal blank (20) to include first and second pairs of opposite side wall members (22, 24) having parts formed into leaf spring members (49), all surrounding a threaded sleeve (16) unitary with a center plate (12). The side wall members (22, 24) extend through a panel (14) opening (60) during mounting and the spring members lock against fastener removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: California Industrial Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard K. Mitts
  • Patent number: 5222852
    Abstract: A fastening system is provided which includes an elongate grommet affixable into a correspondingly shaped aperture in a first object to be retained therein, and a clip passed through an aperture in a second object to be fastened to the first object. The two objects, one with the grommet affixed therein and the other with the clip projecting therethrough are brought together and, in a first orientation of the clip with respect to the grommet the clip is forcibly pressed into the grommet, whereupon a pair of claws formed onto the shank of the clip engage in an interference fit with recesses formed for such engagement into opposite walls of the grommet. The clip has a maximum transverse dimension smaller than an inside dimension of the elongate grommet, so that a predetermined amount of relative motion between the fastened objects is permitted by sliding motion of the clip while in interference engagement with the grommet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Nissan Research & Development
    Inventor: Mark D. Snyder
  • Patent number: 5211521
    Abstract: A device is described for use in locating and securing a component, for example a cover panel, in an adjusted position to a main structure. The device is formed from an elongated plate-shaped member which is turned down at each end to form locating legs. The main part of the device sits on the component which is secured to the main structure by a screw which passes through apertures in the device and the component and engages in a threaded aperture in the main structure. When the component has been secured in the desired adjusted position, the legs of the locating device extend into, and grip, the removable component thereby establishing a location in the component for the screw. It is then possible to remove the component from the main structure and replace it in the same position without further adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Page
  • Patent number: 5193961
    Abstract: A pin and grommet assembly includes a push-pin and a grommet of unique construction which is capable of absorbing variations in the relative positions of a supporting panel and a mating panel to be attached caused by thermal expansion and contraction. A pair of diametrically opposed semicylindrical-shaped portions are disposed on the push-pin and cylindrical-shaped mating grooves are formed in the interior of the grommet for retaining freely floating the semicylindrical-shaped portions in the grommet so as to permit lateral sliding engagement between the opposed outer wall surfaces on the shorter sides of the main body portion of the grommet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hoyle, Brian R. Peek
  • Patent number: 5178501
    Abstract: A fastener system for precision mounting of body parts to a frame in spite of unavoidable manufacturing variations, composed of an anchor hole in a frame and an axially adjustable screw anchor seated stationarily into the anchor hole. The axially adjustable screw anchor includes a base for seating into the anchor hole in the frame, an axial sleeve provided in the base, a plunger slidably mounted within the axial sleeve, and a gap connected with the plunger for providing a mounting surface for the body part being mounted to the frame. the plunger and the cap are each provided with an axial hole for a common self-tapping screw-type fastener. In operation, when a tool brings the body part into a predetermined precise relationship with respect to the frame, the body part engages the mounting surface of the cap and causes the plunger to slide into the axial sleeve exactly the right amount so that the mounting surface of the cap is located precisely where the body part is to be mounted for a precise fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Inventor: Arturo R. Carstairs
  • Patent number: 5173025
    Abstract: A screw grommet with which an externally threaded member is threadedly engaged in a state in which the screw grommet is inserted through an attaching hole formed in a member to which the screw grommet is to be attached. An externally threaded member is passed through a head having a through hole, and the head abuts against the member to which the screw grommet is to be attached. The externally threaded member is then inserted through a leg which projects from the head and is inserted through the member to which the screw grommet is to be attached. The externally threaded member is threadedly engaged with an internal thread member. A pair of pawls are formed on a part of the internal thread member and are, together with the internal thread member, inserted in the leg in a state in which the diameter of the pawls is reduced. When the internal thread member approaches the head, the diameter of the pawls is enlarged in such a manner as to clamp the member to which the screw grommet is to be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Goro Asami
  • Patent number: 5135341
    Abstract: On the rear side of the front panel (1) of an electronic equipment, at each lateral end which overlaps an edge of an aperture (3) into which the electronic equipment is being inserted, bushings (5) having rearwardly extending catch members (6) are fastened to the rear of the front panel by screws (12). The bushings are of resilient synthetic plastic. The catch members are disposed around a continuation of the central bore of the bushing. Stepped bores (14) are provided in the wall portion overlapped by the front panel. When the bushings are inserted into these stepped bores the catch members are first deflected inwards and then, as they reach their final position, spring outwards and catch against the step (16) of the bore (14). Mating projections (9) and openings (10) lock each bushing against rotation as it is screwed on to the front panel (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Blaupunkt-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Leyder
  • Patent number: 5129768
    Abstract: A sliding grommet includes a head flange and a shank portion of a unique construction which is capable of absorbing relative positions of an oblong fitting hole in a mounting panel and a throughhole in a mating hole to be attached caused by thermal expansion and contraction. A pair of Y-shaped members are disposed on opposite sides of the shank portion to permit flexing upon insertion, and locking tabs are provided on each leg of the Y-shaped members for retaining freely floating the shank portion in the oblong fitting hole in the mounting panel so as to permit lateral sliding engagement between the upper and lower edges of the fitting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hoyle, Brian R. Peek
  • Patent number: 5119956
    Abstract: An expendable closure assembly is provided for use (in multiple units) with a lockable pressure vessel cover along its rim, such as of an autoclave. This assembly is suited to variable compressive contact and locking with the vessel lid sealing gasket. The closure assembly consists of a thick walled sleeve insert for retention in the under bores fabricated in the cover periphery and the sleeve is provided with internal threading only. A snap serves as a retainer on the underside of the sleeve, locking it into an under bore retention channel. Finally, a standard elongate externally threaded bolt is sized for mating cooperation with the so positioned sleeve, whereby the location of the bolt shaft in the cover bore hole determines its compressive contact on the underlying gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Olisse C. Cioletti
  • Patent number: 5118234
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Buell Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James Norkus
  • Patent number: 5094578
    Abstract: A self-locking retainer, actuated by pushing a piece to be retained into the retainer, includes opposed molded parts hinged together, one pair of parts, on opposite sides of a hinged portion, movable together to form a base and a retention plug with integral locking dogs, and a second pair of parts mounted on the base of the first pair formed as hinged jaws with opposed recesses to clamp a piece to be retained. Detent means on the jaws and the base of the first pair of parts interlock to hold the jaws together when pushed together by a part to be retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Master Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Light, Randy A. Newsome
  • Patent number: 5092550
    Abstract: A leveler for adjustably selecting and thereafter maintaining a selected spacing interval between two parts comprises a base adapted to be fixedly mounted on a first part and including a threaded element therein. An elongated threaded support post is mounted in adjustable threaded engagement with the base and is selectively adjustable to extend outwardly thereof. A bumper formed of resilient material is secured to an outer end of the support post and includes a bearing surface for supporting engagement with a second part to be spaced from the first part. The base includes a lock for frictionally engaging the threaded support post for preventing unwanted rotation once the desired spacing interval is manually selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventor: John E. Bettini
  • 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: 5065490
    Abstract: A bolt insert 24 with special bolt 50 provides a fastening method to secure hard metal nuclear reactor parts 12, 14, 16 provided with aligned square EDM produced openings 18, 20, 22. The insert is an elongated square internally threaded member with slots 34 defining flexing fingers 36. Fingers 36 have work engaging shoulders 42. Stop means tabs 28 at the bolt head end prevent overinsertion of the square insert 24 during the operation of pushing it into aligned square holes 18, 20, 22. Internal threads 32 of insert 24 mate with bolt threads 60 during torquing on bolt head 52 to advance bolt 50, which has tapered end 56 and pilot portion 58, to cam fingers 36 into holding position. Couterbores 30 receive stop means tabs 28 such that bolt head 52 does not bottom on insert 24. The method of producing fastening 10 removes the need for accurate threading operations on irradiated parts in the remote field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian P. Wivagg, Kenneth A. Martin
  • Patent number: 5054953
    Abstract: A locking device is described which is self-adjusting in length and it is therefore adapted to compensate possible differences in the distance between the points of mutual fastening of two bodies.The device of this invention includes a first and a second member, one of them being integral with one of the bodies to be connected, while the second is non-rotatably slidable within the first member, and is biased to partially project out of the latter, by a spring interposed between the first and the second members. The spring keeping the second member abutting against a fastening portion of the second body. The device includes a fastener for mutual fastening of the first to the second member, and to the fastening portion of the second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Videoplastic S.p.A.
    Inventor: Silvio Mattiolo
  • Patent number: 5049014
    Abstract: A fastener assembly for securing layers of roofing material to a deck includes a nut for insertion in and engagement with a pre-drilled hole in the deck and a threaded bolt for engagement with the nut. The nut is provided with resilient legs that are disposed both above and below the hole and that deflect outwardly upon being engaged by the bolt to prevent removal of the nut from the hole. The shank of the bolt is provided with a groove that engages edge portions on the nut legs to prevent counter rotation of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Stuart H. Lemke
  • Patent number: 5046904
    Abstract: A one-piece molded plastic nut for receiving a screw adapted to retain a trim assembly to a panel having a slot. The plastic nut has a head having a bottom surface and a top surface with a trench molded into the head and opening onto the top surface. The trench has a bottom face with three holes molded in the bottom face of the trench that extend through to the bottom surface of the head with the holes adapted to receive the screw. The trench has a pair of opposing facing planar side walls and a pair of opposing facing planar end walls angled towards the bottom face for guiding the screw towards one of the holes in the bottom face. Two flexible webs are spaced between the holes and conform to and engage the screw when inserted into one of the holes. A pair of legs mirror each other and are adapted for insertion into the slot for engaging the panel and retaining the plastic nut to the panel. Each leg has an inner surface having a series of molded curved surfaces aligned with the holes in the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Ivanna G. Malinow
  • Patent number: 5036674
    Abstract: The mounting stud of an accumulator is secured within a central opening of a base pan mounted elastomeric grommet by way of a metal sleeve having outwardly extending protuberances that grip the inner walls of the elastomeric grommet and inwardly extending protuberances that grip the threaded stud. The protuberances are angled in such a way that both the stud and the sleeve are easily inserted into their mating component but subsequent removal is substantially prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Dick Y. K. Chang
  • 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: 5028190
    Abstract: A vehicle plastic panel is mounted by means of a one-piece molded screw anchor on a substructure member in a bi-directional tolerance compensating manner. The screw anchor is adapted for snap-in capture in a substructure elongated rectangular aperture enabling it to slide along the aperture major axis. Upon the insertion of a self-tapping screw in a panel circular opening overlying the screw anchor, the screw tip enters the anchor upper lead-in chamber. If the screw and anchor are misaligned, the screw tip contacts a subjacent one of a pair of opposed anchor ramped side surface portions whereby the anchor is cammed for limited adjustment along the aperture major axis. The anchor ramped surface portions terminate in a lower, elongated channel extending transverse to the major axis. The anchor base wall is adapted to be threadably engaged upon driving the screw at a piercing point in vertical alignment with the panel opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry F. Loughlin, Jr., Daniel J. House, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4978265
    Abstract: An anchor adapted for insertion in a hole through the wall. The wall includes inner and outer surfaces with the hole extending inwardly through the wall from the outer surface of the wall to the inner surface of the wall. The anchor comprises a head, a body, and a passage through the head and body into which a fastener, such as a screw, is adapted to be inserted. The passage has a central longitudinal axis. A surface on the head is engageable with the outer surface of the wall when the body of the anchor is inserted in the hole. At least one resiliently flexible leg extends axially of the body and terminates in a free end moveable generally radially inward and outward relative to the central axis of the body. The anchor also has a holder adjacent to the free end of the leg. The holder projects laterally outwardly from the leg. The leg is adapted to resiliently flex generally radially inwardly as the body is inserted in the hole to a point where the holder exits the hole on the inside surface of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Inventor: Thomas E. De Wan
  • Patent number: 4971500
    Abstract: An enclosed plastic screw grommet includes a head flange and a shank portion. The head flange is provided with four radially extending U-shaped slots so as to permit flexing upon insertion into a panel, thereby reducing the force needed. The shank portion includes two sets of opposed ramps formed on its outer surface and which are disposed in an offset relationship with respect to each other to thereby accommodate a variety of panel thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, Ronald K. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4948314
    Abstract: A screw grommet includes a flange having a screw insertion hole and a sack-like body integral with the flange. The sack-like body is inserted through a hole formed within an object to be fastened and has an inner axial screw guide channel communicating with the screw insertion hole for receiving and guiding an inserted screw, and a plurality of hill-like portions formed upon the outer periphery thereof and projecting axially while leaving a gap between the upper end of each hill-like portion and the lower surface of the flange. The gap serves as a fulcrum point about which the hill-like portions can in effect pivot in order to generate a wedging action upon the object being fastened when the screw is inserted within the screw guide channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Mutsuo Kurosaki
  • Patent number: 4934886
    Abstract: A method of fastening and a fastening assembly are disclosed, where a nut may be retained in a grooved channel by a resilient retainer. The retainer has a central portion with an opening in registry with the threaded opening of the nut and also has two wings extending in opposite directions outward from the central portion. The wings have sharp edges to grip into the channel. A tool with projections is used to disengage the wings from the channel and permit the assembly to be slid along the grooved channel to a desired position. Upon withdrawal of the tool, the sharp edges of the wings resiliently grip into the channel to releasably retain the nut in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Gulton Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Wallace R. Aikens
  • Patent number: 4927306
    Abstract: A screw grommet of synthetic resin having an enlarged head part adapted for abutment against the surface of a mounting panel, a shank adapted for engagement with an oblong fitting hole bored in the mounting panel, a pair of integral shoulders extending from opposite walls of the shank, and a pair of integral elastic arms extending at a prescribed angle from the other pair of opposite walls of the shank. The pair of elastic arms and the pair of engaging shoulders engage with the corresponding edges of the oblong fitting hole in the mounting panel. The screw grommets are always retained in the correct posture in the oblong fitting holes and absorb errors in manufacture or fabrication. The screw grommets are also capable of absorbing variations in the relative positions of the fitting holes in the panel and the through-holes in a part to be attached caused by expansion or contraction due to a change in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Kato Hatsujo Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiichi Sato
  • Patent number: 4924533
    Abstract: A mounting assembly to couple a water tank to a water closet is disclosed. The mounting assembly includes a threaded bolt, tubular elastomeric seal member and fastening means. The elastomeric member has centering ribs formed around its outer surface, a flanged head at one end and the other end is bifurcated. When the bolt is inserted therethrough, the elastomeric member expands in the tank mounting opening and the bifurcated end diverges to form a pair of latching tabs to prevent removal of the elastomeric seal member and bolt from the tank mounting opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Henry M. Stairs, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4925351
    Abstract: A fastener clip for positioning in a preformed aperture in a workpiece to receive a threaded fastener comprises a planar head having opposed faces with a threaded opening extending between the faces and a pair of resilient legs joined to opposite ends of the faces. The legs each have a body extending away from the head angularly and terminating in a free end located to engage the shank of the threaded fastener extended through the opening. A pair of resilient tab members are integral with each leg and extend outward of the respective leg in a direction away from the free end to a terminal end bent inwardly of the respective leg toward the head. At least a portion of each tab member extends to a point outwardly of the maximum radial extent of the associated leg at a location adjacent the head with the terminal end having a radial position closer to the opening than the first end of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: TRW, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles K. Fisher
  • 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: 4917426
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper nerf strip and license plate holder attachment means for securing the nerf strip and holder to a vehicle bumper is provided. The nerf strip has first and second fasteners for reception in openings provided in the vehicle bumper. Both types of fasteners are insertable by applying external pressure to the nerf strip. The first fasteners are removable upon application of a pulling force. However, the second fasteners, which are utilized to retain a license plate holder in place, are firmly held in place by means of a screw so that they will not come loose upon application of a pulling force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: David F. Copp
  • Patent number: 4912826
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: James R. Dixon, Derek F. Gentle, Adam M. Janotik, Lawrence P. Kazyak, Tahir M. Mansour, Emmanuel P. Papadakis, Gordon G. Strosberg
  • Patent number: 4906152
    Abstract: A screw retainer comprises a head portion, and a leg portion depending therefrom and provided with locking means, a screw retainer bore being formed so as to extend from the top of the head portion through the head and leg portions. An engagement portion projects from the upper surface of the head portion such that the screw retainer bore is open at the top of the engagement portion. The top of the engagement portion is provided with temporary engagment pawls for engaging an upper surface of a panel to be secured to a base panel within which the screw retainer is disposed by means of its dependent leg portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Kurihara
  • 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: 4890966
    Abstract: A plastic clip for securing a panel or like member to a stud or like securement member is disclosed. The clip comprises a first member having a head portion having a through hole and a pair of locking portions extending from the head portion and capable of being pivoted relative to the head portion and a second member having an insertion portion to be inserted through the through hole and a locking portion to be locked to the securement member. By inserting the insertion portion of the second member into the through hole of the first member after insertion of the pair of locking portions of the first member through a mounting hole of the member to be secured, the pair of locking portions are pivoted away from each other so as to clamp the member to be secured. In this state, the locking portion of the second member is secured to the securement member, thus securing the member to be secured to the securement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Umezawa
  • Patent number: 4883382
    Abstract: A mounting member for mounting a first member having a mounting hole upon a second member having a stud secured thereto in a state of being spaced apart from the second member includes a stud holder section having a head having a diameter larger than that of the mounting hole and also having an inserting portion extending from the head, having securement means for securing the free end of the stud and being inserted through the mounting hole, and a spacer section having a plurality of legs for clamping the first member in cooperation with the head of the stud holder section and also having a spring portion. When the spring portion is urged toward the stud holder section in the longitudinal direction, it is compressed. When the biasing force is released, the spring portion elastically restores to the initial state. The spacer section is penetrated by the stud and interposed between the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Mushya
  • Patent number: 4868968
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: James R. Dixon, Derek F. Gentle, Adam M. Janotik, Lawrence P. Kazyak, Tahir M. Mansour, Emmanuel P. Papadakis, Gordon G. Strosberg
  • Patent number: 4859127
    Abstract: A coiled spring wire fastener includes a first end for engaging with the head of a bolt, a midsection of a constant diameter and a second end portion of a conically, tapered shape. In an alternative embodiment, the coiled spring wire fastener includes an annular midsection for engaging a threaded portion of a bolt, a first annular end portion connected to the annular midsection and having a smaller internal diameter than that of the midsection, and a conically tapered second end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Linda Koch Beamish
    Inventor: Frank J. Koch
  • Patent number: RE33809
    Abstract: A fastener, comprising an expander part having a saucer-shaped head and a shank extending from the head and formed with a male thread thereon, and a fastener part having a flange and opposite stem portions branched from the back of the flange and connecting through hinge portions to guide portions which join each other at the other ends thereof, the expander part and fastener part each being made of a resin, the fastener part having a circular bore extending from the flange to the stem portions to permit the expander part to be inserted in and temporarily retained in the stem portions, the circular bore having therein opposite bulges positioned ahead of the hinge portions to spread the stem portions outward away from each other when the expander part is pushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Kato Hatsujou Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeo Okada, Katsuo Sato