Interference Fit Type Patents (Class 411/339)
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Patent number: 6808349Abstract: A fastener mechanism operable between an unlocked position and a locked position to securely fasten items of various sizes and shapes includes a first member and a second member each having a sidewall, a front wall, a rear wall and a receiving chamber disposed adjacent the front wall of each member. The second member contains a hollow interior and is slightly larger than the first member so that the first member can be inserted inside the hollow interior. The receiving chambers extend axially along each member and contain an opening and angularly disposed sidewalls forming an apex. To securely fasten the item, the first member is co-axially aligned with the second member so that the receiving chamber openings are oriented to form an aperture to receive the item. The first member is then slideably inserted into the second member hollow interior. As the first member is inserted inside the second member, the aperture reduces in size to grip and securely fasten the item.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2003Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Inventor: David C. Boling
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Patent number: 6783314Abstract: A fastener device is disclosed for fastening a member having a post extending therefrom to a retainer defining an aperture. The arrangement is such that the post is received within the aperture of the retainer for lockably retaining the member relative to the retainer. The device includes a washer which has a peripheral rim and a first and a second face. The washer defines a hole for the reception therein of the post. The washer has a plurality of barbs which surround the hole, the barbs lockably cooperating with the post when the post is inserted into the hole. Also, the washer defines a plurality of ears which extend from the peripheral rim such that when the post is inserted into the aperture of the retainer, the ears engage the retainer for retaining the member relative to the retainer.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Michael T. Gattone
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Patent number: 6739814Abstract: A retaining ring in accordance with the present invention mainly includes an outer circumference and an inner circumference. The inner circumference has a slightly narrow diameter adapted to fittingly engage with an outer circumference of a shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Sunonwealth Electric Machine Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Alex Horng, Tso-Kuo Yin
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Patent number: 6736577Abstract: The present invention includes a sleeve for receiving a pip pin. The sleeve is configured to be embedded in a bulkhead and includes a cylindrical housing. The housing has an axis and defines a bore along that axis. There are a plurality of spaced-apart annular lands defined within the bore. Each land is arranged to engage a plurality of locking balls on a shaft of a pip pin to secure the pip pin in the bore.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Todd D. Smith, Kwun-Wing W. Cheung
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Patent number: 6729244Abstract: A tubular-frame structure for supporting surfaces comprising a supporting surface (12, 12′), a flat frame (13) and legs (14), in which said frame (13) is composed of tubular profiles (15) which can be combined in various ways, characterised in that all the elements are joined through connection means which provide a firm and dismountable connection, constituted by devices (16) for coupling tubular profiles (15) and devices (17) for coupling tubular profiles (15) with a leg (14).Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Leonardo S.r.l.Inventor: Carlo Cattaneo
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Patent number: 6705635Abstract: An attachment assembly for attaching a cushion member for an airbag apparatus to a vehicle surface is disclosed. The attachment assembly is particularly useful for attaching curtain type cushion members, as for a side impact airbag system. The attachment assembly may include a protrusion with a rod and a knob larger than the rod. A compressible spring washer is affixed to the rod. A hole formed in a mounting portion of the cushion member is then fitted around the rod, outside the washer. A cap is affixed to the rod to keep the cushion member in place. The protrusion, with the attached cushion member, may then be affixed to the vehicle surface through the use of a keyhole formed in the vehicle surface. The knob is pushed longitudinally into a larger, clearance portion of the keyhole, such that the spring washer is compressed. Then, the protrusion is moved transversely into an engaged configuration, in which the knob and the spring washer engage the interference portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: David E. Hoeft, James Hoskyns, Robert F. McGee
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Patent number: 6669427Abstract: A fastening element for fastening one or more parts to one another, the fastening element including a head, a shank depending form the head, and a flexible pull cord coupled to an end surface of the shank.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Albert Santelli, Jr.
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Patent number: 6637995Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fastening assembly has a first component containing a first aperture and a second component containing a second aperture. A pin made of a super-elastic alloy defines a shank with a bore having an axis, the shank being at least partially constrained within and juxtaposed with both the first and second apertures. Activation of the super-elastic alloy generates a retaining force normal to the axis of the pin, fastening the components together. Several embodiments are shown where a unitary pin fastens the components, while other embodiments are shown where the super-elastic properties of the pin are activated by another independent element of the fastener, for example a retainer that co-acts with the pin to fasten the components together. Activation forces can be applied to the pin through relative motion, or stretching against a shoulder.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Inventor: Patrick Michel White
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Publication number: 20030194291Abstract: A cylindrical pin (1) for connecting and/or guiding components (A, B), particularly in tool, fixture, and machine construction is provided. In order to make the cylindrical pin yieldable in a radial direction and thereby allow for compensation for its manufacturing tolerance, the cylindrical pin is provided with an internal bore (4, 6) extending in the axial direction at least over a partial region (1a, 1c) of the pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Applicant: Kramski GmbHInventor: Wiestaw Kramski
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Patent number: 6609435Abstract: An actuating element for shifting a variable-speed gearbox intended for use in vehicles and including a rotatable shift shaft, which is shiftable in an axial direction and made of steel, for play-free attachment of at least one metallic driver in a manner precluding rotation by means of a pin connection. The pin connection includes a grooved stud having a shank portion, which is fitted in a receiving bore of the shift shaft, and a head, which is supported by the shift shaft. The shank portion of the grooved stud has a shank end, which is inserted in a bore of the driver and disposed flush with an outer contour of the driver, wherein the grooved stud is secured to the driver by a weld.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KGInventor: Valentin Wolff
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Patent number: 6592292Abstract: In an assembly of concrete revetments, each having two expansive surfaces, each having a first set of comparatively larger holes extending between the expansive surfaces, and each having a second set of comparatively smaller holes extending from at least some holes of the first set to outer edges of said revetment, wherein the revetments of an adjacent pair of the assembly are connected to each other by one or more bolts, each bolt has a flexible, polymeric shank, which has a proximal end and a distal end, a head attached to the proximal end, and a nut attachable to the distal end, and each bolt has its shank extending through a hole of the second set of each revetment of the adjacent pair.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Inventor: Jan Erik Jansson
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Patent number: 6571436Abstract: A holding clip for mounting on a longitudinally ribbed bolt having an indicator for providing an audible signal when the bolt is fully inserted. The holding clip has a flexible rod having a free end which extends transversely across a receptacle chamber. The receptacle has a transverse wall situated slightly above the rod. When the bolt is inserted, the free end of the rod is pressed upwardly to audibly impact the transverse wall. The rod may be provided with a tab which protrudes through the transverse wall so that the tab end may be tactilely sensed or visually seen.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: A. Raymond & CieInventor: Stephane Gombert
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Patent number: 6554526Abstract: A fastening device for interconnecting two parts, comprising a longitudinally variable bolt designed to be inserted through a hole in a first part and engage the edge of an opening in a second part. The bolt is further configured to rotate about an axis that runs generally transversely across the longitudinal axis of the bolt, using the edge of the opening in the second part as a sliding track. The bolt defines a spring configuration intermediary of its ends so that the bolt may be compressed in the longitudinal direction and resumes its original length when it is released. The bolt is provided with grooves at opposing ends, which grooves extend generally transversely across the longitudinal axis of the bolt and are designed to engage the edge of the opening in the second part at diametrically opposed locations.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Laerdal Medical ASInventor: Einar Egelandsdal
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Patent number: 6543977Abstract: A concrete anchor bolt formed of an axially extending fixing member (1) having a first axially extending section (5) fixable in a tapped blind borehole (3) in a first solid body (4) secured by a temporarily fluid fixing agent (2) and an axially protruding second axially extending section (7) embeddable in a subsequently settable second solid body (6), wherein a conically shaped section sleeve (8) is present on the second section (7).Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2002Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Bernhard Sander, Joachim Günther, Marcel John, Michael Siemers, Pietro Bianchi, Erich Wisser
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Patent number: 6533301Abstract: An expandable insert secures a linkage bolt to the ends of a stabilizer bar. The insert comprises a cylindrical body portion, a cap, and an aperture. The insert is placed in the end of a stabilizer bar. As the linking bolt is torqued within the aperture of the insert, the threads of the linking bolt penetrate the insert. The torquing expands the insert outwardly towards the interior surface of the stabilizer bar, anchoring the insert inside the stabilizer bar and securing the linkage bolt to the end of the stabilizer bar.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Meritor Suspension Systems CompanyInventor: Michael Vito Catania
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Patent number: 6514005Abstract: A member coupling device is provided for use with a treatment apparatus which uses chemicals. The member coupling device is formed with a tapered hole including a tapered hole portion which diverges toward an opening. A tapered implant is inserted into the tapered hole from an enlarged side of the tapered hole portion and fitted therein. The implant includes a tapered portion in contact with the tapered hole portion, and a first thread formed on the tapered portion. With the implant fitted in the tapered hole, a member is placed in contact with the member coupling device. A second thread formed on a fastening member is engaged with the first thread of the implant in a screw coupling configuration to mount the member on the member coupling device.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Takeji Shiokawa, Mitsuya Mikawa, Toshimitsu Nakagawa
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Patent number: 6499924Abstract: A process cartridge for use in a printing machine is provided. The process cartridge further includes a plurality of rivets. Each of the plurality of rivets includes a retaining portion thereof. At least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion define an aperture for passage of the retaining portion of at least one of the rivets therethrough. The other of at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion define a cavity for receiving the retaining portion of the at least one rivet. The portion of the housing defining the cavity being interferencely fitted to the retaining portion of the at least one rivet.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Leslie R. Kilian, Michael G. Petranto, Beverly S. Bortnick, James A. Pascucci
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Patent number: 6488458Abstract: A taper implant includes a taper portion having an outer surface frust-conical in shape. A flange portion is formed at an outermost end of the taper portion on the larger-diameter side to project outwardly with respect to the taper portion and having a flat surface situated perpendicularly to the axial direction of the taper portion, and female threads serving as a fit portion extending in the axial direction of the taper portion. A hole taper portion and a hole step portion are drilled at the same time to bore a hole in one of the members to be fastened, and the taper implant is driven into the hole, thereby providing a screw fastening structure for the fastened members.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1997Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Chikakazu Ninomiya, Takeji Shiokawa, Kuninori Imai, Mitsuo Miyamoto, Mitsuya Mikawa
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Patent number: 6488460Abstract: A panel insert for use with a structural panel and a fastener having a hold out mechanism. The panel insert comprises a body portion disposed within the structural panel. The body portion includes a first surface, an opposing second surface, and an aperture passing therethrough for receiving the fastener. A recessed portion opening to the second surface is provided to receive the hold out mechanism and secure the fastener to the structural panel.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2000Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Andrew D. Smith, Kendall F. Goodman
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Patent number: 6485241Abstract: A surface mount ring assembly for loudspeakers which comprises a ‘hard’ ring in which the speaker is secured. This hard ring is, in turn, secured to a resilient or ‘soft’ ring which soft ring is secured in the wall opening. The soft ring has a durometer of between 30 to 90 and a dynamic loss modulus of 1010 Dynes/cm2 at 100 to 1000 Hz. This effectively isolates the loudspeaker from the resonant frequency of the structure in which the speaker is secured.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1997Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Inventor: J. Craig Oxford
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Patent number: 6461091Abstract: A connection element for a bolt including a member for receiving the bolt (2) and including a bore (5) having a tapering region (7) adjoining a bore cylindrical receiving region (4) and tapering in a direction opposite a bolt insertion in direction (A); and a locking member supported in the bore (5) for forcelockingly engaging the bolt (2) and formed as a radially expandable annular member having an inner diameter (w), which is, at least partially, smaller than an outer diameter (d2) of the bolt (2), and an axial length corresponding to an axial length of the cylindrical receiving region (4).Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Armin Herb, Fritz Hermann, Ulrich Birnbaum, Marcus Fohrer, Gordillo Antonio Lopez
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Patent number: 6457925Abstract: A compression limiting assembly minimizes compressive forces of a bolt being used to secure a first work piece to another work piece. The compression limiting assembly includes a longitudinal sleeve that defines a longitudinal axis extending between a first piece engaging end and a bore insertion end. The first piece engaging end includes a flange preventing the bolt from moving therepast. The longitudinal sleeve also includes a retainer portion defining a retainer portion inner diameter. The compression limiting assembly also includes a bolt retainer housed within the retainer portion of the longitudinal sleeve. The bolt retainer is adapted to receive the bolt therethrough to prevent the bolt from falling out of the longitudinal sleeve as the compression limiting assembly is being inserted into the first and second pieces. The bolt retainer defines a bolt retainer outer diameter larger than said retainer portion inner diameter.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Bamal CorporationInventor: Raymond M. Genick, II
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Patent number: 6454507Abstract: In the system there participates one of the parts that is to be joined (8), sheet like, preferably of metallic nature, with a window (9), the other part that is to be joined (20), supplied with a shaft (10) of a plastic nature, and a staple, metallic and intermediate (1). The staple is composed of a first pair of tabs (2), with brackets (3) in their ends, that constitute the means for an elastic connection to a transversal beam (12) of the shaft (10), a second pair of tabs (4), pronouncedly divergent, finished off in “U” shaped folds (5), oriented outwards and designed for their connection, by elastic deformation, to the window (9) of the part (8), and a third pair of tabs (6-7) designed to support over the sheet (8) outside the window (9), being able to insert optionally, between these two pieces (8) and (20), an intermediate piece (21), as for example a panel. The system results particularly ideal for the coating of the interior of automobiles.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Grupo Antolin-Ingenieria, S.A.Inventor: Antonio Romero Magariño
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Patent number: 6442806Abstract: A fastening device including a shaft portion having first and second sections, and at least two slide-on heads each having an opening defined therethrough and being adapted to engage the first and second sections of the shaft portion. The first and second sections each include a plurality of axially aligned, outwardly oriented locking members. The locking members of the second section are oriented oppositely of the locking members of the first section.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventor: Bob G. Wesson
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Patent number: 6412546Abstract: A heat dissipation device includes a heat sink (80) and an assembling device for securing the heat sink to a, chip (90) mounted on a printed circuit board (100). The heat sink has a pair of ears (82) each defining an aperture (84) therein. The assembling device includes a clip (70), a pair of sleeves (50) each defining a cavity (62) therethrough, and a pair of springs (60). Each sleeve extends through the aperture of a corresponding ear of the heat sink, and the springs are disposed respectively between the ears and an end of the sleeves. The clip has a pair of posts (66) for extending through the printed circuit board to engage with the corresponding cavities.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Foxconn Precision Components Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yeu-Lih Lin, Chao-Yang Lee, Chung-Yung Sun, Chao Kun Tseng
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Publication number: 20020076301Abstract: A rivet comprises an elongated male rivet part, and an elongated female rivet part. The male rivet part provides an elongated engaging post. The elongated female rivet part provides an elongated engaging post with an elongated inner bore for fitting with the engaging post on the male rivet part by way of pressing. A work piece such as a handle provides an elongated counter bore to be passed through by the female rivet part such that the work piece and another work piece can be fastened together by the rivet firmly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2000Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventor: Wen-Hsiung Yang
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Patent number: 6374999Abstract: A fastener for splicing ends of conveyor belts together is provided having a rivet that is pre-inserted thereto to provide speed and ease in installation. The rivet is held in an aperture of the upper plate by an interference fit at the lower end thereof. Preferably, the interference fit is achieved by knurling of the lower end portion of the rivet shaft to create raised interference portions or ridges integral therewith that are sized to be in an interference fit in the upper plate aperture. The remainder of the shaft can be sized to provide clearance between it and the aperture. An applicator machine tool is also provided for automatically securing a strip of the pre-inserted rivet fasteners to a belt end in a fast and efficient manner. The tool uses operating members to first drive pilot nails through the belt lower surface into registry with the rivets, and thereafter the rivets are driven coordinated with the pilot nails that are withdrawn back through the belt.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing CompanyInventors: John H. Winkelman, Joseph C. Vogrig, Gary E. Mitas
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Patent number: 6371707Abstract: The subject matter of the invention relates to an assembly system with fastening stud as well as to a method of forming an assembly system. The assembly system comprises a fastening stud (1) and an assembly part (20) mounted on the fastening stud (1). The assembly part (20) has a receiving space (21) for receiving the fastening stud (1). When the assembly part (20) has been mounted, the inner surfaces of the receiving space (21) and the outer surface of the fastening stud (1) are frictionally connected to one another. The fastening stud (1) has a frontal opening. The fastening stud (1) is radially resilient at least in the region of the opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Emhart Inc.Inventor: Harald Schaty
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Patent number: 6345946Abstract: A fastener which allows for the attachment of two articles without the need for hardware such as a screw, or such as nuts, bolts and washers. The fastener comprises two members—a fastener post which serves as a male member, and a fastener post receiver which serves as a female member. The male post defines two elongated prongs, with each prong having a flange near its end. The female receiver is configured to mate with the prongs of the post. To this end, the receiver has walls which extend from a base, with the walls having a series of teeth for receiving the flanges of the post as the post is advanced into the female receiver. In addition, the walls of the female receiver are separated by channels. The channels allow the walls of the receiver to pivot about the base. This feature, in turn, allows the walls to contract and engage the male post when one attempts to separate the male post from the female receiver.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Radio Systems CorporationInventors: Christopher E. Mainini, Lawrence E. Towle, William S. Groh, David L. Druif
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Patent number: 6338602Abstract: The retaining element represented in the figures preferably includes of a receiver cage manufactured of hard elastic plastic, having an inner wall which may bear against a bolt, and a retaining arm formed on the side of the receiver cage opposite the inner wall to be elastically springy. The retaining arm is directed toward the opposite inner wall at an obtuse angle, counter to the press-down direction (A) of the receiver cage on the bolt, with the clearance of the retaining edge from the inner wall being less than the outer diameter of a bolt.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: A Raymond & CieInventor: Stephane Gombert
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Patent number: 6338167Abstract: This invention is related generally to detachable assemblies and more particularly to novel hardware for easily attaching or removing portable members from stationary structures. A quick acting fastener assembly is described for attaching a portable member, such as a toilet seat, to a stationary member, such as a toilet bowl, for example. The portable member carries a pair of headed pins fixed to the margin thereof and projecting outward to mate with receptacles on the stationary member. Said pins and the mating receptacles are of a unique design such that when the pins are inserted into the matching receptacles the portable member is securely fastened to the stationary member, yet can be removed, disengaged, without any adjustments (levers pulled, fasteners removed, etc.). The distinguishing feature of this invention is in the simplicity of the mechanical hardware, the absence of moving parts, springs, fasteners, levers, or removable nuts, etc.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Inventors: Richard H. Baker, Krista K. Finigan, Anthony G. P. Marini
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Patent number: 6328513Abstract: A method of attaching a vibration floating washer with a sleeve to a heat insulating plate including an attaching-bolt insertion hole. The method comprises: disposing the metallic damping element on an inner side and a peripheral edge portion of the attaching-bolt insertion hole; inserting a male sleeve of a male washer and a female sleeve of a female washer respectively into the bolt insertion hole from both sides of the heat insulating plate; and fitting and fixing the male washer and the female washers to each other with a fitting portion provided on at least one of the male sleeve and the female sleeve so that the heat insulating plate is maintained in a state of noncontact with both the male washer and the female washer.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Nichias CorporationInventors: Takahiro Niwa, Masafumi Tanaka, Hiroto Sugai
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Patent number: 6305057Abstract: A headliner pinning assembly for repairing or providing supplemental decoration to the headliner of a vehicle. The headliner pinning assembly includes a first pin member having a head portion and a spike portion extending outwardly from the head portion, a second pin member having a coiled medial portion and a pair of opposite ends extending outwardly from the coiled medial portion, and a washer.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Inventor: Erwin R. Seum
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Patent number: 6287064Abstract: A clip type nut device for attachment about an aperture or opening of a support structure is provided with the clip nut device having a resilient main body member having a pair of transversely oppositely extending bushings at opposite ends of a flexible strap with a captured nut member in one bushing. One bushing has a first opening and is receivable within the support structure opening. The other or second bushing has a second opening with the threaded nut member captured in the second opening. A securing structure associated with the first and second bushing is operable to secure the first bushing to the second bushing with the first opening being aligned with the second opening such that the threaded nut member is aligned with the opening through the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Western Sky Industries, Inc.Inventors: Khusro M. Jhumra, Raymond C. Scherer, Larry E. Tarr
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Publication number: 20010005473Abstract: A tapered barrel with a female thread is embedded in a tapered hole of a first soft member. A tapered barrel with a throughhole is embedded in a tapered hole of a second soft member. A bolt is inserted through the throughhole and screwed into the female thread. The tapered hole has a tapered portion, the height of which is substantially equal to the length of a tapered portion of the tapered barrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2001Publication date: June 28, 2001Inventors: Takeji Shiokawa, Mitsuya Mikawa, Hideo Kaminaga
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Patent number: 6241443Abstract: A fastener includes a pin and a collar for engaging the pin. The pin includes a pin head for engaging one exposed surface of the workpieces and a pin shank for positioning through a bore in the workpieces. The pin shank includes a second working second working edge, a second locking groove, a first working edge, a first locking groove, a breakneck groove and a pin tail having a plurality of pulling grooves. The collar includes an enlarged head and a through bore. The collar is placed over the pin shank and an installation tool is used to grip the pulling grooves. The installation tool forces the presses the collar onto the pin. As this happens, the first working edge engages the through bore of the collar and moves material from the through bore into the first locking groove to create a lock between the collar and the pin.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Huck International, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Harbin, Robert J. Corbett
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Patent number: 6238157Abstract: An attachment connection (18) for securing a vehicle trim component (16) to a vehicle body sheet metal panel (20) includes an attachment projection (22) extending from the trim component with an attachment formation (24) molded in situ thereon from a softer material. An opening (26) in the sheet metal panel (20) includes a cantilevered leaf spring (28) having a terminal end (30) that is engaged with the softer attachment formation (24) upon insertion of the attachment projection into the opening to thereby provide securement of the trim component. The leaf spring (28) has a curved section (32) to provide enhanced spring action thereof and its terminal end (30) preferably has a curved shape that engages the attachment formation (24) on the attachment projection (22).Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Joseph J. Davis, Jr., Timothy F. O'Brien
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Patent number: 6233782Abstract: A fastener grommet assembly has a combining function of a fastener and a grommet. The fastener grommet includes two flange members each having an axial opening, a fastening mechanism formed on an outer surface thereof, the fastening mechanism having a plurality of protrusions and recesses which enables the assembly to receive the protrusions and recesses of a flange of a second such fastener grommet assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Inventors: Stephen Matthew Regele, Deborah Rudow Regele
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Patent number: 6152667Abstract: The fastener includes a stud with a post element, a cylindrical inner sleeve with inwardly extending half-hemispherical bosses immediately adjacent to outwardly extending half-hemispherical bosses, and a base element with a blind aperture. The inner sleeve is received within the blind aperture and the post element is received within the inner sleeve. The pressure exerted upon the insertion of the post element of the stud and the structure of the bosses cause the inner sleeve to cock into a locked position. The exposed edges of the inwardly extending half-hemispherical bosses of the inner sleeve engage the post element while the exposed edges of the outwardly extending half-hemispherical bosses of the inner sleeve engage the walls of the blind aperture in order to resist the subsequent withdrawal of the post element from the blind aperture.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Ken LeVey
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Patent number: 6132154Abstract: A fastening device 1 for securing an instrument panel 3 to a vehicle body 5 comprising a first striker member 7 for passing through a bore 9 in the instrument panel 3, the first striker member 7 comprising an enlarged head 11, and a nose 13, extending from the head 11 and coupled to the head 11 by a shank 15 having a transverse cross section which is smaller than the transverse cross section of the head 11, the nose 13 having a transverse cross section 17 greater than the transverse cross section of the shank 15 such that a shoulder area 19 is defined, the nose 13 tapering from a region 17 to the nose tip 21, and a second catch member 23 on the vehicle body 5 having a nose receiving housing 27 shaped to receive the nose 13 with a mouth 29 into which the nose 13 may be pushed and a throat region having resilient walls to grip the nose 13 when inserted in the housing 25, the throat 33 and cavity 31 defining a shoulder region 35 which inhibits the removal of the nose 13 from the cavity 31 by the shoulder 19 of tType: GrantFiled: July 29, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Inventor: Robert Leslie Easter
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Patent number: 6123492Abstract: A fastening device is provided to be inserted in an article to be fastened, the fastening device comprising a first member (10) having a shank (12) and an enlarged head (14), a second member (11) also having a shank (17) and an enlarged head (18), the shanks being respectively insertable into the hole in the article from opposite ends of the hole, the shanks being arranged to interengage with one another, such that the shanks are restrained against moving in the reverse direction, so that the article is held between the enlarged heads (14 and 18). The fastening device is particularly useful in constructing a plastics pallet.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1999Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Plastic Cores LimitedInventor: Neil Robert Pickard
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Patent number: 6113330Abstract: A screw connection especially for heald shaft rods in a loom, includes a countersunk flathead female threaded nut and a countersunk flathead male threaded screw that engages the nut. To secure the nut against rotation when it is inserted into a stamped conical recess, an outer circumferential cylindrical section of the nut is provided with serrations that engage the edge of the stamped conical recess with a location-fit or press-fit, or friction-fit, whereby the screw can be conveniently connected to the nut, for example for clamping a roller bearing ring between two fork ends of a heald shaft connecting rod. The serrations on the outer surface of the female threaded nut have a first transition area (T1) that forms a lead-in first ramp (R1) for guiding the nut into a countersunk recess.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1997Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Lindauer Dornier Gesellschaft mbHInventor: Fritz Rupflin
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Patent number: 5980180Abstract: A fastener includes an elongated shank equipped with longitudinally spaced ribs, and a clip having opposing collar sections connected for movement between first and second positions for engagement with the shank and for installation or removal of the clip from the shank, respectively. Internal tabs formed on the clip aid in maintaining engagement between the collar sections and the shank during application of external twisting forces on the clip.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Inventor: Jennifer E. Schiess
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Patent number: 5975820Abstract: The fastener includes a pin and a grommet for attaching a primary panel to a secondary panel. The pin includes two dual-height finger assemblies and a circular flexible flange or umbrella head. A primary panel through a first range of thicknesses is sealingly engaged between the flexible flange and the fingers of a first height of the dual-height finger assemblies, and a primary panel through a second range of thicknesses is sealingly engaged between the flexible flange and the fingers of a second height in the dual-height finger assemblies. The pin further includes a male element with external serrated ridges. The male element engages a passageway in the grommet which includes an internal ridge for engaging the external serrated ridges. The grommet further includes a pair of spaced disks for engaging an opening in a secondary panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: James T. Kirchen
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Patent number: 5951194Abstract: An attachment element for a body which can be inserted through a bore in a wall. The attachment, element fixes the body in place by being locked in place. The attachment element is structured to be resilient and can be deformed in such a way, by pressing on suitable points, that the catch hooks are unlocked when pressure is exerted. In this way, the attachment element can be easily released again, without tools and in simple manner.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Moto Meter GmbHInventors: Manfred Faass, Michael Schneider
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Patent number: 5947672Abstract: An identification tag for various size lube oil plugs for mobile vehicles. The identification tag has a mounting hole with an intentional flash in each comer. Each side to the hole has a flap with a living hinge adjacent. The living hinges run between the flashes. The flaps will pivot on installation to allow engagement of the inner edges of the flaps on receiving slots of the receiving slots of the various size lube oil plugs.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1998Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Navistar International Transportation CorpInventor: Samuel L. Cohen
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Patent number: 5947669Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting system with a fastening stud and a mounting part which can be applied to the fastening stud and has a receiving space for receiving the fastening stud, wherein the internal surface of the receiving space and the external peripheral surface of the fastening stud are frictionally connected to one another when the mounting part is applied and wherein the external peripheral surface has a structure with at least one substantially peripherally extending crest-like relief of dimensionally stable material and the internal surface has a structure with at least one relief of plastically deformable material extending substantially transversely to the peripheral direction. The radial elasticity of the fastening stud which is provided in any case by a slot is preferably increased by an additional axial aperture.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1998Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Emhart Inc.Inventor: Harald Schaty
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Patent number: 5935170Abstract: A device for disconnection of a connecting device between an implant (2) and a device (12) connectable thereto, which coupling device is of the type incorporating a first and a second coupling part (6 and 11, resp.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: P & B Research ABInventors: Bo H.ang.kansson, Peder Carlsson
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Patent number: 5924906Abstract: A construction toy set includes a plurality of interconnectable toy set elements such as couplers for beams which define respective sockets or bores therein. A pin connector defines a generally cylindrical collar supporting a pair of outwardly extending oppositely directed generally cylindrical pins which are receivable within the bores and sockets of the construction toy elements. The pins of the pin connectors each define an elongated expansion groove and an elongated rib extending substantially the length of the pins. The expansion grooves and ribs deform due to the resilient plastic material of the pin during pin insertion into the cooperating bores and/or sockets of the construction toy elements to allow the pins to deform and provide a snug but pivotable fit therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1998Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Charles E. Grafton
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Patent number: 5888140Abstract: A torsionally stiff, flexible shaft coupling, an all-steel shaft coupling for transmitting torques between shafts. Shafts with mutually offset axes, having one or two packs of plates (5) which are places on clamping bushes (6) and are clamped on the latter, by a ring (4) in each case, against an end collar (6b) of the clamping bushes (6), the packs of plates (5) being clamped, by screws (2, 7) extending through the clamping bushes (6), alternately in the circumferential direction using the mutually opposite flanges (1a, 8a) of hubs (1, 8) to be coupled to one another, which of packs of plates, in order to achieve the object of increasing the displacement capability of the plates and thus simplifying the assembly and increasing the operational reliability, comprise a circumferential relief groove (4a) and (6a) in each of the rings (4) and/or the collars (6b) of the clamping bushes (6).Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Chr. Mayr GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Gunther Klingler, Christoph Dropman, Johann Huber