Securing Means Rotatable About Fastener Element Or Rotatably Engageable By Tool-rotatable Headed Fastener Element Patents (Class 411/349)
  • Patent number: 11702820
    Abstract: A retainer sleeve includes an at least partially annular body defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The body may also have a radially inner annular surface defining a radially inner aperture, and a first anti-rotation feature extending radially inwardly from the radially inner annular surface including a sloping ledge having a locking surface that faces at least partially in the circumferential direction and along a direction that is parallel to the axis of rotation, forming an oblique angle with the direction that is parallel to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Serrurier, Eric T. Sinn, Jason Grant Jura, Corey Michael Wells
  • Patent number: 11572908
    Abstract: A captive fastener including a bushing having a body portion and an internal bore extending through the body portion A snap ring is mounted within the internal bore. A fastener having an elongated shaft is mounted within the bore and is adapted to reciprocate within the bore between retracted and extended positions. The elongated shaft has a shank diameter and threads formed on one end of the fastener. The snap ring engages the bolt when the shaft is extended and retracted. The fastener has a shank diameter which is 0.020 inches to 0.060 inches shorter than the bore diameter so that the fastener can be moved laterally within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: HARCOURT INDUSTRIAL, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Beardmore, Kyle Beardmore
  • Patent number: 11505303
    Abstract: An adjustable fixed structure attachment system 200 for an aircraft wing, the attachment system 200 including a bracket 210 having: a wall 212 for connection to a wing box, a protrusion 214 protruding from the wall 212, and a slot 216 extending through the protrusion 214, wherein the slot 216 has a height and a width, and a bush 220 having a bore 222 extending therethrough for receipt of a pin, wherein the bush 222 is insertable into the slot 216 and dimensioned relative to the slot 216 so that the bush 220 is substantially immovable in a width-wise direction of the slot 216, and is moveable in a height-wise direction of the slot 216 to thereby vary a position of the bush 220 within the slot 216.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Rodney Evans, Vernon Holmes
  • Patent number: 11408461
    Abstract: A durable captive bolt assembly for use with subterranean utility boxes is described. The disclosed bolt assembly includes a fastener, a conical spring, a rigid washer, a deformable washer, and a bushing. The point and threads of the fastener are designed to clear debris from an internally threaded nut and reduce or eliminate cross threading, galling, and electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: NewBasis West, LLC
    Inventors: Joe Durkee, Chris Branson
  • Patent number: 11391316
    Abstract: A hollow cover is provided for retaining a fastener captive on a removable part. The cover has an internal surface tapering from a first open end to a second open end. The first open end is sized to permit positioning of the fastener inside the hollow cover. The second open end is sized to block passage of the fastener. The second open end defining a tool opening configured to receive a tool for engagement with the fastener inside the hollow cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Marc-Andre Caudron, Yves Isabel
  • Patent number: 11338385
    Abstract: A machine component includes a first region having a first linear expansion coefficient, and a second region having a second linear expansion coefficient greater than the first linear expansion coefficient and joined to the first region. A region including an outer periphery of an interface between the first region and the second region is inclined toward the second region side over the entire periphery. On a surface of the first region, a groove is formed to extend along the outer periphery of the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Matsuyama, Masaharu Amano, Yoshitaka Shibata
  • Patent number: 11261899
    Abstract: A fastener includes a body, a fastener head having a flange extend radially outward from the body, and a plurality of shoulders that extend outwardly from the body. The body also includes a finger that extends from one end of each of the shoulders. The body further includes a plurality of cutouts positioned on the body between the shoulders. The body is flexible along the cutouts. The fingers are also flexible and cooperate with a plurality of locking features of a first component to sufficiently hold the first component and a second component between the fingers and the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Zander, James S. Tisol, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11118619
    Abstract: A connection assembly with at least one receiving module for receiving a securing element. The at least one receiving module has a chamber for receiving the respective securing element, the chamber being delimited by an inner wall, and has a first opening as well as a second opening. The two openings delimit a passage channel within the chamber, and the inner wall has at least one latching module to which the securing element is to be latched within the chamber at least temporarily after guiding the securing element along a longitudinal direction of the passage channel into the chamber through the first opening. The latched securing element is to be received completely within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Alexander Eichhorn, Ralf Maisch, Heiner Fees
  • Patent number: 11105353
    Abstract: A connection system for connection of two or more overlapping layers of material includes: a rivet having a head and a stem, the head being configured to bear upon a surface of a first layer of the layers of material, the stem having an outer surface that includes a surface sculpturing and being configured for passing through the layers of material and projecting beyond them; and a washer configured to fit on the stem and configured to bear upon a surface of a last layer of the layers of material, the washer being deformable by axial compression from an undeformed condition where it fits on the stem with play, to a deformed condition where it fits on the stem in a condition of interference with the outer surface of the stem. Moreover described is a corresponding method for joining the layers of material using the connection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventor: Antonio Annicchiarico
  • Patent number: 10906639
    Abstract: A bushing assembly for receiving a fastener includes a first bushing portion and a second bushing portion arranged coaxially with the first bushing portion. The second bushing portion defines at least part of an opening for receiving the fastener. The second bushing portion is rotatable relative to the first bushing portion about an axis of rotation to adjust a position of the opening about a first axis and a second axis independently relative to the first bushing portion and the second bushing portion. The first axis is coplanar with and perpendicular to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Dunn, Frank M. Caputo
  • Patent number: 10766435
    Abstract: A clip includes a base that is elongated in a longitudinal direction, a post connected to the base at a proximal end of the post. The post extends away from the base and terminates at a distal end of the post. The clip further includes a first finger and a second finger both connected on opposite sides of the post and extending away from the post toward the base in the longitudinal direction. The clip also includes an elongated foot connected to the base on a side of the base opposite the post. The clip also includes an umbrella seal connected to the base that has a sealing lip around a periphery of the base that extends away from the base. The base, the elongated foot and the first finger and the second finger of the clip extend along the same longitudinal direction of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Tien T. Diep, Jason A. Meyers, Gerard J. Kmita, Andrew Cornell Heidacker
  • Patent number: 10590971
    Abstract: A offset fastener includes socket including socket hole and bottom positioning portion affixed to first panel member, retaining shaft including shaft body axially movably positioned in socket hole and transversely movable relative to socket between center position and offset position, spring chamber transversely defined in shaft body, spring member mounted in spring chamber and floating ball supported on spring member and forced by spring member into abutment against an inside wall of socket that defines socket hole, positioning member axially extended from shaft body for inserting through positioning hole of second panel member when retaining shaft is disposed in center position and for locking retaining shaft to positioning hole when retaining shaft is moved to offset position, and stopper member fastened to retaining shaft and operable to move stopper member between center position and offset position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Hanwit Precision Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-De Wu
  • Patent number: 10544819
    Abstract: A fastener assembly for a gas turbine engine, and method of assembly, includes a first body having a first surface and a recess communicating through the first surface. The recess may be defined by a bottom surface and a side face spanning between the first and bottom surfaces. A shank of the assembly is generally engaged between the first body and a second body and includes opposite first and second end portions. The first end portion is located in the recess and the second end portion is engaged to the second body. A filler of the assembly is generally located in the recess to cover the first end portion. To reduce windage, the filler has an outer surface that is substantially flush with the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Graham R. Philbrick, Jon P. Heslin
  • Patent number: 10512547
    Abstract: An interbody spacer for the spine is provided. The interbody spacer includes a cage and at least one bone screw configured to anchor the cage between two vertebrae of the spine. The cage includes a lock rotationally movable with respect to the cage between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. When in an unlocked configuration, bone screws may be inserted and removed from the cage. When in a locked configuration, the insertion and removal pathway of the bone screw is blocked by the lock, thereby, providing backout protection for the bone screws. The lock is coupled to the cage by a retaining ring. The lock assembly also includes a timing lock to provide for incremental rotation of the lock. The lock includes a space-saving shape providing for maximum bone screw angulation on a laterally smaller anterior platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: NeuroStructures, Inc.
    Inventors: Moti Altarac, Joey Reglos, Babak Barcohana
  • Patent number: 10143494
    Abstract: A circular external fixator, comprising a plurality of rings mutually associated by means of spacer members, each of said rings comprising a plurality of axial bores adapted to engage a fastening means for wire retaining devices. The rings have coupling portions for the connection of the spacer members; each coupling portion has a radial slot adapted to receive a head of one of the spacer member with a snap-on connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: MIKAI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Salomone
  • Patent number: 10107318
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for attaching a first component to a second component and comprises a base element which has a thread which defines a thread axis; a connection means for direct or indirect connection with shape matching and/or material continuity of the base element to the second component; and an adjustment element which receives the first component and is in threaded engagement with the base element such that the position of the first component is adjustable relative to the second component, viewed in the direction of the thread axis, by a rotation of the adjustment element relative to the base element, with the base element and/or the adjustment element being at least partly elastically deformable such that the adjustment element receives the first component free of clearance and is in threaded engagement with the base element free of clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: WITTE AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventor: Till Erpenbeck
  • Patent number: 9975466
    Abstract: A tie-down cleat includes a body having at least one stop surface and a wall with an opening, and a fastener assembly having a first retainer extending through the opening and having a head, and a second retainer operable to actuate the first retainer. The first retainer is rotatable relative to the body and includes a stop surface oriented to selectively engage the stop surface of the body to limit rotation of the first retainer relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Dura Operating, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Hendren, Alex M. Langreet
  • Patent number: 9903671
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein may be useful for aircraft heat shield assemblies. In this regard, a heat shield assembly is provided comprising a heat shield having an aperture, the aperture comprising an end portion and an insertion portion, the insertion portion having a width larger than the end portion, a spacer comprising an upper portion, an undermount flange and a gap between the upper portion and the undermount flange, wherein a surface of the gap is engaged with the heat shield, and wherein the undermount flange has a width less than the insertion portion of the aperture and greater than the width of the end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua Craig Houser, Katrina Lynn King
  • Patent number: 9730586
    Abstract: An intracranial implant to position a fiber bundle to a specified region of a brain of an animal. The implant may include a base support to be fixed to a skull of the animal over an orifice drilled in the skull, a hollow conduit arranged through the base support to guide the fiber bundle to the brain of the animal through the drilled orifice and a first locking member arranged on the base support, to cooperate with a ferrule of the fiber bundle, the first locking member configured to lock the fiber bundle to the specified region of the brain of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Mauna Kea Technologies
    Inventors: Nicolas Boularot, Arnaud Cressant
  • Patent number: 9500214
    Abstract: A rivet device for securing compressible media is provided herein. The device comprises a rivet with head and shaft portions and a receiving unit. The rivet and the receiving unit are adapted for cooperative reversible rotational engagement. The rivet shaft is inserted into and passes through an aperture in one or more media and engages with the receiving unit on a surface of the media opposite the rivet head portion. Relative rotation in either direction between the rivet and the receiving unit directs reversible engagement of the rivet device. When the rivet device is engaged, the rivet head portion and the receiving unit cooperatively resist tension from the secured media. The rivet shaft is constructed to prevent buckling under pressure or bending under shear from the secured media. A costume assembly kit employing the rivet device to fasten substantially planar costume panels to produce a three-dimensional costume is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Snapz, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Kleppen, Jason E. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 9267525
    Abstract: A quarter turn fastener employed to affix a component to a structural base plate includes bar code indicia to verify installation and locking of the fastener. The fastener is positionable in an insertion position relative to the base plate for insertion through a receptacle, and rotatable one quarter turn to releasably secure it, and the component to the base plate. It includes resilient arms to urge an attachment portion of the fastener against the rear surface of the base plate which are configured to obscure at least a portion of the bar code indicia in any position other than the locked position. When rotated to the locked position, the attachment portion is urged against the rear surface of the base plate the resilient arms do not obscure the bar code indicia. Anti-rotation lugs releasably engage the receptacle to releasably latch the fastener in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen M. Everard
  • Patent number: 9039338
    Abstract: A method and an anchor for supporting items on a substrate such as drywall. The anchor comprises a structure configured to carry the anchoring element in a minimal cross section configuration through an insertion hole and to effect a first expansion. The anchor further comprises an adjustable cap member configured to be moved to fixedly position the anchoring element to the non-accessible side of the substrate. The anchoring element comprises a base channel member, a top channel member, and a connector-pivoting element configured to pivotally connect the top channel member to the base channel member. The top channel member is configured to be nested with the base channel member in the minimal cross section configuration and to be pivotally rotatable via the connector pivoting element in the plane parallel to the non-accessible side of the wall, with the pivotal rotation of the top channel member providing the second expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Mechanical Plastics Corp.
    Inventor: Gordon E. Kaye
  • Patent number: 9022712
    Abstract: A fastener for attaching objects to channeled members wherein the objects have a hole extending therethrough and the channeled members have a longitudinal slot formed between projecting longitudinal walls. The fastener includes a button and a retainer. The button includes an abutment wall, an abutment surface and an axially extending slot. The retainer includes an engagement boss and a head at opposite ends of shaft. The retainer extends through the button slot. For attaching the object, the button extends through the object hole with the abutment wall adjacent the object and the abutment surface adjacent the channeled member. The retainer boss and part of the shaft extend through the longitudinal slot. The retainer is rotated for engaging the longitudinal walls with the boss. The longitudinal walls are sandwiched between the boss and the button abutment surface and the object is sandwiched between the channeled member and the button abutment wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: James W. Klopfenstein, II
  • Patent number: 9023177
    Abstract: A showerhead electrode is provided where backside inserts are positioned in backside recesses formed along the backside of the electrode. The backside inserts comprise a tool engaging portion. The tool engaging portion is formed such that the backside insert further comprises one or more lateral shielding portions between the tool engaging portion and the threaded outside diameter to prevent a tool engaged with the tool engaging portion of the backside insert from extending beyond the threaded outside diameter of the insert. Further, the tool engaging portion of the backside insert comprises a plurality of torque-receiving slots arranged about the axis of rotation of the backside insert. The torque-receiving slots are arranged to avoid on-axis rotation of the backside insert via opposing pairs of torque-receiving slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Randall Hardin, Jonathan Keihl, Duane Lytle
  • Patent number: 8944760
    Abstract: A fan frame includes a blade holder, a pair of ventilation plates, and at least one side plate. The pair of ventilation plates is attached to opposite sides of the blade holder along a first direction and includes a pair of securing blocks. The at least one side plate is attached to the blade holder along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and located between the pair of ventilation plates. The pair of mounting slots is defined in the at least one side plate and engaged with the pair of securing blocks, thereby securing the pair of ventilation plates and the at least one side plate to the blade holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: ScienBiziP Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Po-Wen Chiu, Wen-Hu Lu, Zhan-Yang Li
  • Patent number: 8915321
    Abstract: A device for the removable attachment of a battery of a motor vehicle includes a top portion including an attachment to a motor vehicle, a bottom portion including a connection with the battery, and a latch and a screw including a threaded portion so as to allow locking and unlocking, then the mutual tightening and loosening of the top portion and the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Francois-Xavier Lejeune, Mickael Turpin, Joel Thevenart, Emmanuel Richez
  • Patent number: 8821094
    Abstract: An anchor assembly (A) for hollow walls comprises an anchor body (400) and a toggle member (231) that is displaceable between a first position wherein the toggle member (231) is substantially aligned with the anchor body (400) such that the anchor assembly (A) can be inserted in the wall (W) via a cutting distal end (325) of the toggle member (231), and a second position wherein the toggle member (231) extends behind the wall (W) at an angle relative to the anchor body (400) which extends through the wall (W). The toggle member (231) is held captive in the first position but is released and then rotated to the second position by a fastener (218) introduced in the anchor body (400). The fastener (218) threadably engages the toggle member (231) thereby drawing the toggle member (231) against a hidden side of the wall (W).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Cobra Fixations Cie Ltee-Cobra Anchors Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Pierre McDuff, Alexandre Pollak, Lang Nguyen, Andre Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8797733
    Abstract: A fastening module for fastening a data storage device is provided. The data storage device includes first and second positioning apertures. A frame of the fastening module includes a retaining hole, and first and second positioning holes. The data storage device is slidably received in the frame. A securing member of the fastening module includes a main body, a pivot member, and a pin. The main body includes a pivot hole pivotally connected by the pivot member. A securing piece of the pivot member passes through the retaining hole and rotates relative to the main body to fasten the securing member to the frame. When the securing piece passes through the retaining hole, the pin passes through either the first or second positioning hole and inserts into either the first or second positioning aperture to fasten the data storage device at different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Pegatron Corporation
    Inventors: Wei-Chih Lai, Hsin-Hung Hsiao
  • Patent number: 8720156
    Abstract: A panel hanger for flush mounting a wall panel to drywall. The panel hanger includes a cylindrical mounting body adapted for being inserted into a drywall sheet. A control member is rotatably carried by the mounting body. A clamp arm is rotatably carried by the control member. Rotation of the control member draws the clamp arm toward the mounting body and rotates the clamp arm to extend beyond a diameter of the mounting body for engaging the drywall sheet to secure the mounting body to the drywall. A hanger slot is disposed within the mounting body for receiving a hanger member carrying a drywall sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Porter
  • Patent number: 8721284
    Abstract: A hollow-cast casting is provided, which includes at least one core opening that is caused by the production technique and which has a closure device that closes the core opening. The closure device can be inserted into the core opening axially in relation to the core opening and provides at least one surface region which, in axial projection in relation to the core opening, can be made to abut a surface region of the casting that is facing toward the casting. The surface region lies radially outside a cross-sectional area predetermined by the core opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin Balliel, Christoph Didion, Thomas Duda, Marcel Koenig
  • Patent number: 8696282
    Abstract: A cantilever-type standoff includes a column body, a plurality of cantilevers, a plurality of blocking plates, and a plurality of bumps. The cantilevers are respectively disposed on opposite end surfaces of the column body. The blocking plates are respectively parallel to the cantilevers. A plurality of clamping grooves are respectively defined by the blocking plates and the cantilevers. The bumps are respectively disposed on surfaces of the cantilevers facing the blocking plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Pin Lin, Pin-Cheng Chen, Meng-Hsin Tsai, Cheng-Hsin Chen, Shih-Jung Huang
  • Patent number: 8657106
    Abstract: A fastener system includes a toy product, a support platform, and a plug that engages a keyhole formed into the product. The plug includes a base and a pronged key extending from the base. The support platform includes a through-hole that permits the passage of the key into the packaging. One or more integrally-formed biasing members are located on the base of the plug to draw the key toward the product and create a secure connection. The pronged key may be formed from a plastic material and configured such that it plastically deforms but remains attached to the key when and predetermined force is applied to the key to pull the key from a misaligned position with respect to the key hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Trapp, Robert Michael Buresch, Donald George Scheffold
  • Patent number: 8657545
    Abstract: An assembly includes a first structure and a clamp configured to clamp the first structure to a second structure. The clamp may include a top portion configured to extend through the slot, where the top portion includes a head, a neck portion coupled to the head and a cylindrical body coupled to the neck portion. The clamp may also include a rotatable nut located adjacent the slot, where the rotatable nut has an opening to receive the cylindrical body. The clamp may further include a spring nut configured to receive a portion of the cylindrical body. The rotatable nut is configured to be turned such that when the head of the clamp is aligned with the slot in the first structure, the top portion of the clamp is configured to lower into the opening and clamp the first structure to a second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joey D. Magno, Jr., Robert K. Jolly
  • Patent number: 8567733
    Abstract: A support stand for display device includes a base seat, an elevating support, and a locking module detachably connected the elevating support to the base seat. The locking module includes a fixing member, a rotating member, an elastic member, and a latching member. The fixing member is fixed on one of the base seat and the elevating support, and the fixing member defines a gap and a latching groove. The rotating member is rotatably extended through the other one of the base seat and the elevating support, and the fixing member. The elastic member is sleeved on the rotating member, and abuts on the fixing member. The latching member is fixed on an end of the rotating member. The latching member is extended through the gap of the fixing member, and is engaged in the latching groove of the fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Xin Wang, Lian-Cheng Huang, Jian Li
  • Patent number: 8540013
    Abstract: A heat exchanger with a plurality of heat transfer plates between a frame and a movable plate employs hydraulic rams connected above and below the heat transfer plates to move the movable plate toward or away from the frame in a releasable clamping action against the heat transfer plates. A positive lock maintains the movable plate in its operational position. Supports above and below the heat transfer plates support and guide the movable plate and heat transfer plates. Thus, the heat transfer plates are removable from between the stationary and follower plates for replacement and maintenance when the movable plate is moved away from the frame without further reconfiguration or dismantling of the plate heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Leon Sanders
  • Patent number: 8491246
    Abstract: An exemplary securing structure includes a base, a fastener, and a spring mounted around the fastener. The base defines a through hole, and two slots located adjacent to and communicating with the securing hole. Two barriers are formed at a bottom of the base corresponding to the slots. A gap is defined between the bottom surface and each of the barriers. The fastener includes a head, a bolt, and two blocks extending outwardly from a periphery of the bolt corresponding to the slots, respectively. When the bolt is extended through the securing hole with the blocks extending through the slots until the blocks are received in the gaps, the fastener is then rotatable to cause the block to escape from the gap and abut on the bottom surface of the base, with the spring resiliently compressed between the head of the fastener and a top side of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Yu Chao, Yen-Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 8475101
    Abstract: A locking screw for connecting two or more articles together is provided. The screw includes an externally threaded shaft, a head, and an elastic member. The head defines a chamber in which a spiral groove is defined. The shaft extends from the bottom of the chamber; and the elastic member is arranged around the shaft and one end of the elastic member is received in the spiral groove of the chamber and another end abuts against an article. The elastic member can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the shaft, to change the length of the elastic member, so that enough tension is created to ensure locking the screw in place and prevent any rotation, thus maintain a tight engagement among the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peng-Yu Chen, Hung-Ti Su
  • Patent number: 8449236
    Abstract: An anchor assembly (A) for hollow walls comprises an anchor body (400) and a toggle member (231) that is displaceable between a first position wherein the toggle member (231) is substantially aligned with the anchor body (400) such that the anchor assembly (A) can be inserted in the wall (W) via a cutting distal end (325) of the toggle member (231), and a second position wherein the toggle member (231) extends behind the wall (W) at an angle relative to the anchor body (400) which extends through the wall (W). The toggle member (231) is held captive in the first position but is released and then rotated to the second position by a fastener (218) introduced in the anchor body (400). The fastener (218) threadably engages the toggle member (231) thereby drawing the toggle member (231) against a hidden side of the wall (W).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Cobra Fixations Cie Ltee—Cobra Anchors Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Pierre McDuff, Alexandre Pollak, Lang Nguyen, André Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8430615
    Abstract: An exemplary securing structure includes a base, a fastener, and a spring mounted around the fastener. The base defines a securing hole, and two slots located aside the securing hole and communicating with the securing hole. The fastener includes a head, a bolt extending downwardly from the head, and two blocks extending outwardly from an outer periphery of the bolt corresponding to the slots. The bolt is extendable through the securing hole together with the blocks extending through the slots, respectively. The fastener is then rotatable to a position such that the blocks abuts a bottom side of the base. The spring is resiliently compressed between the head of the fastener and a top side of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yen-Chih Chen, Chien-Yu Chao
  • Publication number: 20130056192
    Abstract: An exemplary heat dissipation device includes a conductive plate and a fastener. The fastener includes a fastening element and a spring coiled around the fastening element. The fastening element includes a pole portion, a head portion, and an engaging portion. The conductive plate has a through hole defined therein. An inner face defining the through hole includes a first face and a second face which have different curvatures. A flange protrudes from a circumference of the pole portion adjacent to the engaging portion. The structure of the flange matches the configuration of the through hole. After the flange extends through the through hole from a side of the conductive plate, the flange is rotated an angle and buckled at another opposite side of the conductive plate. The spring is compressed between the head portion and the conductive plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: FOXCONN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIH-PENG LEE
  • Patent number: 8388291
    Abstract: A mat lock pin for releasably holding together overlapping mats has an outer body and a rotor rotatably held within the outer body. The outer body is sized and shaped so as to snugly fit within aligned holes in overlapping mats, and is shaped so as to be non-rotational within the holes. The rotor has a central stem and a foot at each end. When the mat lock pin is in place extending through holes in overlapping mats, the rotor feet are at the outermost surfaces of the mats. Rotation of the rotor brings angled surfaces on the rotor feet to bear against the outermost mat surfaces, generating an axial force forcing the mats together. The axial forces forcing the mats together are carried by the rotor, permitting the outer body to be made of relatively low strength, and low cost, material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Donald Scott Rogers
  • Patent number: 8353652
    Abstract: An anchor assembly (A) for hollow walls comprises an anchor body (400) and a toggle member (231) that is displaceable between a first position wherein the toggle member (231) is substantially aligned with the anchor body (400) such that the anchor assembly (A) can be inserted in the wall (W) via a cutting distal end (325) of the toggle member (231), and a second position wherein the toggle member (231) extends behind the wall (W) at an angle relative to the anchor body (400) which extends through the wall (W). The toggle member (231) is held captive in the first position but is released and then rotated to the second position by a fastener (218) introduced in the anchor body (400). The fastener (218) threadably engages the toggle member (231) thereby drawing the toggle member (231) against a hidden side of the wall (W).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Cobra Fixations Cie Ltee—Cobra Anchors Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Pierre McDuff, Alexandre Pollak, Lang Nguyen, André Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8353397
    Abstract: A fastener system includes a toy product, a support platform, and a plug that engages a keyhole formed into the product. The plug includes a base and a pronged key extending from the base. The support platform includes a through-hole that permits the passage of the key into the packaging. One or more integrally-formed biasing members are located on the base of the plug to draw the key toward the product and create a secure connection. The pronged key may be formed from a plastic material and configured such that it plastically deforms but remains attached to the key when and predetermined force is applied to the key to pull the key from a misaligned position with respect to the key hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J Trapp, Robert Michael Buresch, Donald George Scheffold
  • Patent number: 8328460
    Abstract: A fastener for securing together two sheet like members where a blind fixing is required, and yet possessing high positional accuracy. The fastener comprises a shank with a transverse foot the end of which carries a locating pin adapted to be received into locating holes in the members to be joined. The fastener is assembled by passing the foot through an opening in one of the members positioned so that the locating pin may be inserted into the locating holes. The fastener is secured by tightening a retaining nut and washer on a threaded portion of the shank of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Joseph B. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8313274
    Abstract: A threadless nut including radially inwardly extending translational retention lugs circumferentially spaced apart and positionable behind lugs of a stud when the nut is coupled to the stud, and radially inwardly extending rotational retention lugs circumferentially spaced apart and positioned adjacent to the translational retention lugs, and positionable adjacent to the stud lugs such that the rotational retention lugs are axially overlappable with respect to the stud lugs when the nut is coupled to the stud, wherein the translational and rotational retention lugs define seats to receive the translational retention lugs and define passages circumferentially between the seats to allow passage of the stud lugs, the rotational retention lugs being axially movable with respect to the stud lugs, and rotatably movable with respect to the stud lugs when the rotational retention lugs are axially moved with respect to the stud lugs so as to axially clear the stud lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventor: Larry N. Shue
  • Publication number: 20120251265
    Abstract: A floating captive screw includes a mounting socket having a top orifice, an upper flange extending around the periphery and a bottom mounting portion for bonding to a first metal plate member, a locking screw bolt inserted through the mounting socket for fastening to a second metal plate member to lock the first metal plate member to the second metal plate member and having a shoulder for engaging into the top orifice to temporarily lock the locking screw bolt to the mounting socket, a spring member stopped between the head of the locking screw bolt and the upper flange of the mounting socket to impart an upward pressure to the locking screw bolt, and a cap member affixed to the head of the locking screw bolt and axially slidably coupled to the periphery of the mounting socket and stoppable at the bottom side of the upper flange of the mounting socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Ming-Chung CHIU
  • Patent number: 8277159
    Abstract: A splayable fastening device comprises a fastener engagable element having a screw-threaded element, at least one flexibly springable arm member which is at least in part wrapable about a screw-threaded axis of the screw-threaded element, and a retainer for retaining the said flexibly springable arm member in its wrapped or coiled condition. The retainer is movable relative to the flexibly springable arm member whereby the flexibly springable arm member is unfurlable in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction. A method of fastening to a hollow wall using such a splayable fastening device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: DLP Limited
    Inventor: Robert William Stimpson
  • Patent number: 8262333
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element for the mechanical connection of at least two components, in particular two components of a motor vehicle door, with a bearing collar for bearing against a first component, with a crossbar that has bearing flanks for bearing against a second component and for clamping the latter against the first component in a rotated final assembly position, and with a shaft section, which bears the crossbar, for rotatably passing through corresponding openings in the components. In this case, a means is provided for fastening to the first component in a defined preassembly position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding connecting arrangement comprising at least two components each having an aperture, and a connecting element of this type, with the connecting element being held on the first component in a preassembly position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Bücker, Martin Schlechtriemen, Sebastian Schnetter, Horst Weber, Peter Herzog, Mathias Heppner, Thomas Hülsebusch
  • Patent number: 8221041
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement includes a locking part having a head plate and a foot shaft configured with catch noses, bearing tenons, and spring webs having catch noses and web wings. The receiving element includes a profiled surface and an edge wall including inwardly convex portions and outwardly concave portions. When the locking part is in a mounted position, the bearing tenons are disposed in first depressions while the spring webs are in a rear engagement position in which the catch noses engage behind an element. When the locking part is in a demounted position, the bearing tenons are disposed in second depressions and the spring webs are in a released position in which they are out of engagement with the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventor: Ingo Hauser
  • Patent number: 8177467
    Abstract: A fastening device having a fastening element includes a plug-in region and a contact area at a distance therefrom, and a shaft between the plug-in region and the contact area. The plug-in region is axially pressable through a through opening in a wall area in a plugged position of the fastening element, until the contact surface, or an intermediate part situated in between, presses against the wall area from one side and the shaft is radially centered in the through opening. The fastening element is connected to another component. The fastening element is located in its installed position after the fastening element is in its plugged position through the through opening and is then rotated around an axis of its shaft into an installed position delimited by a stop, in which at least one radial projection of the plug-in region engages behind an edge area of the through opening to fix the fastening element in the installed position and thus prevent axial displacement of the shaft out of the through opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignees: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Angela Zoeller, Frank Eckstein, Albert Sbongk