Abstract: A fastener for holding items to a perforated wall, including fasteners for consumer and commercial uses and in displaying collector items or goods for sale, or for supporting heavy items, or for supporting shelves, platforms, wire frames and similar items on a perforated wall, the item holder having a base member with a fastener insertable into the perforated wall. The fastener has a projection with an axis preferably, but not necessarily, perpendicular to the wall and an axially extending passageway, at least a portion of the projection being displaceable laterally of its axis. An elongated pin, plunger, or cam member is insertable into the passageway in an insertion direction and is effective to displace the projection portion laterally of the projection axis for mounting the item holder to the wall. The locking mechanism may be operated by movement of the pin, plunger, or cam member axially or radially of the fastener. No tools are needed to lock or release the item holder from the perforated wall.

Abstract: A special mounting apparatus is provided to support and locate a piece of equipment, especially a shower mixing valve in a wall cavity between a base wall and an outer facing, the mounting apparatus comprising a support member for securing to the base wall, a carrying plate serving to carry a piece of equipment e.g. fluid valve, and a jacking device for positioning the carrying plate relative to the base wall the device including a plurality of threaded studs attached to the support member and corresponding sleeve-form positioning nuts coupled to the carrying plate and threaded to the studs so as to form a telescopic assemblage therewith, compression springs being present between the nuts and the carrying plate. The mounting apparatus permits by selective adjustment of the nuts selective spacing of the carrying plate from the support member and also comprehensive tilting of the carrying plate relative to the support member to cater for angular irregularities at the base wall.

Abstract: A fixing clip includes a female member and a male member. The female member includes a flange, a barrel and an inner hole bored from the flange through the barrel thereof. The male member is provided with a shank for insertion into the inner hole of the female member. The inner hole of the female member is a blind hole rectangular in cross section and open exclusively at the flange. The blind hole has the opposed inner wall surfaces provided with a pair of engaging projections. The shank of a male member has the leading end of a width smaller than a distance between the engaging projections.

Abstract: A clip for fixing an elastic member having a shaft portion disposed so as to be engaged within a mounting opening of the elastic member; and a fall-preventive plate section disposed integrally with the shaft portion so as to be engaged with a circumferential edge section of the mounting opening of the elastic member when the shaft portion is engaged within the mounting opening of the elastic member.

Abstract: A unit for fastening iron fittings (43) to furniture parts, comprises an expansion plug (11) which axially receives a pin (12) rotatable between an insertion position and an expansion position of the expansion plug. The pin has a radial protrusion (34) designed to imprison an iron fitting between it and an opposing top end of the expansion plug. The radial protrusion defines a flat surface, substantially perpendicular to the axis of the pin, which extends partially over a coupling seat (35) formed in the opposing top end (14) of the expansion plug around the passage (13) for insertion of the pin in the expansion plug, the bottom (36) of the seat forming a surface facing the flat surface of the radial protrusion, the slot (35) having a side wall (38) facing a corresponding side wall (39) of the pin. The seat (35) can thus receive a substantially complementary portion provided on the iron fitting in correspondence with a hole in the latter for the passage of the pin.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping a punch block to a jaw of a punch press assembly where the action of clamping does not disturb the alignment between the punch block and the die. The device includes a pair of cams residing in a stacked relationship with each of the cams having a tapered aperture therethrough. A bolt passes through the tapered apertures of both cams and through a bore in the jaw to engage a threaded orifice in the punch block. Each of the cams has a generally cylindrical cam surface with a flat formed therein. Once the punch block is properly aligned with the die, the bolt is lightly tightened with the flats of the two cams in planar abutment with one another such that the cylindrical axes of the cams are separated by a first distance. The cams are then rotated with the lower one of the cams rolling on the surface of the jaw.

Abstract: A fastening device for a fitting part, such as a hinge part, is provided with a fastening borehole. A bushing or a ring-shaped insertion part can be inserted in the previously drilled borehole and includes a continuous hole in an axial direction. A pin, provided with a head and penetrating the fastening borehole, is pivoted in the continuous hole. The continuous hole is positioned eccentrically in the bushing or in the ring-shaped insertion part. The pin is provided with an eccentric shaft part which protrudes over the hole and on which a clamping part is fastened.

Abstract: There is described a spring-loaded press pin comprising a pin which passes through a guide sleeve and in the process is slidable against a resilient force, and a stud mounted at the upper end of the pin. Radially between the guide sleeve and the stud is provided an axially extending recess which receives a compression spring. In one embodiment, the stud can be latched by raising and turning it in the raised position.

Abstract: A grate attachment fixture is disclosed which rotationally engages a locking bar with the opposed sidewalls of a drainage channel and which thereafter secures a grate to the drainage channel. The grate attachment fixture includes a rotatable connector adapted to adjustably interconnect the locking bar and the grate. The grate attachment fixture also includes a grate securing member affixed to the locking bar. The grate securing member includes a pair of adjustment surfaces including a positive engagement surface for engaging a portion of the connector such that upon rotation of the connector in a first angular direction, the locking bar initially rotates within the trench in the first angular direction until the first locking bar engages the opposed sidewalls. Thereafter, the positive engagement surface cooperates with the connector to apply a tensile force between the grate and the locking bar upon further rotation of the connector.

Abstract: A retaining mechanism of a vertebral fixation rod includes a rod body, a retaining bolt, a U-shaped connection element, and a fastening nut. The retaining bolt is provided at one end thereof with a ring for holding the rod body and at another end thereof with a bolt portion having a rectangular head. The U-shaped connection element is provided at one end thereof with a U-shaped fitting portion dimensioned to fit over the bolt portion of the retaining bolt and is further provided at another end thereof with a connecting portion engageable with a vertebra to be fixed or with a vertebral fixation device. The fastening nut is engaged with the rectangular head of the bolt portion of the retaining bolt. The fastening nut is provided therein with a plurality of bevel slide blocks for causing the retaining bolt to slide along the slide blocks when the fastening nut is rotated, and is further provided with one or more stop elements to engage with the rectangular head of the retaining nut.

Abstract: A pawl assembly is adapted for being mounted in an aperture formed in a door panel for releasably retaining the door against a corresponding frame. The pawl assembly includes as portions thereof a housing which is received within the door panel aperture. The housing is formed having its distal end being conical in shape which allows a mounting nut to be mounted onto the pawl assembly when received in the door panel aperture. A drive member is included which is received within an axial bore formed in the housing and is adapted for rotational movement by an operator. A pawl is secured to the drive member in only one orientation of the pawl in relation to the drive member. The drive member rotation is limited by a protruding member which extends from the housing and into the drive member. The drive member is also included with a flange which is sized at least to completely cover the top of housing which provides a seal for restricting the passage of water, dust and other matter.

Abstract: A hybrid eccentric wedge anchor includes a cylindrical anchor body, an eccentric wedge unit, and cylindrical leading end. The eccentric wedge unit includes a tapered body, a shoulder between the tapered body and the anchor body, and a crescent shaped clip rotatably positioned around the tapered body. The longitudinal axis of the tapered body is different from the longitudinal axis of the anchor body. The shoulder varies in width around the circumference of the anchor body. As the crescent shaped clip rotates around the tapered body, its outer circumference varies from being flush with the outer circumference of the cylindrical anchor body to extending beyond the outer circumference of the cylindrical anchor body.The hybrid eccentric wedge anchor can be configured in many useful anchor forms having the eccentric wedge unit. Examples include, but are not limited to, expansion bolt or drop-in configurations.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement is provided which, in a preferred embodiment, includes a first member having first and second surfaces and an elongated aperture intersecting the first and second surfaces, a second member having a first surface for contacting the first member, and an aperture for registration with the first member aperture. The second member also has a second surface with a ramp generally opposite the first surface, and the second member second surface has two arms. A pin having a midportion with a first surface with a ramp for engagement with the ramp of the second member second surface is also provided. The pin also has projecting from the midportion a lock wing and on a side of the midportion opposite the lock wing a thumb tab. To secure the first and second members together, the pin lock wing is projected through the apertures of the first and second members, and an angular relocation of the pin causes the lock wing to secure itself against the first surface of the first member.

Abstract: A fastening device comprises a hollow box-shaped container-guide (12) inside which a shaft-like fastening member is rotatably received. The fastening member is provided with at least one projecting, eccentric tongue (24), which is inclined with respect to the axis (a) of the shaft, or is preferably shaped according to a section of a helicoid. The fastening member is rotatable between a position in which the locking tongue (24) is contained inside the hollow container (12) and a position in which it projects from it to grip into the walls of a hole which receives the container, or against the wall of a panel. A head (22) of the fastening member (14) can be maneuvered from the outside and has two abutments which collaborate with abutments integral with a head (18) of the container in order to define the completely retracted position of the tongue or tongues and the completely extracted position of the same. The container can be realized in various forms.

Abstract: A twist lock for attaching a plastic shell of a thermal probe to a structural member such as a plastic intake manifold of an internal combustion engine in a socket in the structural member. The twist lock includes hooks on the plastic shell which traverse an annular shoulder at the bottom of the socket through notches in the shoulder when the shell is inserted in the socket and which are captured by the shoulder when the shell is rotated in the socket from an unlocked position to a locked position. The twist lock further includes a lug on the shell cooperating with a cam edge on a resilient lip around an open end of the socket to afford tactile representation of the progress of the shell toward and achievement of the locked position and to prevent reverse rotation of the shell from the locked position.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for attaching a truck bed liner to a truck body, is described, which includes a support member, having a face plate and a trough-shaped wall, for supporting a linearly movable clamp member. The clamp member can be rotated within the trough, in order to swing a clamp arm upwardly to a generally vertical position, aligned with a downward lip, on a truck rail. A manual screw extends within the trough into a threaded hole in the clamp member, such that the screw can be rotated, to rotate the clamp arm, and then move it linearly along the trough, and into clamping engagement with the rail lip. The fastener assembly is a self-contained unitary structure, that can be installed through a circular opening in the bed liner side wall, after the liner is placed in position within the truck bed.

Abstract: A fastening element for a member provided with a fastening bore, preferably for a hinge member, consists of a dowel-shaped sleeve insertable in a pre-drilled hold, in the through hole of which a pin provided with a head can be locked by about a quarter turn. To achieve a fast and easy assembly, the sleeve consisting of elastic material is provided in the vicinity of its tubular shank with a least one longitudinally extending slot. In the slotted portion the hole has a longitudinal cross-section. The shank of the pin has at least one section with a diameter approximately corresponding to the cross-section of the hole, which on its opposing narrower sides is provided with peripherally extending thread-like cutting webs.

Abstract: A rotatable fastener for attaching trim strips to vehicle window assemblies and other vehicular trim supports includes a pair of trim engaging flanges at one end of a central shaft and a retaining head at the other end. The flanges are beveled to engage the edges of a trim strip slot upon one-quarter turn rotation after insertion through an aperture in the window assembly or trim support. The retaining head includes recesses for engaging projections on the window assembly or trim support after rotation to resist removal. The flanges are preferably offset and the aperture shaped to receive the offset flanges and central shaft to resist fastener movement in the aperture and slot. Alternately, the fastener may include a planar head while the flanges may each include a flexible portion and slot for reducing the width of the flanges upon insertion.

Abstract: A mounting means for mounting a first member to a second member includes at least one fixed engaging member disposed on the first member to engage one of a plurality of engaging surfaces on the second member. At least one movable engaging member is disposed to engage another of the second member engaging surfaces. The movable engaging member is positioned on the first member and is operable between a disengaged and engaged positions whereby the movable engaging member positions both of the engaging members into engagement in the operable position and disengagement in the inoperable position.

Abstract: Two plates are connected to each other through brackets and fixing pins. The bracket includes a base disc portion, a semi-cylindrical wall portion and a pair of projections. The wall portion is perpendicular to the base disc portion. The projections radially outwardly extend from diametrically opposed portions of the wall portion. One of the two plates has an opening. The opening has concentrically connected smaller and larger circular portions and a pair of notches. The notches are positioned at diametrically opposed portions of the smaller circular portion and have the same thickness as that of the smaller circular portion. The smaller and larger circular portions and the notches are so sized as to receive the semi-cylindrical wall portion, the base disc portion and the projections, respectively. The thickness of the smaller circular portion is the same as the distance between the projection and the base disc portion. The thickness of the larger circular portion is the same as that of the base disc portion.

Abstract: An inexpensive light weight system for attaching, supporting and suspending an item on or from a host surface without the need for tools to secure said item. The system comprises: (1) a base member attached to a host surface, the base member having a means for receiving a removable spacer member; (2) the spacer member having a first end for manually securing to the base and a second end opposite the first end which is provided with a means for receiving a coupling means, the spacer member being capable of damping vibrational energy originating with the host surface; and (3) the coupling means for manually attaching the item to the second end of the spacer member.

Abstract: A panel for assembly for closing off an irregularly configured hole in a panel. The assembly has a housing with a head at one end and a shaft at the other end extending through the hole with a plunger mounted in the housing. A spring biased plate configured to the hole is mounted on the outside of said housing. The plate is fixed to the plunger so that it moves when the plunger is moved. The plunger is indexed to the housing so that it can move first in an vertical direction to a position where the plate is spaced from the head of the housing, then be rotated to a position whereby the plate also rotates with respect to the housing. In this manner, the plate can move first from the hole in the panel to a position away from the hole in the panel.

Abstract: Fastening element (5) secured against rotation for a structural part (4) to be removably attached to a supporting arrangement (1), which has a screw bolt (7) and a locking nut (10) to be tightened on the front side of the structural part (4). The screw bolt (7) is situated rotatably and longitudinally movably in an adaptor sleeve (6) which has a shaft part (6.1), which engages with little play in corresponding openings of the supporting arrangement (1) and of the structural part (4). The screw bolt (7) has at its inner end a hammer head (8), the cross-sectional shape of which is adjusted to that of the shaft part (6.1) of the adaptor sleeve (6) and which can be brought from an insertion position into a locking position swivelled through approximately 90.degree. to it. The structural part to be attached to the supporting arrangement (1) is forcibly held in position by means of penetration openings of equal area which are matched to the cross-sectional shape of the shaft part (6.1) of the adaptor sleeve (6).

Abstract: A push button type fastener for releasably joining together two panels. A stud assembly is snap-fit to one panel, and a mating socket is snap fit to the other panel. The stud assembly and the socket are releasably secured to each other merely by pushing a stud of the stud assembly toward the socket, which includes two resilient arms that move apart to receive and lock onto a thin wall portion at the stud's remote end. The stud assembly is released from the socket by rotating the stud such that the thin wall portion spreads apart the two resilient arms of the socket, to allow a spring to urge the stud out of it engagement with the socket.

Abstract: A fastener is provided for securing a first panel-like member to a second panel-like member by securing, in a state with a fastener temporarily secured to the first panel-like member, an elastic fastening portion of the fastener projecting from the first panel-like member toward the second panel-like member. It includes a first flanged portion having long and short sides, a second flanged portion having long and short sides, projecting from the center of the first flange and spaced apart from the first flange by means of a distance corresponding to the thickness of the first panel-like member, an elastic fastening portion projecting from the top of the second flange, and an elastic portion projecting from the second flange toward the first flange and engaged within a hole of the first panel-like member. The long side of the first flange is longer than the long side of the second flange. The short side of the first flange is longer than the short side of the second flange.

Abstract: A lockable latch comprises an outer cylinder part and an inner part mounted coaxially within the cylinder for movement between first and second position which lock and unlock the latch. One of the outer and inner parts includes a resilient tongue forming part of the radial wall surface thereof, the tongue having a latching projection formed thereon. The other of the parts has a gate opening in the radial wall surface thereof, the tongue and the gate opening being in register to unlock the latch, and out of register to lock the latch. The two parts may each be unitarily molded in plastic material.

Abstract: A slip lock pin and cap for fastening two or more objects together includes a pin having a body and insertable into aligned openings in the objects. The pin body has protruding locking ears on its ends which engage shoulders in the openings upon rotation of the pin through 90.degree. after insertion into the openings. A cap is then placed over each end of the pin body. The caps have protruding portions which extend into the openings on opposite sides of the pin body and prevent rotation of the locking ears to a position disengaged from the shoulders. The caps have a lip around an opening into which the pin ends extend, and the lip engages a groove in the pin to retain the cap on the pin. A thin walled section of the cap is movable into a recess in the pin end to help rotate the lip out of the groove and release the cap from the pin.

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.

Abstract: A fastener for plates includes a leg portion for engaging with a first mounting plate, a flange portion integrally secured to the leg portion, a head portion projecting from the flange portion for holding a second mounting plate between the flange portion and the head portion, a cut-away portion formed by cutting away part of the head portion from its outer periphery towards its axis for allowing the head portion to be inserted into a mounting hole of a second mounting plate by a rotating action, and a resilient portion for pressing against the inner periphery of the mounting hole of the second mounting plate which is secured by the flange portion.

Abstract: Through bolt connection for unilaterally accessible locations. The through bolt has a cylindrical head disposed eccentrically to the centerline of the bolt by a measure e, and a sleeve disposed likewise eccentrically to the sleeve centerline by a distance e. The bolt is received in the sleeve and together they are thrust into the through hole in the parts to be fastened. Head and sleeve are of the same diameter, so that they can be inserted together head-first in the through hole in one single position relative to each other. After the bolt head is located outside the through holes, the bolt is rotated through an angle of 180.degree. to the other side so that now, owing to the eccentricity, the head catches over the edge of the through hole and its bearing surface is in contact with the surface on the inaccessible side. In this position, a nut with washer may be screwed on and tightened with the sleeve performing the function of a locating pin.

Abstract: A bumper assembly is provided employing a fastener device which is received in a slotted opening formed in a sheet or plate. The fastener device is constructed such that an elongated flange is inserted through the slotted opening, and the fastener may be rotated through one quarter turn at which point it reaches a stop position and is locked in position. Upon reversal of rotation of the fastener through one quarter turn the rotation reaches a stop position at which point the fastener is easily removed from the slotted opening.

Abstract: A fastener snaps through aligned apertures in two work pieces. The shape of the aperture in the first work piece is such that the fastener cannot be withdrawn from it. However, the aperture in the second work piece is so shaped that the fastener can be rotated for removal of the fastener from the second work piece. The work pieces thereby can be separated, but the fastener remains in substantially permanent association with the first work piece for reuse of the work piece and the fastener.

Abstract: A reusable anchor is disclosed for securing a supporting base plate in place along the surface of a substrate to be drilled. The anchor comprises an anchor body having a first body portion engageable to the base plate and a second body portion extendable into the substrate to be drilled. The second body portion comprises first and second cylindrical sections. The first cylindrical section is disposed in axial alignment with the first body portion and the second cylindrical section is formed to vary between a first postion in axial alignment with respect to the first body portion and a second position eccentric with respect to said first body portion. The first and second cylindrical sections are adapted to cooperatiely engage the substrate when the second cylindrical section is disposed in the second position to maintain the anchor body in place with respect to the substrate.

Abstract: A disc brake for use in automotive vehicles is disclosed including a hydraulic brake actuating and a mechanical brake actuating device comprising a thrust member for axially operating a hydraulic piston in response to manual rotation of an actuating shaft in a bore in the brake housing. The shaft is axially retained in the bore by an eccentrically positioned recess in the shaft and projection on the bore extending over only a portion of the shaft circumference and bore. The recess defines radial boundaries for engaging the projection to prevent axial movement and the eccentric relationship causes axial movement of the thrust member for operation of the brake piston.

Abstract: An industrial quarter-turn fastener assembly comprises a sheet metal turn member having a turn head, a shank portion and a nose portion; a cap member through which the shank portion extends; and a helical coil spring. In one embodiment the fastener assembly is a blind fastener which is tilted to pass through a hole in a first panel which hole is smaller than the width of the nose portion and in another embodiment the shank portion is held to the first panel by a locking ring. To secure a second panel to the first panel, the nose portion is pushed through a slot hole in the second panel and the fastener turn head is rotated a quarter turn.

Abstract: The fastener is in a single piece and adapted to achieve the blind assembly and fixing of sumperimposed elements (A, B) provided with openings (C, D) which have a substantially square-shaped common part in which the fastener is engaged so as to fix together the element (A, B) after rotation of the fastener. For this purpose, it comprises a head (1) so shaped as to pass through the common part and connected to a rectangular-sided stem (3) so as to define two shoulders (4). This stem (3) is enlarged at one end in the form of a foot adapted to cooperate with the shoulders (4) by means of wings (6) of the foot to trap therebetween the elements (A, B).

Abstract: Disclosed here is a fastener made of synthetic resin or the like for removably fixing a plurality of plate-like members, said fastener comprising a female member and a male member, said female member comprising a base plate formed with a hole into which a shaft portion of said male member is inserted, a stopper of substantially W-shape in section provided with a pair of leg portions extending from a lower surface of said base plate along an edge portion of said hole and a link portion of substantially inversed U-shape in section for connecting said leg portions, and a pair of engagement projections inwardly projecting from an inner periphery of said hole; said male member comprising a head portion, a shaft portion provided with a neck portion downwardly extending from said head portion and a flat portion downwardly extending from said neck portion and adapted to be inserted into said hole, said flat portion being provided with a pair of stop projections and shoulders adapted to be engaged with said engagement

Abstract: A sensing mechanism has a retainer ring which is secured in an aperture formed in a housing in which the sensor is to operate. The retainer ring has a plurality of tabs which cooperate with axial and circumferential slots on the sensor to permit removal and replacement of the sensor without the need for adjustment. On original installation of the sensing mechanism, the retainer ring is positioned in the housing aperture by radially extending tines cooperating with the aperture. A resilient member permits the mechanism to be installed to a depth deeper than the operating depth. The resilient member urges the sensor axially, as permitted by a gap between the retainer ring and the circumferential slots, to achieve the proper operating depth.

Abstract: A hanger assembly for securing insulation or refractory linings to walls includes a circular stud which includes a flattened locking section of relatively short axial extent forming laterally projecting lugs, a somewhat less flattened anti-rotation section of substantial axial extent inwardly adjacent the locking section, and an unflattened or rotation section of short axial extent inwardly adjacent the anti-rotation section, whereby a quarter-turn retaining washer may be positioned over the stud to the rotation section, rotated a quarter turn and then moved outwardly along the anti-rotation section to engage and lock against the underside of the locking section.

Abstract: A fastener has a receptacle (1) and a stud (10), the receptacle (1) having a pair of clip-like legs (6) the ends of which engage in grooves (16) in the shank of the stud (10). Each of the legs (6) has a plurality of formations (8) on its inner surface, the formations being shaped so as to engage the wedge-shaped lead-in portion (14) of the stud as it is inserted into the receptacle so as to rotate the stud into a position in which the legs (6) of the receptacle must engage in opposed grooves (16) on the shank of the stud.

Abstract: The toy construction set includes a plurality of blocks and at least one base plate. Each of the blocks has one or more axially shiftable and rotatable coupling cams mounted therein which can be projected from the bottom of the block to effect vertical attachment with another block or with the base plate, using a suitable hand tool to do so. The preferred base plate contains a number of appropriately located coupling cams so that it can be attached either above or below a number of blocks.

Abstract: The device for fixing an object by screwing to a section having two flanges directed substantially towards one another and defining therebetween a longitudinal opening comprises an elongated plate provided with one of the threaded portions and rotatable in a plane substantially parallel to that of the flanges of the section. In a free position, the longitudinal direction of the plate corresponds substantially to that of the section. In a retained position, the plate is retained under the flanges of the section and immobilized in one at least of the directions of rotation. Resilient means are provided for urging the plate towards the flanges of section in the retained position. The resilient means bear on a wedge intended to be inserted between the external face of the flanges of the section and the object to be fixed. This wedge has a passageway for a connecting rod between the plate and the other screw fixing element.

Abstract: A fastening device comprises a base portion and a key portion, the base portion having a socket opening therein with a radial shoulder. At least an axial portion of the socket opening is in the form of a regular polyhedron, preferably 12 or 16 sided. The key portion has a furcated post, axial portions thereof being generally conformed to at least portions of the polyhedral socket. The post has a radial shoulder which snaps behind the shoulder of the socket to retain the key in position. As the key is rotated the post interferes in a periodic manner with the socket wall, thereby precluding the key from being accidentally turned. The device may suitably be molded from a resilient thermoplastic resin. The device may also comprise an eye within which the key is received, the eye comprising opposed washer like members the one having serrated posts upstanding therefrom, the other openings for receiving the posts therein in locked relationship.

Abstract: A quarter-turn fastener has a bolt having a head and a screw-threaded shank, and a retainer assembly threadably secured to the shank as a tight friction fit thereon. The retainer assembly has a pair of abutments for engagement with the rear of a support, through an aperture in which the retainer assembly locates in use. The retainer assembly includes at least one pair of stops for engagement with the sides of the aperture in the support or a corresponding aperture in a panel in which the fastener is mounted in use, to define the inoperative and operative positions of the retainer assembly. A compression spring is located in use between the retainer assembly and an opposed surface of the panel to retain the retainer assembly in its inoperative position under the action of friction, when the retainer assembly is disengaged from the support.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump having an adjustable feature enabling precise adjustment of the impeller's location.

Abstract: A fastener for detachably fastening first and second workpieces together is disclosed. The first workpiece has a through aperture of predetermined shape. The second workpiece has a through aperture of predetermined shape which includes a first small diameter portion having first opposed edges spaced apart a first predetermined distance and a second annularly displaced portion having second opposed edges spaced apart a second, relatively larger predetermined distance. The fastener comprises a base, a first catch portion integral with and extending outwardly from a first side of the base, a second catch portion integral with and extending outwardly from the base oppositely from the first catch portion, and a twistable stem integral with the base for enabling at least one of the first and second catch portions to be twisted for angularly spacing such catch portion for disengagement of the fastener from the aperture of at least one of the first and second workpieces with which such catch portion is engaged.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a screw-nut mechanism for clamping two work pis together. In one application the mechanism is used to clamp a cover plate over an access opening in a vehicle hull or similar member. The screw-nut mechanism is specially designed for use where one face of the hull or similar fixed work piece is inaccessible for welding or otherwise affixing the nut on the concealed face of the inaccessible work piece. I provide a screw-nut mechanism that avoids the necessity for affixing the nut to the work piece. In my invention the nut is a loose hardware item that can have a thread length proportional to the expected load, thereby avoiding strength problems associated with the formation of threads directly in relatively thin work pieces.

Abstract: Device for securing an element projecting through an opening against axial displacement of the element including an end of the element projecting through the opening being formed with a noncircular cross-section and with a peripheral slot, and a perforated disc mounted on the projecting end and having at least a part thereof formed of material harder than that of the element, the perforated disc having an inner contour corresponding to the cross-section of the projecting end and, after being mounted on the projecting end, being turnable relative to the element to an extent that at least the part thereof formed of the harder material engages in the peripheral slot.

Abstract: A coupling which is readily attachable to a plate, panel or like structure ncludes a rotatable shaft for thrusting a bearing element through a circular hole in the structure when the bearing element and the hole are in concentric relationship. Thereafter, the shaft is rotated by less than a complete revolution to bring the bearing element and the hole into a selected eccentric relationship, and also to activate a locking mechanism to maintain the eccentric relationship. When the bearing element and hole are in the eccentric relationship, a bearing surface of the bearing element abutts the structure to impose substantial force thereupon.

Abstract: Die insert lock screws are formed for threaded engagement within corresponding threaded holes formed in a retainer having a socket within which a die part insert is positioned, with a portion of each of the screw heads normally overlapping the socket and fitted within a groove in the insert. The screw heads each are provided with a circumferentially elongated notch which can be aligned with the adjacent insert surface portion and retaining socket wall portion for disengaging the screw heads from their grooves for thereby unlocking the insert. Each notch is aligned lengthwise, generally perpendicularly to the socket wall so that maximum face to face area contact is provided between the bases of the screw heads and the retainer when the screw heads are tightened against the retainer for locking the insert.