Retainer Ring Patents (Class 411/353)
  • Publication number: 20090136318
    Abstract: A fastener assembly (1) includes a screw (2) and a bush (3). The screw (2) includes a head (4), a shank portion (6) and a threaded portion (7) including a thread (8). The shank portion (6) is arranged to face the head (4) and the threaded portion (7) is arranged to face away from the head (4). The shank portion (6) has a diameter and the thread (8) has an outer diameter, the diameter of the shank portion (6) being smaller than the outer diameter of the thread (8). The bush (3) includes a first narrowing location (10) having a diameter being smaller than the outer diameter of the thread (8). The bush (3) is captively connected to the screw (2) by the first narrowing location (10). The bush (3) includes a second narrowing location (11) including at least one resilient element (15) being designed and arranged to elastically engage the thread (8). The bush (3) includes a slot (17) or a gap (19) being designed and arranged to continuously extend over the bush (3) in an axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: KAMAX-Werke Rudolf Kellermann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gunther HARTMANN
  • Patent number: 7524129
    Abstract: A connector for securing first and second substrates together, comprising: an outer fastener and an inner fastener is disclosed and claimed. The outer fastener comprises a dowel shaped stud. The inner fastener comprises a flange and a pair of clips. The pair of clips includes a first portion and a second portion. The flange is lanced and includes a punched out portion. The stud interengages the flange and the second portion of the pair of clips urges the clips away from each other and away from the stud. The outer fastener is pressed into the first substrate and the second portion of the clips is pressed into the second substrate. The second portion of the clips include a turned back portion and the turned back portion of the clip grip the second substrate preventing removal of the inner fastener from the second substrate. The connector is tolerant of the misalignment of the inner and outer fasteners and the bores in which the fasteners reside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Stafast Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Selle
  • Publication number: 20090022566
    Abstract: A mounting unit (1) serves to rotatably and captively fasten a screw (2) to a mounting part (3), especially the fastening eyelet (4) of a belt buckle of an automobile, a truck or a different commercial vehicle. The mounting unit (1) includes a screw (2) including a head (5), a shank portion (6) and a threaded portion (7) including a thread (8), the shank portion (6) being arranged in a region between the head (2) and the threaded portion (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Sylvain CHRETIEN, Andreas MOHR, Karl-Eduard LUTZ, Stephane GOMBERT, Nicolas CIRASARO
  • Patent number: 7462008
    Abstract: A captive structural fastener includes an integral hold-out feature. The fastener includes a stud assembly including a stud, a retaining ring including two oppositely disposed tabs protruding toward the center of the retaining ring, a first sleeve that is mainly engageable with a second sleeve, the second sleeve including an inwardly disposed channel for receiving the retaining ring; and a receptacle assembly, the receptacle assembly including a bracket constructed and arranged to be secured to a panel, an internally threaded nut, a retaining clamp for securing the nut in the bracket, and a grommet assembly having a bore for receiving the stud therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Pilgrim Screw Corporation
    Inventor: Gerard E. Attanasio
  • Publication number: 20080166202
    Abstract: A conical nut comprising a body (10) having a cylindrical portion (121), a threaded bore surface (13) and a flange (11) extending normally from the cylindrical portion, a biasing member comprising a disc spring (30), a conical seat (450) having a tapered surface (451), the conical seat coaxially engagable with the cylindrical portion, the biasing member disposed between the flange and the conical seat, and a flared rim (120) engaged with the conical seat (450) to prevent disengagement of the conical seat from the cylindrical portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: William L. Dunlap, Daniel W. Bard
  • Patent number: 7377735
    Abstract: A retaining ring for use with a fastener is disclosed. The retaining ring comprises a plurality of substantially t-shaped internal tabs that oppose one another and are about twice as thick as the exterior of the ring. The ring is installed onto a fastener having at least two longitudinally-oriented slots by locating a tab into one of the slots and snapping another tab into another slot, thereby momentarily elongating during installation. The tabs substantially reduce the possibility of accidental removal of the retaining ring. In addition, resistance and damage to the internal tabs of the retaining ring is substantially reduced when the retaining ring slides axially in the longitudinal slots of the fastener. Since only the longitudinally-oriented slots are required for installation, the axially-oriented entry slots and cross-over slots of some fastener embodiments can be eliminated, thereby significantly reducing fastener cost and manufacturing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Alcoa Global Fasteners, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Cosenza, Luke L. Haylock
  • Publication number: 20080085170
    Abstract: A locking assembly used for fixing an object to a frame is provided. In the locking assembly, a gasket and an elastic component are fit on a connector, and the gasket and the frame have a corresponding retaining mechanism. After the locking assembly passes through the frame and the object, the locking assembly is prevented from slipping and loosening by the retaining mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chun-Ying Yang
  • Patent number: 7347189
    Abstract: The following describes an apparatus for and method of clamping a device, such as a fuel injector, to a platform, such as a cylinder head, and thereafter removing the device from the platform together with the clamp. A retaining sleeve is deformed such that the retaining sleeve is held in place between the clamp and a ledge on a fastener disposed within the clamp. The retaining sleeve secures the fastener to the clamp during removal of the fastener, thereby providing that the clamp assembly and the device, such as a fuel injector, are removed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony M. Anello, Daniel W. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7290971
    Abstract: A shippable in-assembly bolt having a head portion, a threaded portion containing threads and a gripper portion, wherein the gripper portion preferably comprises a grooved structure and an o-ring. The o-ring is intended to sit between the inner wall of a clearance hole in an assembly/subassembly and the grooved structure of the gripper portion. When the o-ring is in position between the inner wall of the clearance hole and the grooved structure of the gripper portion, the o-ring is in both compression and tension and acts to retain the bolt in the assembly during shipping operations. The invention can be used with any type of mechanical fastener, such as bolts, screws, pins, rivets, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Okabe Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter L. Bakos
  • Patent number: 7278809
    Abstract: A telescopic captive fastener has a knob, a ferrule, a spring, and at least one sleeve. The sleeve extends telescopically between the ferrule and the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas V. Aukzemas, Edward A. McCormack
  • Patent number: 7244085
    Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a grommet having an enlarged bulbous body and a cylindrical extension projecting therefrom, the projection and body defining axially aligned openings therethrough. The cylindrical projection is configured to retain a washer on the outside thereof and a fastener on the inside thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Dobson, Robert K. Dutzi, Jason K. Trotter
  • Patent number: 7241096
    Abstract: A captive screw for use in electronic assemblies includes a screw with a shaft having a pair of spaced grooves and a cover captivating the screw and for attaching the captive screw. A knob for rotating the screw can be moved along the shaft between an extended position and a lowered position corresponding to the grooves on the shaft, and releasably locked to the shaft in either position. A lock wafer is used to secure the knob to the shaft. A release button with a large head actuates the lock wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignees: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P., Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly K. Smith, Ismael Rodriguez, Loic J. Cloarec, Daniel T. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7229061
    Abstract: A device for fastening a turbocharger to a base, with a fastening foot (12) which is integrally formed in one piece on a gas outlet casing (10) of the turbocharger and which has long holes (16) spaced from one another and preferably arranged in a star-shaped manner in relation to one another. In order to fasten the turbocharger, sliding shoes (26) are capable of being inserted into the long holes (16) and have continuous orifices, through which can be led fastening elements (30, 30?) capable of being fixed in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: ABB Turbo Systems AG
    Inventors: Josef Bättig, Jean-Yves Werro
  • Patent number: 7210885
    Abstract: A supporting sleeve configured for introduction into a penetration in a component. The hole of the supporting sleeve is penetrated by a fixing pin that is insertable into a carrier so as to fix the component on a carrier. The supporting sleeve includes a closed ring-shaped cross section and a plurality of axially and inwardly extending recesses extending over the entire length of the supporting sleeve and each of the recesses is formed by inwardly bent walls and a base connecting those walls, the walls being generally radially oriented and configured such that when radial pressure is applied to the supporting sleeve upon introduction into the penetration, each recess moves closer to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: EJOT GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wilfried Pinzl
  • Patent number: 7207762
    Abstract: An attachment device for attaching a substrate to a support structure includes a housing having a space defined by facing wall portions. The space captures a rotatable push nut with flexible teeth. The housing is attached to the substrate using a flange positioned opposite one of the wall portions, the substrate being crimped between the flange and the wall portion. The device may be pushed onto a threaded stud to rapidly affix the substrate to the support structure. The push nut may be rotated within the housing to disengage it from the stud and thereby remove the substrate from the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmy E. Teal
  • Patent number: 7204668
    Abstract: A fastener assembly having a bolt having a shaft and a nose portion at its terminal end. A ring is mounted on the bolt. The ring is an elongated piece of resilient material curving from a first end about the bolt shaft, then curving back around to a second end adjacent the first end parallel thereto but spaced therefrom. In this manner the ring resiliently grips the bolt shaft and is adapted to hold the bolt in a hold out position when it is mounted in aligned openings in abutting panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Avibank Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Tam Le
  • Patent number: 7179037
    Abstract: A telescopic captive fastener has a knob, a ferrule, a spring, and at least one sleeve. The sleeve extends telescopically between the ferrule and the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas V. Aukzemas, Edward A. McCormack
  • Patent number: 7179039
    Abstract: Vibration-damping ring insert arrangement includes a vibration-damping ring. A hollow cylinder member includes a first end, a second end, and an inner surface that is connected to an outer surface of the vibration-dampening ring. One of an outwardly extending edge and outwardly extending edge segments is arranged at the second end. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Schwarz Verbindungs-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Schwartz, Bernard Homner
  • Patent number: 7114901
    Abstract: A fastener, for use with a sheet-shaped member, comprises a tubular shank, a plurality of holding pieces extending outward from a first end of the shank, a flange extending outward from a second end of the shank, and a plurality of stud-engagement pawls extending into the interior of the shank. The shank has a length less than that of a stem of a stud fixed to a mounting member with which the fastener is to be engaged. When the stud is fully inserted into the tubular shank, the sheet-shaped member is fastened to the stud and the stud stem protrudes from a surface of the sheet-shaped member. The protruding portion of the stem allows an auxiliary member to be mounted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Toshio Maruyama, Masaaki Yamagata
  • Patent number: 7090061
    Abstract: A snap ring having improved retention characteristics is configured for use inside a cylindrical cavity. The cavity includes a retention device having a retention surface forming an obtuse angle with the cavity wall. As an axial load is applied to the snap ring, it moves along the retention surface, thereby experiencing a reduction in diameter. The snap ring includes a circumferential discontinuity defined by two generally radial planar surfaces, or ring ends. The discontinuity is configured such that the ring ends will abut one another before the snap ring diameter is reduced beyond the retaining diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nelson David Bove, Jeffrey Alan Miller, Larry Francis Traficant, Jay Robert Deller, Thomas Frederick McGill
  • Patent number: 7073997
    Abstract: An assembly includes a piece to be held in a bore and a device in which the piece is inserted for holding the piece in the bore. The device comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a series of fins extending longitudinally of an inner surface of the sleeve and projecting inwardly from the inner surface. The fins are skewed in a same circumferential direction relative to radial planes of the sleeve. The sleeve and the fins are integrally formed of resilient flexible plastic. The flexibility of the fins is such that the fins can be readily deflected when engaged by an inserted piece. The device can be used as part of a combination that includes a body having a bore therein, and can be used in a method of holding a piece in a bore of a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Zdravko Kovac
  • Patent number: 7029219
    Abstract: A device for holding a piece in a bore comprises a cylindrical sleeve constructed to be inserted into the bore and held therein by engagement of its outer surface with an inner surface of the bore, and an annular bead extending circumferentially and inwardly from the inner surface of the sleeve, the bead being disposed to engage an outer surface of a piece inserted into the sleeve. The sleeve and the bead are integrally formed of resilient flexible plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Zdravko Kovac
  • Patent number: 7029221
    Abstract: A device for holding a piece in a bore comprises a cylindrical sleeve constructed to be inserted into the bore and held therein by engagement of its outer surface with an inner surface of the bore, and a series of fins extending longitudinally of an inner surface of the sleeve and projecting inwardly from the inner surface of the sleeve, the fins being spaced from each other circumferentially of the sleeve with tips disposed to engage an outer surface of a piece inserted into the sleeve. The sleeve and the fins are integrally formed of resilient flexible plastic, and the fins are skewed in a same circumferential direction relative to radial planes of the sleeve. The flexibility of the fins is such that the fins can be readily deflected when engaged by an inserted piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Zdravko Kovac
  • Patent number: 7021876
    Abstract: A simplified captive panel fastener including a head, shank, a threaded outer end, and a centrally threaded opening at the outer end. Longitudinal slots extend along the outer end of the fastener to receive a retention washer with inwardly extending prongs. The method of mounting the fastener to its desired location and locking a retention washer and fastener in place is easily performed by employing a tool which disposes the threaded mating part, for example, a screw or bolt, into the central threaded opening of the outer end of the fastener. The head of the screw or bolt has radial extent sufficient to block the slots and prevent loss of the retention washer. Only a common screwdriver is used to mount the retention screw or bolt in the end of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Bulent Gulistan
  • Patent number: 6955512
    Abstract: A mounting device for securing an electronic device to an equipment rack includes a mounting member and a securing device mounted on an end of the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Allen, Kelly K. Smith, George D. Megason
  • Patent number: 6951078
    Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas M. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 6872040
    Abstract: A fastener (1) includes a screw (2) and a supporting element (3). The screw (2) includes a head (4), a shank (8) and a threaded portion (12). The threaded portion (12) is located on the shank (8). The threaded portion (12) includes a thread having an outer diameter (14). The threaded portion (12) includes a thread runout (25) facing the head (4) of the screw (2). The shank (8) includes a shank portion (10) having a diameter (11) which is smaller than the outer diameter (14) of the thread. The supporting element (3) is captively connected to the screw (2), and it includes at least one narrow location (27). The narrow location (27) has a diameter (28) which is smaller than the outer diameter (14) of the thread. The narrow location (27) includes at least one surface element (30, 35) facing the thread runout (25) and forming an enveloping cone (31) enveloping the thread runout (25) to prevent the supporting element (3) from getting clamped at the thread runout (25) of the screw (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: KAMAX-Werke Rudolf Kellermann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Deeg, Gerhard Freidhof, Jürgen Hohl
  • Patent number: 6866456
    Abstract: A two-piece fastening system utilizes separate parts, a nut and a retainer, which are securely united from opposite sides of the captivating element such as a sheet or panel. The nut body which has an axial threaded bore includes an integral collar located on one side of the nut having an outside diameter less than the outside diameter of the nut body. A tubular shank unitary with the nut body extends coaxially from the collar, the outside diameter of the shank being less than the outside diameter of the collar. The shank includes an expandable portion near its end which is deformable to provide attachment to the second part, a retainer, which has a bore that receives the expandable portion of the shank. The retainer bore includes an inside wall against which the expandable portion of the shank is forced to achieve attachment of the parts. The width of the retainer is preferably greater than the length of the shank so that once attached, the end of the shank is below the endface of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: PEM Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian G. Bentrim
  • Patent number: 6860689
    Abstract: A fastening assembly is provided. The fastening assembly includes provision for a stud to be positioned in a plurality of predetermined extended positions, minimizing the amount of clearance required for removing a cover from a substructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Pilgrim Screw Corporation
    Inventor: Gerard E. Attanasio
  • Patent number: 6860673
    Abstract: The arrangement has an axial securing element for fixing to the rotor shaft to enclose it at least over a tangential partial region, especially in the form of a spreader ring for fitting onto the rotor shaft, and a spring element pressing axially elastically against the stator part for axial play compensation as part of the securing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Klaus Zaps
  • Publication number: 20040240962
    Abstract: A captive screw includes a knob, a screw component, a connection component and a spring component. The knob has a first hollow section and a second hollow section, and a convex portion is formed in an inner surface of the second hollow section. The screw component has a head portion and a thread portion. The head portion is fusion-welded in the first hollow section, and the thread portion is provided through the second hollow section and protrudes from the second hollow section. One end of the connection component has a sticking portion and a recess portion with an opening toward the head portion of the screw component. The sticking portion includes a wedging bevel. Therefore, when being stuck into the second hollow section, the sticking portion is wedged with the convex portion of the second hollow section. The thread portion is further thrown through the spring component and connection component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Wen-I Teng, Kuo-Chang Yuan
  • Patent number: 6814530
    Abstract: A two-piece panel fastener includes a barrel-shaped metal retainer which holds a screw. The screw includes a threaded shaft and a plastic cap which has longitudinally-extending resilient fingers which engage the outer surface of the retainer to captivate the screw. The retainer has a chamfered top flange along its top edge, a circumferential bulge area around its outer surface approximately in the middle of its length, and a base at the bottom. Two circumferential valley regions of reduced diameter are located along the outer surface of the retainer. The first valley region is located between the chamfered top flange and the bulge area and the second is located between the bulge area and the base. When the fingers occupy either of the valley regions, the screw is captively held at either of two stable positions of retraction or extension. The retainer is preferably rigidly affixed to a circuit board by soldering a base flange at the bottom of the retainer to the top surface of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: PEM Management, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Franco, William P. McDonough
  • Patent number: 6811349
    Abstract: A retaining ring apparatus includes a C-ring and a groove within a shaft. The shaft groove has a tapered edge at one side thereof and the C-ring has at least one tapered surface, which is disposed in mating relationship with the tapered surface of the groove. The retaining ring apparatus is disposed within a larger structure, which has at least one mechanism for applying an axial force to the retaining ring to ensure the mating of the tapered surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Derril A. Loe, Teodor Mostior
  • Publication number: 20040165966
    Abstract: A telescopic captive fastener has a knob, a ferrule, a spring, and at least one sleeve. The sleeve extends telescopically between the ferrule and the knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas V. Aukzemas, Edward A. McCormack
  • Patent number: 6779957
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bolt for integrally fastening a first member and a second member, which are spaced away to each other, the bolt comprising a cylindrical-shaped collar bolt provided on a portion of an outer peripheral surface thereof with an external thread portion and on an inner peripheral surface thereof with an internal thread portion; and a bolt body having in an area of one end of a shank an external thread portion capable of threading into the internal thread portion of the collar bolt and a head on the other end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Aoyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junzo Ozawa, Hiromichi Mizuno, Shuji Ito, Masafumi Takahashi, Kenji Inagaki, Masahito Yabuoshi
  • Patent number: 6773214
    Abstract: Snap rings positioned in grooves on shaft members and the like for retaining component members on the shaft members. Retention members, such as retaining rings with counterbores, are positioned over the snap rings and prevent the snap rings from expanding outwardly and being released from the grooves. The retention members are installed such that axial loads force the retention members against the snap rings. The snap rings are preferably spiral snap rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thaddeus M. Jakubowski, Jr., Cory G. Keller
  • Patent number: 6769851
    Abstract: A captive fastener retention member includes a cylindrical body having a flange at one end thereof. Work piece retention members project outwardly of the body for securing the retention member in a bore of a work piece. A dimple projects inwardly in the retention member to hold a fastener. The flange on the retention member rests against a work piece, and is shaped to inhibit scratching or gouging of the work piece surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Henna Agha, Frank Bondarowicz, Glenn G. Heavens, Amy L. Williams
  • Patent number: 6761521
    Abstract: A captive screw including a screw and a ferrule is disclosed. One end of the ferrule is adapted for engagement to a hole in a panel to be secured by the captive screw. The screw has an annular flange that is captured within the bore of the ferrule. The screw has a shaft with a threaded portion. The threaded portion of the screw shaft can be made to extend from the ferrule to varying amounts as the screw is moved relative to the ferrule between extended and retracted positions. An optional spring may be provided in the ferrule to bias the screw toward the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. McCormack, Thomas J. Ellis, Danin Sewalt, Harry L. Dickerson, Michael Menta, Kyle Sareyka, Richard Lewis, Thomas Aukzemas, James Wanstall
  • Patent number: 6758529
    Abstract: An elongate water spray nozzle (8) for use with mining equipment, comprises a cylindrical body member (9) having a leading end (10) and a trailing end (11), with a circumferential groove (12) provided in the body member (9) towards the trailing end (11), the groove (12) housing firstly an inner, resiliently deformable ‘O’-ring (13), and secondly an outer, split spring steel latching ring (14), the ‘O’-ring (13) being resiliently operable on the steel ring (14) to bias the steel ring (14) concentrically with the longitudinal axis (15) of the nozzle (8). The invention also includes a pick box (6) provided with nozzles (8). The invention also includes a pick box provided with a nozzle (8), and a rotary cutting head provided with a plurality of such pick boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Minnovation Limited
    Inventor: George Albert Parrott
  • Publication number: 20040109742
    Abstract: A device for holding a piece in a bore comprises a cylindrical sleeve constructed to be inserted into the bore and held therein by engagement of its outer surface with an inner surface of the bore, and an annular bead extending circumferentially and inwardly from the inner surface of the sleeve, the bead being disposed to engage an outer surface of a piece inserted into the sleeve. The sleeve and the bead are integrally formed of resilient flexible plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Zdravko Kovac
  • Patent number: 6722832
    Abstract: An assembly unit includes a component including at least one through hole and at least one screw. The screw is associated with the through hole of the component. The screw is designed and arranged to produce a thread. The screw includes a head and a supporting surface to face the component. The screw includes a shank at least partly including a thread. The screw in the region of the shank and close to the supporting surface includes an annular channel, the diameter of the annular channel being less than the core diameter of the thread of the screw and the effective axial length of the annular channel being more than the axial length of the through hole. The diameter of the through hole of the component is more than the core diameter of the thread of the screw and being less than the outer diameter of the thread of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kamax-Werke Rudolf Kellermann GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Gunther Hartmann, Wolfgang Sommer, Frank Wagner
  • Publication number: 20040062621
    Abstract: A retainer for pre-attaching fasteners within the bore of a structural member, part, or similar item. The retainer includes a cylindrical body having a main axis, an opening into which a fastener may be inserted, and a plurality of solid walls positioned co-axially around the main axis. In one embodiment, the retainer may be made of plastic such as a thermal plastic which is relatively flexible and soft enough not to scratch or damage metal surfaces or protective coatings. Each wall has a top portion and a bottom portion and is separated from at least one of the other plurality of walls by a gap. The retainer also has a first beveled ring located near the top portion of each of the walls, and a second beveled ring located near the bottom portion of each of the walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: J. L. French Automotive Castings, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Honggen Jiang, David S. Hoyte, Kwok-Sang Chui, Charles M. Waldon
  • Publication number: 20040052609
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for connecting a support (2), especially a body part of a motor vehicle, with a panel element, especially a door or wall paneling. Said device comprises a connecting element (1) with an upper part (3) that can be fastened to the panel element and with a lower part (4) that can be linked with the support (2). Between the upper part (3) and the lower part (4) a neck-shaped intermediate section (5) is provided with locking elements (10) and extends through an engaging element (12) that can be inserted in a support opening (7). The intermediate section (5) is enclosed by an intermediate element (15) above the support (2), said intermediate element (15) being lockable with the locking elements (10). A sealing element (20) is disposed between the intermediate element (15) and the engaging element (12) and acts upon the upper side of the support (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 6702503
    Abstract: Attachment device for a component to be attached to a plate, which is three-dimensionally adjustable with respect to the plate. The attachment includes a sleeve which is inserted into an opening of the plate and locked with respect to the plate by means of rotation. A tubular piece with a through hole is screwed into the sleeve into which a screw is inserted with substantial positive allowance for radial adjustability. This screw rests with its head at one end of the tubular piece and supports with its threaded part the component which abuts to the other end of tubular piece which, for axial adjustment, is optionally far screwed in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: EJOT Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KB
    Inventor: Wilfried Pinzl
  • Publication number: 20040042873
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bushing for use with a fastener inside a bore. The bushing has a generally tubular body or wall which is shaped to provide a displaced portion to engage the work piece. The wall may have one or more slits to divide the wall into neighboring body portions to enhance the flexibility of the bushing. An annular perimeter flange extends from the body portion. Protruding ribs may be positioned along the interior of the tubular body adjacent to the perimeter flange extend to engage the fastener. The bushing is formed of a suitable flexible material to allow repeated flexing of the wall of the bushing to facilitate insertion and removal of the bushing from the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Jedediah A. Burmahln
  • Publication number: 20040022600
    Abstract: A device for holding a piece in a bore comprises a cylindrical sleeve constructed to be inserted into the bor and held therein by engagement of its outer surface with an inner surface of the bore, and a series of fins extending longitudinally of an inner surface of the sleeve and projecting inwardly from the inner surface of the sleeve, the fins being spaced from each other circumferentially of the sleeve with tips disposed to engage an outer surface of a piece inserted into the sleeve. The sleeve and the fins are integrally formed of resilient flexible plastic, and the fins are skewed in a same circumferential direction relative to radial planes of the sleeve. The flexibility of the fins is such that the fins can be readily deflected when engaged by an inserted piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Zdravko Kovac
  • Patent number: 6685409
    Abstract: A connecting element includes a screw including a head and a shank. The shank has an end, and it includes a shank portion, a threaded portion and a stop element. The threaded portion has an outer diameter, and it includes a thread runout facing the head. The thread runout has an axial extension and a circumference. The shank portion has a diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the threaded portion. The stop element is produced by removing the thread runout at least over a part of the axial extension and of the circumference of the thread runout in a way that the stop element has a diameter which approximately corresponds to the outer diameter of the threaded portion. The connecting element also includes a supporting element being captively connected to the screw and including a narrowing location having a diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the threaded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Kamax-Werke Rudolf Kellerman GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mario Braun, Wolfgang Sommer
  • Patent number: 6682282
    Abstract: A rack mount panel fastener system which allows thread size to be changed quickly and without tools. A thumbscrew is held in position in a ferrule attached to a server front panel by a removable retainer. The thumbscrew has a knurled head on one end, a threaded section on the end of its shaft and a reduced diameter section intermediate the threaded end and the head. The ferrule has an inner flange through which the retainer may not pass. The retainer is threaded onto and past the threaded section of the shaft to hold the thumbscrew in the ferrule. Thread size may be changed by manually removing the retainer without tools and replacing the thumbscrew and retainer with a new thumbscrew and new retainer having the desired thread size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6679666
    Abstract: A screw capable of simplifying an assembly work and shortening a release hole for causing the screw to abut thereagainst and of clamping a part being clamped with a high sealing property. The screw comprises a temporary holding member 12 provided on a screw shank 1 for temporarily holding the screw on a part being clamped, and the temporary holding member 12 is a molding of plastics formed on an intermediate, outer periphery of the screw shank 1 and comprises elastic blade pieces extending radially and provided on an outer periphery of a short cylinder portion having a female thread portion matching a male thread 8 of the screw shank 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Aoyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromichi Mizuno, Katsuhisa Kato, Muneyuki Onogi, Hiroyasu Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6679712
    Abstract: A fixture for an electrical device includes a pin casing, a spring, a ring block and a pin. A pin casing has a trough formed from a bottom and a round-wall for containing spring and ring block. The round-wall forms at least a flange to limit ring block inside pin casing. The pin has a press portion and a wedge portion. The wedge portion passes through ring block, spring and pin casing so as to combine those together. The press portion is used for pushing the ring block to compress the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Guo-Heng Chang