Retainer Ring Patents (Class 411/353)
  • Patent number: 6637993
    Abstract: There is provided a floating nut which opportunity of application can be expanded by increasing the floating amount of the floating nut. The clearance between the spline of an outer circumferential surface of a nut 6 and a spline opening 5b of a retainer 5 is freely set on the condition that the outside diameter df of a flange 6c of the nut 6 and the outside diameter dj of a stop ring 7 are larger than the diameter of a spline opening 5b of the retainer 5. The applications of the floating nut 4 can be extended by determining the clearance between the spline of the outer circumferential surface of the nut 6 and the spline opening 5b of the retainer 5 according to the required floating amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Mineba Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Murakami
  • Patent number: 6634841
    Abstract: A fastener assembly device is disclosed for fastening workpieces together. The device includes an elongate fastener having a first and a second end. The first end of the fastener defines a head and the fastener includes a threaded portion which extends between the second end of the fastener and the head. A shank portion is disposed between the head and the threaded portion and an annular collar is disposed between the head and the second end of the fastener. A washer cooperates with the fastener, the washer defining an aperture for the reception therethrough of the threaded portion of the fastener. The washer includes a plurality of protrusions which extend towards and cooperate with the annular collar. The arrangement is such that when the threaded portion of the fastener extends through the aperture of the washer, the protrusions interact with the collar for holding the fastener and the washer together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn G. Heavens, Albert W. Van Boven
  • Publication number: 20030194293
    Abstract: A captivated fastener assembly is provided along with a technique for captivating a fastener in a workpiece. The assembly includes a fastener having a head, a shank extending from said head that has an upper unthreaded shank portion and a lower threaded shank portion, wherein the diameter of the outer tips of the threads of the lower threaded shank portion exceed the diameter of the upper unthreaded shank portion. The assembly further includes a workpiece having a sleeve with an internal bore with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the fastener shank so that the sleeve can be received over the shank. The sleeve also includes segments that deform inwardly in response to a predetermined compressive force, thereby forming a plurality of deformed segments that protrude inwardly. Thus, the plurality of deformed segments provide an inner diameter that is less than the diameter of the outer tips of the threads of the lower threaded shank portion, thereby holding the fastener captive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: H. Thad Johnson, Michael J. Draper
  • Publication number: 20030194292
    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: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Wolfgang Deeg, Gerhard Freidhof, Jurgen Hohl
  • Publication number: 20030185647
    Abstract: A fastener assembly having an elongated shaft with an exterior surface defining a plurality of open-ended longitudinally-extending splines on one end of the shaft and a second plurality of longitudinally-oriented closed-ended spline circumferentially spaced from the first splines. The assembly includes a substantially triangular retaining ring having an inwardly directed tab is positioned in the middle of each side of the ring. Cross-over slots interconnect the first and second splines and are sized to require the retaining ring tabs to flex to permit transition of the ring tabs between the first splines and the second splines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Frank J. Cosenza
  • Patent number: 6626626
    Abstract: An assembly unit (1) includes a component (2), one ore more screws (3) and bushes (18). The screw (3) includes a shank (5) at least partially including a thread (10), a head (4) being designed and arranged to rotate the screw (3) and a supporting surface (6) facing the component (2). The supporting surface (6) is designed and arranged to directly contact the component (2) after assembly without contacting the bush (18) to transmit an axial force. The component (2) includes a through hole (17) for each screw (3). The bush (18) is associated with the screw (3), and it is designed and arranged to be fixedly connected in the respective through hole (17). The bush (18), the screw (3) and the component (2) are designed and arranged to be locked and aligned in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Kamax-Werke Rudolf Kellermann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunther Hartmann, Wolfgang Sommer, Frank Wagner
  • Patent number: 6623226
    Abstract: An assembly unit includes at least one component and at least one screw including a shank having an outer diameter and at least partially including a thread. The head of the screw is designed and arranged to rotate the screw. A supporting surface of the screw faces the component. The component for each screw includes a through hole having a diameter. At least one bush is associated with the at least one screw, and it is designed and arranged to be insertable into the respective through hole. The bush is made of plastic material, and it is designed and arranged to be fixedly connected in the through hole resulting in elastic deformation of the bush. The inner diameter of the bush is slightly more than the outer diameter of the shank. The supporting surface is designed and arranged to operatively contact the component after assembly without contacting the bush to transmit an axial force. The bush, the screw and the component are designed and arranged to be captively connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Kamax-Werke Rudolf Kellermann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mario Braun, Wolfgang Sommer, Frank Wagner
  • Patent number: 6619898
    Abstract: A fastener assembly having an elongated shaft with an exterior surface defining a plurality of open-ended longitudinaily-extending splines on one end of the shaft and a second plurality of longitudinally-oriented closed-ended spline circumferentially spaced from the first splines. The assembly includes a substantially triangular retaining ring having an inwardly directed tab is positioned in the middle of each side of the ring. Cross-over slots interconnect the first and second splines and are sized to require the retaining ring tabs to flex to permit transition of the ring tabs between the first splines and the second splines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Huck Patents, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Cosenza
  • Patent number: 6615452
    Abstract: The invention concerns a cabinet hinge with an adjusting device that is directly or indirectly on the cabinet side, single or multi-part mounting plate stored hinge arm, that is connected jointed with a door-side stop part, so that the adjusting device has a side adjusting screw by means of which the hinge arm's position perpendicular to the mounting plate can be changed to the door's side adjustment. The side adjusting device has a side adjusting screw with at least one eccentric- or cam disks so that by turning the side adjusting screw, a side adjustment and, at the same time, a parallel shifting of the hinge arm relative to the mounting plate occurs, resulting in a correction of the door's depth adjustment for an amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Grass GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Mueller, Markus Albrecht, Remo Egger, Holger Wenzel, Johannes Haemmerle, Juergen Amann
  • Patent number: 6607149
    Abstract: A fuel injector unit comprises a follower assembly that includes a sleeve having an internal groove that receives a spring clip. The clip is made with a spring ring stock having a diameter less then the width of the groove so that the sleeve may be freely rotated around the retainer clip held in the groove. The retainer clip has linear portions aligned along the flat walls of a follower subassembly that receives a plunger carried by the follower assembly. The flat walls terminate at an expanded shoulder that limits displacement of the retainer clip to a fixed height of the follower assembly for shipping and handling, while permitting controlled axial movement of the follower assembly and the plunger along the aligned flat surfaces of the follower subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Fuel Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Smith, David Eickholt, Michael Weston
  • Patent number: 6585468
    Abstract: A captivated fastener assembly is provided along with a technique for captivating a fastener in a workpiece. The assembly includes a fastener having a head, a shank extending from said head that has an upper unthreaded shank portion and a lower threaded shank portion, wherein the diameter of the outer tips of the threads of the lower threaded shank portion exceed the diameter of the upper unthreaded shank portion. The assembly further includes a workpiece having a sleeve with an internal bore with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the fastener shank so that the sleeve can be received over the shank. The sleeve also includes segments that deform inwardly in response to a predetermined compressive force, thereby forming a plurality of deformed segments that protrude inwardly. Thus, the plurality of deformed segments provide an inner diameter that is less than the diameter of the outer tips of the threads of the lower threaded shank portion, thereby holding the fastener captive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventors: H. Thad Johnson, Michael J. Draper
  • Patent number: 6582171
    Abstract: A fastener system having a fastener and a fastener retention member is provided. The fastener includes a threaded portion, a head, and a shank portion extending therebetween. The threaded portion includes threads having a major diameter greater than a diameter of the shank portion. The fastener retention member includes a body member having an axial opening therethrough, and at least one shank engagement member protruding into the axial opening of the body member. The shank engagement members define a diameter smaller than the major diameter of the threads of the threaded portion of the fastener. The shank portion of the fastener is received in the axial opening of the fastener retention member and is axially movable therein and trapped between a position where the head of the fastener abuts the fastener retention member and a position where the threaded portion of the fastener engages the shank engagement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. Bondarowicz, William G. Stlaske
  • Publication number: 20030108401
    Abstract: A captive fastener system having a fastener and a retention member is provided. The 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 plurality of dimples project inwardly in the retention member, and are narrow in a circumferential direction and elongated in an axial direction of the body. The dimples frictionally engage a shank of the fastener, to hold the fastener in the retention member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Henna Agha, Glenn Heavens
  • Publication number: 20030108402
    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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Henna Agha, Frank Bondarowicz, Glenn G. Heavens, Amy L. Williams
  • Publication number: 20030053885
    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: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Gunther Hartmann, Wolfgang Sommer, Frank Wagner
  • Patent number: 6526789
    Abstract: A hitch pin used for releasably connecting a load carrier frame to a receiving hitch attached to a carrying vehicle for transporting objects such as bicycles on the load carrier. The hitch pin includes a bolt having a head portion opposite a threaded section and a stem integrally formed between the head portion and the threaded section. A sleeve includes a bore, sized to receive the head and the stem of the bolt which is slidably held inside the bore of the sleeve using a transverse pin, secured inside the bore of the sleeve and passing through an elongate slot in the stem of the bolt. When the sleeve is rotated, the transverse pin transmits the rotation to the bolt providing the turning motion used during connecting of the frame to the receiving hitch. The connection may be made in two stages with hand-tightening as the first stage, followed by application of mechanical force, operating from a set screw, through the bolt to intensify the contact between the frame and the receiving hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Edgerly, Neil McDaid
  • Patent number: 6520724
    Abstract: For fastening a flow rectifier and a grid in an air flow rate meter, until now two elements have been used, one for the sake of cushioning and the other for the sake of securing. The novel fastening element combines both functions in one element. The fastening element is embodied in undulating fashion and can be deformed in its radial dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Schaumann, Reiner Schweinfurth
  • Publication number: 20030026674
    Abstract: A retainer assembly for retaining a fastener that includes a shank having a recessed portion therein is disclosed. The retainer assembly includes an inner wall that is inset from and outer wall and is symmetrically positioned about an axis defining a chamber through the retainer body. The chamber includes opposed entrance and exit apertures. The inside wall includes a first inside diameter that extends from the entrance aperture in a direction along the axis and narrowing to a second inside diameter at a slip-over profile, and the inner wall narrowing again to a third inside diameter at an annular ring that extends to the exit aperture. The fastener is inserted through the entrance aperture until the shank engages and then slips over the slip-over profile and through the annular ring so that the recessed portion of the shank is captured within the annular ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Shankar Hegde
  • Publication number: 20020197130
    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: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Junzo Ozawa, Hiromichi Mizuno, Shuji Ito, Masafumi Takahashi, Kenji Inagaki, Masahito Yabuoshi
  • Patent number: 6494654
    Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is 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. The invention includes also the building structure and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas M. Espinosa
  • Publication number: 20020182029
    Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is 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: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas M. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 6488460
    Abstract: A panel insert for use with a structural panel and a fastener having a hold out mechanism. The panel insert comprises a body portion disposed within the structural panel. The body portion includes a first surface, an opposing second surface, and an aperture passing therethrough for receiving the fastener. A recessed portion opening to the second surface is provided to receive the hold out mechanism and secure the fastener to the structural panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Smith, Kendall F. Goodman
  • Patent number: 6478519
    Abstract: A bolt retaining article retains a bolt within a bore of a structure prior to the bolt being threadingly engaged within the bore. The bolt retaining article includes a tubular body having concave sections and convex sections. The concave and convex sections alternate around the tubular body. A number of engaging arms extend outwardly from the exterior surface of the concave sections to secure the bolt retaining article within the bore of the structure. The compressive forces created by the compression of the bolt retainer article when it is inserted into the bore prevent it from falling out. Likewise, the compression of the bolt retaining article around the bolt prevents the bolt from slipping out once inserted into the bolt retaining article. The bolt may slide within the bolt retaining article, but only with the application of an external axial force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Bamal Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond M. Genick, II
  • Publication number: 20020159861
    Abstract: A bolt retaining article retains a bolt within a bore of a structure prior to the bolt being threadingly engaged within the bore. The bolt retaining article includes a tubular body having inner and outer diameters. The tubular body including a plurality of concave sections and a plurality of convex sections. The concave and convex sections alternate around the tubular body. A number of engaging arms extend outwardly from the exterior surface of the tubular body to secure the bolt retaining article within the bore of the structure. A bolt may or may not be in the bolt retaining article when it is inserted into the bore, depending on the manufacturing operation being implemented. The compressive forces created by the compression of the bolt retainer article when it is inserted into the bore prevent it from falling out. Likewise, the compression of the bolt retaining article around the bolt prevents the bolt from slipping out once inserted into the bolt retaining article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Raymond M. Genick
  • Patent number: 6468011
    Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a threaded fastener having an axial shaft. A spring is disposed coaxially around the shaft and is capable of compression and expansion in the longitudinal direction defined by the shaft. First and second stops are disposed along the shaft. The spring is pre-compressed and is disposed between the stops so that its expansion is limited by the stops. One end of the spring is mechanically coupled to a work piece. When the fastener is turned, relative displacement develops between the shaft and the work piece. The displacement causes the spring to further compress as the work piece end of the spring and the second stop move away from one another. The force of the compressed spring is transferred to the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: David W. Mayer
  • Patent number: 6467990
    Abstract: An arrangement for securing a component on a bolt is provided, wherein a shaft of the bolt extends through an opening of the component. A ring is disposed on the shaft, and is secured against axial displacement on a surface of the shaft. The ring has at least one radially extending widened portion that inter-engages an edge of the opening of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventors: Dieter Kremsler, Wolfgang Weissert
  • Patent number: 6468012
    Abstract: A captive screw attachable an upper panel, for attaching the upper panel to a lower surface, the lower surface having a threaded hole, the captive screw having a screw, a ferrule that attaches to the upper panel, a thin-walled, cylindrical hollow knob and protrusions integral to the outer perimeter of the head portion of the screw to rigidly secure the perimeter of the head of the screw to the inner surface of the knob, the protrusions providing a press-fit of the screw to the inner surface of the knob where the screw is pressed into the knob from the underside of the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Ellis, Edward A. McCormack, Harry L. Dickerson
  • Publication number: 20020150443
    Abstract: A captivated fastener assembly is provided along with a technique for captivating a fastener in a workpiece. The assembly includes a fastener having a head, a shank extending from said head that has an upper unthreaded shank portion and a lower threaded shank portion, wherein the diameter of the outer tips of the threads of the lower threaded shank portion exceed the diameter of the upper unthreaded shank portion. The assembly further includes a workpiece having a sleeve with an internal bore with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the fastener shank so that the sleeve can be received over the shank. The sleeve also includes segments that deform inwardly in response to a predetermined compressive force, thereby forming a plurality of deformed segments that protrude inwardly. Thus, the plurality of deformed segments provide an inner diameter that is less than the diameter of the outer tips of the threads of the lower threaded shank portion, thereby holding the fastener captive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: H. Thad Johnson, Michael J. Draper
  • Patent number: 6464438
    Abstract: A captive fastener device is utilized to hold two members together. The device is comprised of a housing which may be securely attached to the first member. Within the housing is a spring which biases a bottom of a first lip of a cup washer. The top of the first lip contacts the top of the housing when the fastener is not engaged. The fastener has a ledge at the bottom of the fastener head which rests on a top surface of a second lip of the cup washer. The bottom surface of the second lip contacts the first member when the fastener has fully engaged the second member to secure the first and second members together. The first lip of the cup washer has a greater diameter than the second lip. The first lip also has a greater diameter than the fastener. When the fastener is not engaged, a top surface of the first lip engages a bottom surface of the top of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Timothy Edward Dowling
  • Patent number: 6461091
    Abstract: A connection element for a bolt including a member for receiving the bolt (2) and including a bore (5) having a tapering region (7) adjoining a bore cylindrical receiving region (4) and tapering in a direction opposite a bolt insertion in direction (A); and a locking member supported in the bore (5) for forcelockingly engaging the bolt (2) and formed as a radially expandable annular member having an inner diameter (w), which is, at least partially, smaller than an outer diameter (d2) of the bolt (2), and an axial length corresponding to an axial length of the cylindrical receiving region (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Armin Herb, Fritz Hermann, Ulrich Birnbaum, Marcus Fohrer, Gordillo Antonio Lopez
  • Patent number: 6457925
    Abstract: A compression limiting assembly minimizes compressive forces of a bolt being used to secure a first work piece to another work piece. The compression limiting assembly includes a longitudinal sleeve that defines a longitudinal axis extending between a first piece engaging end and a bore insertion end. The first piece engaging end includes a flange preventing the bolt from moving therepast. The longitudinal sleeve also includes a retainer portion defining a retainer portion inner diameter. The compression limiting assembly also includes a bolt retainer housed within the retainer portion of the longitudinal sleeve. The bolt retainer is adapted to receive the bolt therethrough to prevent the bolt from falling out of the longitudinal sleeve as the compression limiting assembly is being inserted into the first and second pieces. The bolt retainer defines a bolt retainer outer diameter larger than said retainer portion inner diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Bamal Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond M. Genick, II
  • Patent number: 6439816
    Abstract: A lug nut assembly is provided for securing a wheel rim defining at least one aperture to a wheel hub including at least one threaded stud extending from the wheel hub. The lug nut assembly comprises an elongated sleeve that includes a central bore that defines a longitudinal axis. The elongated sleeve has a secured end rotatably secured to the wheel rim and an opposed distal end extending outwardly from the rim. The sleeve includes at least one wrench engaging surface. A nut, having a central threaded bore that is adapted to matingly engage the threaded stud, is slidably mounted within the sleeve to move coaxially along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. Means are provided for preventing independent rotation of the sleeve relative to the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: James Noland Nance, James A. Snyder, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020106258
    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: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Kellermann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mario Braun, Wolfgang Sommer
  • Publication number: 20020106257
    Abstract: An assembly unit includes at least one component and at least one screw including a shank having an outer diameter and at least partially including a thread. The head of the screw is designed and arranged to rotate the screw. A supporting surface of the screw faces the component. The component for each screw includes a through hole having a diameter. At least one bush is associated with the at least one screw, and it is designed and arranged to be insertable into the respective through hole. The bush is made of plastic material, and it is designed and arranged to be fixedly connected in the through hole resulting in elastic deformation of the bush. The inner diameter of the bush is slightly more than the outer diameter of the shank. The supporting surface is designed and arranged to operatively contact the component after assembly without contacting the bush to transmit an axial force. The bush, the screw and the component are designed and arranged to be captively connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Mario Braun, Wolfgang Sommer, Frank Wagner
  • Publication number: 20020102147
    Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a threaded fastener having an axial shaft. A spring is disposed coaxially around the shaft and is capable of compression and expansion in the longitudinal direction defined by the shaft. First and second stops are disposed along the shaft. The spring is pre-compressed and is disposed between the stops so that its expansion is limited by the stops. One end of the spring is mechanically coupled to a work piece. When the fastener is turned, relative displacement develops between the shaft and the work piece. The displacement causes the spring to further compress as the work piece end of the spring and the second stop move away from one another. The force of the compressed spring is transferred to the work piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: David W. Mayer
  • Publication number: 20020098058
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing threaded connection units with a retaining bush, with high operating safety, comprising, starting from a pair of intermediate components comprising a screw and a bush, the steps of inserting the screw in the bush and then permanently deforming the bush so as to form a circumferentially continuous stroke limiter for the axial sliding of the screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: C.V.B. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Massimo Caldera
  • Patent number: 6409446
    Abstract: Connection arrangement for detachable connection of components with aligned openings, includes a bolt, rotatable around its own axis, having tapered toward a free end, and at least two lateral notches, and retaining spring, including at least two spring-loaded ends, where spring-loaded ends are arranged to hook into lateral notches when first and second components are connected. At least lateral notches of bolt are arranged to project through opening of second component. Vibration-damping ring includes peripheral groove to receive edge of opening of first component and ring opening. Bush is located in ring opening to guide bolt. Movable ring, having outer diameter that is smaller than diameter of opening of first component and that is larger than diameter of opening of second component, is arranged on bolt. When first and second components are connected, movable ring is positioned between lower side of vibration-damping ring and upper side of second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Schwarz Verbindungs-Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20020071739
    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: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: Aoyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromichi Mizuno, Katsuhisa Kato, Muneyuki Onogi, Hiroyasu Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6394724
    Abstract: A panel fastener includes a metallic screw insert with an overmolded plastic cap. The screw insert is preferably manufactured by means of cold forming process which allows fabrication of the internal drive recesses and dog point ends for easy location of the mating threads while providing increased thread strength. The plastic cap is in the form of a knob which has large flutes on its outer diameter for ergonomic finger operation. In addition the knob may have a slot molded into its top to allow screwdriver or coin operation. The metallic insert may also be accessed by a drive through a central cavity in the knob. Assembly of the screw to the ferrule is achieved by passing the screw threads through the ferrule body which includes an internal annular retaining ring. The ring is very narrow and dimensioned to allow the screw to be easily pressed through the annular opening since the ring elastically expands as the thread portion of the screw passes through it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: PEM Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Kelly, Peter A. Vogel, Craig G. Link
  • Publication number: 20020054807
    Abstract: An assembly unit (1) includes a component (2), one ore more screws (3) and bushes (18). The screw (3) includes a shank (5) at least partially including a thread (10), a head (4) being designed and arranged to rotate the screw (3) and a supporting surface (6) facing the component (2). The supporting surface (6) is designed and arranged to directly contact the component (2) after assembly without contacting the bush (18) to transmit an axial force. The component (2) includes a through hole (17) for each screw (3). The bush (18) is associated with the screw (3), and it is designed and arranged to be fixedly connected in the respective through hole (17). The bush (18), the screw (3) and the component (2) are designed and arranged to be locked and aligned in an axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: KAMAX-Werke Rudolf Kellermann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunther Hartmann, Wolfgang Sommer, Frank Wagner
  • Patent number: 6379093
    Abstract: A fastener retention system having a retention member with an opening therein, a flange protruding outwardly from the retention member, a plurality of resilient work piece engagement tabs protruding outwardly from retention member, and a shank disposed in the retention member opening and engaged by a plurality of fastener engagement tabs, whereby the retention member is axially retained about the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. Bondarowicz, Stephen R. Dohm, James D. Jones, Jr., Todd L. Tesky, Glenn G. Heavens
  • Patent number: 6364688
    Abstract: A retainer screw for maintaining a retained device such as a cable connector in a connected condition with a host device is provided with a torque disconnecting mechanism that responds to the axial movement of the retainer screw and disconnects the drive of the screw before the screw bottoms in the receiving nut. Disconnecting the drive not only prevents undue torque from being applied to the screw but also prevents seizure of the screw by the nut, preventing easy removal. Also, the disconnecting mechanism continues to provide connection of the drive torque in an unthreading direction notwithstanding the inability of the screw to be driven in the threading direction. The drive member of the retainer screw is allowed to ratchet relative to the screw to relieve the torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Francis Fraley, II, Brian Joseph Stanczyk
  • Publication number: 20020009350
    Abstract: The invention describes a retaining device (5) for a tubular sleeve (4) on a bolt-design fixing means (2), having a region of smaller external dimensions between the opposing end regions. An internal cross section dimension of the tubular sleeve (4) is larger than an external dimension disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal median axis (17) of the fixing means (2). The retaining element (6) made from an elastically returnable, deformable material, at least in a radial direction. It has a thickness (19), at least in part regions of its circumference, which is greater than the difference between the external dimensions of a threaded region (12) of the fixing means (2) and the internal cross section dimension of the tubular sleeve (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Jurg Radtke
  • Publication number: 20020009351
    Abstract: A fastener system having a fastener and a fastener retention member is provided. The fastener includes a threaded portion, a head, and a shank portion extending therebetween. The threaded portion includes threads having a major diameter greater than a diameter of the shank portion. The fastener retention member includes a body member having an axial opening therethrough, and at least one shank engagement member protruding into the axial opening of the body member. The shank engagement members define a diameter smaller than the major diameter of the threads of the threaded portion of the fastener. The shank portion of the fastener is received in the axial opening of the fastener retention member and is axially movable therein and trapped between a position where the head of the fastener abuts the fastener retention member and a position where the threaded portion of the fastener engages the shank engagement members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Frank A. Bondarowicz, William G. Stlaske
  • Patent number: 6309156
    Abstract: A mounting unit includes a mounting part having an activation side defining an opening leading to a throughbore. A fixing part is insertable into the throughbore is fastenable to the mounting part, the fixing part including: a head which allows a fastening of the fixing part to the mounting part; a shaft adjoining the head on a top end thereof and being insertable with its bottom portion and with radial play into the throughbore; fixing projections disposed at the bottom portion of the shaft and extending beyond a cross section of the shaft in a plane perpendicular to the shaft longitudinal axis, the fixing projections being effective over an entire circumference of the shaft for fastening the fixing part to the mounting part; and an undercutting space disposed between the head and the fixing projections. A holding sleeve is adapted to be fastened to the mounting part and to surround the shaft and the fixing projections with radial play after the fixing part is inserted into the mounting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Richard Bergner GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Wilhelm Schneider
  • Patent number: 6309157
    Abstract: A screw-sleeve element has a screw having a screw shaft and a threaded region formed so that the screw shaft has a smaller diameter than an outer diameter of the threaded region; and a sleeve provided at an inner side with a narrow location having a diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the threaded region of the screw, so that the sleeve is non releasably arranged on the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Elring Klinger AG
    Inventors: Erich Amann, Ralf Baron
  • Patent number: 6309158
    Abstract: A captive panel fastener has a telescopically adjustable two-part sleeve which provides a mechanism whereby the length of the fastener is selectively adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Carl P. Bellinghausen, Patrick M. Povilaitis
  • Patent number: 6305889
    Abstract: A quick-made connection for a stud (2; 22; 52) having a shaped outer profile (3; 23; 53), the connection including a receiving member (4; 24; 32; 42; 59) having a bore (5; 25; 33; 43; 54) in which the stud (2; 22; 52) is received, and at least one locking member arranged in the bore of the receiving member and formlockingly engageable in the shaped outer profile (3; 23; 53) of the stud (2; 22; 52), with the bore (5; 25; 33; 43; 52) having at least one section (9; 29; 34; 44; 55; 56) tapering toward an insertion opening of the bore, with the locking member (10; 30; 36; 46; 57; 58) being formed as a radially elastically expandable ring member preloaded against the wall of the bore and having an inner diameter (w) which is smaller than a bore diameter (d) at its entrance opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mathias Blessing, Ulrich Birnbaum
  • Patent number: 6296431
    Abstract: The present invention is for a fastener device used to releasably fasten a first object and a second object. The fastener device is self-contained and includes a unitary housing that is releasably fastened to the first object. The housing has an annular wall that defines an exterior surface, an interior surface, and an upper and lower opening. Within the housing, extending radially inwardly from the interior surface is a housing stop shoulder. A retaining cover is threadingly attached to the housing at the lower end of the housing. The retaining cover is retained within the housing by a retainer ring. The fastener device also includes a threaded stud that is located within the housing. The stud includes an enlarged section which mates with the housing stop shoulder when the fastener is in a fully engaged position. The engagement of the enlarged section and the housing stop shoulder serves to retain the stud within the housing when the fastener is in a fully engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Nissi Industrial Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Virgil Miller
  • Patent number: 6280132
    Abstract: An arrangement for fastening of an assembly part on a carrier part includes at least one fastening screw, a sleeve, and a flexible assembly ring whose inner diameter is smaller than an outer diameter of a sleeve head flange and foot flange and which is arranged between the head flange and foot flange on the sleeve. The assembly part includes a through-bore in the assembly part whose inner diameter is at lest as large as the outer diameter of the foot flange, into which the sleeve is inserted. The lower side of the head flange is indirectly or directly supported on the upper edge region of the through-bore. The inner diameter of the through-bore is dimensioned such that the assembly ring is radially pressed together therein and by way of this clamped in and/or the through-bore comprises an undercut with an inner diameter so that the assembly ring under radial compression and subsequent expansion is pushed through the undercut and by which the assembly ring is retained in the through-bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Adi Szczukowski, Klaus Spickenheier, Peter Kirchhoff