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.

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.

Abstract: A torque screw having a screw with a head and a threaded shaft, a knob having a central longitudinal axis coaxial with the screw and a one-directional ratchet disposed between the knob and the screw that engages to allow the screw to be disengaged in a counter-clockwise direction using the knob, and engages when rotated in a clockwise direction to a predetermined torque value. Once that predetermined torque value is reached, the ratchet is caused to slip such that the knob turns relatively freely with respect to the screw.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a spring-loaded tension and compression pin comprising a bush containing a spring and plunger for locating mechanical components, in which the plunger has at least one guide surface and/or at least one edge on its generated surface which engages directly with a corresponding guide surface on the threaded bush.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transconnector for coupling first and second spinal fixation rods or other elongate fixation elements. The transconnector includes a male member, a female member, and a locking member. The male member has a body with a linking element (such as a hook) associated with the lateral end for receiving one of the fixation elements, and a projection extending from the medial end. The female member has a body with a linking element associated with the lateral end for receiving the other fixation element, and a cavity with an opening on the medial end for receiving a portion of the male member projection. The locking member adjustably and rotatably secures the male member projection portion in the cavity in order to accommodate different orientations and separation distances between the first and second fixation elements.

Abstract: A fastener for an outer strap of an air filter cartridge is provided. The outer straps have apertures formed on either end of the strap. An eyelet assembly is secured within one of the apertures. The eyelet assembly includes an eyelet and a backing washer. The eyelet has an annular top placed flush with one side of the strap and a sleeve received within the aperture. The peripheral edge of the sleeve is crimped outwardly to secure the backing washer to the side of the strap opposite the eyelet top. When the strap is secured about a circumference of the cartridge filter, the apertures are aligned and a rivet is placed within the apertures. The rivet has a head and a body. The rivet body pulls the crimped eyelet sleeve and washer toward the rivet head and the ends of the straps are held in firm connection with one another.

Abstract: In a fastener comprising a screw with a shaft having a thread portion at one end and a head at the other end and an axially extending sleeve structure provided with an internal thread at its end adjacent the screw head in which the screw is captured wherein the screw shaft has a reduced diameter area between the screw head and the screw thread, which is disposed within the sleeve thread area after the screw has been threaded through the sleeve thread, the adjacent end areas of the sleeve thread and the screw thread are made inoperative by cold deformation so that the screw is captured in the sleeve structure.

Abstract: A multi-part vibration isolating fastener assembly includes a bolt having a threaded shank and a head about which a sleeve and resilient grommet are disposed. A cup washer is disposed about and captured axially on the grommet to provide a unitized assembly. The integrated cup washer defines a self-contained cup-shaped socket to provide proper support and containment for the grommet in applications where the usual cup-shaped grommet wall is lacking in the components to be assembled, such as a valve cover, and cylinder head.

Abstract: The retractable die clamp for a pellet mill includes a clamp segment having a generally C-shaped cross-section with radial extending flanges for wedging the die ring flange and mounting or quill flange of the pellet mill frame against one another, securing the ring to the frame. The clamp includes end bolts threaded into the mounting flange. A centrally located Acme fastener has an externally threaded sleeve and a bolt extends through the sleeve and is threaded into the mounting flange. The Acme fastener also includes an internally threaded nut restrained on the clamp for limited axial movement. The nut is also rotatable relative to the clamp to back the clamp radially away from the mounting flange to retract the clamp from the ring and mounting flanges. The Acme fastener also maintains the clamp attached to the frame by the bolted connection when the clamp is backed off the mounting and die ring flanges.

Abstract: An orthopedic fastener device is based on a strong central shaft that is threaded in a one end region and that, in one embodiment, presents a ramp surface in the other end region. The ramp end is inserted down-hole a bore in bone while an expandable first collet having bendable circumferential flukes is snug to the shaft, presenting a diameter less than the bore. Partial axial withdrawal of the shaft from the bore forces the first collet into and against the shaft's ramp region, causing the collet's flukes to splay and strongly compressively engage the bone, thereby permanently anchoring the fastener's first end. Soft tissue, normally a ligament, is slipped over the shaft region extending beyond the bone, and is optionally grasped by a toothed washer. Another, second, split collet--initially expanded in its internal diameter that has and presents threads--slides along the shaft so as to compress the ligament in position against the bone.

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.

Abstract: An anchor mechanism (200, 200a) has a load bearing plate (202) having a first opening (210). The plate coated by a coating material (214) at least in the vicinity of the first opening. The coating material (214) proximate opening (210a) being formed into a breakaway retaining ring (220) which functions to retaining a fastening bolt (82,82a) to the coated plate prior to installation and which breaks away during installation of the anchor mechanism to a cooperating part (102).

Abstract: A closure device for connecting two members which for example have at least in regions the form of plates, includes a closure pin which can be secured, if necessary, loss-proof on the first member and a receiving element which can be disposed on the back side of the second member. The closure pin has a head section for bracing on the front side of the first member and a shaft section which can be guided through an opening of a guidance sleeve disposed in an opening of the first member. The shaft section has threads cooperating with counterthreads of a connecting section of the receiving element. The guidance sleeve on the end associated with the heat section of the closure pin includes a radially expanded head section and at the end facing away from the head section of the closure pin a radially expandible collar-like securing section which is bent round-about outwardly.

Abstract: A device for bracing two components has a spring ring (10) which is designed to be corrugated in each case in the radial and the axial direction. The spring ring (10) can be compressed axially or radially, without, in each case, losing its spring effect in the other direction. It is particularly advantageous for the spring ring (10) to be used for bracing a fuel pump (4) of an automobile in a feed unit (1).

Abstract: An annular locking element is provided for engaging a cylindrical object to lock the object to a plate. The locking element comprises a circular element region formed to be an interrupted circle and being adapted to engage a first contact surface on the cylindrical object. A plurality of spring tongues extends radially from the element region and are bent outwardly from the element region. A plurality of support elements also extend from the element region and are adapted to engage a second contact surace on the cylindrical object.

Abstract: An alignment and mounting system for steel rule cutting dies and the like includes multiple elements: registration pins for ensuring proper disposition of the cutting dies on the cutting drum relative to the bolt pattern of the cutting drum, alignment guides disposed in pairs on adjacent edges of a two section die for assuring proper alignment of the two sections and captive, spring biased fasteners which facilitate rapid securement and release of the cutting die to the drum. Each component may be used individually and provides defined and quantifiable benefits. The use of all three elements in combination, however, provides a synergistic effect which speeds the accuracy and repeatability of installation and use of the cutting as well as simplifying removal.

Abstract: A cover plate for an instrument panel carrying a captured fastener adapted to be assembled to an underlying instrument panel support structure by a closely overlying and sliding motion of the cover plate relative to the support structure. The cover plate has a thickened boss portion formed with an internally threaded passage. The fastener has an elongated shank extending axially to the passage and includes an unthreaded mid-portion and a threaded outer end portion, terminating in a tip. A pre-assembly position of the fastener is attained by rotation of the fastener with respect to the boss's threaded portion just sufficent for supporting the fastener but not enough to advance the tip from within the boss thereby preventing the tip from projecting out from the surface of the cover plate.

Abstract: An annular recess is formed in an inner periphery defining a bolt shank bore and has fitted therein an annular elastic member having elasticity radially thereof and having an inside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the shank of a bolt. The shank bore has at an intermediate part thereof a stepped portion so as to give an increased diameter to a bore portion from the intermediate part to one end of the bore, and a hollow cylindrical member for preventing the elastic member from slipping out is inserted in the shank bore from the bore end so as to form a clearance between the stepped portion and the preventing member, whereby the annular recess is formed.

Abstract: An elastic fastening ring that can be mounted in a self-clamping manner on a bearing part should have a simple design, a reliable operation and at the same time the function of an axial spring element. For this purpose, the disclosed fastening ring consists of a washer with a sinuous ring-shaped band whose length may be elastically changed in the circumferential direction over its whole radial width.

Abstract: A captive panel fastener includes a retractable screw having a thermal plastic cap molded around its head. The cap includes slotted skirt with resilient fingers. When the retractable screw is forced downward through the bore of the ferrule having divergent sides, the fingers of the cap spread apart by the wedging action against the outside surface of the ferrule, thus providing a biasing force urging the screw in an upward retracted direction. The ends of the cap fingers include inward facing ribs which fall into a circumferential groove around the outside surface of the ferrule adjacent its bottom end. The groove may further include plurality of radial extending teeth which engage inward facing protrusions located on the fingertip ribs to resist unwanted loosening of the screw.

Abstract: A tubular stem (16) of a bolt mount (12) is coldexpanded into an opening (70) in a wall (72). A second wall (76) is placed against the first wall (72), with an opening (70) in it in alignment with the center opening (32) in the tubular stem (16). An elongated shank portion (88) of a tubular nut (86) is inserted through the opening (70) and then through a center opening (32) in the tubular stem (16), and into an annular space (58) defined by and between a tubular sidewall (48) of a bolt-element retainer (14) and a bolt-element (54). The tubular bolt (86) has internal threads (90) that mesh with and thread onto external threads (56) on the bolt-element (54). The tubular nut (86) is rotated until a head (84) on its end is in tight clamping engagement with the portion of the second wall (76) that surrounds the opening in the second wall. Tightening of the tubular nut (86) draws the bolt-element retainer (14) and the tubular nut (86) together, firmly connecting the second wall (76) to the first wall (72).

Abstract: A self aligning connector to engage with a tapered surface of a body to be connected, having a head with a tapered surface capable of engaging the tapered surface of the body to be connected to the receiving body, a shaft portion having threads capable of threadingly engaging threads of the receiving body, a retainer sized and shaped to engage the shaft portion and to seat against a retaining surface of the body to be connected, and a substantially conical spring having an end portion engaging the head and/or shaft portion and another end engaging a surface of the body to be connected opposing the retaining surface and biasing the head and/or shaft portion away from the receiving body.

Abstract: A securing ring, includes a body defining a ring opening and having a circumference of substantially circular configuration at formation of a slotted gap to define confronting ring ends. The body defines a ring plane and an axis of symmetry and has a radial width which continuously increases, at least in sections, from the ring ends onwards at both sides of the axis of symmetry. Each of the ring ends has a L-shaped configuration and is extended by a lug jutting out from the ring plane and formed with a throughbore. Both lugs of the ring ends are positioned on a same side of the ring plane, with the throughbores of the lugs extending in parallel relationship to one another and to the ring plane.

Abstract: A captivated fastener assembly and method of making it are disclosed which incorporates a flexible retainer which is designed to allow the fastener to slide axially relative to the workpiece while preventing separation thereof. The retainer eliminates the need for specially formed fasteners or workpieces.

Abstract: In a method for making an assembly unit from an assembly bolt (3) that has a bolt head (9) and a shaft (6) and from a sleeve that has an axially movable annular collar (11) toward the head that surrounds a partial axial region of the shaft, first the shaft that has a counterpart back-engagement part is introduced into the sleeve, and then at least one back-engagement part on the sleeve is created by means of a stamping oriented essentially inward from the outer jacket face. The stamping has an action that is oriented radially inward and an action oriented toward the bolt head (9). In the stamping, a counterholder presses against the bearing face (22) of the annular collar (11) oriented toward the bolt head (9).

Abstract: A technique for captivating a fastener in a workpiece which finds particular utility where the workpiece has a smooth, polished bore. A retainer is provided between the bore of the workpiece and the fastener which is designed so that there is good adhesion between the outer diameter of the retainer and the inner diameter of the polished inner surface of the workpiece without also increasing the adhesion between the inner diameter of the retainer and the outer diameter of the fastener to thereby allow some axial play or slippage of the fastener relative to the retainer. In such manner the fastener will not pop free from the workpiece upon experiencing external axial forces on the fastener. Preferably, the retainer also allows radial and tilting movement of the fastener to facilitate the final threading process.

Abstract: A jacking screw for attaching a first panel to a second panel which provides a force in the axial direction of the screw when the screw rotates in a first direction to jack the first panel down to the second panel and which provides a force in the axial direction of the screw with respect to the panel when the screw is rotated in the opposite direction to pry the first panel away from the second panel. The jacking screw has a screw, a ferrule surrounding and coaxial to the screw shaft, and a knob. The first end of the ferrule is attachable to a panel and the second end has an outwardly protruding annular step. The knob is attached to the head of the screw and Ahas a downwardly extending generally cylindrical portion, coaxial to the screw shaft and the ferrule and the downwardly extending cylindrical portion secures the knob to the ferrule allowing for rotational movement of the knob with respect to the ferrule but allowing substantially no axial movement of the knob with respect to the ferrule.

Abstract: A guider assembly for a rotary component idles about a given point on a shaft, and the shaft has a race at both sides of an idling space in which the rotary component is turned. A guider of the assembly has tension ribs held in the race for allowing the rotary component to idle about a predetermined point on the shaft. In addition, in the inventive guider assembly, the shaft has a race formed at both sides thereof and on a part of its outer surface, and the guider has a shaft hole into which the shaft fits, and tension ribs formed at one side of the shaft hole and held in the race.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener which includes a sleeve having an outwardly extending flange at a first end. A bolt extends in the sleeve and is axially moveable therein. A collar has a retaining portion which is engaged with a second end of the sleeve and the collar provides an outwardly extending flange adjacent the second end of the sleeve. The retaining portion of the collar prevents removal of the bolt from the sleeve when the bolt is at least partially axially withdrawn from the sleeve toward the collar. The retaining portion thereby retains the bolt in an axially displaceable, captive relation to the sleeve.

Abstract: A jack-out screw for attaching a first panel to a second panel when rotating the screw in a first direction and which provides a force in the axial direction of the screw with respect to the panel when the screw is rotated in the opposite direction to pry the first panel away from the second panel during rotation, including a screw and a housing where the upper surface of the housing is mountable flush with the panel on which the jacking screw is installed and an interface for securing the screw head to the housing allows for rotational movement of the screw along its axis, but does not allow for substantial axial movement of the screw with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A ring fastener, with a circular configuration in the rest condition, comprising two ring ends (11, 12) spaced from each other, an essentially constant cross-section over at least 150.degree. of its circumference, and in the area of each ring end (11, 12) a recess (13, 14) opening toward its inner circumference, enables an easy installation. A special apparatus enables a particularly effective installation of the ring fastener in very confined conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle headliner pull handle assembly is attachable to a vehicle interior sheet metal component which is covered by a head impact foam having openings formed therein. The assembly includes a pull handle body portion forming a grip and having first and second ends, wherein each end forms a peripheral edge. An extended attachment portion protrudes from each end and extends through one of the openings in the head impact foam for attachment to the sheet metal component. A headliner has the attachment portions extending there-through. A stabilizer plug is positioned over each attachment portion against the sheet metal component for providing strength to the assembly and for trapping the headliner against the peripheral edge of the respective end of the pull handle body.

Abstract: A retaining element to hold together a multipart preassembled screw connection or the like until the assembly can be further processed or assembled in a later step. The retaining element includes a ring section to be installed on a free part of the multipart connection unit so as to hold together the individual parts of that section, and a handle that extends in an outward radial direction from the ring section. Once the free part of a multipart connection unit is assembled to a mating connection unit, the ring section can be removed by applying a tensile force to the handle in an upward radial direction. The ring section may have a predetermined breaking point so that the ring section becomes severed when sufficient tensile force is applied, whereby the retaining element can be removed without difficulty.

Abstract: The invention solves a problem associated with a conventional medical substituting element for hard tissues that loosening is likely to occur after the substituting element is mounted on hard tissues, by providing the medical substituting element for hard tissues with: one or a plurality of through hole units into which fixation screws are inserted; a screw stopper for stopping the fixation screw inserted into the through hole unit at the position where the head of the fixation screw becomes lower than the upper end of the through hole unit; and a slip-off prevention member engaging unit formed in the inner wall of the through hole unit at the position higher than the screw stopper, wherein after the fixation screw inserted into the through hole unit is threaded into the hard tissues, a slip-off prevention member engages with the slip-prevention member engaging unit to ensure a slip-off prevention of the fixation screw.

Abstract: An assembly arrangement includes: an assembly element defining a mounting hole therein; and a cuff inserted into the mounting hole in a vibration-damping manner, the cuff being made of an elastic rubber material and defining a through hole therein. The cuff further includes a cuff neck resting in the mounting hole and defining, over an entire length thereof, an outer circumferential surface extending essentially along a longitudinal axis of the cuff, and a fastening region having an inner wall which protrudes radially inwardly into the through hole, the fastening region extending over a portion of a circumference of the through hole.

Abstract: A bistable member including a bistable, invertable dish- or dome-shaped base portion and an engaging projection extending therefrom. A male member is engaged with the bistable member by pressing the male member against a central apex of the bistable member that is surrounded by the engaging projection, thereby inverting the bistable member from a first stable form to a second stable form. In the second stable form, the engaging protrusion and a portion of the bistable member wrap around a knob of the male member, thereby securing the male member to the bistable member. A subsequently applied triggering energy re-inverts the bistable member, thereby releasing the male member. This assembly is usable as a snap fastener by setting an equilibrium point of the bistable member such that a relatively large triggering energy is required to re-invert the bistable member.

Abstract: A one-directional captive screw attachable to a panel that is hand tightenable, but requires a tool to loosen once hand tightened. The captive screw includes a screw having a head with a recess and a threaded portion, a knob having a central longitudinal axis coaxial with the screw, a one-directional ratchet between the knob and the screw. The ratchet engages to allow the screw to be tightened in a clockwise direction using the knob, and disengages when rotated in a counterclockwise direction, such that a tool is required to loosen the screw by use of the recess.

Abstract: A jig for use in attaching a first part of a fastener assembly to a structural frame member having a fastener opening and at least one connector hole adjacent the fastener opening. The fastener assembly is of the type used for removably connecting a panel to the structural member. The first fastener part comprises a holder and a threaded stud retained in the holder. The holder has a flange having at least one opening formed therein and is adapted for permanent attachment to the structural member by a connector extending through the connector hole of the structural member and the opening in the holder. The jig comprises a body having a rotatable member with a head rotatably mounted in the body and a shank. The shank has threads matingly engageable with the threads on the stud of the first fastener part.

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.

Abstract: A quick relief mechanism including a sleeve having an external circumferential groove and a locking ring located on the sleeve and sized to seat in the groove. The locking ring is split at one location to provide split-end portions, and a rotatable clamping device is provided with a recess for receiving the split-end portions. The recess has narrow and wide dimensions that serve to engage and disengage the split-end portions of the locking ring to effect closing of the locking ring in the circumferential groove when the clamping device is rotated to present a narrow dimension to the split-end portions, and to open the locking ring when the wide dimension of the elongated slot is presented to the split-end portions.

Abstract: A rear derailleur for a bicycle is disclosed herein which basically includes a derailleur body which is coupled to the frame of a bicycle via a bracket axle assembly, and a chain guide assembly which is movably coupled to the derailleur body and engages the chain for moving the chain between the rear gears or sprockets. The bracket axle assembly includes a fixing bolt for pivotally securing the derailleur body to the frame of the bicycle. The bracket axle assembly also includes a torsion spring and a stop plate for controlling the rotational movement of the derailleur body relative to the frame and for normally biasing the derailleur body in a clockwise direction. A retaining assembly having a locking ring and a fixing member is utilized for maintaining the torsion spring and the stopper plate in the desired position on the shaft of the fixing bolt. The locking ring is preferably a two-piece construction and includes first and second substantially identical portions.

Abstract: A coupling comprising a first member defining a socket, a second number such as a tube defining a spigot inserted into an open end of the socket, and a locking device received within an annular gap defined between an inner wall of the socket and an outer wall of the spigot. The locking device comprises circumferentially spaced load-bearing members, each load-bearing member extending within the annular gap from a first end which is relatively close to the open end of the socket and a second end which is relatively remote from the open end of the socket. Each load-bearing member is resiliently biased such that the first end engages the socket and the second end engages the spigot, and each load-bearing member is dimensioned such that it acts substantially as a beam in compression to resist withdrawal of the spigot from the socket.

Abstract: A pre-assembled workpiece fastenable to a mounting surface of a second workpiece, and in one application a pre-assembled plastic component fastenable to a metal automotive engine component. The pre-assembled workpiece includes an opening extending therethrough between an outer surface and a mounting surface thereof. A sleeve member is retainably disposed in the opening through the pre-assembled workpiece, and a fastener having a threaded shank portion and a head is retainably disposed through the sleeve member. The fastener is axially and laterally positionable relative to the pre-assembled workpiece, whereby the pre-assembled workpiece is mountable and alignable on the mounting surface of the second workpiece without interference from the fastener.

Abstract: An assembly unit includes an assembly element having a wall bounding a through hole thereof; and a counterpart back engagement part protruding radially inwardly from the wall and into the through hole. The assembly unit further includes a fastening element to be inserted into the through hole for assuming an initial position and a final assembly position therein, having a head for actuating a fastening of the fastening element; a shaft disposed adjacent the head for resting with radial play in the through hole, the shaft resting entirely in the through hole in the final assembly position of the fastening element; and a back engagement part disposed on the shaft and having a cross section in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft which protrudes beyond a cross section of the shaft in the plane. The shaft defines an undercut region between the head and the back engagement part.

Abstract: A drive-in housing for mounting a latch assembly in a bore formed in a door comprises two identical housing parts each having a slot therein. When the housing parts are brought together they form an opening for receiving a bolt casing of the latch assembly. Tabs on the casing are captured in the slots as the housing parts are moved normal to the axis of the casing. Movement of the casing relative to the housing parts is then limited by direct engagement of the housing parts with the tabs. The housing parts each have two abutment surfaces facing in a circumferential direction, the abutment surfaces of one housing part having a projection and a recess, respectively, for mating with a corresponding recess and projection on the abutment surfaces of the other housing part. The housing parts, when brought together, form a faceplate having an opening therein for accommodating a bolt.

Abstract: A quick connector for joining pipes having grooved ends has a circlip which is contracted circumferentially and locked in the contracted condition, the inner diameter of the circlip, when in the contracted condition, being less than the outer diameter of the pipe, the inner diameter of circlip and the bottom wall of the pipe groove including surface configurations that are interfitted in the contracted condition of the circlip, and which inhibit relative rotation between the quick connector and the pipe in addition to locking the connector against axial removable from the pipe.

Abstract: A self contained captive bolt assembly which is riveted onto a plate for purposes of mounting the plate onto structure. The assembly forms a high strength joint with the use of common close tolerance holes through the plates being joined and is designed to mate with a common plate nut. A receptacle houses the assembly and traps the bolt between the bolt head and a retainer attached to the bolt. The captive bolt is provided with a spring between the retainer and an end cap which acts to hold the bolt in a retracted position prior to fastening.

Abstract: A fastener for attaching a first object to the outside of a second object having a hole and a normally inaccessible inner surface. The fastener generally comprises a head portion, a resilient washer disposed in a stepped or double recess in the head portion, and a fastening section connected to the head portion. The resilient washer has a maximum diameter that is substantially larger than the hole, and a contoured or tapered outer surface adapted to engage, be compressed in, and slide through the hole in only one direction. When the fastener is pressed through the hole and the head portion emerges on the other side, the resilient washer springs back to its decompressed size and securely retains the fastener in the second object. Additionally, the washer has a flange that helps retain the washer in the head portion and acts to evenly distribute on the washer any forces exerted to remove a fully inserted fastener.

Abstract: A positioning device for accurately positioning a male die member of an embossing tool in relation to a female die member thereof comprises a housing element which is adapted to be temporarily fixed in a hole in the male die member and a holding element disposed movably in the housing element. The holding element is axially displaceable relative to the housing element between a position in which it projects into a hole in the male die member and temporarily fixes the male die member in position, and a position of being retracted into the housing element to release the male die member. Disposed between the housing element and the holding element is a spring which is mechanically stressed in the retracted position of the holding element.

Abstract: A retaining apparatus disposable within an axial bore for maintaining a fastener having an extending shank within a bore provided on a structural member. In the preferred embodiment, the retainer comprises a convoluted, polymeric, thin-walled annular body constructed of a resilient material with an aperture extending therethrough. The unitary body is defined by longitudinally extending radially outwardly projecting ear portions and radially inwardly projecting ribs which circumferentially alternate in a symmetrical pattern. A method for pre-attaching fasteners to structural members includes disposing the retainer within a bore contained on a structural member and subsequently inserting the fastener through the retainer's aperture. The fastener is thereby flexibly maintained along the central axis of the bore. The structural member may then be transported with fasteners pre-attached for subsequent attachment to another structural member.