Abstract: A stress plate for use with a threaded fastener for securing relatively soft insulation to a solid base, such as in a roofing environment, includes a generally planar main body with an underside, an aperture on the main body configured for receiving the fastener, and a sleeve circumscribing the aperture and depending from the underside a sufficient distance to receive the fastener and maintain the fastener perpendicular to the plate, especially when the plate is located intermediate the fastener ends. In the preferred embodiment, the fastener is threaded with a defined pitch of the thread, and the sleeve is dimensioned to span at least one pitch of the fastener.

Abstract: A fastening system for substantially inhibiting slippage between first and second members interconnected thereby is disclosed. The fastening system is particularly useful in instances where at least one of the first and second members is subject to shear loading. The fastening system may include a fastener having a shank portion which is receivable within first and second bores of the first and second members, respectively, and a nose portion of a nut member for engaging a proximal segment of the shank portion of the fastener proximate the second member to substantially inhibit tilting of the fastener relative to the first and/or second member(s).

Abstract: An improved, process compatible fastener is especially useful for securing a member, such as a wafer clamp ring, to an assembly for use in a process environment. The fastener is of a simple design, such that it is readily manufactured, and such that it is not a source of contamination. In particular, an integrated fastener includes both a metal fastener and a cone shaped metal lock washer within a single fastener assembly, such that a single fastener is used for accomplish the function of a screw and a washer. All surfaces of the fastener that are exposed within the process environment are encapsulated in a process compatible material. In this way, the fastener may be secured in the process environment in a single operation without leaving any gaps or partially exposed surfaces that may introduce contaminants into the process environment, such that the integrated fastener also provides the function of a process compatible cap.

Abstract: A shoe or clamp assembly for securing a buffer stop or bumping post to railroad track with a predetermined magnitude of retardation against sliding movement of the buffer stop when the same is engaged by a moving railcar to be stopped. The shoe assembly which clamps against opposite sides of a buffer stop wall, and also clamps against opposite sides of a rail, is secured by at least one bolt and nut and also a spring stack so that a torque wrench is not required in order to effect such securement.

Abstract: An electrical terminal clamping assembly of the character that will simultaneously accommodate and securely grip one or more conductor wires of substantially different diameters. The assembly includes a threaded terminal screw and a uniquely configured generally circular shaped clamping plate or tilt washer which is adapted to freely tilt relative to the undersurface of the head of the terminal screw in a manner to move gripping projections provided on the undersurface of the washer into secure clamping engagement with a wire of large diameter disposed on one side of the axial center line of the terminal screw and into secure clamping engagement with a wire of much smaller diameter disposed on the opposite side of the axial center line.

Abstract: A plate-like washer of generally annular shape and a method of using the washer for pre-tensioning. The washer is adapted to be placed between a fastening element, used to attach two pieces to form a coupling, and a piece to be fastened. The washer is manufactured from a shape-memory metal whose upper transformation temperature is higher than the highest use and assembly temperature of the coupling. The thickness of the washer is adapted in view of the length and pre-tensioning need of the fastening element, as well as the expansion of the washer at the upper transformation temperature. The washer is actively heated to its upper transformation temperature and undergoes a phase transformation which expands the washer and pre-tensions the coupling to the desired degree.

Abstract: An attachment plate is used to attach insulation panels to building substrates using internal combustion cordless nail setting tools loaded with collating strips for feeding and holding nails in the tool magazine. The attachment plate has a washer and an annular chamber at a first end. A wall of the annular chamber is defined by a band of fingers. The interior of the attachment plate has a recess. The attachment plate second end has flexible tabs. The attachment plate is placed on a pilot and against a flange of a tool adapter. The attachment plate is pushed into the insulation panel such that the tool muzzle bends the fingers and passes through the same. When the tool is fired, a nail and nail collating ring are forced into and captured within the recess. The tabs bend against the substrate if the insulation panel is of less than nominal thickness.

Abstract: An alignment tolerant fastening system for interconnecting first and second members having first and second bores therethrough, respectively, is disclosed. The fastening system may include a fastening member having a shank portion which is receivable within the bores of the first and second members, a nut member for engaging at least a distal portion of the fastener shank portion proximate the second member, and first and second washers, at least one of which includes a plurality of serrations, positionable within the first bore of the first member, about the shank portion of the fastener. More specifically, for purposes of accommodating a misalignment between the first and second bores, the inner wall of the first washer is slidably engagable with the fastener shank portion and the outer wall of the second washer is slidably engagable or interconnectable with the first bore wall which defines the first bore of the first member.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a compression wire for fixated retention of a fractured small bone fragment in an osteosynthesis procedure. The wire comprises a smooth-walled shank portion and an adjoining threaded portion, of lesser diameter than the diameter of the shank portion, there being a step-down shoulder between the shank portion and the threaded portion. The shank portion is adapted for chucked engagement to a portable rotary drill, and the distal end of the threaded portion is configured for self-tapping entry into and threaded implantation in bone. The implantation is complete when the shoulder engages cortex tissue of the fragment, holding the same in compression against remainder structure of the fractured bone. Once implanted, the shank may be nipped by a cutter tool at relatively close offset from the shoulder.

Abstract: An attachment plate is used to attach insulation panels to building substrates using internal combustion cordless nail setting tools loaded with collating strips for feeding and holding nails in the tool magazine. The attachment plate has a washer and an annular chamber at a first end. A wall of the annular chamber is defined by a band of fingers. The interior of the attachment plate has a recess. The attachment plate second end has flexible tabs. The attachment plate is placed on a pilot and against a flange of a tool adapter. The attachment plate is pushed into the insulation panel such that the tool muzzle bends the fingers and passes through the same. When the tool is fired, a nail and nail collating ring are forced into and captured within the recess. The tabs bend against the substrate if the insulation panel is of less than nominal thickness.

Abstract: A fuel rail is provided with a mounting clip in each mounting foot to allow secure connection of the fuel rail adjacent an engine manifold. The mounting clip is inserted into a mounting foot after the fuel rail has been manufactured and has a flange which overlies the top of the foot. The clip completely receives a bolt therein and when the bolt is tightened transmits a clamping force to the fuel rail through the flange of the clip. Thus, the bolt bears directly on the clip, not the fuel rail, and can be highly torqued without breaking the fuel rail.

Abstract: An electrical terminal clamping assembly of the character that will simultaneously accommodate and securely grip one or more conductor wires of substantially different diameters. The assembly includes a threaded terminal screw and a uniquely configured clamping plate or tilt washer which is adapted to freely tilt relative to the undersurface of the head of the terminal screw in a manner to move gripping projections provided on the undersurface of the washer into secure clamping engagement with a wire of large diameter disposed on one side of the axial center line of the terminal screw and into secure clamping engagement with a wire of much smaller diameter disposed on the opposite side of the axial center line. The undersurface of the tilt washer is provided with uniquely configured, generally circularly shaped gripping protuberances that provide multiple contact points for firmly gripping the different diameter conductor wires which are disposed on opposite sides of the terminal screw.

Abstract: A washer, for use with a fastener for attaching a slab of insulation and a covering mesh to a substrate, has fingers which automatically partially block its entry aperture when the fastener is tightened so that a finish applied over the washer does not fill the cavity of the washer. This reduces the conduction of heat through the insulation by way of the finish material and the fastener. It also provides an undercut surface for improved adhesion of the finish material to the washer.

Abstract: A fastener module includes a washer having an upper portion with a first passage defined therein and a lower portion with a second passage defined therein and communicating with the first passage. A head is mounted on the upper portion of the washer and has a shank extending downwardly from a lower portion thereof and mounted in the first passage. An annular groove is defined around a periphery of the shank and communicates with the second passage. A snapping ring is mounted in the annular groove and received in the second passage and is abutted against the upper portion of the washer.

Abstract: A concealed fixing device comprises an insert embedded within a first member, an elongate threaded bar connected to the first member and passing through a second member through a concealed hole to a concealed chamber within the second member. A combined nut and washer assembly applied to the threaded bar tightens the first and second members.

Abstract: An attachment plate is used to attach insulation panels to building substrates using internal combustion cordless nail setting tools loaded with collating strips for feeding and holding nails in the tool magazine. The attachment plate has a washer and an annular chamber at a first end. A wall of the annular chamber is defined by a band of fingers. The interior of the attachment plate has a recess. The attachment plate second end has flexible tabs. The attachment plate is placed on a pilot and against a flange of a tool adapter. The attachment plate is pushed into the insulation panel such that the tool muzzle bends the fingers and passes through the same. When the tool is fired, a nail and nail collating ring are forced into and captured within the recess. The tabs bend against the substrate if the insulation panel is of less than nominal thickness.

Abstract: The device for connecting parts having holes with different center-to-center distances consists of a threaded connecting element, such as a bolt or a nut, and a bush whose internal diameter is greater than the diameter of the bolt shank or of a threaded shank associated to the the nut; if used for fitting vehicle wheels, a bolt may be inserted into the holes in the wheel, with the bush snapped onto the base of the bolt head from below, and the bolt then screwed into the corresponding threaded hole in the axle hub, the difference between the center-to-center distance of the holes in the wheel and that of the threaded holes in the vehicle axle hub being compensated by the play created by the difference between the diameter of the bush and that of the bolt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screw hole (12) in hardware parts (10), especially in metal furniture hardware, in which is screw with a given outside thread diameter provided with a truncoconical countersink head can be preinstalled. The hole (12) has a countersink (18) matching the truncoconical head of the screw, followed by a substantially cylindrical hole section (20) for the passage of the shaft of the screw. The inside diameter of the cylindrical hole section (20) is slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the screw shaft measured across the threads of the screw (14), and into the cylindrical hole section an internal thread (24) is worked into the cylindrical hole section, where the length of the threaded shaft as measured in the screw driving direction is shorter than that of the unthreaded shaft section of the screw adjoining the bottom of the countersink head.

Abstract: An excavation tooth point longitudinally extending along an axis and having a pocket area extending inwardly through a rear end thereof is telescoped onto a nose portion of an adapter structure by inserting the nose portion into the tooth point pocket area. The inserted nose portion has a tapered side opening therein that is positioned between a corresponding pair of similarly tapered tooth side wall openings. To removably couple the tooth point to the adapter nose an elongated, wedge shaped connector member is inserted, small end first, through the generally aligned tooth and adapter openings. A bolt is then passed through a central opening in a flat spring member and tightened into a threaded axial opening in the small connector member end.

Abstract: A bolt for a truss includes a main body having a head portion, and a shaft portion which extends from the head portion. The shaft portion includes a base portion with a polygonal cross-section at a head portion side of the shaft portion. A threaded portion extends from the base portion, and an annular groove is arranged between the base portion and the threaded portion. A polygonal tube having a polygonal cross-section is engaged with the shaft portion of the main body such that the polygonal tube is slideable and non-rotatable on the base portion. A stopper prevents release of the polygonal tube from the shaft portion, the stopper including a plastic ring having a peripheral surface on which plural engaging protrusions are formed, the ring being integratedly embedded in the annular groove.

Abstract: Vehicle wheel nut inserts adapted to extend into the stud-receiving openings of a vehicle wheel and particularly, a non-ferrous vehicle wheel and lug nut assemblies thereof. The inserts are uniquely designed so that the inserts can be permanently locked in the stud-receiving openings of the vehicle wheel. In one embodiment, the wheel inserts can be locked by means of an interference fit, and in another mode, the inserts can be locked by swaging and still further, the inserts may be locked by means of staking the inserts in the stud-receiving openings. Not only are the inserts permanently affixed within the stud-receiving openings, they will also operate to bear against the lug nuts. In this way, a spring-type loading is imposed on the lug nut preventing an unauthorized vibrational unwinding of the lug nut. The insert will deflect when tightened against the wheel opening by a lug nut to thereby provide a Belleville spring effect.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a fastening element consisting of a screw (5) and a metallic washer (6) to attach insulation sheeting, and possibly additional waterproof sheeting onto a solid substructure, whereby the screw is provided with a drill tip (7), a shaft (9) with threads (8), and a screw head (10). The washer is provided with a central aperture (12), whereby this aperture (12) is smaller than the outer diameter of the thread, but at least equally as large as the core diameter of the threaded area of the shaft (9). The washer (6) is at a distance from the screw head (10) preassembled in such a way that it is secured against axial movement in the threaded area of the shaft (9) (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A fastener is mounted in preassembly with a workpiece through an aperture in the workpiece. The fastener has a head and an elongate shank integrally formed therewith. The shank has a threaded portion and an unthreaded portion with the threaded portion having a major diameter which is greater than the inside diameter of the aperture in the workpiece and the unthreaded portion having an outside diameter which is less than the inside diameter of the aperture in the workpiece. To engage the fastener with the workpiece, the threaded portion is passed through the aperture to dispose the unthreaded portion within the aperture. When the fastener is engaged with the aperture, a partial internal thread is formed therein which does not materially enlarge or decrease the effective inside diameter of the aperture.

Abstract: A slotted conical (non-flat) spring washer with an encircling ring provides improved spring washer performance. A split or slotted conical spring washer is encircled by a retaining ring that prevents the ends of the washer adjacent to the slot from expanding as the washer is compressed. The ends of the washer on both sides of the slot move to prevent the washer material from exceeding its yield strength. The ring restricts the radial movement of said outside diameter of the washer strip away from a center axis of the washer bore. The ring can be a counter bore in a member to be clamped, a retaining washer having an outside annular washer to act as the ring, or can be integral with the spring washer such that the slot appears not to pass completely through the washer strip.This slotted conical spring washer greatly increases the elastic spring travel available during repeated clamping cycles and during movement of clamped members due to differences in rates of thermal expansion and thermal gradients.

Abstract: A quick release mechanism for securing a part to the frame of a bicycle. The mechanism includes an axially elongated skewer element adapted to be mounted to the frame. A fastening element is rotatably mounted on the skewer element for securing the part to the frame upon relative rotation of the skewer and fastening elements in a first direction and for releasing the part upon relative rotation of the skewer and fastening elements in a second direction. Ratchet means is attached to one of the elements for turning that element to selectively effect relative rotation of the two elements in the first and second directions. Hardened lock washers are embedded in the confronting faces of the fastening element and a washer mounted on the skewer.

Abstract: The fastening device is designed for assembling at least two elements (1, 2) one with respect to the other and consists of a system with a screw (3) and a nut (4). An axial removable guiding stop (5) is arranged between the external surface (7) of one of the elements (1) to be assembled and the head (32) of the screw (3) or the nut (4), which accommodates the tightening torque to bear against this external surface (7) after ejection of the guiding stop (5); whereas this guiding stop (5) ensures relative temporary and axial prepositioning so that the screw (3) or the nut (4) engages correctly into the nut (4) or the screw (3).FIG.

Abstract: An electrical terminal clamping assembly of the character that will simultaneously accommodate and securely grip one or more conductor wires of substantially different diameters. The assembly includes a threaded terminal screw and a uniquely configured clamping plate or tilt washer which is adapted to freely tilt relative to the undersurface of the head of the terminal screw in a manner to move gripping projections provided on the undersurface of the washer into secure clamping engagement with a wire of large diameter disposed on one side of the axial center line of the terminal screw and into secure clamping engagement with a wire of much smaller diameter disposed on the opposite side of the axial center line. The undersurface of the tilt washer is provided with uniquely configured, generally circularly shaped gripping protuberances that provide multiple contact points for firmly gripping the different diameter conductor wires which are disposed on opposite sides of the terminal screw.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a fixation pin for retaining small bone fragments in an osteosynthesis procedure. The pin comprises a smooth-walled shank portion and an adjoining threaded portion, wherein a step-down conical shoulder is formed between the shank portion and the threaded portion.

Abstract: There is provided a hook which is functional to temporarily support drywall board prior to its permanent installation. The hook includes a stepped body member having a threaded fastener extending through the central portion thereof.

Abstract: A quick release mechanism for securing a part to the frame of a bicycle. The mechanism includes an axially elongated skewer element adapted to be mounted to the frame. A fastening element is rotatably mounted on the skewer element for securing the part to the frame upon relative rotation of the skewer and fastening elements in a first direction and for releasing the part upon relative rotation of the skewer and fastening elements in a second direction. Ratchet means is attached to one of the elements for turning that element to selectively effect relative rotation of the two elements in the first and second directions. Hardened lock washers are embedded in the confronting faces of the fastening element and a washer mounted on the skewer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a fastener and washer assembly wherein the washer is permanently retained on the fastener by an annular raised portion on the shank of the fastener. The annular raised portion and the inner diameter of the washer are mutually formed so as to promote elastic deformation of both the raised portion and the washer when the washer is forced over the raised portion to be retained on the fastener. The method allows the fastener and the washer to be fully fabricated and processed prior to assembly, including such desirable steps as heat treating and plating of both the fastener and the washer. The annular raised portion is formed by a pair of converging annular surfaces which define a predetermined diameter. The washer has an inner diameter surface having a pair of chamfered edges. The washer is assembled onto the shank of the fastener by forcing the chamfered edge of the washer against and past the annular raised portion.

Abstract: A covering device comprising a cap of flexible material having at least one recess, that is penetrable by a fastening element. The recess is enclosed by a cup-spring-type area which is formed in one piece with the cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastening member, a machine element set for fastening and a method of fastening the machine element for fastening so arranged that a through hole of a fastening member freely fastened to the shaft, the thread or the receiver portion of a thread member is formed into a narrow hole by warping, deforming, bending or twisting the fastening member so as to cause fastening edges to be fastened to the thread portion of the male thread member. When the male thread member is tightened, the narrow hole is restored to the original moderate through hole by the tightening force, so that the fastening member or members to be installed and held by the fastening member can be easily temporarily fixed. After the tightening work has been completed, the male thread member and the fastening member can be freely rotated with respect to each other, so that the damage of the corresponding element due to rubbing can be prevented.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting an optical disc whereby the yield strength of the disk is maintained. An upper section includes an end cap having a central bore, a deformable annular finger section, and a compression face for receiving a deformable O-ring. A lower section includes an insert having a cylindrical axial projection about which a deformable washer may be fitted. As the upper and lower sections are secured in the central aperture of the optical disk, the disk is captured between the finger section, O-ring, and washer.

Abstract: A ring-shaped washer (10) especially for wood screws (28) has an external circumferential edge area, which is directed downwards and cuts the wood (26) when the washer is being driven into it. At the same time the wood below the washer is compressed. This primarily serves to avoid a splitting up of the wood when screwing in the wood screw (28) and at the same time to increase the strength of the screwed connection.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an attachment assembly for securing two membrane strips loosely laid parallel to each other and overlapping with each other. The attachment assembly incorporates a load distribution plate having short and long lateral lever-arm extension means and a bore hole defined in the plate, a fastener screw operatively connected to the load distribution plate through the bore hole, and a fastener screw operatively connected to the load distribution plate through the bore hole. The short and long lateral lever-arm extension means of the plate extend in directions relative to the fastener screw. The short lateral lever arm extension means operates with forces due to the billowing of the roofing membrane so as to uplift a long edge of the load distribution plate and thereby introduce a first force corresponding to a lever arm ratio at the long lateral lever arm extension means at an area opposite to the bore hole.

Abstract: An improved composite fastener comprised of an improved roofing screw and a roofing washer and useful to fasten a blanket of roofing insulation to a soft substrate. The screw shank has a leading portion and a locking portion. The locking portion has two locking tabs. The washer has an aperture with a margin coacting with the screw when it is driven through the washer. The screw becomes locked to such washer when the screw is driven sufficiently for its head to bear against the washer at which time the locking tabs engage the undersurface of the washer.

Abstract: A washer molded from a polymeric material and useful with a fastener having a head and a shank, such as, for example, a screw or a drive pin, and a fastening assembly comprised of the washer and such a fastener, is disclosed. The fastener head is contained within a washer socket with the fastener shank extending through a washer aperture. An integral flap hinged from a lateral wall portion of the washer socket is used to substantially cover the fastener head. The flap has a curved end, which is adapted to be snap-fitted under a locking formation, comprising a curved lip, formed upon a lateral wall portion of the socket which is disposed opposite the lateral wall portion upon which the flap is hinged.

Abstract: A composite fastener comprised of a roofing screw and a roofing washer. The screw shank has a leading portion, which is threaded, and a locking portion. The locking portion has a substantially frusto-conical part adjoining the leading portion and an additional part adjoining the screw head. The substantially frusto-conical part defines a major diameter where it adjoins the additional part and a minor diameter where it adjoins the leading portion. Two locking tabs extend from the substantially frusto-conical part, in diametric opposition to each other, in such manner that an imaginary cylinder coaxial with the shank and with a diameter equal to the major diameter divides each tab into a proximal part inside the cylinder and a distal part outside the cylinder. The washer has an aperture with a margin that flexes the tabs to allow the tabs to pass through the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for attaching a plastic panel to an automotive body metal substructure enabling controlled distortion free thermal expansion and contraction of the plastic panel relative to a metal substructure. The attaching arrangement comprises a plastic adjustable mounting block sized for initial insertion in an associated wide slot portion of a keyhole-shaped expansion and contraction slot. The block has a central abutment portion depending from an upper plate portion including lateral extending wings providing with the plate opposed grooves adapted to slidably engage a narrow trailing slot portion of the keyhole-shaped slot upon the blocks subsequent longitudinal rearward movement.

Abstract: A roofing washer useful with a fastener having a head and a shank, such as, for example, a roofing screw, and provided with an annular lip so as to restrain the head after the head has been driven past the annular lip is disclosed. As molded from a resilient, polymeric material, the roofing washer has a plurality of discrete cavities, which facilitate radial expansion of the annular lip, and a plurality of discrete ribs, which separate the discrete cavities. In one possible embodiment, each cavity has an inner, generally cylindrical wall, an outer, generally cylindrical wall, and two end walls, each defining a plane oriented at an acute angle relative to a radial plane. In a different embodiment, each cavity has two planar walls and a curved wall whereby the cavities have substantially triangular configurations.

Abstract: A disc-shaped stress plate to be utilized with a fastener having an elongated shank integral with a disc-shaped head includes a disc having an upper and lower surface with an indentation in the upper surface and a protrusion on the lower surface. The disc can also be provided with a plurality of gripping teeth on its bottom surface and a plurality of friction enhancing protrusions on its upper surface.

Abstract: A thumbnut for use with a convex surface is provided with a plastic sheath in which the bottom face thereof has a series of projections arranged in a circumferential manner like the numerals on a clock face. Once the thumbnut is threadedly engaged with a bolt extending from the convex surface, these projections react in a ratchet-like manner with that surface. As the thumb nut is tightened the projections cause it to move alternatively from unstable "override" positions to stable "straddle" positions which effectively lock the thumbnut with respect to the convex surface, regardless of the amount of torque applied to the thumbnut.

Abstract: Tamper proof service bolts for sealing boxcars, automobile hoods, gates and other enclosures, as well as gas and electric meters, railroad switches and the like. In a first preferred embodiment the tamper proof service bolts are characterized by special head service bolts, each having a base member and a collar secured to the base member by means of a connecting bolt having a specialized head recess for receiving a corresponding tool which is required for removing the connecting bolt and the collar from the base member. In another preferred embodiment of the invention retainer clip service bolts are provided, wherein a retainer clip is adapted to mount on each base member and in the collar when the collar is fitted over the base member, to secure the collar on the base member.

Abstract: A liveload assembly including an stack guide, compressed belleville washers stacked inside the stack guide and a retainer to hold the compressed washers in the stack guide. A longitudinal slot in the wall of the stack guide permits visual checking of the compression provided by the liveload assembly on the gland follower of the valve or pump. The rotary or reciprocating shaft of a valve or pump is liveloaded by placing the liveload assembly over the bolt securing the gland follower to the stuffing box. A nut is threaded on the bolt until it contacts the washers and the retainer removed.

Abstract: A stripline launcher spring washer exerts a constant force between a circuit board and stripline launcher hardware keeping the launcher and all of its hardware tight as the circuit board expands and contracts due to temperature variations. The stripline launcher spring washer has a plurality of slotted screw holes with each slotted screw hole capable of housing an individual screw. Upon expansion of the launcher hardware assembly, the washer provides a clamping force either outside or inside of the plurality of slotted screw holes depending on the washer's embodiment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved arrangement for attaching a plastic panel and metal mounting strip sub-assembly to an automotive body metal substructure enabling controlled distortion free thermal expansion and contraction of the plastic panel relative to the mounting strip. The attaching arrangement comprises a metal spacing washer having a tubular sleeve portion formed with an integral frusto-conical spring flange. The washer sleeve portion free end extends through an elongated slot in the mounting strip and an aligned circular opening in the panel. A blind breakstem rivet is inserted through the washer bore and upon being set applies a predetermined axial clamping force biasing the washer flange into contact with the mounting strip. The rivet head undersurface may be provided with an annular locking ring adapted to engage the plastic panel out surface.

Abstract: A cantilevered washer for a male or female threaded fastener having a conical seat portion including an conically-shaped seat for receiving the threaded fastener in such maner as to load the washer at an angle and relieve hoop-stress on the threaded fastener. The washer further has an annular ring portion including a flat annular base for mating with a surface of a part being fastened. The annular ring portion and the conical seat portion are connected by a cantilever portion which is inclined at an angle of substantially 45.degree. to the flat bearing portion in order to provide a low profile vertical displacement between the conical seat portion and the flat bearing portion, as well as provide a location for deflection of variable bearing loads.

Abstract: A demountable pin for rotatably connecting together two elements of small axial dimension, consisting of a bolt with a frusto-conical under-head and an inner hexagonal through bore for tightening it by a key. The pin is locked between two frusto-conical flares of the elements by an end nut with a frusto-conical under-head and a washer with a frusto-conical surface of greater taper than the flares. The under-heads of the nut and the bolt cooperate with the flares.

Abstract: A fastening element to be driven into a hard receiving material, such as metal, includes a head at its trailing end and an axially extending shank projecting from the head to the leading end with a tip at the leading end. At least an axially extending section of the shank from adjacent the trailing end is threaded. A guide member is in threaded engagement with the shank and is spaced from the head when the fastening element is ready to be driven. The guide member is cup-like shaped with an opening facing toward the leading end. The guide member has a base extending transversely of the axial direction with a conically shaped section projecting radially outwardly from the base and axially toward the leading end. When the fastening element is driven into a receiving material, the guide member moves into contact with the head and is deformed when the driving of the fastening element is braked.