And Separate Attaching Or Retaining Means Patents (Class 411/372)
  • Patent number: 11879695
    Abstract: A sink composed of metal, preferably composed of a solid metal block, in particular composed of aluminium, and also to a method and a tool for the production of same. The heat sink has a plurality of fluid lines for conducting cooling fluid which are separated from one another by heat sink ribs arranged between them, which are arranged next to one another and which run in a parallel manner. It is characterized in that the fluid lines are formed by grooves which are milled into the metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Erwin Quarder Systemtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Siewert, Alexander Heitbrink
  • Patent number: 11084507
    Abstract: A security device, such as an anti-theft device, for a transport vehicle, such as a railcar, grating hinge connector includes a plate and a cup. The hinge connector has a first portion secured to the deck surface by a fastener with a head, and a second portion coupled to the grating. The cup has a base and a wall forming a cavity sized and shaped to receive the plate. The wall forms an opening that is sized and shaped to receive the plate for insertion into the cavity. The base is positioned on the hinge connector and has another opening sized and shaped to receive the fastener with the head positioned in the cavity. The insertion of the plate in the cavity secures the head of the fastener within the anti-theft device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Holden America IL, LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. Winsor
  • Patent number: 10086779
    Abstract: A license plate locking system is provided that will prevent theft of a license plate. The license plate locking system of the present invention comprises a locking bar, wherein said locking bar comprises a two hollow bodies. Each hollow body provide access to a plate holder device, such as a screw, wherein said plate holder device is positioned inside said hollow body and covered by non-removable cover with resilient properties rendering the screws inaccessible. This prevents the removal of the registration tags or license plate by unauthorized persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventors: Ricardo Hernandez de Luna, Ricardo Hernandez Soto
  • Patent number: 9957696
    Abstract: A cap for removably attaching to a head of a fastener includes a main body having an open end and defining a hollow interior. The cap also includes an end section forming a closed end of the main body. The cap further includes a hollow inner portion connecting to an inner surface of the end section and extending through the hollow interior toward the open end of the main body. The inner portion is spaced from the main body, and the inner portion has a distal end configured to be inserted into an opening in the head of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip John Kunz, Patrick Simon Campomanes
  • Patent number: 9663044
    Abstract: A license plate locking system is provided that will prevent theft of a license plate. The license plate locking system of the present invention comprises a locking bar, wherein said locking bar comprises a two hollow bodies. Each hollow body provide access to a plate holder device, such as a screw, wherein said plate holder device is positioned inside said hollow body and covered by non-removable cover with resilient properties rendering the screws inaccessible. This prevents the removal of the registration tags or license plate by unauthorized persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventors: Ricardo Hernandez de Luna, Ricardo Hernández Soto
  • Patent number: 9206559
    Abstract: A mat for use in a portable porous construction mat system includes tabs for providing connections to adjacent mats. A portable porous construction mat system includes a plurality of porous units connected together with fastener arrangements. A method of providing a construction mat system includes connecting together porous units with fastener arrangements. A kit includes at least first and second porous units and fastener arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Reynolds Presto Products Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Michael Bach, William Gregory Handlos, Bryan Scott Wedin
  • Patent number: 8784028
    Abstract: A penetrating fastener has a fastener head and fastener tip spaced apart by a longitudinally oriented fastener shaft. A tetherable washer has a substantially planar base surface having a fastener aperture extending therethrough. A longitudinally oriented wall extends longitudinally upward from at least a portion of the base surface to form a concave fastener cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the fastener head. Two tether apertures extend laterally through the wall and are laterally spaced apart along the wall. Both of the tether apertures are laterally arranged along the wall in a rotationally asymmetric configuration. A first one of the tether apertures is located a second longitudinal distance from the base surface and a second one of the tether apertures is located a third longitudinal distance from the base surface. The tether apertures are configured to simultaneously accept a tether extending through both of the tether apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Clark
  • Patent number: 8656563
    Abstract: To provide a structure of an installation member to be installed to a vehicle outer panel that can prevent rust from developing on a bolt and an outer panel without requiring resist-coating processing. A structure of an installation member to be installed to a vehicle outer panel includes a metallic retaining portion provided to a rear garnish (installation member) to be installed to a vehicle outer panel in order to install this member to this outer panel, a resin-made attachment to be attached to the retaining portion and having no metallic plating film, and a bolt whose head portion is retained by the attachment, wherein the bolt is integrally incorporated to the retaining portion via the attachment and the rear garnish is installed to the outer panel by using the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sakae Riken Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Hiramatsu, Youji Bitou
  • Patent number: 8650780
    Abstract: A specialized fastener cover is suitable for concealing a fastener used to attach one object to another. The fastener cover includes a decorative emblem and a method of pivoting the emblem between two positions. In one position, the decorative emblem conceals the fastener. When the emblem is pivoted to the second position, the fastener can be accessed so that it can be inserted in fastener receptacles in the objects to attach the objects to one another or removed from the fastener receptacles to separate the two objects. The fastener cover can be incorporated into an attachable object, such as a license plate frame to be attached to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Cruiser Accessories, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Spencer, Bret Zelenka, Eldon Goates
  • Patent number: 8602705
    Abstract: A screw assembly includes a screw member, a rotating member, and an installation member. The screw member includes a cap portion and a body connected to the cap portion. The installation member defines an installation slot and includes an elastically deformable latching portion. The rotating member includes a mounting portion. The installation member is secured to the body, the mounting portion is received in the installation slot, and the elastically deformable latching portion engages the mounting portion between the cap portion and the latching portion, to prevent the rotating member from rotating relative to the screw member and the installation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 8444356
    Abstract: An insert for blind installation in a workpiece, and method of manufacture of an insert, the insert (2) comprising a body (4) and anchor stud (6); wherein the stud is inserted into a through bore (22) in the body, part of the stud extending beyond the end of the through bore, and a part of the stud provided with opposed areas of knurling (14, 16) such as threading, being enveloped by a reduced diameter section (24) of the body, such that crimping the stud onto the body causes material to enter the knurling, thereby firmly attaching body and stud, allowing the insert to withstand high torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Avdel UK Limited
    Inventors: Derek Crutchley, Philip Wasmuth, Jonathan Brewer
  • Publication number: 20130017034
    Abstract: A screw assembly includes a screw member, a rotating member, and an installation member. The screw member includes a cap portion and a body connected to the cap portion. The installation member defines an installation slot and includes an elastically deformable latching portion. The rotating member includes a mounting portion. The installation member is secured to the body, the mounting portion is received in the installation slot, and the elastically deformable latching portion engages the mounting portion between the cap portion and the latching portion, to prevent the rotating member from rotating relative to the screw member and the installation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YUN-LUNG CHEN
  • Publication number: 20120213611
    Abstract: A gripping washer includes a washer body having first and second rigid support surfaces. A fastener hole extends between the first and second rigid support surfaces. An inner washer perimeter extends around the fastener hole. One or more elastomeric gripping tabs are coupled with the inner washer perimeter. The one or more elastomeric gripping tabs extend inwardly into the fastener hole from the inner washer perimeter. The elastomeric gripping tabs are pliable relative to the first and second rigid support surfaces of the washer body and deform and grip the washer with a fastener passed through the fastener hole. By gripping a fastener with the elastomeric gripping tabs the gripping washer is anchored to the fastener and substantially prevents decoupling of the gripping washer from the fastener prior to installation (e.g., fastening with a work piece). Gripping of the fastener with the gripping washer thereby minimizes foreign object debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Robert D. Travis
  • Publication number: 20120170992
    Abstract: Captive panel fasteners are configured to be held captive on a panel by multiple retaining elements. The fasteners include longitudinal grooves along a cylindrical portion of the fastener, a retaining ring over the cylindrical portion, a primary structure for retaining the retaining ring on the cylindrical portion, and secondary structure for retaining the cylindrical portion within a bore of the panel. The retaining ring includes radially inwardly extending opposing prongs that fit into the longitudinally extending grooves. A stop point may be provided in the longitudinally extending grooves, or an end of the fastener may be flared, to retain the retaining ring on the fastener. The prongs may also be slightly flexible and flared to grip the longitudinally extending grooves. The secondary structure can include one or more spring loaded pins in the fastener extending externally outward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: FASTENER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Bulent G. GULISTAN
  • Patent number: 8028786
    Abstract: A lower rail is fixed to a vehicle floor, and an upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to the lower rail. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail. A rectangular frame is attached onto the load sensor, a rod of the load sensor sequentially penetrates a web of the rectangular frame and a spring holder upward, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A nut is screwed to the rod, and the nut tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. The coil spring is sandwiched between a flange of the spring holder and the web and is compressed by tightening the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wataru Takayasu, Shinya Ishima, Shigeru Endo, Kenji Sato
  • Publication number: 20110033262
    Abstract: Captive panel fasteners are configured to be held captive on a panel by multiple retaining elements. The fasteners include longitudinal grooves along a cylindrical portion of the fastener, a retaining ring over the cylindrical portion, a primary structure for retaining the retaining ring on the cylindrical portion, and secondary structure for retaining the cylindrical portion within a bore of the panel. The retaining ring includes radially inwardly extending opposing prongs that fit into the longitudinally extending grooves. A stop point may be provided in the longitudinally extending grooves, or an end of the fastener may be flared, to retain the retaining ring on the fastener. The prongs may also be slightly flexible and flared to grip the longitudinally extending grooves. The secondary structure can include one or more spring loaded pins in the fastener extending externally outward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Bulent G. GULISTAN
  • Patent number: 7564683
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a motherboard includes a mounting boss and a boss backing. The mounting boss is alignable in a first orientation with a first hole spacing in the motherboard, and alignable in a second orientation with a second hole spacing in the motherboard. The boss backing is adapted to connect with the mounting boss in the first orientation through the motherboard having the first hole spacing, and adapted to connect with the mounting boss in the second orientation through the motherboard having the second hole spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: Charles D. Hood, III, Jason A. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7555818
    Abstract: A releasable fastener assembly is affixable through a panel having a front side and a back side and a mounting hole therethrough. The releasable fastener assembly includes a mounting button attachable to the panel back side, the mounting button having a button shaft sized to fit into the mounting hole and a button head with a diameter larger than the mounting hole. A seal may be fit between the mounting button and the panel back side. One part of a releasable fastener is attachable to the panel front side and has an aperture therein in alignment with the mounting hole. A fixing member secures the one part and the mounting button to each other through the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Erskine, Andrew S. Furlong
  • Publication number: 20080260491
    Abstract: Provided is a fall-off preventing element and a loosening preventing nut, which, by a wire of a coil spring, with a free lower end, being fitted onto a thread groove of a bolt, can prevent fall-off of a nut or loosening of a nut. A fall-off preventing element is screwed onto a bolt and includes a coil spring portion and a cylindrical main body affixing an upper end of the coil spring portion and having an opening formed therein in which a lower end of the coil spring portion is latched. The coil spring portion is made smaller in its inner diameter than the outer diameter of a leg portion of the bolt. The lower end of the coil spring portion is latched in a diameter-expanded state to the cylindrical main body, and the lower end of the coil spring portion is enabled to move in a diameter-expanding direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Taijiro Soeda, Mayumi Soeda
  • Patent number: 7344345
    Abstract: A captive shoulder nut for a electronic module heat sink has a threaded nut portion and a tubular portion extending therefrom. A ramped section in the exterior wall of the tubular portion leads to a retaining groove adjacent the bottom face of the nut portion. A compression spring is slipped over the tubular portion to ride over the ramped section and be retained at one end in the retaining groove. The tubular portion is suitable to be inserted through a straight hole, whereof the inner diameter of the spring is larger than the hole. The free end of the tubular portion is suitable to be flared to a larger diameter than the hole, thereby establishing a captivation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas V. Aukzemas
  • Patent number: 6173969
    Abstract: A sealing ring having a base body manufactured of thermoplastic synthetic resin material and a sealing body of elastomeric synthetic resin material. The two bodies are molded permanently on one another and each possess a sealing section, which serves for producing a sealing action at sealing faces of two oppositely placed components which are to be sealed in relation to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Kurt Stoll, Ulrich Kees
  • Patent number: 5988966
    Abstract: An antitheft device includes a base member having an open top and a hole defined through the bottom thereof, a plurality of slots defined in the peripheral wall extending from the bottom and an annular flange extending radially and outwardly from the peripheral wall. A cap has an annular groove is defined in the inner periphery of the peripheral wall extending from the top so that the head portion of a bolt or a nut is received between the cap and the base member with the annular flange being engaged with the annular groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventors: Antony Chen, Han-Wey Chen
  • Patent number: 5927035
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for fastening a first structure to a second structure comprising a fastener having a head disposed at a proximal end of a shaft and a pointed tip disposed at a distal end of that shaft, and a plastic sleeve surrounding a portion of the shaft in coaxial-relation thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the first structure is a metal floor panel having means for receiving the fastener and the sleeve. The receiving means keeps the sleeve in substantially perpendicular-relation to a support portion of the second structure, with the pointed tip of the shaft disposed adjacent to the support portion. In this arrangement, when a driving force is applied to the head of the fastener, the fastener moves axially relative to the sleeve through the first structure into engagement with the second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Harry M. Haytayan
  • Patent number: 5913649
    Abstract: A protector cap for covering a mounting bolt head has a spacer interposed between the cap and the bolt to position the cap with respect to the bolt head and to isolate the cap from the bolt head. The cap is made of a resin. The spacer is a separate member engaged with the inner surface of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kazunori Tomimatsu, Kenichi Saito, Tetsuo Maki, Masanobu Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 5890859
    Abstract: A security arrangement for preventing removal of a bolt or nut threaded fastener including a shielding sleeve receiving the fastener hex portion, the threaded body passing out through a hole in a closed end in the sleeve. A socket wrench can be received in the open end and engage the hex element for wrenching. A blocking cap is received over the open end and a locking pin driven through a hole in one side of the cap, a pair of aligned holes in the sleeve end, and a blind hole extending partially into the inside of the opposite side of the blocking cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Dean C. Hasnik
  • Patent number: 5879117
    Abstract: A securing assembly includes a cap having a top with a skirt portion extending laterally from a periphery defining the top, a plurality of passages defined longitudinally in the skirt portion and being accessed from an end edge of the skirt portion, a washer member having a hole and a plurality of engaging members extending laterally from a periphery defining the washer member, and a bolt having a shank thereof extending through the hole with a head thereof being received in the cap. The engaging members are securely received in the corresponding passages. The assembly further includes a second cap with a nut received therein and a second washer member for engagement with the second cap so that the bolt extends through the two washer members and threadedly engages with the nut, wherein the second cap has an aperture defined therethrough so that the shank can extend through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventors: Antony Chen, Han-Wey Chen
  • Patent number: 5788442
    Abstract: In a sealing arrangement for bores (2) in guide rails (1), particularly for linear assemblies, each bore (2) comprises a radially widened end portion (5) for receiving a screw head (4) of a fixing screw (3) and is adapted to be sealed in a plane parallel to an upper surface (10) of the guide rail (1) by a sealing plug (6) having a disc-shaped upper part (8) and a concentric shank (9), said sealing plug (6) extending in a sealing position in the end portion (5) of the bore (2), characterized in that an annular clamping washer (7) comprising a through-slit (11) in radial direction at one circumferential point is arranged in the end portion (5) between the upper part (8) of the sealing plug (6) and the screw head (4), and the shank (9) of the sealing plug (6) is pressed into a bore (12) of the clamping washer (7) whereby, with the help of the clamping washer (7), the sealing plug (6) is fixed in a simple manner in the end portion (5) of the bore (2) which is thus sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: INA Walzlager Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Jean Marie Eder
  • Patent number: 5749690
    Abstract: A non-removable screw nut fastener assembly for affixation to a threaded bolt member comprising a nut member with a round substantially smooth exterior surface having a peripheral snap ring groove, a cap member having one closed end and an interior surface having a peripheral snap ring groove, the cap member being of such size as to fit closely but loosely over the nut member when the nut is fastened to the bolt member substantially enclosing and prevent turning of the nut and a snap ring resting untensioned partly within each of the peripheral grooves to prevent removal of the cap member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Kurt Kutz
  • Patent number: 5676511
    Abstract: In a screw securing device for a screw (1) by means of which a first component (2a) and a second component (2b) are clamped together, a bushing (5a, 5b), includes a cylinder (5a) and a base (5b) which contains a bore, the bushing being arranged in a first bore (3a) of the first component (2a). The first bore (3a) opens into a smaller, second bore (3b) of the first component (2a), and said second bore (3b) is provided with a left-handed thread (8) in which there is screwed a tubular extension (5c) which is arranged coaxially with the bore in the base (5b). The screw (1) is screwed, through the bushing (5a, 5b) and the tubular extension (5c), into the second component (2b) by means of its right-handed thread (7). A cap (6a), having an insert (6b) which is connected to the screw head in a positively locking manner, is fastened on the bushing (5a, 5b) by a welding bead (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AG
    Inventor: Pierre Meylan
  • Patent number: 5651651
    Abstract: A two part fastening assembly 30 for use with a common fastener 500 such as a screw, bolt, or the like includes a substantially ring-shaped base member 32 having a washer-shaped element 38 attached to one end. Washer-shaped element 38 has a hole 42 sized to accept the shank 504 of common fastener 500. Base member 32 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 48. A substantially bowl-shaped cap 34 has a corresponding plurality of legs 60 having barbs 62. The shank 504 of common fastener 500 is inserted into base member 32 and into hole 42 until head 502 abuts washer-shaped element 38. Cap 34 is then inserted into base member 32, covering head 502, and barbs 62 snap into apertures 48 and are captively engaged thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Paul E. Spencer
  • Patent number: 5630687
    Abstract: A theft resistant valve cap including a liner adapted for threaded engagement with a standard pneumatic tire stem valve, a sleeve rotatably mounted with the liner to shroud it an interlocking feature to selectively prevent axial displacement between the liner and the sleeve. The interlocking feature includes a screw threaded into an aperture in the sleeve, and an annular channel on the liner, positioned to receive the screw. The annular channel has an upper surface, a lower surface and an inner surface disposed between the upper and lower surfaces. The screw is moved so that it extends into the channel resting proximate to the upper surface, but clear of both said lower and inner surfaces. In this fashion, the liner and the sleeve are in a fixed axial position with respect to each other; however, the rotatability of the sleeve with respect to the liner is maintained, preventing removal of the liner from the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Robert R. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5586853
    Abstract: A fastener cage for retaining a fastener on a panel comprises a retainer and a collar which sandwich a rigid substrate of the panel and snap-fit together in interconnecting relationship through a hole in the substrate. The retainer retains an anchoring end of the fastener and the collar and the retainer transmit pushing and pulling forces on the panel substrate through extensive areas of the respective inner and outer side of the substrate surrounding the hole. The retainer and collar are formed with a central opening for the insertion of the fastener and a thin inexpensive cover is adhered to the retainer to close the opening therein to prevent the entry of plastic foam that is formed against the inner side of the panel substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Poe
  • Patent number: 5557897
    Abstract: A fastening device for anchoring a sealing strip on a roof includes an elongated fastener which penetrates both a holder and the sealing strip and has a drill tip at a lower end thereof extending into the roof substructure. An opposite upper end of the fastener has an enlarged upper end engaged in an opening in the holder to press the holder against and anchor the sealing strip on the roof. A cover having a recessed underside for receiving the holder and a central hole with a slit-like depression for receiving a catch-shaped projection extending upwardly from the head of the fastener is rotated to drive the fastener and the holder into position on the sealing strip while at the same time covering the opening in the holder to prevent entry of rainwater and the like. As the cover engages the sealing strip, the cover eventually disengages the fastener so that only the cover rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: BRAAS GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Kranz, Reinhard Schubert
  • Patent number: 5498092
    Abstract: A protective cover 12 for a ball joint assembly 10 includes a generally cylindrical plug 96 with axially extending resilient fingers 100 engageable with a shaft 40 of a stud 26 of the ball joint assembly 10 to prevent removal of the cover 12 from the ball joint assembly 10. A frustoconical cam surface 90 on a generally cylindrical sidewall 72 defining a chamber 70 for enclosing the stud 26 moves the fingers 100 toward the stud 26 upon movement of the plug 96 relative to the cam surface 90.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Russell T. Fellows
  • Patent number: 5397019
    Abstract: A vending assembly for vending at least one paper from at least one publisher includes a mounting frame forming an architectural landscape form providing a plurality of spaced mounting locations. The assembly also includes a plurality of vending boxes each being located at a corresponding one of the mounting locations and spaced from each other. The assembly further includes a structure for mounting each one of the vending boxes to each one of the mounting locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Norman L. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5213233
    Abstract: The present invention is a vending assembly for vending at least one paper from at least one publisher. The assembly includes a mounting frame providing a plurality of spaced mounting locations. The assembly also includes a plurality of vending boxes each being located at a corresponding one of the mounting locations and spaced from each other. The assembly further includes a structure for mounting each one of the vending boxes to each one of the mounting locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Norman L. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5163797
    Abstract: Ornamental lug nut covers, protecting the a vehicle lug nut and threads are formed with a outwardly extending flanges with edges folded over to capture the rims of retainer rings having inward facing tabs that butt and lock against the surfaces of lug nuts. The flange may be used to secure vehicle wheel covers having oversize mounting holes that can fit around the outside of the nut so that only the flange and not the lug nut secures the wheel cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Wheel Masters Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Patti
  • Patent number: 5103538
    Abstract: A snap-fit fastener assembly including a receptacle member and a post member. The receptacle member is attachable to a first body such as a section of canvas or the like and the post member is attachable to a second body such as the side of a boat or the like. The receptacle member is a unitary single piece body integrally formed of a suitable plastic material and the post member includes an attachment portion and a head portion. Post engaging portions are integrally formed on the inside of the receptacle member for consistently, repeatably and securely engaging the post member in a snap-fit action such that the section of canvas may be retainably attached across the sides of the boat for covering the boat. A flexible arm with an upstanding protrusion is formed on the inside of the receptacle member for engaging a cooperatively formed groove formed on an underside of the head portion of the post member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Ryder International Corporation
    Inventor: Francis E. Ryder
  • Patent number: 5068956
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved fastening system for attaching a wheel to the frame of an in-line roller skate. The system includes a fastening plug insertable into the axis aperture in the side rail of an in-line roller skate frame. The system further includes a snap cover assembly including an anchor insertable into the axle aperture of the side rail from the other side thereof, a nut insertable into a receptacle disposed in the anchor, and a snap cover for enclosing and covering the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Rollerblade
    Inventor: Andrzej M. Malewicz
  • Patent number: 5059076
    Abstract: A structure for preventing from readjusting an adjustment member, which adjusts an extent of operation by rotating the adjustment member, and more particularly, for preventing from readjusting an adjustment member in a carburetor. The structure for the adjustment member includes a hollow tube of a heat shrinkable resin to be fitted around the outer surface of a rotating operational portion of the adjustment member in such a manner that when the hollow tube is heated to be shrunk, it is securely fixed around the outer surface of the adjustment operational portion. Owing to such an arrangement, it will be impossible to fit a tool or the like onto the adjustment operational portion of the adjustment member once it has been available to the user, thus preventing the readjustment. Even if it is readjusted, the readjustment will be easily recognized during a particular inspection of performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yutaka Kondo
  • Patent number: 5020951
    Abstract: An improved fastener assembly (10) for securing a rocker arm cover (11) to an engine block (13) is described. In the preferred embodiment, the fastener assembly is comprised of a bolt (15) with an unthreaded shaft (15b) between a head (15a) and a threaded end (15c) along a longitudinal axis of the bolt. The bolt is in a slideable relationship within a cylindrical opening (19a) through a grommet (19) and a secured washer (17). Projections or interference portions (15e) on the unthreaded shaft adjacent to the threaded section and opposite the head, restrict the axial movement of the bolt within the grommet and the washer. While the rocker arm cover is being alilgned on the engine block, the bolt is in an up position with the projecting surfaces adjacent to the washer. Once the rocker arm cover is aligned, the bolt is threadingly mated with a threaded aperture (13a) in the engine block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: David G. Smith
  • Patent number: 4993902
    Abstract: A plastic capped lock nut includes a metal body having a threaded bore extending axially between transverse opposite end faces and includes an annular wall extending outwardly of one of the end faces to define an open ended cavity for receiving a resilient lock ring mounted in the cavity in coaxial alignment with the threaded bore. An end cap of plastic material including an annular side wall and an outer end engages the lock ring and is sonically welded thereto. The annular wall of the metal body is deflected inwardly tightly against the lock ring to secure the ring in the cavity against rotation relative to the body. The end cap provides protection for exposed threads of a threaded rod or other element extending outwardly of the bore of the lock nut body and ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventor: Keith Hellon
  • Patent number: 4968202
    Abstract: A capped nut including a metal nut body, first threads on the outside of the metal nut body, a cap including a metallic shell and a non-metallic insert, dimples in the shell, a shoulder on the insert in contiguous relationship to the dimples for preventing the insert from being removed from the shell, second threads on the insert for mounting on the first threads of the metal nut body, and a rachet arrangement between the insert and the dimples for permitting the shell to override the insert when a turning force is applied to the shell which tends to overtighten the second threads on the insert with the first threads on the nut body but which provides positive engagement between the shell and the insert when a force is applied to the shell for unthreading the cap from the nut body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: McGard, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Lanham
  • Patent number: 4948319
    Abstract: It is known for colored plastics caps to be pushed by a customer onto heads of metal screws, after the screws have been secured to sheets of colored cladding or roofing. It is also known for the caps to be molded around the screw heads by a manufacturer. In the present invention, a screw/cap assembly is formed by bonding an initially separate cap onto the head of a screw by means of an adhesive, such as an epoxy resin sufficiently strong to allow the screw to be driven while the cap is in place. The intention is that the manufacturer would maintain stocks of the caps and stocks of the screws of different types, and only secure predetermined caps onto the heads of predetermined screws in response to specific orders from customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: UTW Limited
    Inventors: Robert H. Day, George D. Hewison
  • Patent number: 4944644
    Abstract: A cover cap is provided for a screw fastener device of the type comprising a threaded shank and a head, with washer means below said head, said washer means including a rigid spreader washer located over a resilient washer part. The screw fastener device is especially intended to secure panelling, such as roof and wall cladding, in industrial and domestic buildings. The cover cap comprises a cap member for location over the fastener head, a peripheral wall of the cap member sealingly engaging said resilient washer part. Further the cap includes clip means for clipping to the fastener device below the rigid spreader washer to secure the cap on the screw fastener device. The clip means preferably comprises an annular series of indents, but alternatively the annular wall could include a peripheral skirt of indented U-form defining said clip means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Steelpress (Supplies) Limited
    Inventor: Alan Bell
  • Patent number: 4931682
    Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine includes a stator assembly and a rotor assembly, including a rotatable shaft ad a rotor affixed to and rotatable with the shaft. The stator and rotor assemblies are assembled into a motor and the motor has the stator and rotor insulated from electrical contact with other objects. Because of its construction and design, the motor does not require electrical grounding prior to use so that it is not a hazard to persons coming into contact with it in its application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Gary W. Borcherding, John G. Lewis
  • Patent number: 4890967
    Abstract: A protective and decorative cover for application to bolts, nuts and the like. The cover comprises a retainer made of a resilient compressible material having legs which align with the flats of a bolt head or nut. A generally cylindrical cap is then applied over the retainer. The internal diameter of the cap provides an interference fit with the legs of the retainer thereby compressing them against the flats of the bolt or nut. The exposed head of the bolt or the nuts is thus fully enclosed by the cap and protected from the elements. The cap may have a decorative shape and finish that is particularly desirable in automotive, motorcycle and marine applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Spectre Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Amir P. Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 4878792
    Abstract: A car-mat fastener for removably securing a car-mat to a car carpet includes a latching post member, a bottom latching ring-mat member, and a top latching ring-mat member. The top member is telescoped into the bottom member for permanently securing them together and to form an eyelet extending therethrough. The post member includes a lower projecting portion for fixed attachment to the car carpet and an upper post portion for insertion through the eyelet so as to be detachably engaged with the top and bottom latching members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank G. Frano
  • Patent number: 4873396
    Abstract: A cover plate having a back surface defining a covered M groove is presented. The cover plate M groove is hooked over one screw of an electrical wiring device. The second screw then screws into the cover plate and sits deep in the cover plate screw groove. A decorative cover or plug then covers the second screw, so that no screw shows on the front surface farthest from the wall after installation and the cover plate is securely coupled to the wall by the installation of only one mounting screws, rather than two as required by prior art cover plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Texim International
    Inventor: Hossein F. Guity-Mehr
  • Patent number: 4824305
    Abstract: A decorative and protective cap for mounting on a threaded stud to conceal and protect a locknut threadably mounted therein, the cap including a shell having a cylindrical portion for providing a close fit with the outer surface of the locknut, a hexagonal wrench-receiving portion on the shell, and a plastic insert retained within the shell. The plastic insert has a portion with depressions therein for receiving internal lugs of the shell to thereby permanently mount the insert within the shell. An annular longitudinally slotted portion of the insert has an internal thread for mating engagement with the thread of the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: McGard, Inc.
    Inventor: Lewis D. McCauley