Moldable Patents (Class 411/377)
  • Patent number: 5308206
    Abstract: A protection nut for screwing on a stud in which a button slides, includes an approximately bell-shaped elastic membrane mounted to one face of the nut and fitted around or covering the button and an annular seal-ring mounted to the opposite face of the nut, the membrane and the seal-ring forming only one part and being connected together through at least one through-hole of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Crouzet Automatismes
    Inventor: Michel Dorey
  • Patent number: 5290131
    Abstract: A fastener assembly to be used in the construction of semi-trailers consisting of a first fastener having a head and a shank, a mating second fastener, and a plurality of radially spaced projecting barbs formed on the shank. The barbs, which may also be spaced axially on the shank, engage in a hole for receiving the first fastener to prevent rotation and removal of the first fastener. The first fastener may also be provided with an encapsulating cover with two sealing points on its underside to seal the fastener to a surface through which the fastener is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Arne Henriksen
  • Patent number: 5199837
    Abstract: A stud for ultrasonic insertion into a strip of material generally comprises a shank having a head portion and an entering portion on opposite ends thereof. The head portion is ultrasonically insertable into the strip, and the entering portion is insertable into an aperture in a workpiece. The head portion comprises a positive stop means for locating a level of insertion of the head portion into the strip. Means for providing pull out resistance is disposed on the head portion above the positive stop means, and means for providing torsional resistance is disposed on the head portion between the positive stop means and the means for providing pull out resistance. A body portion is located on the head portion above the means for providing pull out resistance. A unique method is also provided for ultrasonically inserting the stud into the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: David Goss
  • Patent number: 5156509
    Abstract: A waterproof screw fastener includes a head having a top and a bottom end, and a threaded shank downwardly extending from the bottom end of the head. The bottom end of the head has an indentation around the threaded shank. A sealing washer is sleeved onto the threaded shank and received in the indentation of the bottom end of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventor: Szu-Hsien Wu
  • Patent number: 5129770
    Abstract: A tamper proof protective cover for cap screws. The cover is installed over either the head or nut, depending which is exposed to vandalism. There is a hemispherical or dome shaped surface with a slightly angled bottom to prevent getting a grip on the cover. A blind bore with a compression ring and gripping rings extending from the flat bottom surface into the blind bore. The protective cover is installed using a special tool by placing the bore over the head or nut of a cap screw and driving down on the head or nut. The gripping rings engage and either binds with or penetrates the edges of the head or nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventor: Kirby D. Coleman
  • Patent number: 5122021
    Abstract: A threaded fastener is provided with a plastic head section that is interlocked with a metal head end of a metal body having an elongated shank with a thread thereon. The plastic head is polygonal with a higher concentration of a reinforcing filler material such as glass in the outer periphery of the polygon so that the plastic head can be turned with the usual wrenches at a normal turning torque without rounding off of the polygonal corners of the head. The inner section of the plastic head has a lesser concentration of filler material adjacent the juncture of plastic and the metal head end to provide greater ductility and strength resistance to fracture or separation of the plastic from the metal head end. The preferred fastener has a self-tapping, helical screw thread thereon and a plurality of metal washers for receiving and separating electrical conductors that will be attached to the fastener between adjacent washers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: The Fastron Corporation
    Inventor: James Medal
  • Patent number: 5120174
    Abstract: A warning device for indicating undesired rotation of a threaded nut on a non-rotatable threaded shaft includes a tight fitting shell for covering the nut and a manually rotatable highly visible indicator on the end of the shell to be adjusted to a predetermined initial alignment. Any torque change caused by nut rotation will therefore rotate the indicator from its predetermined alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Wheel Masters Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Patti
  • Patent number: 5113667
    Abstract: A fan coil unit which includes a primary pan disposed in a housing and setting-off therewith opposite first and second chamber portions housing a condensation coil and a fan, respectively; an air passage is provided in the primary pan through which air is directed by the fan whereby condensation formed upon the coil will collect in the primary pan, a series of bolts pass through holes in the primary pan and a bracket for the fan motor to secure the fan motor and an associated fan housing to an underside of the primary pan, each bolt includes a head within the primary pan which would otherwise be subject to the adverse effects of condensation, but the cap in this case is covered by a cover cross bonded in a water-tight fashion to the primary pan thereby preventing condensation from adversely affecting the bolts or equivalent fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventor: John T. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5112175
    Abstract: The specification discloses a one-piece injection-molded screw hole plug fitting over a screw head to aesthetically close a screw hole. The element defining the screw hole and the top of the screw hole plug have nonplanar, but mating, contours so that the molding and plug define a generally continuous surface. Preferably, the screw hole plug friction fits within the screw hole and over the screw head to retain the plug in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven R. Wilkening
  • Patent number: 5098239
    Abstract: A cover cap for a hexagonal recess in a screw head with an annular wall engaging in the recess. On the outer side an axial rib is provided, with the diametrical clearance between the outer edge of this rib and the diametrically opposed convex surface line of the outer side of the annular wall being greater than the flank clearance between opposing flank walls of the hexagonal recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventor: Horst Thiel
  • Patent number: 5069315
    Abstract: A protection device for the adjusting nut, which adjusts brake slack adjuster of a heavy duty truck is an adjusting nut cover of a generally arcuate shape having a gripping member at one end thereof to hold the cover in position over the adjusting nut, and a removal member at the other end thereof to provide for removing the adjusting nut cover or making the adjusting nut accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventors: Marvin H. VanWeelden, Susan V. VanWeelden
  • 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: 5018329
    Abstract: An improved method of attaching a roofing membrane to an underlayment and an improved roofing construction made by the improved method. A screw and a composite roofing washer are used to attach the membrane to the underlayment. The composite roofing washer is an interlocked assemblage of a metal roofing washer and a thermoplastic insert. After the screw has been driven, the thermoplastic insert is heated so as to cause some of the material of the thermoplastic insert to flow over the head of the screw, thereby to heat-seal the screw to the thermoplastic insert. The thermoplastic insert may be so heated when the roofing membrane is welded to another like membrane at an overlapped seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: S. Riaz Hasan, Louis Thomas
  • 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: 4948318
    Abstract: Disclosed is a composite fastener that includes a metal fastener having a shank with an entrant end and an integral insert. A bottom surface of the insert has a greater diameter than the diameter of the shank. The bottom surface also has a lip extending about the periphery of the shank, which during manufacturing of the composite fastener forms a seal against a shuttle for preventing molten material from running down the shank. Further, the insert includes a configuration for supporting a shuttle pin, such as shuttle pin receiving receptacle, to align the metal fastener in a shuttle. A non-corrosive head made of the extrudable material, such as zinc, encapsulates the insert. A method for manufacturing the composite fastener is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Nottelmann, Norman G. Wallace, Joseph E. Stager
  • 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: 4923348
    Abstract: A protective cap for fastener heads includes a preformed member formed of a naturally tacky compound of unvulcanized butyl rubber, a reinforcing layer of a non-woven polyester fabric, and a silicone-coated polyethylene release liner. The preformed member has a dome-shaped central portion and a surrounding generally flat annular flange. The reinforcing layer of the polyester fabric is disposed over a top surface of the preformed member to form a homogeneous cap construction, and the release liner covers the tacky bottom surface of the preformed member to prevent the cap from adhering to surfaces until ready for use. A plurality of the protective caps are formed in a manipulatable sheet unit and are maintained thereon by the natural tackiness of the unvulcanized butyl rubber compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Tremco Incorporated
    Inventors: Ben J. Carlozzo, Ronald J. Janoski, James Sterk, Mark C. Rundo
  • Patent number: 4907929
    Abstract: A cover for the end of a bolt to which a nut is attached is provided. The cover includes a body having an open end which is communication with an internal cavity. The internal cavity includes a first section of the shape of the nut and a second section. The second section of the internal cavity is cylindrical and is of a diameter between the outer and inner thread diameters of the bolt. In operation, the cover is forced over the bolt and nut such that the first internal cavity section surrounds the nut and the second internal cavity section engages the threads. By virtue of the interference fit provided, the cover may not readily be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: Raymond B. Johnston Jr.
  • Patent number: 4905931
    Abstract: A volume of gas is enclosed by a cap around a fastener that is through a composite structure on an aircraft. The gas provides spark suppression for arcing that may occur between the composite structure and the metal fastener during a lightning strike. The volume of gas is sufficiently large to absorb the energy of small, very hot particles of graphite, epoxy, etc., that may be present resulting from arcing. High-pressure gas regions between the fastener and composite member vent to the larger volume of gas and are absorbed. This provides effective spark suppression for particular areas in an aircraft, such as a fuel tank, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: James H. Covey
  • Patent number: 4900206
    Abstract: A cover of synthetic resin is formed within a stepped recess of a nut adjacent the upper end of the internally threaded portion by injection molding. The cover includes a ring-like mounting frame positioned in the stepped recess, and a covering plate positioned inside the ring-like mounting frame and connected to it by a hinge portion of the cover. The ring-like mounting frame have an integral portion provided at the lower portion of the frame and firmly engaging a portion of the inner surface of the internally threaded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: K. K. Aoyama Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kazino, Masaaki Ide
  • 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: 4887951
    Abstract: A self-threading screw comprises a screw main body of metal having a small heead portion in the proximal end of a threaded shank and a head of synthetic resin material fitted onto the small head portion. The synthetic resin head has a polygonal socket wrench engaging means formed on the circumferential peripheral thereof. The small head portion has a rotary tool engaging means so that a rotary tool can engage with the engaging means of the small head portion when the synthetic resin head is cut open. The synthetic resin head has an annular seal face formed in the bottom thereof while a stopper porton is provided having a greater diameter than that of the shank portion and extending downwardly of the seal face. Additionally, an annular packing is mounted beneath the seal face so that the stopper face is located between the seal face and the bottom face of the packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Maruemu Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenzaburo Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 4884929
    Abstract: The invention is a flush head fastener for joining two or more structural elements together. The structural elements have a fastener hole therein with one of the structural elements being countersunk to accommodate the head of the fastener. The fastener includes head and shank portions and a layer of material joined to the top of the head of the fastener which can readily be deformed to fill any gaps between the head and the countersink. Thereafter, the excess material can be removed leaving an aerodynamically smooth surface. The surface also will have no electrical discontinuities. The procedure for installing the fastener includes the steps of (1) providing two or more structural elements having a countersunk fastener hole therein (2) thereafter the fastener is installed in the hole (3) the layer of material is deformed so as to fill any gaps between the head of the fastener and the countersink, and (4) thereafter, excess material is removed leaving a smooth external surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventors: Charles R. Smith, Anthony E. Brindisi, Gerald W. Tyree
  • Patent number: 4883399
    Abstract: A plastic encapsulated nut and washer assembly includes a plastic retainer or body for holding a hex nut and washer in axially aligned abutting relation ready for assembly with an external threaded member. A portion of the plastic retainer provides an annular seal around the washer when the nut is tightened on a threaded member and an extension bore is formed in the plastic material for providing a lock-nut function when the threaded member is extended into the extension bore from the threaded bore of the hex nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventor: Barry L. MacLean
  • Patent number: 4826380
    Abstract: A pre-cast dome-like shell is loaded with a predetermined amount of curable sealant. The sealant and dome are similar in composition. The dome is pressed over the exposed end of a fastener. An elastic portion of the shell can expand, thereby increasing the internal volume of the shell to accommodate small variations in sealant amount. A close fit between the shell and fastener, combined with an adequate shell wall, insure proper shell orientation and barrier thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: LTV Aerospace & Defense Company
    Inventor: Winston L. Henry
  • Patent number: 4815920
    Abstract: A lock nut of the present invention comprises a metal nut base body and a synthetic resin portion, an internally threaded portion having a diameter smaller than that of an internally threaded portion of the nut base body and extending therefrom being formed in a cap-like portion formed at one end of the nut base body. This lock nut can prevent the occurrence of looseness after the lock nut has been fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Takuya Morooka
  • Patent number: 4813833
    Abstract: A metal threaded fastener is disclosed for use in outdoor or other environments where fastener rust or corrosion are to be discouraged. The fastener includes a metal head adapted for engagement with a torque wrench or the like. The head is covered by a polypropylene jacket. Raised metal protuberances below from a bottom clamping surface of the head. In one embodiment, these protuberances extend at least partly through the polypropylene jacket, but the thin covering layer of polypropylene is displaced from the protuberances during bolt installation. These protuberances provide metal-to-metal contact with a workpiece, and consequently encourage maintenance of a correct axial clamping pressure without over-torquing the mating nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Brock Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Alvin D. Haab
  • Patent number: 4787775
    Abstract: An arrangement for transmitting force in a predetermined direction from a sheet of weldable polymer material to a supporting surface, especially for fastening the sheet to the supporting surface. A fastening element anchored in the supporting surface extends through an orifice in the sheet and carries, on the side of the sheet facing away from the surface, a batten which extends parallel to the sheet transversely to the predetermined force direction. The batten is surrounded by an enveloping body which has been applied in molten form and is welded to the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Schlegel Lining Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Heiner I. Hammer
  • Patent number: 4753560
    Abstract: A fastener-carrier system comprises at least one metallic threaded fastener member including a head portion, a tip portion and an externally threaded shank portion intermediate the head and tip portions and defining an axis. A carrier strip comprises a substantially flat, elongate member of a moldable material and the fastener head portion is moldably embedded into the carrier strip with the tip and threaded shank portions projecting outwardly of the carrier strip. The carrier strip includes a substantially flat workpiece-engaging surface, with the fastener extending outwardly thereof for extending into a receiving aperture in a facing workpiece surface. A raised, elastically deformable skirt portion is provided on the workpiece-engaging surface surrounding each fastener for positively engaging the workpiece surface and for deforming sufficiently thereagainst to form a seal completely around an otherwise exposed portion of the fastener at the workpiece-engaging surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignees: Ryder International Corporation, Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Francis E. Ryder
  • Patent number: 4750878
    Abstract: A retainer bushing for connecting a male member such as a shaft, rod or pin, for example the coupling pin of a motor vehicle clutch pedal, to a mechanical component having a bore accepting the shaft, rod or pin in the bore, for example the input member of an hydraulic master cylinder hydraulically connected to a slave cylinder actuating a clutch release mechanism. The retainer bushing has a flange at one end and one or more longitudinally projecting tangs at the other end. A closure wall is integrally formed at the other end of the retainer bushing. Each tang, which is elastically deflectable outwardly and inwardly, has a radially inwardly directed abutment surface for engagement with the other end of the bore when the flange is engaged at one end thereof, and an inwardly radially directed prong for engagement in a peripheral groove formed in the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Automotive Products plc
    Inventors: Richard A. Nix, David L. Wrobleski, David C. Barker
  • Patent number: 4749321
    Abstract: A sealing fastener includes an insert made of metal such as steel and a cap made of a non-ferrous and non-corrosive material such as aluminum. The cap is formed around and is captivated on the upper end portion of the insert by an impact extrusion process. The insert is formed with a head-retaining portion, a flange and a threaded shank. During impact extrusion, the cap is molded over the head-retaining portion and the top of the flange, around the peripheral edge of the flange and under the marginal portion of the underside of the flange. The upper side of the flange is formed with angularly spaced grooves and the outer edge of the flange is formed with scallops to help prevent the cap from turning relative to the insert when the fastener is tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Elco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph E. Knohl, Ernest W. Reinwall
  • Patent number: 4687397
    Abstract: A composite rivet comprises an integral mandrel having a collar telescoped thereabout for controlling radial deformation of a head forming portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Microdot Inc.
    Inventor: Imre Berecz
  • Patent number: 4687394
    Abstract: A composite rivet comprises a preformed head portion, a shear portion, an integral mandrel extending from said shear portion having an annular recess therein, a deformable plastic locking ring radially aligned with and filling the recess in said mandrel, and a collar telescoped about and radially aligned with said locking ring for controlling deformation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Microdot Inc.
    Inventor: Imre Berecz
  • Patent number: 4687396
    Abstract: A composite rivet comprises an integral mandrel from which material is sheared to form a head on the blind side of a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Microdot Inc.
    Inventor: Imre Berecz
  • Patent number: 4681497
    Abstract: An encapsulated metal bolt comprises a head portion having an encapsulating cap thereon with a plurality of conductive fibers therein electrically isolated from the head but electrically exposed to the surface of a complementary aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Microdot Inc.
    Inventor: Imre Berecz
  • Patent number: 4636124
    Abstract: A one-piece thermoplastic fastener assembly is disclosed having a friction-weld fastening surface with a centrally located heat-activated adhesive pellet. A plurality of deflector segments are integrally formed with the friction weld surface at the plurality of radial distances from the axis of rotation. The shape of the base member and the thickness of the plurality of deflector segments are selected to cause any imaginary straight line emanating from the axis of rotation and passing through the marginal edge of each intercepted deflector segment to extend below the radial plane which passes across the outer marginal edge of the innermost deflector segment to thereby causes even distribution of the heat-activated adhesive across the friction weld surface in response to a driving rotation of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Gugle, Brian R. Peek
  • Patent number: 4624585
    Abstract: A retainer bushing for connecting a male member such as a shaft, rod or pin, for example the coupling pin of a motor vehicle clutch pedal, to a mechanical component having a bore accepting the shaft, rod or pin in the bore, for example the input member of a hydraulic master cylinder hydraulically connected to a slave cylinder actuating a clutch release mechanism. The retainer bushing has a flange at one end and one or more longitudinally projecting tangs at the other end. Each tang, which is elastically deflectable outwardly and inwardly, has a radially inwardly directed abutment surface for engagement with the other end of the bore when the flange is engaged at one end thereof, and an inwardly radially directed prong for engagement in a groove formed in the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: Automotive Products plc
    Inventors: Richard A. Nix, Thomas J. Kudzia
  • Patent number: 4582462
    Abstract: A plastic protecting cap for the clamping on a polygon nut, with a cylinder casing, which overlaps the polygon nut. The technical problem of the present invention is the provision of a plastic protecting cap, which, by a turning movement, can be clamped safely and firmly on the polygon nut and can be released therefrom by turning in opposite direction again. On the internal face of the casing, at least, two axial profile webs are arranged at places corresponding to polygonal corners, each web comprises a groove profile, open against the axis, with a vertex angle equal to the polygon angle, the radial distance of the vertex of each groove profile from the profile axis being slightly smaller than the radial distance of each corner of the polygon nut profile from the profile axis, and one flange surface of the groove profile is longer, in circumferential direction, than the other flange surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Inventor: Horst Thiel
  • Patent number: 4579494
    Abstract: An elongated flexible locking pin having one rounded and one flat end with the pin being made in two semi-cylindrical halves of different diameter and bonded together by a rubber substance which also covers the flat end of the pin and a small portion of the length of the pin adjacent to the flat end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Inventor: Robert S. Bierwith
  • Patent number: 4507035
    Abstract: An impact resistant assembly is provided which comprises a longitudinal, molded shaft composed of a thermoplastic material and having screw threads at one end thereof and a planar head plate at the opposite end. Adjacent to the head plate is an upper cylindrical shaft section upon which is securely positioned a metal collar, which is preferably provided with an enlarged metal rim, to support the head plate and adjacent cylindrical shaft section against substantial deformation during the subsequent molding thereon of a resilient, head member which is formed from a thermosetting material. It has been found that the combination of the planar head plate and the adjacent metal collar is essential to form the desired impact resistant assembly having the resilient, impact resistant head member molded thereon. The impact resistant assemblies of this invention are particularly suited for use in bowling alley backstops which are subjected to repeated and severe direct impacts by bowling balls of high mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Assignee: Roller Corporation of America
    Inventor: Edward Monett
  • Patent number: 4482278
    Abstract: An improved bolt which has a head with a plurality of sharp projections extending in the direction of the shank so that the head can bite in and lock the bolt to a workpiece. A second embodiment utilizes a plastic encapsulation over the head, for example, for use with buildings wherein the openings through which the shank passes is to be sealed and in this embodiment the sharp projections cut through the plastic encapsulating material so as to bite into the workpiece and such cuts are spaced so that the edge of the encapsulating material is not completely separated from the main portion of the encapsulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: Brock Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Dorn
  • Patent number: 4452556
    Abstract: There is disclosed an improved fastener of the type having a head portion, a shank portion extending from the head portion, and a plastic cover overlying the fastener head. The head includes an outer perimeter of generally square configuration having a plurality of substantially straight side portions. The upper surface of the head is provided with an oversized drive recess which extends along the diagonals of the square perimeter. As a result, the fastener head may be readily aligned within a mold which forms the plastic head cover. More particularly, anyone of the straight side portions may engage an alignment surface of the mold to permit the final drive recess forming portion of the mold to be readily aligned with and received by the initial over sized drive recess. The resulting plastic cover entirely overlies the fastener head and the thickness of the plastic within the oversized recess reduces the drive recess dimension to a final desired size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1984
    Inventors: John F. Nelson, Ernest H. Lindsay, Jr., Albert M. Zeller, Francis C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4447055
    Abstract: Playground equipment having wooden timbers includes a plastic fastener with a metal threaded core flushly mounted in the wooden timbers for interconnecting the wooden timbers to associated members of the playground unit. The plastic fastener has one-way tightening means and actuates the metal core by locking engagement with the metal core, thereby preventing disassembly of the playground equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Assignee: Miracle Recreation Equipment Company
    Inventor: Paul W. Ahrens
  • Patent number: 4417571
    Abstract: A prosthetic cement spacer for controlling the thickness of cement applied between a prosthetic insert and a support member, such as an acetabulum, includes a generally cylindrical standoff body portion fabricated from acrylic bone cement and a pointed wire concentric with said standoff body and outwardly extending from one end a sufficient length to anchor into the acetabulum bone surface. The method of use of these prosthetic cement spacers involves preparation of the acetabulum so that there is sufficient clearance space for the prosthetic cement spacers and then to insert the pointed wires into the acetabulum bone surface in an equilateral triangular arrangement thereby providing three points of contact for the prosthetic insert, such as an acetabular cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Inventors: Carl L. Nelson, Darrel W. Haynes, Michael J. Weber
  • Patent number: 4378926
    Abstract: For amusement, and for utility as an article hanger, a molded plastic body simulates the head end of a full-size railroad-rail-anchoring spike. The head end of a relatively small screw is embedded in the molded body to extend therefrom for perpendicular insertion into a wall or partition or door, to create the illusion that a large spike has been surface-defacingly driven into the wall. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the screw extends perpendicularly from the beveledly truncated head-end portion of the spike to create the illusion that the spike has been driven angularly downwardly into a vertical structure. A smaller body, simulating the pointed end of a spike, is similarly constructed for aligned positioning on the opposite side of a partition or door to create the illusion that the spike has been driven downwardly-angled entirely through its supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1983
    Inventor: Robert J. Hodack
  • Patent number: 4373842
    Abstract: A plastic-headed fastener assembly has a first outer and a second inner sealing flange. The second flange performs the secondary function of engaging the upper panel of two a member assembly which tends to climb the threads and holding it away from the head. The threads on the fastener can then strip out the hole in this upper panel so that it may return to its position adjacent the second member. This flange prevents damage to the plastic head which can result from friction generated heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Bettini, John F. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4320693
    Abstract: An arrangement for adjustments on carburetor control devices by which the adjustment is sealed to prevent unauthorized readjustment, leakage or accidental movement out of adjustment by the use of a heat shrinkable tube or cap shrunk into contact with both the adjustment and associated structure to prevent relative movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1982
    Assignee: Schmelzer Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Benjamin
  • Patent number: 4316690
    Abstract: A capped bolt having a threaded shank adapted to receive a nut thereon and a bolt head laterally larger than the shank having a lead surface adjacent the threads. A rigid thermoplastic cap capable of cold flow deformation substantially surrounds the bolt head and has an annular lip in contact with the lead surface having a free end thereof near the shank threads. The annular lip has both exterior surfaces thereof facing the shank such that a line tangent to each surface intersects the shank. When the nut is tightened on the bolt, the lip cold flows into an oversized aperture of at least one of the two or more members being bolted and between the threads providing a hermetic seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1982
    Inventor: Ronald L. Voller
  • Patent number: 4295767
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant screw type fastener has a carbon steel threaded shank with a die cast zinc or aluminum head, and a reformable plastic washer positioned about the shank and partly received within the head. The shank has a retaining portion having a polygonical configuration and a cylindrical portion between the retaining portion and the threads. The retaining portion has a larger cross-sectional configuration than the cylindrical portion for preventing axial movement between the head and the shank. An annular recess is formed between the head and part of the cylindrical portion for receiving the washer which is thicker than the depth of the recess. When the fastener is threaded into the work the heat and pressure generated reform the washer to completely fill the recess and provide an effective seal against corrosive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1981
    Inventor: John W. Temple, Jr.