Resiliently Flexible Patents (Class 411/392)
  • Patent number: 11585074
    Abstract: A device for resisting rotation of a tap fitted to a work surface comprises a body; an engagement formation for engaging with a part of the tap; and an attachment means for irrotatably attaching the device to the tap. The device further comprises fastening means for irrotatably fastening the device to a work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: TAPLOK LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert Emmett
  • Patent number: 11352778
    Abstract: A metal joint adapted to be fitted into a hole formed in a building component and fixed to the hole with an adhesive includes: a small diameter portion having an elongated shape and an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the hole; and two large diameter portions fixed to the small diameter portion individually at two locations spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the small diameter portion, each large diameter portion having an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the hole. Furthermore, irregularities are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion in a section between the two large diameter portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Adachi
  • Patent number: 10610275
    Abstract: Device for bone fixation with a head portion (5), a tapering front portion (8) and a shaft (3) between said head portion (5) and said tapering front portion (8), said shaft (3) having a distal portion (3a) adjacent to said tapering front portion (8) and a proximal portion (3b) adjacent to said head portion (5); whereby said distal portion (3a) being provided with a thread and having a constant outer diameter DA and an inner core diameter DI; at least the proximal portion (3b) of said shaft (3) has a core (2) consisting of a biologically non-degradable material with degradation rate BND and having a diameter d?DI; a sleeve (9) surrounding said core and consisting of a biologically degradable material with degradation rate BD, whereby BD>BND and said sleeve (9) being fixed to said core in a non-rotatable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Biomech Innovations SA
    Inventor: Stefano Brianza
  • Patent number: 10138921
    Abstract: A connecting element, the use thereof and a method for connecting plate shaped workpieces are proposed. The connecting element comprises a multiplicity of closed encircling annular projections, which are arranged in such a way that the spacing between adjacent annular projections changes along a circumference or that adjacent annular projections are arranged parallel to one another or obliquely to the longitudinal axis. The connecting element is rotated and pressed into contact to produce a hole and, after the production of the hole, is subjected only to axial contact pressure and is then twisted to lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Arnold Umformtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heiko Miller, Dominik Fröhlich
  • Patent number: 10051763
    Abstract: Electronic device package technology is disclosed. In one example, an electronic device includes a substrate having at least one electronic component mounted thereon and a heatsink thermally coupled to the electronic component. A plurality of fasteners attaches the heatsink to the substrate. At least one of the substrate, the heatsink, and the plurality of fasteners include a stress-relieving component to minimize fastener stress on the substrate. The stress-relieving component can comprise a fastener having a compliant device (e.g., a spring) for z-direction stress relief. The stress-relieving component can comprise the substrate and/or the heatsink having an oversized aperture for x-direction and/or y-direction stress relief. A method is disclosed for coupling a substrate to a heatsink. A method is disclosed for minimizing fastener stress locally to fasteners of an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Yuhong Cai, Min-Thi Lai, Garrick Chow, Lianhua Fan
  • Patent number: 9821443
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a ratchet wheel received in a handle and having an insertion hole. The ratchet wheel further includes an outer periphery having a toothed portion and a lower section below the toothed portion. The lower section includes an annular engagement groove and a cutout intercommunicating the annular engagement groove with the insertion hole. A clip includes a notch and has a diameter slightly smaller than a spacing between upper and lower wall faces of the annular engagement groove and larger than a depth of the annular engagement groove. The clip is not on the same plane when placed flat. The maximum width between an upper edge and a lower edge of the clip is slightly larger than the spacing between the upper and lower wall faces of the annular engagement groove. The clip includes an engagement section received in the cutout and extending into the insertion hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: COMPASS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tzu-Chien Wang
  • Patent number: 9752601
    Abstract: A fastener device provided with at least one movable stud and a stationary stud, the movable stud including first magnetization means that co-operate with second magnetization means of the stationary stud. At least one magnetization means is carried by a ball joint, each magnetization means being carried by movement means that cause the magnetization means to move in translation along a longitudinal axis from an engagement position to a disengagement position in reversible manner, the magnetization means being strongly magnetically attracted to each other when they are facing and each in the engagement position and being magnetically attracted only slightly or not at all when at least one magnetization means is in the disengagement position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Giacalone, Clement Peyrusaubes, Marc Denavaux
  • Patent number: 9744652
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a head which has a through hole, a first recess, a second recess and a closed portion. A ratchet member is located in the through hole and is engaged with a pawl in the first recess. The control unit is located in the second recess and has a control member, an engaging member and a resilient member. The control member has a cylindrical rod with a slot and a notch. The engaging member is located in the slot and has a receiving recess, two contact areas and a recessed section. The resilient member is located in the notch and the receiving recess. The engaging member is restricted by the closed portion and biased by engaging member which restricts the cylindrical rod so that the control member is rotatably located in the second recess to push the engaging member to move the pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Jyun-Wun Liao
  • Patent number: 9592594
    Abstract: A socket wrench includes a wrench body, a driving seat and a retaining ring. The driving seat disposed in a head of the wrench body, and has a central hole, an aperture defined in and through an inner wall of the central hole, and a cutout defined in an outer periphery thereof. The retaining ring mounted around the driving seat has a hook portion and a straight leg. The hook portion has a distal end extending through the aperture of the driving seat. The straight leg is rested in the cutout of the driving seat. The straight leg has a distal end extending outside the cutout. The straight leg could be operated to an open position where the distal end of the hook portion is retracted in the aperture of the driving seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Yi-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 9512868
    Abstract: Anchor fastening element for fastening an object to a wall having a drilled hole, which comprises a threaded bolt having a threaded portion at one end and an anchor portion at the other end and also having a shank portion in between. The threaded portion and the anchor portion have a low ductility and the shank portion has a higher ductility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Karlsruher Insitut Für Technologie
    Inventors: Lothar Stempniewski, Marco Maisch
  • Patent number: 9198651
    Abstract: An anchor inserter provides for inserting an anchor into a hole in body tissue. The anchor inserter has an elongated shaft with a first axis and a distal end and an insertion tip. The insertion tip has a driving tip extending distally from the distal end of the shaft to terminate in an anchor engaging interface. A resiliency between the anchor engaging interface and the shaft allows bending away from the first axis. An abutment member extends distally from the shaft and has a distally facing abutment surface adjacent the driving tip which abuts the anchor and allows an axial force to be transmitted thereto. Preferably, the abutment member comprises a collar extending from the shaft and coaxially receiving the driving tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARL
    Inventor: Mehmet Ziya Sengun
  • Patent number: 9169862
    Abstract: A fastener system for composite structure provides electromagnetic energy protection by incorporating a self-aligning head (SAH) fastener having a head with a spherical engaging surface and a shank extending from the head for insertion through a hole in a composite structure and a self-aligning self sealing (SASS) washer having a throat receiving the shank and a spherical mating surface interfacing with the spherical engaging surface of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard P. Whitlock, Peter A. Coronado, Sean D. Morden, Randall A. Rogers, Julie M. Drexler, John R. Porter, Jeffry G. Bickford
  • Publication number: 20150122363
    Abstract: A plug (1) for sealing a hole (2) provided in a work piece (3). The plug (1) comprises a front part (4) and a sealing part (5), and the surface hardness of at least the sealing part is greater than the hardness of the work piece (3). The sealing part (5) is conical and has an increasing diameter, in a direction from the front part (4) and the sealing part (5) comprises a cutting thread (6). The profile of the cutting thread (6) comprises a sharp tapered top (7), two adjacent flat flanks (8), and a bottom (9) of the thread (6). The sharp tapered top (7) is formed by the two flanks (8) which meet at a common intersection point. An angle (?, ?) between the flanks (8) is between 110-160° while transitions between the flanks (8) and the bottom (9) are smooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Lars-Arne Larsson
  • Publication number: 20140241830
    Abstract: A device for connecting two components (10) having at least one holding means (16) serves for holding a bolt-type fastening means (14) with which the two components (10) are securely connected and received into a respective mounting opening (18) on a first component (10). The at least one holding means (16) has a receiving section (24) with a receiving opening (25) for the fastening means (14) and at least two flexible holding arms (28) that extend at least radially relative to a longitudinal axis (26) of the receiving opening (25) away from the receiving section (24) in outward direction and with which the at least one holding means (16) can be secured in the mounting opening (18). The at least two holding arms (28), viewed radially relative to the longitudinal axis (26) of the receiving opening (25), each have a wave-shaped or a zigzag-shaped course.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventor: Alexander Korn
  • Patent number: 8790058
    Abstract: A method for baffling and/or sealing a vehicle structure by providing a unitary structure including a sealing body with an integrated fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Quaderer, Eric N. White
  • Publication number: 20140086704
    Abstract: A fastener is provided. In another aspect, a fastener is made of layers of material, a light curable material and/or multiple built-up materials. Another aspect uses a three-dimensional printing machine to emit material from an ink jet printing head to build up a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: A. RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventors: Todd L. Hemingway, Walter B. Pipp, JR., Todd Murray, Nicholas Jackson, Jason F. Reznar, Jimmy Voniez
  • Patent number: 8585338
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses an arrangement for resilient fixing and where the arrangement (3) is intended to be able to be fixedly anchored in a first, for instance a fixed and bearing, construction (1) and in such a fixedly anchored position be able to retain a second, for instance a laterally related and/or sub-oriented, construction (2), where the arrangement (3) displaying a first part portion (3a) for instance provided with a helical thread, cooperable with the first construction (1) and a second part portion (3b) for instance provided with a helical thread, cooperable with the second construction (2). The first part portion (3a) and the second part portion (3b) are, via a rod-shaped device (3c), to be coordinated with one another, while spring means (4), for instance a helical spring unit (4a) is to be adapted, by tractive or compressive force to resiliently retain said second construction (2) at an adapted distance (“D”) from said first construction (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Akoustos AB
    Inventors: Lars Håkan Wernersson, Per Hammer
  • Publication number: 20120308332
    Abstract: A spiral fastener is provided. In another aspect, a spiral fastener, is made of layers of material and/or a light curable material. Another aspect uses a three-dimensional printing machine to emit material from an ink jet printing head to build up a fastener having a spiral formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventor: Nicholas Jackson
  • Publication number: 20120269598
    Abstract: An anchor stud includes a stud portion including a body portion having a first end that extends to a second end though an intermediate portion. A wedge member is operatively coupled to the second end of the stud portion. The wedge member includes a body having a generally frustoconical profile and is formed from a material having a Vickers hardness greater than about 220 HV. A sleeve element is positioned on the stud portion at the second end adjacent the wedge member. The sleeve element is formed from a material having a Vickers hardness greater than about 220 HV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Powers Products III, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Gaudron, Jacob Olsen
  • Publication number: 20120225408
    Abstract: A connector includes a body having a helix configured to change circumferentially in response to a change in force applied to the connector, external and internal surfaces of the helix are configured to have a substantially planar contact surface, at least part of the body is hollow in an axial direction, and a portion of the internal circumference of the hollow body is tapered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Simon Garry Moore
  • Patent number: 8240965
    Abstract: A mounting structure is provided which is capable of easily attaching a heat sink irrespective of a thickness of an LSI (Large-Scale Integration circuit) mounted on a printed circuit board. Each female screw metal fitting of each female screw portion is attached on an upper surface of a cylindrical gel in a stacked manner and a lower surface of the cylindrical gel is attached to the printed circuit board. An end portion of each male screw is made to pass through each through-hole of the heat sink so as to be screwed into each of the female screw portions. With a progress of screwing therein, each of the female screw portions is elevated and the cylindrical gel is pulled and elongated. Since a restoring force occurs when the cylindrical gel is elongated, the heat sink is pulled by each of the female screw portions toward the LSI. Thus, variations in height can be accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Mitsui, Masahiro Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8052364
    Abstract: A coupling member is employed to couple components of a plasma processing apparatus which processes a substrate by using a plasma. The coupling member includes a threaded rod portion which passes through one component and is screwed and fixed to another component, a head portion which supports the one component and has a diameter larger than that of the threaded rod portion, and an elastic portion which is interposed between the threaded rod portion and the head portion, wherein the elastic portion has a larger strain to an external force than those of the threaded rod portion and the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hachishiro Iizuka, Shojiro Yahata
  • Publication number: 20110261534
    Abstract: A fixing mechanism for fixing an object to a base plate is provided. The object defines a hole and includes a ring extending from an edge of the hole. The ring includes a threaded hole. The base plate includes a post on its top surface and respectively opposing to the hole. The fixing mechanism includes an elastic element, a first hollow bolt and a second bolt. The first hollow bolt passes through the hole and the elastic element, and includes an externally threaded portion engaging with the threaded hole of the ring. The second bolt is inserted into the first hollow bolt, and engages with the post of the base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: XIN YANG, WEI WU
  • Publication number: 20110164943
    Abstract: A metallic bolt fastener assembly that includes a threaded shank, a head and an end, the head and a portion of the shank encapsulated with a polymer composition. The polymer composition includes a polymer material such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber or thermal plastic materials. The polymer composition provides improved corrosion resistance and superior fluid sealing properties when used as a water tank-to-toilet bowl or other similar plumbing fixture connection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicants: MANSFIELD PLUMBING PRODUCTS, THE PHILPOTT RUBBER COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul D. Conrad, Stephen C. Detweiler
  • Publication number: 20100143069
    Abstract: A fastening mechanism including: a head a shaft fixed to one end of the head wherein at least part of the shaft is effectively threaded, and at least part of the shaft has no anchoring base for the thread, wherein at least part of the shaft and at least part of the thread are together formed from at least one unbroken wound spiral.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Simon Garry Moore
  • Publication number: 20080253861
    Abstract: A method for shipping a torque limiting assembly comprises the steps of preparing a male member fitted with an internal thread of the torque limiting assembly, coating the male member with grease, fitting the male member into the internal thread of the torque limiting assembly, and shipping the torque limiting assembly. A unit for shipping a torque limiting assembly comprises the torque limiting assembly and the male member which is fitted with the internal thread of the torque limiting assembly, coating the male member with grease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiki Tada, Michiyasu Nosaka, Shoji Kageyama, Hiromasa Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7422403
    Abstract: A device and method for holding or clamping components together, and with the clamping being selectively loosened to permit the components to move through a predetermined distance without being fully released. A bolt has its head end attached to one component and its threaded end attached to the other component. A portion of the bolt's shank is formed with a necked-down portion. An actuator of shape memory alloy material is mounted about the bolt. When energized by heat, the actuator expands and exerts a great force which stretches the bolt, permanently deforming the bolt. This enables limited movement of the components while still restraining them from separating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Tini Alloy Company
    Inventors: A. David Johnson, Michael Bokaie, Valery Martynov
  • Publication number: 20080213062
    Abstract: Described herein are fasteners and devices for securing together several components so that the load applied to the components is constant or nearly constant. The fasteners described herein include a hyperelastic member having first end to which a first retainer is coupled and a second end to which a second retainer is coupled. The retainers are configured to contact the structures being fastened and transfer the load from the structures to the hyperelastic member. The hyperelastic member may be an elongate shaft (e.g., a rod, cylinder, strut, etc.), and is a shape memory alloy that is typically fabricated as a single crystal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: TINI ALLOY COMPANY
    Inventors: Alfred David Johnson, Michael D. Bokaie, Valery Martynov
  • Patent number: 7410140
    Abstract: An industrial hanger assembly for attaching to a truss. The industrial hanger assembly includes a first member, a portion of which is operable to fit within a gap between the inner surface of a first angle iron and the inner surface of a second angle iron. The first member can contact the upper surface(s) of the first angle iron and/or the second angle iron. The first member can contact an outer surface(s) of the first angle iron and/or the second angle iron. The industrial hanger assembly also includes a second member that is coupled (directly or indirectly) to the first member. The first member can contact a lower surface(s) of the first angle iron and/or the second angle iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Sam K. Hartwick
  • Publication number: 20080170928
    Abstract: A fastening element (1) to be inserted into an opening, or bore (2) of a work piece (3) is provided having a shaft (5) that is insertable into the bore (2) and has a roughened and/or profiled surface (4), and optionally includes a stop collar (6). The fastening element (1) is preferably formed from a fiber reinforced, elastically deformable material, and its shaft (5) can be or is inserted into the bore (2) in a force-fitting manner under an elastic deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: SEPITEC FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Roger Stadler, Bekim Bajramaj
  • Publication number: 20080075557
    Abstract: Devices and methods for making fasteners, such as bolts, having one or more components made of single crystal shape memory alloy capable of large recoverable distortions, and in particular having a plateau in the stress-strain relationship. A constant load is applied by a bolt that is tightened until the force exerted by the bolt is equal to the stress multiplied by the cross-section of a tension component in the bolt. Increasing or decreasing the length of the tension component by as much as several percent causes a negligible change in the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: A. David Johnson, Michael Bokaie, Valery Martynov
  • Patent number: 7341414
    Abstract: A fastener and a method for reducing stress failure in a fastening joint of an internal combustion engine component are provided. The threaded fastener may be a bolt or a stud secured to an engine block. The fastener has a threaded tip portion with a radius and a distal end. The threaded tip portion is inserted into a threaded hole to define a threaded interface. In one embodiment, the load carrying capability is increased by progressively reducing the radius of at least a part of the threaded tip portion. In another embodiment, the load carrying capability is increased by an axially extending hole at the distal end of the threaded tip portion, the hole having a progressively reduced diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan H. Raub, Robert G. Tickel, William R. Storkman
  • Patent number: 7320570
    Abstract: A set screw includes a threaded body having a hole defined therein, wherein the hole is situated along an axis of the threaded body. The set screw also includes a super-elastic alloy insert, such as a nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi) insert, partially received and secured within the hole. The NiTi insert may include a plurality of grooves adapted to allow for transverse expansion of the NiTi insert. The NiTi insert may be polygonally or cylindrically shaped. The NiTi insert may also have a substantially flat tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Czarnek and Orkin Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Czarnek
  • Patent number: 7293948
    Abstract: A fastener includes a head, a threaded member, and a resilient shank portion interconnecting the head portion and the threaded portion. The shank portion includes a first end adjacent the head and a second end adjacent the threaded member. The shank includes a tubular section having an inner wall and an outer wall between the first end and the second end. The tubular section has a curved axial profile. The tubular section is axially elastically deformed as the fastener is torqued down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Troy J. Bunch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7249923
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a flexible fastener for coupling members. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible fastener may be used to couple members that are non-parallel, non-aligned, or in specific instances when selective compliance in a member is desired. The present invention is directed generally to a fastener that comprises a spiral set of teeth. The spiral set of teeth are configured to allow a nut to travel along at least a portion of the spiral set of teeth. A selectively compliant core material runs completely internally to the spiral set of teeth, so that the fastener is laterally flexible along a length of the fastener. The selectively compliant core material is connected to the spiral set of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: California Polytechnic State University
    Inventor: Saeed Benjamin Niku
  • Patent number: 6971362
    Abstract: A threaded fastener is configured to reduce stress experienced at a female threaded portion of a hole formed in an engine block, when the threaded fastener is inserted therein, and when an axial load is applied thereto. In a particular application, a crankshaft is supported between a top supporting wall of a crankcase and a bottom supporting wall of a main cap. The inventive bolt includes a hollowed-out male threaded portion, which fits into a hole in the top supporting wall. The male threaded portion includes an elastically deformable low-rigidity portion, in which a cylindrical hole is concentrically formed. The maximum allowable stress of the top supporting wall is less than that of the bolt, due to material considerations. The low-rigidity portion is placed overlapping the female threaded portion in the axial direction, and since it is elastically deformable, it helps alleviate the stress experienced by the female threaded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Gunji, Hiroyuki Kawakubo, Hisao Otsuka
  • Patent number: 6955513
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a flexible fastener for coupling members. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible fastener may be used to couple members that are non-parallel, non-aligned, or in specific instances when selective compliance in a member is desired. The present invention is directed generally to a fastener that is laterally flexible along its length, comprising a shank covered with a spiral set of teeth and a flexible core material running internally to the shank and along the length of the shank, wherein the shank and the flexible core material are coupled at both distal ends of the fastener. In a preferred embodiment, a means for imparting rotational movement to the fastener is attached at a distal end. The preferred means are a bolt head and a screw head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: California Polytechnic State University Foundation
    Inventor: Saeed Benjamin Niku
  • Patent number: 6908275
    Abstract: A fastener, such as a nail, screw, etc., which possesses supplemental support and/or retention capability is provided. The fastener includes an elongated auxiliary member secured interiorly to, exteriorly to, or along the shaft of the fastener. The auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at two or more portions of the shaft. The auxiliary member provides the shaft with additional support strength and/or enables fastened materials to be retained upon breakage or shearing of the shaft as a result of, for example, heavy tensile or shearing loads. To facilitate breakage or shearing of the shaft, the shaft may be provided with a deformation, such as a notch or reduced circumference, at one or more desired locations such that the shaft breaks or shears at the deformation(s), thereby allowing the auxiliary member to function as the sole member which retains the fastened materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventors: Charles Nelson, Matthew J. Esserman, James E. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6688058
    Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas M. Espinosa
  • Publication number: 20030180117
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a flexible fastener for coupling members. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible fastener may be used to couple members that are non-parallel, non-aligned, or in specific instances when selective compliance in a member is desired. The present invention is directed generally to a fastener that is laterally flexible along its length, comprising a shank covered with a spiral set of teeth and a flexible core material running internally to the shank and along the length of the shank, wherein the shank and the flexible core material are coupled at both distal ends of the fastener. In a preferred embodiment, a means for imparting rotational movement to the fastener is attached at a distal end. The preferred means are a bolt head and a screw head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: California Polytechnic State Univ. Foundation, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation
    Inventor: Saeed Benjamin Niku
  • Patent number: 6592292
    Abstract: In an assembly of concrete revetments, each having two expansive surfaces, each having a first set of comparatively larger holes extending between the expansive surfaces, and each having a second set of comparatively smaller holes extending from at least some holes of the first set to outer edges of said revetment, wherein the revetments of an adjacent pair of the assembly are connected to each other by one or more bolts, each bolt has a flexible, polymeric shank, which has a proximal end and a distal end, a head attached to the proximal end, and a nut attachable to the distal end, and each bolt has its shank extending through a hole of the second set of each revetment of the adjacent pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Erik Jansson
  • Patent number: 6554526
    Abstract: A fastening device for interconnecting two parts, comprising a longitudinally variable bolt designed to be inserted through a hole in a first part and engage the edge of an opening in a second part. The bolt is further configured to rotate about an axis that runs generally transversely across the longitudinal axis of the bolt, using the edge of the opening in the second part as a sliding track. The bolt defines a spring configuration intermediary of its ends so that the bolt may be compressed in the longitudinal direction and resumes its original length when it is released. The bolt is provided with grooves at opposing ends, which grooves extend generally transversely across the longitudinal axis of the bolt and are designed to engage the edge of the opening in the second part at diametrically opposed locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Laerdal Medical AS
    Inventor: Einar Egelandsdal
  • Patent number: 6554553
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved Winged Fastener in which a large threaded nut is movably engaged with the threaded sleeve of the Winged Fastener wherein the nut is movable set in a washer such that the washer is placed against a surface, while the sleeve of the winged bolt is placed in a bore in a first matrix and a second matrix is set around the sleeve of the Winged Bolt. As the nut is turned on the threaded sleeve, the second matrix which is placed around the threaded sleeve is caused to be compressed and radially moved outward toward an inner surface of the first matrix. If the second matrix is of a rigid material, the cylinder of matrix is split longitudinally and the pieces are driven radially outward. The invention also provides a second improved Winged Fastener in which a hole is placed in a wing and a cable or tendon is attached to the wing through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Yosef Freedland
  • Patent number: 6513403
    Abstract: A flexible metallic bolt assembly including a flexible threaded rod formed of a helical tension coil spring is engaged by a rotationally fixed threaded hole, such as a nut, that defines a first longitudinal axis of the assembly. A guide positionally fixed relative to the threaded nut also engages the threaded rod. The guide defines a second longitudinal axis different from the first longitudinal axis. A rotary drive interface is provided, preferably at one end of the threaded rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Cray Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander I. Yatskov
  • Patent number: 6503038
    Abstract: A specially designed bolt fastens together two parts of an engine and in particular can fasten together two components of a rocker arm assembly. The bolt is in a bore passing through the two components. The bolt has a full-diameter pilot that closely fits with the bore at a location where the components mate, and thereby locates the components relative to each other. On opposing axial sides of the pilot are reduced-diameter shank portions of the bolt, which form cylindrical gaps with the bore. The pilot has groove communicating the cylindrical gaps, whereby the gaps and grooves form an oil flow path along the bolt. A duct in each component communicates with a respective one of the cylindrical gaps, so that oil flows through one component, along the bolt and then into the other component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Matthew G. McGough
  • Publication number: 20020044851
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved Winged Fastener in which a large threaded nut is movably engaged with the threaded sleeve of the Winged Fastener wherein the nut is movable set in a washer such that the washer is placed against a surface, while the sleeve of the winged bolt is placed in a bore in a first matrix and a second matrix is set around the sleeve of the Winged Bolt. As the nut is turned on the threaded sleeve, the second matrix which is placed around the threaded sleeve is caused to be compressed and radially moved outward toward an inner surface of the first matrix. If the second matrix is of a rigid material, the cylinder of matrix is split longitudinally and the pieces are driven radially outward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Yosef Freedland
  • Patent number: 6280133
    Abstract: A screw with a threaded shaft which has a slot running lengthwise dividing the threaded shaft into two shaft halves. A deformable mass is provided in the slot and fills the slot. This mass prevents the screw threaded into a threaded hole or application-related cored hole from loosening by itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Günther Haberle
  • Patent number: 6270304
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved Winged Fastener in which a large threaded nut is movably engaged with the threaded sleeve of the Winged Fastener wherein the nut is movable set in a washer such that the washer is placed against a surface, while the sleeve of the winged bolt is placed in a bore in a first matrix and a second matrix is set around the sleeve of the Winged Bolt. As the nut is turned on the threaded sleeve, the second matrix which is placed around the threaded sleeve is caused to be compressed and radially moved outward toward an inner surface of the first matrix. If the second matrix is of a rigid material, the cylinder of matrix is split longitudinally and the pieces are driven radially outward. The invention also provides a second improved Winged Fastener in which a hole is placed in a wing and a cable or tendon is attached to the wing through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Yosef Freedland
  • Patent number: 6264414
    Abstract: A fastener (1) for connecting at least two components includes a shank (4) having an axis. At least one threaded portion (7) is arranged at the shank (4), and it has a stressed cross section. At least one elongation portion (5) is arranged at the shank (4), and it has a stressed cross section. The stressed cross section of the at least one elongation portion (5) is less than the stressed cross section of the at least one threaded portion (7). At least one fitting portion (6) is arranged at the shank (4). It has a stressed cross section, and it includes a plurality of protrusions (9) and channels (10). The at least one elongation portion (5) and the at least one fitting portion (6) are spaced apart along the axis of the shank (4). The channels (10) have a root diameter determining the stressed cross section of the at least one fitting portion (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Kamax-Werke Rudolf Kellermann GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Gunther Hartmann, Wolfgang Sommer
  • Patent number: 6195949
    Abstract: A hold down device and method for connecting two building elements of a building comprises an elongate member, typically in the form of a rod or a cable, that is connected between the two building structures. A tension compensator, which includes a housing, is mounted to the elongate member to compensate for wood shrinkage of the building. One end of the elongate member penetrates the housing and is releasably connected to the housing by means of a gripping assembly which permits only one way movement of the elongate member into but not out of the housing to resist tensile forces between the two points of the building but allow the elongate member length to be adjusted as the distance between the two points decreases due to wood shrinkage. An urging mechanism urges the end of the elongate member further into the housing if the tension on the elongate member falls below a predetermined level. The urging mechanism, in some embodiments, has to be put under compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Peter William Schuyler