Abstract: A lock nut comprising a lock member prepared from a shape memory alloy and serving as a backup member for a fastening nut.

Abstract: In the connecting apparatus of this invention for coupling the handle and the locking device, the connector rotatably mounted on the handle or the locking device has a pair of oppositely directed hooks with a gap therebetween. The hooks have a first raised or recessed surface such as threaded grooves on their inner surfaces. The rod has formed on one end a second raised or recessed surface for engagement with the first raised or recessed surface on the hooks. These raised or recessed surfaces of the hooks and the rod can easily be engaged by first putting the second raised or recessed surface of the rod in the gap of the connector and turning the connector by 90.degree..

Abstract: A differential screw adjusting mechanism comprised of an externally and internally threaded adjusting nut which has a plurality of slots formed along its length. The internal threads of the adjusting nut cooperatively and threadedly engage screw threads at the end of each of the expansion rods. The rods are in turn fixed to the lip of the die via set screws or jam nuts. A spool having an internally threaded diameter and a slot along its length is engaged to the external threads of the adjusting nut. The head of the spool has a flattened portion to limit rotation of the spool when clamped in place. Thus, the slotted adjusting nut is overfit with the slotted spool. The entire assembly of spool, nut, and rod is clamped in place via a clamping arrangement affixed to the die. The tightening of the clamp serves to close the spool via the slot over the nut, and in turn, the nut, via its slots, over the rod.

Abstract: A molded plastic, push-on fastener for connection to threaded studs or the like comprises first and second cylindrical collar members. The first collar has a resilient side wall and threads are formed on the interior thereof in a form and size for positive engagement with the threads on the associated threaded stud. The second collar member has a relatively rigid side wall with an open interior diameter which is greater than the diameter of the first collar member to permit the second member to be received over and surround the first member. A thin frangible, connecting web is provided for temporarily connecting the collar members in axial alignment. Cooperating interengaging thread forms are formed on the exterior of the first collar member and the interior of the second collar member.

Abstract: An improved nut is secured to an unthreaded stud which is inserted through a central bore in the nut. The bore includes a guide means which provides alignment guidance during sliding insertion of the stud into the bore. The guide means preferably has an annular configuration with an inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the stud so that the initial insertion of the stud does not produce significant frictional resistance. The bore of the nut further includes a helical thread, preferably a single thread turn, which is disposed in the bore axially distinct from the guide means and terminates within the bore adjacent the guide means. The helical thread has a minor diameter smaller than the stud diameter and also projects radially inwardly into the bore further than the guide means. The cold-forms a mating thread impression into the periphery of the stud and the resulting thread impression obstructs any vibrational retraction of the guide means to promote retention of the nut on the stud.

Abstract: A fastener for releasably securing an object to a panel having a hole therethrough comprises a screw having a screw head attached to the object and having a threaded screw shank insertable through the hole in the panel. The fastener further comprises a flexible resilient plastic push-on/screw-off nut having a bore therethrough which is slidably mountable onto the threaded screw shank into engagement with the panel. The nut has a resilient flexible concave nut head which operates to seal the panel hole and has a nut shank defining two resilient flexible legs, each of which has internal nut threads for engaging the threaded screw shank. The nut also comprises webs, each connected between the nut head and the outer side of a leg, which operate to force the nut threads tightly against the screw thread in locking engagement when the nut head is forced against the panel. The nut is removable from the screw by rotation in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A self lubricating nut having a central cavity for insertion of a bolt, a lubricant passage through said nut which opens into an internal bored circumferential gland, and at least one internal bored axial gland which crosses said circumferential gland.

Abstract: A plastic clip to be tightened against a bolt comprises a plastic body having a base having a through hole to be penetrated vertically by the bolt, at least one upright post extending upright from the top of the base adjacent to the through hole, a cylindrical portion united to the outer end of the upright post and having a hole formed above and coaxial with the through hole in the base for receiving the bolt, and a flexible arm extending in a curved fashion from one side of the upright post between the base and the cylindrical portion to slightly project with respect to the outer shape of the cylindrical portion having a curved inner surface provided with a thread to be meshed with the male thread of the bolt, and a plastic operable cylinder fitted on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion and lowered along the upright post to urge the flexible arm against the periphery of the bolt.

Abstract: This invention relates to a one-piece molded nut made of plastic which is used to secure one member to another in cooperation with a stud. The nut includes a cylindrical portion having an inner space and an engagement piece extending across the open end of the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A push nut and a male member are disclosed having cooperating buttress threads. The push nut is divided into sectors, each of which has multiple segments that comprise the nut's thread. The adjacent edges of the successive sectors are connected to each other by a resilient corrugation arranged to distribute the stress equally between the ends of each thread segment and equally among the thread segments of each sector.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments (60, 70) of a fastener adapted to secure any selected one of a plurality of threaded members (S") are provided. Fastener (60) features substantially parallel spaced-apart flat plate members (2, 4) preferably folded from one piece to provide a resilient end fold (6) connecting them together at one end and which features respective apertures (28, 26) that are axially offset by a distance ("x") and have respective thread engaging edges (24, 20) about at least a portion of their respective peripheries that are oriented to cause at least one of plates (2, 4) to rotate relative the other a distance effective to enable apertures (28, 26) to align sufficiently to enable threaded members ("S") to advance rotationally therethrough with end fold (6) further adapted to impart a resistive force against the threads that is effective to enhance the secured relationship therebetween.

Abstract: A tapered screw member provided with a tapered external thread or a tapered internal thread, which comprises disposing a guide means somewhat higher than the crest of another tapered thread at a position connecting to the crest of the tapered external thread or the tapered internal thread, thereby engaging tapered threads smoothly, easily and quickly.

Abstract: A plastic clip to be tightened against a bolt comprises a base having a through hole to be penetrated vertically by the bolt, an upright post extending upright from the top of the base adjacent to the through hole, a cylindrical portion united to the outer end of the upright post and having a hole formed above and coaxial with the through hole in the base for receiving the bolt, a pair of flexible arms one extending in a curved fashion from each side of the upright post betwen the base and the cylindrical portion to slightly project with respect to the outer shape of the cylindrical portion and having a curved concave inner surface provided with a thread to be meshed with the male thread of the bolt, and a bifurcated pivotable member vertically rockably united via a reduced thickness hinge portion to the outer periphery of the cylindrical member, the bifurcated pivotable member serving to urge the pair of flexible arms sidewise against the bolt when rocked downwards.

Abstract: A vibration-resistant attachment device involving a threaded stud having thread crests, and a sheet metal member having an aperture the edge of which constitute an element of an interrupted female screw thread through which element the threaded stud extends. The sheet metal member has a resilient tab which is struck from it, and the tab has an anti-backoff structure providing a sharp cutting edge which engages at least one thread crest, and enables by-passing movement of the crest when the stud is turned in a screwing-on direction with respect to the sheet metal member, and which bites into the crest so as to resist subsequent movement of the stud in an unscrewing direction. The construction is especially adapted for securement of a knob to a cigar lighter ignitor plug.

Abstract: Axially-extending troughs in a bark of an internally-threaded collar receive setting balls of a driver that apply a torque to the collar through the balls bearing on the walls of the troughs. At a predetermined pre-load, the balls fail the bark and plow through it to develop circumferential furrows, and the torque application on the collar ends. A second torquing with balls at a different axial position fails the bark again at the same pre-load to compensate for any relaxation after the first torque application.

Abstract: A quick acting threaded fastener assembly using two identical half nuts with alternating internal threaded and grooved portions which are either threadedly engaged or slidably aligned with a threaded rod which has corresponding alternating external threaded and landed portions. The screw and nut combination provides quick release and tightening features which facilitate opening and closing clamping jaws or pads on vises, clamps, adjustable wrenches and other devices otherwise requiring many turns of long screws.

Abstract: A trim clip for fixing a decorative member onto a vehicle body trim from which a threaded stud has been previously secured by welding is provided. The clip features a hollow portion with resilient pawls for receiving the threaded stud and a head portion having at least one ridge formed on the surface facing the trim to prevent rotation due to vibration when the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: A fastening assembly comprises a first internally open member such as a collar, and a second internally open member such as a bifurcated plug which is slidable realative to the collar to an assembled position in which the plug is located at least partially within the collar, at least one protrusion provided between the collar and the plug causing the plug to be deformed when in said assembled position, so as to create at least one inwardly directed jaw or fang for use in fastening engagement with a workpiece such as an externally threaded stud located at least partially within the plug, the advantage being that the amount of driving force which is transmitted in the driving direction to the stud through means of the fastening assembly can be minimized, so that the fastening assembly can have a knock-on/screw-off capability even if the stud is resiliently mounted on compressible foamed material.

Abstract: A fastener made of a resilient material to be pressed onto a threaded pin or the like comprising a holding part for holding an object and a fastening part for securing the fastener to the pin, the fastening part including a plurality of clamping walls integral with and extending downwardly from the holding part of the fastener for tightly gripping the periphery of the pin, the walls having a smooth inner surface and being uniformily distributed in a circle around the longitudinal axis of the fastener to form an opening for the pin, and a rib integral with the holding part and projecting radially outwardly from each longitudinal edge of each wall with the adjacent ribs of every two adjoining walls being connected to each other.

Abstract: A high-speed lock nut, especially for attaching a vehicle wheel to the clamping shift of a balancing machine, has a casing or body in which at least one threaded segment is positioned in a radially movable manner. Manually actuating means serve to move the segment radially. The actuating means engage with the segment by means of a radially-acting connecting link guide comprising pins on the segments and cooperating oblique slots in a coaxial disk. By means of the connecting link guide, the segment can be activated easily and securely, even under high contact pressures, for example, with contaminated threads. Furthermore, the thread segment is automatically locked in closed position against the threaded shaft of the balancing machine by the connecting link guide. The construction is very simple.

Abstract: A molded plastic one-piece hollow expansion nut comprises an outwardly expandable shank which is insertable through a panel hole and a head at one end of the shank for engaging the panel surface. A screw-receiving bore extends axially through the nut and receives the threaded shank of a screw whose screw head bears against the nut head. The portion of the bore along which shank wall expansion occurs is cylindrical and of slightly larger diameter than the screw thread. The inmost end of the bore is of oblong cross-section and its minor axis is shorter than the diameter of the screw thread. A single screw-engaging thread in the cylindrical bore initially holds and guides the screw. The shank walls opposite the ends of the minor axis have oblique screw-thread receiving slots therethrough which define very sturdy damage resistant nut threads which engage the screw thread.

Abstract: A molded plastic female fastener component including an aperture having an entrance end for receiving a threaded stud or bolt. Within the aperture are retaining means in the form of an axially spaced series of flexible legs each of which extends about at least a portion of the inner circumference of the aperture to generally define a helical thread form. The legs have a cross-section which tapers from a relatively thick base to a thin outer end inclined in a direction away from the entrance of the aperture. The spacing between adjacent legs in the series is equal to the pitch of the threads of the associated stud. The resilient nature of the shape of the legs allows them to deflect over the threads during an axial "push-on" engagement but to latch under the threads to prevent axial disconnection except by an unthreading operation.

Abstract: A nut-like member especially adapted for use with an earring clip in which a threaded screw provides wearing adjustment. The member includes a U-shaped loop through which circular smooth bore openings are disposed in longitudinal alignment. Each opening has a pinched and reformed chordal flat which engages the screw to give thread-like engagement without the expense of providing threaded openings.

Abstract: There is disclosed an easily releaseable, internally threaded fastener having at least one axial slot which extends substantially through the wall of the fastener. The external wall of the fastener is non-cylindrical, e.g. hexagonal, or three-lobed, to permit the application of a fastening torque to the fastener. The fastener is surrounded by a retainer sleeve having a mating, internal wall portion which provides hoop strength to the fastener. The retainer also has an annular recess in its internal wall whereby the retainer can be slid axially, or rotated, to release the fastener. The fastener assembly includes a metal spacer seated in each axial slot of the fastener to permit the even transmission of the fastener application torque.

Abstract: A fastening device for connection to threaded bolts or studs. The device is preferably molded from plastic and has an internal opening provided with one or more resilient catch projections distributed about the circumference of the opening. The projections extend axially and radially into the opening. A series of graduations or thread-form configurations are carried by each projection. When a bolt is received in the opening, the projections are resiliently deflected and the graduations engage the threads of the bolt.

Abstract: An elongated strut which has a pair of inwardly depending flanges formed to receive and secure fittings inserted into the continuous slot of the strut anywhere along the length of the slot. The flanges define an interior cavity to receive and hold strut fittings and accessories.

Abstract: A quick adjusting quill nut having a body with an axial bore therethrough for receiving a threaded shaft and a transverse bore communicating with the axial bore. A button element is disposed in the axial bore, having a transverse aperture therethrough in general registry with the body axial bore, also adapted to receive the shaft. The aperture is formed of offset bores of differing diameters; the larger bore is of a diameter greater than that of the shaft, and the smaller bore is threaded and of a diameter corresponding to that of the shaft. A spring biasing is provided to maintain the threaded bore in threaded engagement with the shaft. The exterior body of the nut is knurled and is marked with precision graduations.

Abstract: A fastener for securing primary and secondary panels together comprises a molded plastic one-piece U-nut and a molded plastic screw. The nut comprises two plates, each having a plate hole therethrough, which face each other with their plate holes in registry and which are integrally and resiliently interconnected along one edge in spaced apart relationship. One plate supports on its outer side an integrally formed nut shank having an internally threaded bore in registry with the plate holes. The other plate supports on its innerside an integrally formed annular shaped sloped lock tab which surrounds its associated plate hole and holds the nut in place on the primary panel. The bore thread is formed in discrete thread sections and locking teeth are formed on the undersides of the bore thread sections. The screw comprises a threaded screw shank having a screw head at one end. The screw thread has locking teeth formed on the upper side thereof at intervals therealong.

Abstract: A screw receiver made of a synthetic resin to be fitted in a mounting hole formed in a panel to receive a setscrew when screwed comprises a hollow main body portion having a receiving space and open at one end, the main body portion having a flange provided at the end at which the receiving space is open, and a plurality of screw receiving portions each formed on one side surface in the longitudinal direction thereof and also having a raised portion on the other side surface, a screw receiving section being formed in the receiving space of the main body portion by inserting the screw receiving portions into the receiving space along the wall surfaces thereof through the open end of the main body portion.

Abstract: A one-piece molded plastic reusable internally threaded anchor nut removably insertable in a mounting hole in a workpiece and adapted to receive a screw comprises two sections which are joined together by an integrally formed web or hinge. When the sections are folded together, they define an internally threaded screw-receiving passage and an external releasable locking mechanism for securing the anchor nut in the mounting hole. In one embodiment the portions defining the screw-receiving passage are bifurcated and expand outwardly as the screw is inserted so as to cause the external locking mechanism (i.e., in the form of slots on the exterior of the bifurcations) to engage the edge of the mounting hole in which the nut was previously inserted. In other embodiments, the external locking mechanism (i.e.

Abstract: There is disclosed an extension apparatus for a damper assembly having an extension member for effectively extending the damper assembly control shaft and a securing member for securing the extension member onto the control shaft.

Abstract: A sheet metal, electrical wiring box having integral wiring device attachment means on its end walls. Each attachment means comprises a base plate bent outwardly from an end wall and flexible leg plates extending downwardly and inwardly toward each other from the ends of the base plate. Each leg plate ends in a partially threaded foot portion. The foot portions face each other and form an aperture through which a fastening screw, for the wiring device, can be pushed. The fastening screw is freely inserted down through an aperture in the base plate and pushed through the aperture between the foot portions on the leg plates when attaching the wiring device to the box. The flexible leg plates cause the partially threaded foot portions to bear against the screw. Rotation of the inserted screw draws the leg plates up tight against the base plate to securely lock the screw and the wiring device to the box.

Abstract: A quick-release fastener comprises a threaded stud (11) and a complementarily threaded receptacle (1), the stud and receptacle each having one or more longitudinally extending threaded and unthreaded portions (15,8). The or each threaded portion (15,8) of the stud (11) and receptacle (1) respectively has a lesser angular width than the unthreaded portions of the receptacle and stud respectively. The fastener has at least one stop (9) at one edge of the or one of the threaded portions (8,15) on the stud or receptacle, whereby the stud can be inserted into the receptacle with the threaded (8,15) and unthreaded portions of the stud (11) and receptacle (1) respectively aligned and can thereafter be rotated to engage the respective threaded portions. The stop (9) prevents over-rotation of the stud (11) within the receptacle (1) thereby to define a fastened orientation of the stud within the receptacle.

Abstract: An improved drop-ceiling support system for supporting ceiling tiles and lighting fixtures comprises hanger members attached to and extending downwardly from an original ceiling and arranged at aligned intervals along parallel rows, inverted U-shaped carrier channel members adjoined end-to-end in parallel rows and attached to the hanger members, and main runner members adjoined end-to-end in parallel rows transverse to the rows of carrier channel members and snap-fitted beneath and into the carrier channel members.

Abstract: A fastener clip adapted for use with an associated fastener includes a head portion having an aperture through which the fastener extends. A pair of integral, spaced apart legs extend from one side of the head portion. Each leg includes first and second portions with the second portion being bent back upon the first portion in a position spaced outwardly thereof. A finger portion is located at a free end of the second portion and extends inwardly toward and through an aperture in the first portion. When a tension load is imposed on the clip, connecting zones between the first and second portions of each leg are deflected toward each other to apply a clamping force to a fastener extending therebetween. Also, the finger portions are shifted to positions which enhance seating of the clip in an associated workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and article of manufacture for angularly connecting two plates. A first plate is notched. The second plate has an opening. A holding member is adapted to fit into the notch in the first plate. The holding member has a guiding channel for a fastener. The fastener is passed through the opening in the second plate and into the guided channel of the holding member and is guided into direct mechanical connection with both sides of the second slot of the first plate.

Abstract: A one-piece plastic wing-nut fastener is constructed to push onto a threaded stud and be held in threaded engagement therewith through the use of a pair of opposing arcuate thin wall sections which are formed with internal threads and which flex radially outward whenever the fastener is pushed onto a threaded stud to provide a ratcheting action therebetween. The thin wall sections are supported on a base member by a U-shaped support having a head section and a pair of leg portions. The pair of leg portions are integrally formed with the base portion and extend between the base portion and head portion in a parallel relationship with the thin wall sections. The pair of thin wall sections are integrally formed between the base and the head portion with its axis in alignment with an enlarged aperture in the base portion and an enlarged central opening in the head portion.

Abstract: Boxes for electrical components are provided with elongate grooves (3, 26) to receive self-tapping or thread cutting screws for securing the components in the box. The grooves may extend above or below the bottom of the box.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved self-threading unit which can be utilized to hold a replacement shock absorber within the cylindrical shroud of a vehicular suspension system commonly referred to as a MacPherson strut suspension assembly. The nut includes a generally cylindrical main body portion having a tapered thread forming portion on the inner wall thereof. The thread forming portion is adapted to roll form buttress-type threads on the upper end of the cylindrical shroud. The upper end of the main body portion includes a top wall having an annular bushing mounted therein for receiving the shock absorber piston rod and centering the nut as it is rotated onto the cylindrical shroud. The top wall is provided with channels extending radially outwardly from the bushing such that, in the event the shock absorber bottoms out, any liquid which may have accumulated on the top wall of the nut, will be evacuated outwardly and will not be forced into the shroud through the bushing.

Abstract: Disclosed are two embodiments (40, 50) of a self-locking prevailing torque fastener featuring a common base portion (2) having an aperture (4) therethrough for receiving a threaded member that is at least partially surrounded by means such as a warped helical edge (6) for engaging the threads of the threaded member. Fasteners (40, 50) are provided with a pair of spaced-apart resilient torque arms having respective sections (8) that respectively extend downwardly from opposite edge of base portion (2) to sections (10) that extend upwardly to sections (12) that extend through respective openings (14) in each to respective free-ends (16) that are adapted to press against opposite sides of the threaded member.

Abstract: Pinking shears are disclosed comprising a pair of blades having cutting teeth and tips on one end and a handle on the other end, a common pivot assembly for the pair of blades, and an adjustable ball assembly for adjusting the pressure applied at the tips of the blades. The ball assembly is mounted in one blade between the handle thereof and the pivot assembly bears against the other blade to urge the blades away from one another adjacent the handles of the shears. As a result of this arrangement, the pressure between the tips is increased and a smooth cutting action is obtained when the pinking shears are being used to cut different types of materials of varying thickness.

Abstract: A push button is provided which is adaptable for pressing onto a stud having redges extending radially therefrom. The push button is provided with at least one resilient finger protruding from the wall of a blind hole formed in the shank of the button. The resilient finger is angularly disposed toward the center of the blind hole such that the end face of the finger is disposed behind a ridge with the push button positioned on a stud. The push button is provided with an opening for each resilient finger, which opening extends from outside the button towards the locality of the end face of the resilient finger and is of a dimension to eclipse, or cover the cross-section of the resilient finger when projected onto the plane of the opening.

Abstract: A clip for releasable attachment to a stud having a screw thread or annular ribs comprises a mount, which is elliptical in cross-section and has transverse flanges on its long sides to engage the thread or ribs of the stud. Squeezing the mount by applying pressure onto the ends of its major axis forces the flanges apart and releases the clip. Such a deformation of the mount is checked by abutments at opposite ends of its major axis.

Abstract: A one-piece plastic fastener is disclosed as being designed to be pushed on a threaded stud. The fastener has a head portion and a cylindrical body portion. The cylindrical body portion is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed rib sections extending the length of the body portion with the rib sections having equally spaced arcuate segments. In the interior of the cylindrical body portion a resilient wing member is integrally formed inwardly of the arcuate segment. A pair of longitudinally extending narrow ridges are formed on the interior of the cylindrical body with a thickness selected to cause the resilient wing members to be brought into threaded engagement with the threaded stud as the fastener is pushed onto the stud.

Abstract: The specification discloses a plastic component having a cylindrical connecting portion with a contoured interior space designed for acceptance of a threaded or profiled bolt or stud. The interior space is designed with resilient gripping members which are attached at one end to the walls of the interior space and protrude obliquely into the interior space. The members are designed to firmly grip the stud or bolt without undergoing permanent deformation or deforming the cylindrical connecting portion.

Abstract: A horseshoe shaped body formed of planar sheet metal is formed with a pair of legs joined at one end by an arcuate web. A portion of the web is bent perpendicularly to the legs, and each of said legs has a flange extending outwardly within the plane of the body at each of its free ends. A series of teeth along the inner edges thereof receive and mesh with the threads of the screw inserted therebetween.

Abstract: A threaded pin has flutes along the threads formed by roll-forming threads over a preformed section having either flat sides or dished sides. The major diameter of the threads lies along ridge crests bordering the flutes, and the minor diameter of the threads lies at the base of the flutes. The threads extend along the major diameter in each of the ridge crests for a distance on an order of magnitude of the distance across the mouth of each flute. The preformed section is formed by extrusion. The flutes provide space for material from a threaded collar forced into them to provide a thread lock.

Abstract: A mounting clip is provided for pressing onto a weld stud having ridges extending radially outwardly therefrom. The clip is provided with a box for accommodating the stud. A frame is provided on the top of the stud receiving box which provides wall structure for supporting a pair of detents, which wall structure is designed to be flexible, allowing the detents considerable freedom of movement.

Abstract: Formed metal electrical wiring boxes possess integral wiring device mounting members which permit the facile push-insertion of the wiring device mounting screws, but which firmly engage the mounting screws once tightened down. The mounting members comprise a flat portion attached to each endwall of the wiring box and formed at right angles to the endwalls. Opposed leg portions are attached to the flat portion, and are folded downwardly along the box endwalls. The leg portions terminate in opposed foot portions spaced apart from one another by a distance less than the diameter of the wiring device mounting screw. A mounting screw inserted through an aperture in the flat portion and between the opposed leg portions contacts the opposed foot portions forcing the leg portions apart to permit the push-insertion of the screw. Turning the mounting screw draws the opposed foot portions upward, forcing them against the screw threads to firmly engage the screw.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and a fastener for use in attaching articles to printed circuit boards. The fastener, which has a generally tubular body, flanged at one end, is adapted to receive a screw. The fastener has a polygonal cross-section over a portion of its length. The flange which is located at one end of the tubular body, has an integral spring washer and includes indentations which allow solder to flow from one side of the printed circuit board to the other. The fastener with its integral spring washer provides improved clamping characteristics and avoids problems associated with large coefficients of thermal expansion of printed circuit board material in a direction perpendicular to the board.