Having Resilient Securing Structure On Shank Patents (Class 411/508)
  • Patent number: 6203240
    Abstract: A component retaining leg is disclosed, which comprises a base to be provided on a component such as a clamp and a clip, a pillar depending from the base, and a flexible retaining piece extending from the free end of the pillar in a folded fashion toward the base. The free end of the retaining piece has an engagement step section for engaging a mounting hole of a panel. The engagement step section has a plurality of engagement steps formed at a predetermined interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Daiwa Kogyo Kabushiki
    Inventors: Katsuhito Hironaka, Makoto Fukase
  • Patent number: 6182482
    Abstract: A locking mechanism of the barb type is provided for releasably locking two elements together. One of the elements has two pairs of opposed barbs or hook type resilient members. The barbs or hooks of each pair facing each other and being spaced apart. The other element has a pair of opposed, spaced ledges with downwardly facing surfaces engageable, in a locking relationship, with the barbs. An appropriate size opening is provided in the first element above the opposed pairs of barbs. The opening is a round central portion and a pair of side lobes coextensive with the opposed pairs of barbs. A separate key having a central rotational axis is provided. The key has a handle, an intermediate round portion connected to a working end portion, and generally oval in shape or cross section. The key is insertable in the opening such that the narrow part of the oval portion rests between the pairs of opposed barbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Aegis Research
    Inventor: Nicholas Issitt
  • Patent number: 6173754
    Abstract: A doorlight shade assembly including a housing, a roller shade within the housing, and a pair of mounting clips. The clips each include a secured leg and a supporting leg perpendicular to each other. The secured leg of each clip fits between the door and a doorlight frame. The supporting leg of the clips receive and support the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: ODL Incorporated
    Inventor: David A. DeBlock
  • Patent number: 6164890
    Abstract: A generally trumpet-shaped fastener includes a generally circular flange portion flared outwardly from an elongated pin portion. The fastener is hollow and open at the flange portion and the opposite end of the pin portion, thus allowing air to escape during securement of the fastener to an attachment member that is to be held in place on a base member by the fastener. In addition, a number of discrete ridges or other protuberances are formed on the outer side of the flange portion in order to enhance the engagement and securement of the flange portion of the fastener to the underside of an attachment member, either by integrally molding or by ultrasonic welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: The Standard Products Company
    Inventor: Douglas N. Malm
  • Patent number: 6158937
    Abstract: A fastener for multiple layers having alignable apertures therethrough. The fastener includes a first head, a second head, and a connector. The first head passes through the alignable apertures in the multiple layers and snugs against a first extreme outermost layer of the multiple layers. The second head opposes the first head and snugs against the other extreme outermost layer of the multiple layers. The connector connects the first head to the second head and is disposed in the alignable apertures in the multiple layers and maintains the first head snugly against the first extreme outermost layer of the multiple layers and the second head snugly against the second extreme outermost layer of the multiple layers and thereby retains the multiple layers between the first head and the second head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Milton R. Okun
  • Patent number: 6154933
    Abstract: A device for fastening a first flat component (1) to a second flat component (2) comprises a spring clip (3). The second component (2) has a rectangular recess (4) which is engaged by the first component (1) with two opposing, angled plane material sections (5) in which slot-type recesses (6) are configured oriented parallel to the second component (2). The spring clip (3) has a U- or V-shaped cross-section and outwardly bent flanges (7). These flanges (7) are inserted between the material sections (5) and supported in the first component (1). The angled flanges (7) of the spring clip (3) extend in a final fitted position through the slot-type recesses (6) and engage behind the second component (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Vetter, Michael Tracht
  • Patent number: 6152667
    Abstract: The fastener includes a stud with a post element, a cylindrical inner sleeve with inwardly extending half-hemispherical bosses immediately adjacent to outwardly extending half-hemispherical bosses, and a base element with a blind aperture. The inner sleeve is received within the blind aperture and the post element is received within the inner sleeve. The pressure exerted upon the insertion of the post element of the stud and the structure of the bosses cause the inner sleeve to cock into a locked position. The exposed edges of the inwardly extending half-hemispherical bosses of the inner sleeve engage the post element while the exposed edges of the outwardly extending half-hemispherical bosses of the inner sleeve engage the walls of the blind aperture in order to resist the subsequent withdrawal of the post element from the blind aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ken LeVey
  • Patent number: 6145173
    Abstract: An article attaching device is used for attaching, for example, a rear seat to an under panel of an automobile. The article attaching device is inserted into an attaching hole of the under panel to be fixed thereto, and then a hook fixed to the rear seat is inserted into the box portion to engage engaging portions provided on opposed inner sides of the box portion. The engaging portions opposing each other are shifted in the horizontal direction not to overlap each other. Thus, an article, i.e. hook, can be easily inserted into the article attaching device while providing a high extracting force of the article, which results in good workability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Suzuki, Yasuhiko Inoue
  • Patent number: 6139100
    Abstract: A child's car seat (20) includes a backrest (26) with a plurality of strap slots (34) formed therein, a seat portion (24), and a removable headrest (22). The headrest (22) has a pair of projections (50) each having a pair of leaves (86) that extend outwardly from the other toward opposed peaks (88) and inwardly from the peaks (88) to form a head (80). The head (80) is rounded and the leaves (86) are flexible, such that upon initial insertion into the strap slots (34) the leaves (86) compress to facilitate ingress of the projection (50), and upon complete insertion, the leaves (86) expand to inhibit removal of the headrest (22). The position of the headrest (22) relative to the seat (20) is thus adjustable, according to the size of the child, dependent on into which of the plurality of slots (34) the projections (50) are inserted. The headrest (22) includes a pillow (54) shaped to have a lower portion (58) which helps to support the child's head and deter its forward motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon Baskin-Lockman, Ronald B. Berringer
  • Patent number: 6135425
    Abstract: A fence connector for interlocking pickets to cross supports to define sections of fence and for interlocking these fence sections to posts. The fence connector using retractable arms that retract for insertion into a hole and then deflect back to an expanded position upon full insertion resulting in a secure, snug connection. The fence connector including a stop for preventing axial movement of the connector upon insertion into a fence rail. A thin flexible piece of hinge may extend between and hinged interconnect an outer end of adjacent retractable arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 6132154
    Abstract: A fastening device 1 for securing an instrument panel 3 to a vehicle body 5 comprising a first striker member 7 for passing through a bore 9 in the instrument panel 3, the first striker member 7 comprising an enlarged head 11, and a nose 13, extending from the head 11 and coupled to the head 11 by a shank 15 having a transverse cross section which is smaller than the transverse cross section of the head 11, the nose 13 having a transverse cross section 17 greater than the transverse cross section of the shank 15 such that a shoulder area 19 is defined, the nose 13 tapering from a region 17 to the nose tip 21, and a second catch member 23 on the vehicle body 5 having a nose receiving housing 27 shaped to receive the nose 13 with a mouth 29 into which the nose 13 may be pushed and a throat region having resilient walls to grip the nose 13 when inserted in the housing 25, the throat 33 and cavity 31 defining a shoulder region 35 which inhibits the removal of the nose 13 from the cavity 31 by the shoulder 19 of t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Leslie Easter
  • Patent number: 6123492
    Abstract: A fastening device is provided to be inserted in an article to be fastened, the fastening device comprising a first member (10) having a shank (12) and an enlarged head (14), a second member (11) also having a shank (17) and an enlarged head (18), the shanks being respectively insertable into the hole in the article from opposite ends of the hole, the shanks being arranged to interengage with one another, such that the shanks are restrained against moving in the reverse direction, so that the article is held between the enlarged heads (14 and 18). The fastening device is particularly useful in constructing a plastics pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Plastic Cores Limited
    Inventor: Neil Robert Pickard
  • Patent number: 6116837
    Abstract: An annular locking element is provided for engaging a cylindrical object to lock the object to a plate. The locking element comprises a circular element region formed to be an interrupted circle and being adapted to engage a first contact surface on the cylindrical object. A plurality of spring tongues extends radially from the element region and are bent outwardly from the element region. A plurality of support elements also extend from the element region and are adapted to engage a second contact surace on the cylindrical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Bertrand Faure Sitztechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Karl Georg Suhle
  • Patent number: 6095595
    Abstract: An apparatus for directing conditioned air into a vehicle passenger compartment including an integrally formed attachment member for securing the apparatus to a vehicle support structure. The attachment member has a flexible free end, an elongated body, an aperture, and a plurality of living hinges. The elongated body is inserted into a vehicle support structure aperture. The elongated body is then folded onto itself until the flexible free end is able to be inserted into locked engagement with the aperture in the elongated body. Thus, the present invention minimizes the cost of the apparatus, the number of parts, assembly time and complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Michael Carl Galbraith
  • Patent number: 6086306
    Abstract: A bilaterally split retainer pin which is structurally robust, having a head easily insertable into an aperture yet highly resistant to backing out through the aperture. The bilaterally split retainer pin includes a post base having a periphery and a pair of legs integrally connected thereto which are mutually separated by a bilateral slot. Each of the legs is composed of a post segment integrally connected with the post base and a head integrally connected with the respective post segment. Each head is characterized by a tapered surface and an abutment surface, wherein a barb radially projects outwardly relative to the periphery a radial length defined by an abutment surface. The tapered surface includes the barb and converges radially toward a respective tip. Each leg has a transverse cut originating at the post base and extending to the tip, wherein the transverse cut slopes from the periphery toward a midsection of the bilaterally split pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Bakker, William G. Flask, Vickey E. Reed, John Kountz
  • Patent number: 6074150
    Abstract: A part mounting structure has a projection which is provided on one side of a part and includes a recess portion. A mounting member, which is adapted to be received in and locked with a mounting hole of a base, has a locking member which has a latch claw to be latched with the recess portion of the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventors: Nobuya Shinozaki, Oomi Arisaka
  • Patent number: 6059502
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic nut for inserting into a through-hole in a panel-like component, the plastic nut comprising retaining parts, of which one is designed as a flange which can be pressed onto the component from the fitting side and another is designed as snap-action hooks which can be pressed on from the opposite side and are intended for latching in behind the component, the retaining parts being provided with a nut part which has a receiving bore for a screw, the flange being a constituent part of a flange part which encloses the nut part, and it being possible for the nut part to be pressed in the direction of the flange, in which case the nut part, which can be moved axially with respect to the flange part, is pressed in the direction of the flange part by an elastic supporting arrangement which forms a spring zone, it being the case that, once the plastic nut has been inserted, the spring zone brings the nut part and the flange part into abutment against the component, different thicknesse
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: EJOT Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Gottfried Konig, Stephan Weitzel
  • Patent number: 6061240
    Abstract: An array of electronic modules on the top of a circuit board is cooled by a heat sink secured to the bottom of the board. Vias transfer heat through the board to a compliant interface pad which permits heat to flow to the heat sink while maintaining electrical isolation between the vias. The heat sink is held on the board by push pin assemblies including springs that compress the interface pad between the circuit board and the heat sink. The body of each push pin assembly includes flexing legs supporting locking barbs, and flex of the legs is limited by a strut defining a closed end slot in the shank of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Allen Butterbaugh, Roger Duane Hamilton, Sukhvinder Singh Kang
  • Patent number: 6042317
    Abstract: A nail comprises a shank having a front end face, two bowed expansible arms forming an expansion region and having a free space therebetween, and a straight shank portion located before the expansion region, the free space being formed as a longitudinal channel which starts from the straight shank portion and extends to the front end face of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Die fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Artur Fischer
  • Patent number: 6039523
    Abstract: An adjustable connector system is provided between a support (2), specifically a body part of a motor vehicle and a plate element, specifically a door covering. The connector system includes a connector member having with an upper portion (3) attachable to the plate element and a lower portion (4) connectable with the support (2). Between upper piece (3) and lower piece (4) there is provided a neck-shaped intermediary region (5), fitted with locking elements (10). An anterior region of the intermediary region is adapted to traverse an engagement piece (12) embeddable in a support opening (7). Interference between the intermediary region and the engagement piece urges the intermediary region to spread radially outwardly behind the support opening (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 6009562
    Abstract: A helmet and method of making the same for allowing repeatably removable attachment of helmet accessories, that includes an inner liner member for substantially covering a wearer's head, and an outer shell member that includes an upper shell surface, a lower shell surface which substantially covers an upper liner surface of the inner liner member, and at least one mounting hole formed therethrough. A grommet is disposed along the upper shell surface and aligned over the mounting hole. A receptacle housing is disposed along the lower shell surface and has a receptacle aligned to and facing the mounting hole. Engagement prongs secure the grommet to the receptacle housing with the shell member therebetween. The helmet accessory has at least one mounting member, such as a protrusion or screw. The receptacle includes a device for removably engaging the mounting member when the mounting member is inserted through the mounting hole in order to removably mount the helmet accessory to the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Bullock, Michael Grim, Flint Thorne
  • Patent number: 6009561
    Abstract: A helmet and method of making the same for allowing repeatably removable and adjustable attachment of helmet accessories, that includes an inner liner member for substantially covering a wearer's head, and an outer shell member that includes an upper shell surface, a lower shell surface which substantially covers an upper liner surface of the inner liner member, and at least one mounting hole formed therethrough. A grommet with a access hole formed therethrough is attached to the outer shell so that the access hole is aligned with the mounting hole. A helmet accessory has at least one mounting member insertable through the access hole. An engagement member is rotatably attached to the grommet with a predetermined amount of friction therebetween, and has means for removably engaging the helmet accessory mounting member inserted through the access hole for removably mounting the helmet accessory to the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Sports Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Bullock, Michael Grim, Flint Thorne
  • Patent number: 5974759
    Abstract: A reinforcement for a cast material for the fabrication of walls and ceilings of a structure which has two latticework beams interconnected by spaces using plastic plugs extending through aligned bores of the spacers and the longitudinal chords of the beams. The beams themselves have the longitudinal chords connected together by zig-zag strips and the longitudinal chords, zig-zag strips and spacers are all formed from galvanized sheet steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Wilhelm Burger
  • Patent number: 5966782
    Abstract: A fastener used for mounting a mounting object having an insertion rib onto a support body having a mounting aperture. The fastener is previously fitted to the insertion rib of the mounting object and then inserted into the mounting aperture of the support body by pressing the insertion rib thereinto, thereby removably mounting the mounting object on the support body. The fastener includes a fastener body having a shoulder portion. The shoulder portion is adapted to elastically engage an inner edge of the mounting aperture of the support body when the fastener is inserted into the mounting aperture with the insertion rib. The fastener further includes a gripper portion provided on the fastener body and having at least one gripper surface and at least one engagement projection formed thereon. The gripper surface is adapted to contact the insertion rib of the mounting object when the fastener is fitted to the insertion rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignees: Daiwa Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Kojima Press Kogy Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuuichirou Ishihara, Takeshi Mizuno, Masaaki Yamakami
  • Patent number: 5967725
    Abstract: The fastening element has a threaded part (3) and in front of it a carrier part (4) with an elastic element (5). The carrier part (4) may be a different material, such as an elastic plastic, from that of the threaded part (3) and may be joined either firmly or releasably to it, the latter for instance by a screw or detent connection. The elastic element (5) can be attached in front of the threaded part (3) with the contrary thread (6) or at some other point in frictional or detent engagement, in that at the beginning of an assembly operation, the two parts (1, 6) to be screwed together are simply inserted axially into one another. The radially outer ends of the spring tongues (5) forming the elastic element can be located on a helical line in an extension of the thread course of the threaded part (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Karsten Voges
  • Patent number: 5951194
    Abstract: An attachment element for a body which can be inserted through a bore in a wall. The attachment, element fixes the body in place by being locked in place. The attachment element is structured to be resilient and can be deformed in such a way, by pressing on suitable points, that the catch hooks are unlocked when pressure is exerted. In this way, the attachment element can be easily released again, without tools and in simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Moto Meter GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Faass, Michael Schneider
  • Patent number: 5947509
    Abstract: A snap-on mounting attachment is provided for securing an airbag inflator module having a base plate to the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. The mounting attachment includes two fastener studs extending rearwardly from the base plate, each fastener stud having a yieldable holding barb. Two capture brackets are mounted to the spokes of the steering wheel, and each capture bracket holds a snap receptor in floating encapturement therein, i.e., with a limited range of lateral and vertical movement. The snap receptors each have a metal ring embedded in a polymer shell and define a stud receiving opening therethrough with the metal ring defining a lip engaged by the holding barb of the fastener stud. Bias stops between the base plate and the steering wheel take up slack in the mounting attachment and eliminate rattles, and the polymer shell of the snap receptors also minimizes rattles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignees: Autoliv ASP, Inc., Avibank Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Merle K. Ricks, Janiel Sorenson, Jeffrey L. Scharret, John A. Duran
  • Patent number: 5947631
    Abstract: A component retaining leg is disclosed, which comprises a base to be provided on a component such as a clamp and a clip, a pillar depending from the base, and a flexible retaining piece extending from the free end of the pillar in a folded fashion toward the base. The free end of the retaining piece has an engagement step section for engaging a mounting hole of a panel. The engagement step section has a plurality of engagement steps formed at a predetermined interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Daiwa Kogyo Kabushiki
    Inventors: Katsuhito Hironaka, Makoto Fukase
  • Patent number: 5924831
    Abstract: A snap-on mounting attachment is provided for securing an airbag inflator module having a base plate to the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. The mounting attachment includes two fastener studs extending rearwardly from the base plate, each fastener stud having a yieldable holding barb. Two capture brackets are mounted to the spokes of the steering wheel, and each capture bracket holds a snap receptor in floating encapturement therein, i.e., with a limited range of lateral and vertical movement. The snap receptors each have a metal ring embedded in a polymer shell and define a stud receiving opening therethrough with the metal ring defining a lip engaged by the holding barb of the fastener stud. Bias stops between the base plate and the steering wheel take up slack in the mounting attachment and eliminate rattles, and the polymer shell of the snap receptors also minimizes rattles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignees: Autoliv ASP, Inc., Avibank Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Merle K. Ricks, Janiel Sorenson, Jeffrey L. Scharret, John A. Duran
  • Patent number: 5924906
    Abstract: A construction toy set includes a plurality of interconnectable toy set elements such as couplers for beams which define respective sockets or bores therein. A pin connector defines a generally cylindrical collar supporting a pair of outwardly extending oppositely directed generally cylindrical pins which are receivable within the bores and sockets of the construction toy elements. The pins of the pin connectors each define an elongated expansion groove and an elongated rib extending substantially the length of the pins. The expansion grooves and ribs deform due to the resilient plastic material of the pin during pin insertion into the cooperating bores and/or sockets of the construction toy elements to allow the pins to deform and provide a snug but pivotable fit therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Grafton
  • Patent number: 5908155
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with powdered resin feeders that provide a continuous stream of powder to a plurality of spray nozzles for the application of powder to a plurality of work-pieces. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus converts a single powder stream into a plurality of uniform powder streams through the use of a multi-tiered system having dividers and receptacles that accurately divide a single powder stream into a plurality of powder streams. In another preferred embodiment, a double-ended stud having ends with differing break-away torques may be created by the device's ability to distribute different amounts of powder to the spray nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Nylok Fastener Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Duffy, Eugene Sessa
  • Patent number: 5906346
    Abstract: A baseplate holder for conveniently securing a mother board on a baseplate has a -shaped profile, the top face thereof being formed with a hook or a threaded hole, both vertical sidewalls being each provided on the end with a horizontal projection for insertion into the respective stamped hole on the baseplate. If a threaded hole is formed on the top face of the holder, the edges of a hole formed on the respective vertical sidewall can be formed with at least a tongue extending inwardly to support the screw passing through the threaded hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Enlight Corporation
    Inventors: Tung Yen Lin, Fan-Mao Tseng, Chen-Hsing Peng
  • Patent number: 5906465
    Abstract: A Christmas tree type clip for mounting a wire harness or electrical component to a vehicle body panel, the clip being designed to provide a low insertion force and a high retention or withdrawal force. The clip has a hollow, thin-walled, flexible stem supporting a plurality of conventional barbs along its length. The interior of the hollow, flexible stem includes pairs of opposed withdrawal-hindering fingers associated with the barbs such that insertion force exerted on the walls of the stem from the barbs is transmitted to the fingers. The opposed pairs of fingers are angled and spaced from one another such that insertion force spreads the fingers further apart, but withdrawal force exerted on the barbs forces the opposed fingers into withdrawal-hindering contact with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Sato, Jeromy William Tomlin
  • Patent number: 5904462
    Abstract: A locking bolt for helping make connections between beams and columns of a building under construction includes an elongated body having a rear threaded section. This threaded section connects with a smooth toggle section having a rounded front end. An inverted L-shaped slot in the toggle section includes a deep front recess that connects with a shallow rear recess. A toggle bar is carried in the slot by a pivot pin that extends loosely through an opening in a base of the toggle bar. Connecting with the toggle base is a rearward extending locking arm. When the toggle bar locking arm seats in the slot, the front end of locking bolt may readily pass through bolt holes in a beam and a web of an adjoining column. Once the toggle bar is clear of the column web, the toggle bar locking arm is free swing from the slot and into a locking mode where held by interference fits between edge segments of the toggle bar base and walls of the slot deep recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Maximo Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 5897278
    Abstract: A fastener member having a head and a body portion with a plurality of arm members flexibly provided to compress a first member against a second member against the force of the fastener head to fasten the first and second members. The fastener member can secure articles or panels of different thicknesses as well as those of non-uniform thickness to other members or articles. A receiving socket is also provided to be used in conjunction with the fastener member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert J. Frattarola
  • Patent number: 5879117
    Abstract: A securing assembly includes a cap having a top with a skirt portion extending laterally from a periphery defining the top, a plurality of passages defined longitudinally in the skirt portion and being accessed from an end edge of the skirt portion, a washer member having a hole and a plurality of engaging members extending laterally from a periphery defining the washer member, and a bolt having a shank thereof extending through the hole with a head thereof being received in the cap. The engaging members are securely received in the corresponding passages. The assembly further includes a second cap with a nut received therein and a second washer member for engagement with the second cap so that the bolt extends through the two washer members and threadedly engages with the nut, wherein the second cap has an aperture defined therethrough so that the shank can extend through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventors: Antony Chen, Han-Wey Chen
  • Patent number: 5873690
    Abstract: A barrel nut type fastener (100) is provided for securement within an opening (20) to a panel ("P") by a threaded member ("T") that when rotationally advanced through the barrel nut causes free-ends (14) and (14') of resilient legs (10) and (10') to move away from each other and respectively engage and urge resilient fingers (16) and (16') into contacting engagement with opposite sides of opening (20) with sufficient force to secure fastener (100) to panel, ("P").
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Richard Danby, James Richard Mumby
  • Patent number: 5871320
    Abstract: A retaining device for securing insulation to sheet metal has a flange, an articulated structure and a push plate having an aperture therethrough such that when the retainer, except for the flange, is inserted in a hole in the insulation layer it allows a push plate to be pushed towards the flange, causing a pair of locking fingers to pivot and press up against the underside of the insulation in a locked position. The retaining device is then frictionally fitted over a stud member on the sheet metal to which the insulation layer is to be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Zdravko Kovac
  • Patent number: 5851097
    Abstract: An article with a tethered prong fastener having a first stem protruding therefrom, wherein the first stem has a distal end portion with a first resilient arm extending divergently outwardly therefrom and back toward the article, and a first flexible tether coupling the first resilient arm to the first stem. The first resilient arm is flexible inwardly toward the first stem and subsequently flexed back outwardly away from the first stem, whereby the first flexible tether member limits outward deflection of the first resilient arm away from the first stem, thereby improving fastening performance thereof without interfering with the inward flexing of the resilient arm. The tethered prong fastener is configurable as a clip useable for engageably retaining elongate body members, as a w-prong fastener fastenable through an opening in a workpiece, and as a spacing member useable for engaging and retaining first and second workpieces in spaced relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Shereyk, Thomas A. Benoit
  • Patent number: 5850676
    Abstract: A clip of the invention is inserted into holes of two or more panels to connect the panels. The clip is formed of a female member, and a male member. The female member includes a plurality of elastic pieces arranged to form a hollow portion therein, engaging portions disposed in the elastic pieces, and a collar plate disposed at rear ends of the elastic pieces and having a hole communicating with the hollow portion. The male member includes a head to abut against the collar plate, a leg extending from the head to be inserted into the hollow portion to radially outwardly expand the elastic pieces, and lock portions disposed in the leg. The lock portions engage the engaging portions so that the elastic pieces are prevented from being deviated when deviating force is applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Kenji Takahashi, Mitsuru Kogami, Kazunari Miyasaka
  • Patent number: 5848456
    Abstract: Locking device for a connector for cooperation with a recess of a member with which the connector is to be connected, said locking device being made of spring elastic material and comprising two shanks which are movable towards and away from each other. At least one of the shanks has, at its end opposite the connector, on its side facing away from the other shank, a protruding hooking means. The shanks are tapered in the direction towards the end opposite the connector and pass over into resilient portions, which have substantially even thickness, have thinner walls than the shanks and project towards each other, said resilient portions being connected by a connecting portion. At the ends facing the connector the shanks form a functionally common base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventor: Ingvar Sjoqvist
  • Patent number: 5845911
    Abstract: A replacement split boot assembly for a constant velocity joint on a vehicle is provided with slip-fit, non-threaded fasteners. The split boot body has pairs of opposing tabs across a longitudinal slit. Each of the tabs has a hole. The slip-fit, non-threaded fasteners have a head on one end and a radial projection spaced a distance from the head on the shaft. The fasteners are adapted to be urged through the opposing tab holes on the split boot body until the pair of tabs is located between the head of the fastener and the radial projection on the shaft. A retainer is used to lock the tabs between the head of the fastener and the retainer by urging the retainer over the radial projection of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: L&S Automotive Products Co.
    Inventor: Philip J. Gimino
  • Patent number: 5845883
    Abstract: A first embodiment of the invention is a clip assembly which includes a hollow cylindrical portion with an unjoined portion along a longitudinal portion of the periphery. Mating elements are formed on both sides of the unjoined portion. In a mated configuration, the mating elements extend radially from the hollow cylindrical portion. The first mating element includes a distal laterally engaging male mating connector and a distal laterally engaging female mating connector longitudinally adjacent thereto. The second mating element includes similar mating connectors but in reverse order so that the female connector of a mating element engages the male connector of the other mating element. The clip assembly further includes panel thickness adjustment wings peripherally adjacent to the mating connectors. The panel thickness adjustment wings flex to engage structural panels of various thicknesses against detent elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Meyer
  • Patent number: 5829937
    Abstract: The invention includes a single-piece clip for securing an article(s) to a panel having a hole formed therein. The clip includes a tape bar having a slot formed in the bar and at least one portion of the bar for securing to the article such as a wire harness by taping or other suitable means. The clip also includes a stem extending through the slot and having an insertion head at one end for inserting through the hole in a panel and engaging the rear face of the panel. A first set of wings extend outwardly from the stem at a location below the insertion head and above a top surface of the tape bar. A second set of wings extend outwardly from the stem at one end of the stem and below a bottom face of the tape bar. Both sets of wings have a breadth sufficient to prevent the wings from being pulled or pushed through the slot formed in the tape bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignees: General Motors Corporation, Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: John Raymond Morello, James Thomas Stocz, Daniel Howard Huff, Michael John Reitz, Doru Matei, Rolf Grubingo
  • Patent number: 5829934
    Abstract: A prevailing torque clip (100) is provided that has a head portion (4) having a frusto-conical projection (10) having an aperture (6) therethrough that is provided preferably with diametrical opposed helical thread forms (8) and (8') that are operative to threadingly engage threads of a threaded member rotationally advanced therethrough. Head portion 4 includes a pair of ressilient arms (12) and (12') that end in respective free-ends (9) and (9') that are operative to engage the threads of the threaded member and cooperate with thread forms (8) and (8') to prevent loosening thereof. Clip (100) is adapted to prevent rattle when used to secure an object to thin wall panel by being provided with at least one pair of tabs (16) and (16') that are operative to elevate clip (100) from a panel to which it is being secured sufficiently to ensure that the portion of arms (12) and (12') that are in close proximity to projection (10) are positioned within the panel opening into which arms (12) and (12') are received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Danby, Todd H. Christian, Hans R. Rattmann
  • Patent number: 5829910
    Abstract: First resilient portions (21) having a radially-acting resilient force, as well as second resilient portions (23) having an axially-acting resilient force, are provided on a support member (2). A connection member (1) has a fitting portion (4) for receiving the support member, and the fitting portion has retaining portions (12) for the resilient portions (21). The resilient portions (21) contact an inner surface of the fitting portion (4), and the resilient portions (24) are abutted against the fitting portion. Guide grooves (20) are formed respectively in four side surfaces of the support member (2), and the resilient piece portion (21) is provided in each of the guide grooves, and projects rearwardly, and the resilient arms (23) are formed on the outer surface of the support member, and project forwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Isao Kameyama
  • Patent number: 5820091
    Abstract: A functional component usable for demonstration and/or training purposes which is releasably secured to the mounting surface of a support base (1) and for this purpose it is provided with a securing device engageable with the support base (1). The securing device (8) is formed as a clamp (11) which is provided with a clamping component (15) projecting on the underside of the functional component (5) and which engages a mounting recess (93) in the support base (1). The clamp (11) includes an actuating element (22) that permits the clamping component (15) to be mounted manually and without any tool between a clamped position and a released position, whereby, in its clamped position, it is prestressed transversely (16) to the mounting recess (3) against the surface of the mounting recess (3) and, in its released position, operates with a lesser prestress against the recess surface or is removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Festo KG
    Inventor: Erwin Kutscher
  • Patent number: 5807012
    Abstract: A unique coupling apparatus of the present invention comprises a substantially hollow cylinder functioning as a coupling member (106) preferably having gaps (126, 141) extending in the axial direction from the ends, leaving attachment members in the center. One end of the cylinder contains an undercut feature in the shape of an annular ring or flange (128) on the interior surface of the cylinder. The opposite end of the cylinder contains an undercut feature in the shape of an annular ring or flange (142) on the exterior surface of the cylinder. The gaps in the center of the cylinder allow the half portions of the cylinder to flex about the attachment members toward or away from one another at each end respectively. The novel coupling apparatus finds particular application in retaining a pivoting wall mount/desk mount conversion bracket (100) in either of two positions of a base (200) such as a cordless telephone base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Clark Emmert, Louis J. Lundell
  • Patent number: 5803532
    Abstract: A molded plastic molding has a plurality of blades extending generally perpendicularly off the back side thereof and spaced along the length of the molding. A plurality of openings are provided in a body panel for receiving the blades of the molding. A fastener clip is installed in each of the openings for retaining the blade upon insertion of the blade into the opening. The fastener clip has opposed facing spring legs which project through the opening and have feet which bear against the panel to retain the clip to the panel. The fastener clip includes a base having an aperture through which the blade is inserted and opposed facing teeth are provided in the aperture to enable one way insertion of the blade clipped to the fastener clip to thereby grip the blade and retain the molding to the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Senthil Nathan Karuppaswamy, Majid Rostami, James Charles Loman
  • Patent number: 5797714
    Abstract: A plastic fastener for insertion inside a complementary opening in a part in the course of manufacture, in particular, a panel fastener for insertion inside a prismatic hole formed in a vehicle body part; the fastener compromising a head, and a shank in turn compromising elastic engaging members which snap on to respective sides of the opening and are oriented in at least one plane crosswise to the shank; the fastener being characterized in that the shank comprises an appendix projecting axially in front of the elastic engaging members with respect to the insertion direction of the fastener inside the opening; the appendix being pointed, and presenting at least one rib of a width substantially equal to the diagonal extension of the prismatic opening, and of a thickness much smaller than the width; and the rib being oriented, width-wise, in a plane forming an angle with the plane of the elastic engaging members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: ITW Fastex Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Manrico Oddenino