Plural Ridges Or Flanges Patents (Class 411/510)
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Patent number: 6799931Abstract: The tree fastener includes split wing fasteners which engage a passageway in a clip base, including flashgates in the passageway which were formed in the molding process initially joining the tree fastener and the clip base prior to driving to the pre-driven position, and further engage a structural aperture in the driven position. The tree fastener further includes a flexible tab which is joined to the tree fastener near the tip of the tree fastener and which extends upwardly within a slot in the shank of the tree fastener and extends through the head of the tree fastener. The flexible tab includes two generally radially outwardly extending interference bumps which engage one of the flashgates in the pre-driven position. The flexible tab can be manually moved radially inwardly so that the interference bumps release the flashgate so that the tree fastener can be urged to the fully driven position.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2001Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Mark J. Kwilosz
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Patent number: 6760957Abstract: A grommet is mounted on a panel of an automobile. The grommet includes a tubular body, a fitting portion, a flange portion, projected portions, and a lip. A wire harness is passed through the grommet body. The fitting portion is formed at an end of the grommet body, and is fitted in a hole in the panel. The flange portion includes a pair of straight portions, and a pair of arcuate portions. The pair of straight portions are spaced from each other in parallel. The pair of arcuate portions interconnect the pair of straight portions. The projected portions project outwardly from the straight portions, respectively. The lip is formed at an outer peripheral edge portion of the flange portion, and when the fitting portion is fitted in the hole, the lip is held in contact with the panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Noriyuki Nagamine
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Patent number: 6719513Abstract: A reverse bow retention push pin includes a head portion, a shank portion extending a predetermined distance from the head portion, a plurality of fins disposed along the shank portion, and a bow member disposed on the shank a predetermined distance between the head portion and the plurality of fins.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Phillip Moutousis, Wayne Edward Bahr
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Patent number: 6717815Abstract: A heat dissipation module and its fixed member. The fixed member is disposed on a main board and is provided with a base. The base is provided with a plurality of protrusions. Each of the protrusions is provided with a flange. By means of the flange, the protrusion is engaged with a fixed hole disposed on the main board. Alternatively, the base is provided with a plurality of engaging portions. By means of the engaging portions, the protrusion is engaged with the fixed hole disposed on the main board so that the fixed member is fixed on the main board.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Quanta Computer, Inc.Inventor: Chi-Hsueh Yang
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Patent number: 6700798Abstract: A connector for joining items such as electronic circuit boards in a spaced relation within a housing of an electronic device includes an elongated post, a plurality of wings, and a raised surface or a plurality of fingers. The wings are arranged around the post in a substantially symmetrical manner and have a length that is shorter than the length of the post. The raised surface or fingers are mounted near the tips of the post, between the wings and the ends of the post. The raised surface or fingers engage the circuit board and/or the housing when inserted into openings or receptacles in the circuit board and housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: SPX CorporationInventor: Durval S. Ribeiro
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Publication number: 20040028503Abstract: A two-part fastener includes a male component equipped with parallel angled ridges and a female component equipped with parallel complementary angled ridges which engage in a self-locking manner during fastener installation for permanent internal one-way attachment of elements or body halves. The male and female fastener components are integrally fabricated within the bodies, are externally inserted, or in combination.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2002Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventor: Christopher Charles
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Patent number: 6669427Abstract: A fastening element for fastening one or more parts to one another, the fastening element including a head, a shank depending form the head, and a flexible pull cord coupled to an end surface of the shank.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Albert Santelli, Jr.
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Patent number: 6669426Abstract: A fastener having a head and a cylindrical shank, the shank having a first set of opposed wings extending from two opposed longitudinally extending segments and a second set of opposed wings extending from the two other opposed longitudinally extending segments. Wings in opposing segments are identical. Wings in the first set have a larger radial diameter than wings in the second set. Wings in adjacent segments are offset a distance longitudinally. There is a longitudinally extending spacing between one radial edge of each wing in the first set and one radial edge of each wing in the second set. Each of the wings in the second set has a flattened portion on a distal edge that extends to a radial edge. The fastener is particularly useful for maintaining a high ratio of disengage force to engage force over a range of aperture sizes, shapes, and panel thicknesses.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gary C. Detter, David R. Peterson
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Publication number: 20030231943Abstract: A fastener having a head and a cylindrical shank, the shank having a first set of opposed wings extending from two opposed longitudinally extending segments and a second set of opposed wings extending from the two other opposed longitudinally extending segments. Wings in opposing segments are identical. Wings in the first set have a larger radial diameter than wings in the second set. Wings in adjacent segments are offset a distance longitudinally. There is a longitudinally extending spacing between one radial edge of each wing in the first set and one radial edge of each wing in the second set. Each of the wings in the second set has a flattened portion on a distal edge that extends to a radial edge. The fastener is particularly useful for maintaining a high ratio of disengage force to engage force over a range of aperture sizes, shapes, and panel thicknesses.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: Gary C. Detter, David R. Peterson
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Patent number: 6659701Abstract: A panel fastener for assembling a panel structure to a substructure is herein disclosed. The fastener comprises a body having a pair of offset flanges connected by a hollow support structure having a bore formed therethrough that is connected to a head having a third flange and a shank extending therefrom, by at least one flexible member that is connected between the body and the head of the fastener. The shaft of the head further having at least one retaining mechanism formed therein such that when the shaft of the head is inserted through the bore formed through the hollow support structure of the body of the fastener, the retaining mechanism can engage a bore formed through the substructure so as to secure the panel structure thereto.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Marc R. Risdale
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Patent number: 6609927Abstract: A connection box system comprising an anchor configured to be removably secured to a fixture for delivery of a signal to a consuming device. The anchor may have a first engagement mechanism. A connection box may be configured to house lines proceeding from a signal source and terminating in the connection box for connection to the fixture. A receiver may be configured in association with the connection box to receive and retain the anchor. The receiver may have a second engagement mechanism to engage the first engagement mechanism of the anchor when the anchor is inserted therein without the aid of tools.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Quixemble Inc.Inventor: Brent L. Kidman
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Patent number: 6592292Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Inventor: Jan Erik Jansson
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Patent number: 6581252Abstract: A plastic grille is attached to vehicle fenders by fasteners having a first connector section particularly shaped to snappingly engage a hole in the grille, and having an oppositely-facing second connector section particularly shaped to snappingly engage a hole in the fenders. The first and second connector sections are shaped for optimal low insertion force, yet high retention force. The first and second connectors have flexible arms that are oriented 90 degrees apart, permitting the connectors to slip in perpendicular directions in their respective receiving holes, thus providing improved tolerance and adjustability during installation. A method of assembly includes pre-attaching the fastener to the plastic component, and then attaching them as a unit to the metal component.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Joseph M. Sedlock, Robert L. Allen, Kenneth Bailey, Sr., David Means
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Patent number: 6579114Abstract: An adaptor for quickly connecting a computer cable connection to a receiving member including a body, a first and second port connector, and a biasing member. The biasing member maintains ratchet like teeth particularly useful in grasping internal threading such as that found in computer port housing. The connection apparatus securingly connects a traditional jack screw-type receiving member cable connection to a receiving member via actuation of the biasing member. The biasing member may preferably be a resilient member such as a spring or spring-like mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Mobility Electronics Inc.Inventor: Charles Lord
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Patent number: 6575681Abstract: A resin clip includes a head for abutting on one surface of a panel upon insertion into an attachment hole thereof, a pillar extending from the center of the head, and a pair of elastic legs folded back at a tip portion of the pillar toward the head and spreading out in a V shape. Locking parts in shapes of multiple steps are formed outside the elastic leg. In addition, one side in a width direction inside the elastic leg is more protruded toward the pillar than the other side, and the pillar includes a dented portion for receiving the protruded portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Piolax Inc.Inventors: Tsutomu Kojima, Kazunori Asano
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Patent number: 6551041Abstract: An anchorage device that includes a receiver having a body having an aperture along an axis, the aperture having a first section of a first size and a second section of a second size, the second size being smaller than the first size, the first section having a first retaining recess, and the second section having a second retaining recess. The receiver cooperates with a male connector adapted for insertion into the aperture of the receiver, the male connector includes a set of parallel retractable retaining mechanisms located along the male connector. The system provides for engagement of at least two of the retractable mechanisms against the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Inventor: Gary E. Choate
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Patent number: 6545878Abstract: A connector for joining items such as electronic circuit boards in a spaced relation within a housing of an electronic device includes an elongated post, a plurality of wings, and a raised surface or a plurality of fingers. The wings are arranged around the post in a substantially symmetrical manner and have a length that is shorter than the length of the post. The raised surface or fingers are mounted near the tips of the post, between the wings and the ends of the post. The raised surface or fingers engage the circuit board and/or the housing when inserted into openings or receptacles in the circuit board and housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: SPX CorporationInventor: Durval S. Ribeiro
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Patent number: 6540425Abstract: A joining device 10 for constructing arts and crafts projects. The joining device 10 comprises a stem piece 14 having a first end 11 terminating in a base 18 with threads 20 substantially encircling the base 18, and a second end 13 having a plurality of fins 12 attached thereto. The joining device 10 also comprises an extension 24 with a first end 15 coupled to the stem piece 14 adjacent to the base 18 and a second end 17 having a hinging member 26, 28 thereon. A wall 22 between the base 18 and the extension 24 acts in retaining the joining device 10 firmly against an arts and crafts article 34 near the base 18. Two joining devices 10 secured by their respective hinging members 26, 28 form a joint assembly 25 beneficial in building arts and crafts projects in order to provide for a connection between parts via a hinge 42 and controlled rotation around the hinge 42.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventor: Bob Knizner
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Patent number: 6536718Abstract: A pressure plug for supporting electric cables, of the type that is forced into a hole formed in a wall and including a flattened head, a passage for receiving a fastening member therein, and a rigid shaft provided along the entire length thereof, except over a short thicker portion, where it is connected to the head, with a plurality of annular ribs that are identical and equidistantly spaced apart. Each and every one of the annular ribs has two or more radial gaps that, in mutual linear correspondence, define a like number of longitudinal slots.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Aparellaje Electrico, S.L.Inventor: Juan Manuel Benito-Navazo
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Patent number: 6533697Abstract: A drive axle assembly for a motor vehicle includes an axle housing a differential bearing, a differential assembly, an adjustment nut and an adjuster lock. The differential assembly is rotatably supported within the axle housing by the differential bearing. The differential bearing is coupled to the axle housing via a bearing cap having an aperture formed therein The adjustment nut has at least one retention aperture and the adjustment nut is engaged with the differential bearing such that rotation of the adjustment nut axially displaces the differential bearing. The adjuster lock includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a barb disposed in the bearing cap aperture. The second portion has a first lock pin disposed in the retention aperture thereby restricting the adjustment nut from rotating relative to the bearing cap.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: David M. Morse, Jill R. Gnass, Joseph M. Endreszl
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Patent number: 6533487Abstract: The spring rod end retention clip includes a detent head with retention arms spaced a first distance from the enlarged detent head for engaging panels within a range of relatively lesser thicknesses and a snap fit prong spaced a second distance from the enlarged detent head for engaging panels within a range of relatively greater thicknesses. The retention arms include tapered interior edges so that the retention arms can flex inwardly when a rod is engaged within the detent head and a panel of the range of relatively greater thicknesses is engaged by the detent head.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Sylvester S. Clark
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Publication number: 20030044259Abstract: The tree fastener includes split wing fasteners which engage a passageway in a clip base, including flashgates in the passageway which were formed in the molding process initially joining the tree fastener and the clip base prior to driving to the pre-driven position, and further engage a structural aperture in the driven position. The tree fastener further includes a flexible tab which is joined to the tree fastener near the tip of the tree fastener and which extends upwardly within a slot in the shank of the tree fastener and extends through the head of the tree fastener. The flexible tab includes two generally radially outwardly extending interference bumps which engage one of the flashgates in the pre-driven position. The flexible tab can be manually moved radially inwardly so that the interference bumps release the flashgate so that the tree fastener can be urged to the fully driven position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventor: Mark J. Kwilosz
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Patent number: 6520704Abstract: A system and method for mounting an object to a support utilizes a push-pin that is adapted to be pushed or screwed into the support (such as a wall), without necessitating the use of hammers, screwdrivers, drills, etc. The push-pin has a novel head that includes resilient “grippers” for providing a friction fit within a hole or channel of the object (such as a shelf) to be mounted to the support. In an exemplary embodiment, the grippers are a plurality of resilient annular rings sized to be slightly larger in diameter than the dimension of the mating hole or channel so that when the mating hole or channel of the object engages with the larger diameter rings, the rings are deformed slightly upon entering the hole or channel, thereby, providing a friction fit between the head of the pin and the object to be mounted to the support.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Hanover Direct, Inc.Inventors: James F. Vidmar, Peter D. Rimback
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Patent number: 6511108Abstract: A tote bin seal for securing sheet material lids via aligned lid apertures includes a flange forming an ID flag attached to a locking device having a hollow core body at one body end and two semi-circular arrays of tangs at the other body end, the tangs formed of stems and reverse hooks or barbs. The body is somewhat oval with a rectangular central portion, the tangs depending from each arcuate end of the oval. Each of the tangs and the body have an interior axially extending triangular stiffening rib. An insert with a head and a bifurcated shank is attached to the flange opposite the body and may be sheared from the flange for insertion into the body core. The shank forms a locking opening which captures a web in the body core for securing the insert locked to the body. The insert prevents the tangs from compressing inwardly to open the seal. The flange has a living hinge so it can be folded over to permit reading ID data from the flange in stacked bins.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1999Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: E. J. Brooks CompanyInventors: John K. Roessner, III, Richard Dreisbach, George Albert Lundberg, Jr.
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Patent number: 6508092Abstract: A generally cylindrical body of a device such as a cam lock is provided with a snap-in mount that enables the body to be mounted from one side of and through mounting holes formed in support panels of distinctly different thicknesses. The body has a shoulder that faces in one direction toward one side of a support panel, and carries sets of movable arms that define engagement surfaces located at different distances from the shoulder that snap outwardly after being inserted through a panel mounting hole to face toward the opposite side of the support panel. The body can be mounted on panels having three different thicknesses if three sets of arms are provided that each define engagement surfaces located at a different distance from the shoulder. More panel thicknesses can be accommodated if one or more of the sets of arms define two or more sets of engagement surfaces each located at a distinctly different distance from the shoulder.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2001Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: The Eastern CompanyInventors: Timothy P. Laabs, Michael O. Misner, John J. Crocco
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Patent number: 6496372Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic assembly that includes an integrated circuit package, a heat sink, and a fastener which connects the heat sink to the integrated circuit package to cool the integrated circuit package. The fastener includes a stem that extends through the heat sink and the integrated circuit package. The fastener further includes a clamp that is connected to one end of the stem and a spring head that is connected to an opposing end of the stem. The spring head includes a first biasing member that extends around the longitudinal axis of the stem to compress the heat sink and the integrated circuit package against the clamp in order to reduce the thermal impedance between the heat sink and the integrated circuit package.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Peter A. Davison, Lee M. Langseth, Patrick S. Johnson
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Patent number: 6442806Abstract: A fastening device including a shaft portion having first and second sections, and at least two slide-on heads each having an opening defined therethrough and being adapted to engage the first and second sections of the shaft portion. The first and second sections each include a plurality of axially aligned, outwardly oriented locking members. The locking members of the second section are oriented oppositely of the locking members of the first section.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.Inventor: Bob G. Wesson
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Patent number: 6412546Abstract: A heat dissipation device includes a heat sink (80) and an assembling device for securing the heat sink to a, chip (90) mounted on a printed circuit board (100). The heat sink has a pair of ears (82) each defining an aperture (84) therein. The assembling device includes a clip (70), a pair of sleeves (50) each defining a cavity (62) therethrough, and a pair of springs (60). Each sleeve extends through the aperture of a corresponding ear of the heat sink, and the springs are disposed respectively between the ears and an end of the sleeves. The clip has a pair of posts (66) for extending through the printed circuit board to engage with the corresponding cavities.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Foxconn Precision Components Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yeu-Lih Lin, Chao-Yang Lee, Chung-Yung Sun, Chao Kun Tseng
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Patent number: 6405413Abstract: A clip is attached to an insertion part of an object and inserted into an attachment hole formed in an object receiving attachment. The clip is formed of a pair of clamping plates facing each other for receiving therebetween the insertion part of the object and having elasticity for expanding outward. The clamping plates have a plurality of teeth with tips formed on inner surfaces. The tips form a multiple stage pattern across a direction of insertion into the attachment hole to be pressed to the insertion part. Also, coupling arms are provided outside the clamping plates. The coupling arms are coupled into the attachment hole by elasticity at a final position of insertion into the attachment hole after being elastically bent inward upon insertion of the insertion part of the object into the attachment hole.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventors: Takahide Ichimaru, Tsuyoshi Hamaguchi
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Patent number: 6357955Abstract: A self retaining elongated pin for use in a polymer clevis is disclosed. The pin has a generally cylindrical shaft diameter with an enlarged head at one end. Knurling is provided on either the shaft or head to resist axial rotation of the pin. Axial translation of the pin is restrained by the head in the direction toward the head and by fetters in the direction away from the head. The fetters engage the clevis in an interference fit. The fetters are angulated such that the fetter tip is directed toward the head to preferentially favor insertion and resist removal.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Arthur W Hoffmann, Bruce A Hiemstra
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Patent number: 6336768Abstract: The invention relates to a connection unit between a support 3, such as a body part of a motor vehicle, and a plate element, such as the facing of a door. An upper part 1 is attachable to the plate element via an attachment region 5 and an engagement region 6 selectively receives a holding element 2, which is connectable to the support. The engagement region 6 of the upper part 1 consists of two pockets 8, 9, arranged above each other and separated by a cross piece 10. The holding element 2 is equipped, above an attachment region 7, connectable with support 3, with a circumferential elastic sealing lip 27 and two flanges 14, 15 of different elasticity, arranged at axial distance from each other, cross-wise to the longitudinal direction L—L defined by the holding element.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Willibald Kraus
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Patent number: 6305892Abstract: A fastener for removably attaching a speaker grill to a cabinet includes a head having a pair of outwardly directed wings that have inwardly directed ramps at their bottoms to aid in disengaging the speaker grille receptacle from the fastener. A pair of angled abutments beneath the head are arranged to sandwich the receptacle between the abutments and the ramps to provide a secure, yet readily removable, grill. The tree-like base of the fastener includes a plurality of resilient branches for frictionally engaging the inner surface of an aperture in a wood or wood composition cabinet. The end of the base includes a pair of resilient wings that expand to engage the bottom of an aperture in a plastic cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1997Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Zenith Electronics CorporationInventor: Huili Qiao
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Patent number: 6302630Abstract: A fastening device (10) including a fastener (20) and a recess insert (12) retained within the head (21) of the fastener (20). The fastener has a head (21) at one end and a threaded shaft (25) at the opposing end. The fastener head (21) has an engagement recess (22) and a concentric counter-bored section (28). The counter-bored section (28) has a greater diameter than the diameter of the engagement recess (22) and extends into the fastener head (21) less than the depth of the engagement recess. The counter-bored section includes an insert retainer (24). The recess insert (12) comprises a different material than the fastener (20). The insert (12) has a fastener retainer (18) and is adapted to fit within the fastener head (21) counter-bored section (28). The insert (12) has a head (13) with an aperture (14) for permitting access to the fastener engagement recess (22) therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Lockheed MartinInventor: William S. Grant
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Patent number: 6296430Abstract: The invention relates to a push-in plug (1) made from plastics and having at least one shank (2) to be introduced into a drilled hole, on which shank (2) there are located expansion segments (4) lying opposite one another in pairs, which are braced against and wedge against the wall of the drilled hole when a tensile force acts on the shank (2). For improvement of the holding force, the expansion segment (4) is formed by a wedge element (5), which is held on the outer surface (3) of the shank (2) so as to be axially displaceable and which is displaced, when the push-in plug (1) is pushed into the drilled hole, into a position lying in front of an inclined surface (6) formed on the shank (2), which inclined surface (6) rises towards the insertion end (14) of the push-in plug (1).Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & co. KGInventor: Rainer Fischer
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Patent number: 6264491Abstract: A clasp mechanism connector for quickly connecting a computer cable to a receiving member includes a body, a port connector and a biasing member. The biasing member maintains ratchet like teeth particularly useful in grasping internal threading such as that found in computer port housing. The connection apparatus securingly connects the cable connector to a traditional jack screw-type receiving member via actuation of the biasing member. The biasing member may preferably be a resilient member such as a spring or spring-like mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Mobility ElectronicsInventor: Charles Lord
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Patent number: 6149183Abstract: A snap-in connector (80) including a female connector part (84) including an upper cylindrical portion (120) having a first opening (122) therethrough, a medial flange (130) extending outwardly and a lower portion segmented into a plurality of flexible locking members (140a-d) which snap into and lock with portions of a male connector part as a function of the degree of insertion of the male connector part.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1998Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventor: Brian C. Ford
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Patent number: 6116435Abstract: A mounting channel member including a body having an outer surface, a pair of side edges and a pair of ends and a plurality of undercut channels extending away from the outer surface. A mounting channel member assembly wherein a plurality of mounting channel members are mounted on a supporting surface in side-by-side relationship. An anchor fastener including a body having an upper body portion and a lower body portion secured to the upper body portion, a bore in the upper body portion, and the lower body portion including first and second legs with a space therebetween with the bore being aligned with the space.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Inventor: Richard E. Young
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Patent number: 5975820Abstract: The fastener includes a pin and a grommet for attaching a primary panel to a secondary panel. The pin includes two dual-height finger assemblies and a circular flexible flange or umbrella head. A primary panel through a first range of thicknesses is sealingly engaged between the flexible flange and the fingers of a first height of the dual-height finger assemblies, and a primary panel through a second range of thicknesses is sealingly engaged between the flexible flange and the fingers of a second height in the dual-height finger assemblies. The pin further includes a male element with external serrated ridges. The male element engages a passageway in the grommet which includes an internal ridge for engaging the external serrated ridges. The grommet further includes a pair of spaced disks for engaging an opening in a secondary panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: James T. Kirchen
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Patent number: 5963432Abstract: A standoff for mounting two or more printed circuit boards to a chassis in which one keyhole cut printed circuit board may be slidably mounted on the keyhole mount of the standoff and a second printed circuit board may be mounted on the top portion of the standoff spaced away from the first printed circuit board. The second printed circuit board may be affixed to the standoff by either a screw mount, snap lock mount, adhesive, bolt and nut, clamp or other method.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Datex-Ohmeda, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Thomas Crowley
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Patent number: 5934729Abstract: An energy-absorbing fastener assembly is used to mount an automotive trim panel in spaced relation to a structural member, such that an actuation load impingent on the panel causes the panel to deflect toward the structural member while the fastener assembly absorbs at least part of the kinetic energy. The fastener assembly can include a male fastener element movable into a socket to cause deflectable walls on the fastener element to frictionally engage the socket surface so as to absorb energy associated with trim panel deflection.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: David G. Baack
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Patent number: 5909991Abstract: A self adjusting plug is provided that is adapted to be removeably held in place within openings of different sizes in order to plug such openings is provided. The self adjusting plug comprises a top portion having a first and second side, a shaft portion, having a first and second end, the first end of the shaft portion being connected to the first side of the top portion, and one or more projections attached to the shaft portion and extending outwardly from the shaft portion. The self adjusting plug is used to plug openings by passing the bottom end of the plug into the first end of the opening, forcing the projections of the bottom end of the plug to flex as they contact the wall of the opening, to create a friction fit between the projections of the plug and the walls defining the opening.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1997Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Assignee: Arrow Sign CompanyInventors: Michael P. Manion, Donald M. Brown
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Patent number: 5907891Abstract: The tree fastener includes a shank, a head and wings on first and second opposed sides of the shank. The wings are split along the tool parting line into wing portions which extend from the shank at different angles so that the spacing between wing portions is one half the distance between successive wings. Additionally, the wing portions are diagonally paired so that wing portions on a first opposed side of the shank and a first side of the tool parting line extend from the shank at the same angle as wing portions on a second opposed side of the shank and a second side of the tool parting line. Likewise, wing portions on a second side of the shank and a first side of the tool parting line extend from the shank at the same angle as wing portions on a first side of the shank and a second side of the tool parting line.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1998Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Charles Meyer
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Patent number: 5906465Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 23, 1998Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Akiyoshi Sato, Jeromy William Tomlin
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Patent number: 5868537Abstract: The retainer pin includes a plurality of longitudinal rows of radially extending wings about a circumference of a shank. The radially extending wings within any one row are longitudinally offset from longitudinally adjacent wings by a pitch. The wings of circumferentially adjacent rows are offset by a distance equal to one half of the pitch thereby forming a double helix. The double helix configuration of the radially extending wings creates a screw-like configuration which is used to engage a partially threaded aperture.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James F. Latal, Paul J. Dorn
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Patent number: 5842822Abstract: The new fastener has a shank which is resiliently compressible along an axis perpendicular to the shank push-in axis and has teeth protruding from the shank along the axis of resilient compressibility. The teeth are inclined in the push-in direction and in the pull-out direction. When the shank is pushed into an existing screw hole, then inclines of teeth just past the far side of the screw hole are increased to resist motion in the pull-out direction so that the shank is secured in the screw hole and so that the fastener can be pulled out without damage. The shank is configured to increase the compressibility and to increase the elastic force opposing compression. The shank can be a monolithic part of a first structure fastened to a second structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Everett Industries IncInventors: Gerald W. Everett, Ralph R. Trimnell
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Patent number: 5829937Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 4, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignees: General Motors Corporation, Mercedes-Benz AGInventors: John Raymond Morello, James Thomas Stocz, Daniel Howard Huff, Michael John Reitz, Doru Matei, Rolf Grubingo
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Patent number: 5813810Abstract: A fastener made of a synthetic resin material is usable for both a circular engagement hole and a square engagement hole which are approximately the same in size, and includes a head, a leg depending from the head, and two groups of vertically multilayered flexible fins formed on a periphery of the leg so as to extend radially outward. Some of the fins stay in the engagement hole and are flexed by the wall of the engagement hole when the leg has been inserted into one of the engagement holes and others of the fins are thrust out of the engagement hole and restore to their respective original states, thereby preventing the leg from being extracted from the engagement hole.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1997Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Tomoharu Izume
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Patent number: 5800109Abstract: The present invention provides fasteners that have surprising benefits, such as the ability to be set into a fixing hole by gentle pressure, for example thumb pressure, and remain in place without holding until hammered fully home, and the ability to maintain the proper alignment upon hammering. Also provided are methods of attaching one object to another object, using the instant fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1997Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: Amifast CorporationInventor: Philip D. Carruthers
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Patent number: 5797714Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 24, 1995Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: ITW Fastex Italia S.p.A.Inventor: Manrico Oddenino
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Patent number: 5772551Abstract: A connector having dual parallel biting edges at each end of the connector for locking a portion of belting ends into the connector. The height of the biting edges and a centering ring is larger than the transverse dimension of the cylindrical body of the connector and the transverse dimension of recesses at the end portions of an endless belt. The endless belt is formed when the connector is inserted into each end of a finite length of hollow tubing or solid tubing with recesses at each end.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: L.M. & L. CorporationInventor: Norman H. Mabie