Plural Ridges Or Flanges Patents (Class 411/510)
  • Patent number: 5111557
    Abstract: The combination of a metal stud having a projecting head for welding to a receptor surface and a resilient clip for mounting on said stud and retained by said projecting head is characterized in that the underside of said head has a tapered shoulder which reduces progressively to the diameter of said stud, in that said clip has a retaining hole of which the internal diameter increases correspondingly from a diameter equal to that of the stud whereby it engages the tapered shoulder under said head when the clip is applied to the stud and in that said clip is provided with at least two retaining members which contact said receptor surface to urge the clip into close engagement with the tapered shoulder under the head of the stud.The clip is easily mounted on the stud by direct pressure and provides a more positive location of the clip on the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Heinz O. Baum, Johann Reindl
  • Patent number: 5104272
    Abstract: A two-part fastener for mounting a component upon a substrate comprises a first part having an elongate hollow body, a self-tapping threaded portion defined upon an exterior peripheral portion of the elongate body whereby the first part can be threadedly secured within the substrate, and a first snap-fitting engagement member defined upon an internal peripheral portion of the first part. The second part likewise comprises an elongate body, a support portion for fixedly mounting the component thereon, and a plurality of axially spaced second snap-fitting engagement members defined upon an external peripheral portion of the second part. When the second part is axially inserted into the first part, for example, with the component affixed thereon, the second snap-fitting engagement members of the second part selectively engage the engagement member of the first part such that the disposition of the component supported upon the second part can be adjustably mounted as desired relative to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: ITW De France
    Inventors: Christian Dupont, Pierre Guillon
  • Patent number: 5098237
    Abstract: An article retention arrangement utilizing a drive-in expansion fastener having a generally cylindrical, hollow body with a tapered end formed from an angular truncation of the body. The body is reinforced by one longitudinal rib so as to permit drive-in penetration from the tapered end even if the fastener is formed from plastic materials. The fastener is retained within the wall by at least one pair of hinged flanges which expand circumferentially in response to the installation of an insertion element within the hollow portion of the body. The insertion element engages an inclined surface within the body to cam the expansion flanges circumferentially outward. The expansion flanges engage the back surface of the wall while the longitudinally slit portion of the body expands within the hole created by drive-in penetration. The insertion element preferably includes an enlarged head projecting from the fastener when the insertion element is fully installed within the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: JTB, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian G. Harker
  • Patent number: 5061137
    Abstract: A fastener is provided which comprises a head component; a barbed shank component; and a resilient linking means connecting the head and shank components. The fastener has a longitudinal opening adapted to receive a tool for the application of force in a driving engagement with the shank component. Also provided is a method of fastening a plate member to an internally ribbed work piece using this fastener by engaging the fastener with the ribbed aperture in the work piece; inserting the tool into the longitudinal opening; and applying force to the shank component sufficient to cause axial displacement of the shank component against the resilient biasing of the linking means to maintain the head and shank components in axial tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: James T. Gourd
  • Patent number: 5039267
    Abstract: A two-way fastener which is adapted for joining at least two members in, electively, either a reusable position or a non-reusable position includes an elongate shank, a head member which is integral with an upper portion of the shank, an elongate rail member integral with and substantially parallel to the shank, the rail member having a substantially tee-shaped cross section, a plurality of non-reusable resilient teeth attached to a side of the shank which is opposite the rail member and a plurality of reusable teeth attached to second and third sides of the shank. The non-reusable teeth are angled toward the head member at a first angle, and the reusable teeth are angled toward the head member at a second angle which is less than the first angle. When inserted into a slotted member so that the two sets of reusable teeth engage the sides of the slot, the device acts as a reusable fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Phillips Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Burnell J. Wollar
  • Patent number: 5036674
    Abstract: The mounting stud of an accumulator is secured within a central opening of a base pan mounted elastomeric grommet by way of a metal sleeve having outwardly extending protuberances that grip the inner walls of the elastomeric grommet and inwardly extending protuberances that grip the threaded stud. The protuberances are angled in such a way that both the stud and the sleeve are easily inserted into their mating component but subsequent removal is substantially prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Dick Y. K. Chang
  • Patent number: 5004879
    Abstract: A switch housing in which a cylindrical hollow body of the housing has attached wing elements, each in the form of a partial cylinder and resiliently movable radially and circumferentially of the body, varying the overall transverse dimension of the housing so that the housing may be removably inserted into cavities of various sizes or non-uniform bore, with the wing elements biased to exert outward force against the interior of a cavity. The wing elements may define exterior threads to aid in retention of the housing in a cavity, and a head of the housing preferably defines a chamfered radially extending flange to limit insertion of the housing, and grooves to aid in removing the housing from a cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Sentrol, Inc.
    Inventors: Everett A. Bernhardt, Robert C. Winters
  • Patent number: 5000637
    Abstract: A fastening device uses a ribbed rivet to secure two materials together. The ribs on the rivet should have a height no greater than 0.005 inches on most plastics and be of a close proximity. This rivet can be pushed directly into, or pulled directly out of, a ribbed receiving bore without fear of stripping the threaded ribs. The rivet can be manufactured in a two-piece injection plastic mold in which the rivet is fully formed in the lower half of the mold. Because of the height and proximity of the ribs, the rivet can be removed from the mold without stripping the threaded ribs. Furthermore, the rivet can be formed in the same injection molding operation used to manufacture the receiving bore into which it is to be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Adams Mfg.
    Inventor: William E. Adams
  • Patent number: 4993903
    Abstract: A plastic fastening element 1 for installation in a substantially rectangular opening of a support includes head part 2 and a holding part 3. Holding part 3 is substantially rectangular in cross section and is provided with lamella-form fingers 4 on the longer sides positioned in groups lying opposite each other. Stays (5) extend along the holding part 3 and limit the edge zone of the fingers. According to the invention, the stays are resilient straps 7 wherein the beginning zones 8 of the two straps 7 lie opposite each other on different sides of the holding part 3. The straps are arranged oblique to each other and merge into a conical push-in zone 23 with oblique side surfaces 24. The head part 3 is designed for holding a strip-form object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: TRW United Carr GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 4978265
    Abstract: An anchor adapted for insertion in a hole through the wall. The wall includes inner and outer surfaces with the hole extending inwardly through the wall from the outer surface of the wall to the inner surface of the wall. The anchor comprises a head, a body, and a passage through the head and body into which a fastener, such as a screw, is adapted to be inserted. The passage has a central longitudinal axis. A surface on the head is engageable with the outer surface of the wall when the body of the anchor is inserted in the hole. At least one resiliently flexible leg extends axially of the body and terminates in a free end moveable generally radially inward and outward relative to the central axis of the body. The anchor also has a holder adjacent to the free end of the leg. The holder projects laterally outwardly from the leg. The leg is adapted to resiliently flex generally radially inwardly as the body is inserted in the hole to a point where the holder exits the hole on the inside surface of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Inventor: Thomas E. De Wan
  • Patent number: 4976715
    Abstract: An apparatus for repairing in vivo torn cartilaginous or other bodily tissue, particularly torn meniscus tissue during arthroscopic surgery, employs a repair tack of biodegradable material chosen to have a degradation time in excess of the required healing time for the tissue. The repair tack has a shaft portion with a longitudinal bore and a grip portion adapted for releasable engagement by a hollow applicator. In one embodiment the grip portion of the tack is a cross bar, at the proximal end of the shaft, which fits into an open-sided slot at the forward end of the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Concept, Inc.
    Inventors: F. Barry Bays, Arthur F. Trott, Sam R. Marchand
  • Patent number: 4976578
    Abstract: A fastening element for connecting a component to an apertured panel. The fastening element has a shank with a rounded end for latching engagement with a female latch member. This female latch member is rigidly connected with the component to be fastened or formed integrally therewith. The shank is adapted for limited pivotal movement in the female latch member. During removal of the component, the spherical member is caused to disengage from the female latch member prior to the shank disengaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Bernhard Mathes, Guenter Gosing, Martin Oberfrank
  • Patent number: 4963051
    Abstract: A dowel fastening device having a plurality of pivoting conical members having saw-tooth gripping surfaces for insertion in aligned drilled holes of adjacent elements, such as furniture parts, or in heavy duty applications such as with support members for continuous pipe installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Inventor: Gerhard P. Hutter
  • Patent number: 4940355
    Abstract: A push to install, quarter turn to release fastening system includes a fastener having a plurality of radially extending frustum-shaped projections spaced along a shank and a pair of diametrically opposed ribs extending along the shank forming smooth surfaces outside the periphery of the frustum-shaped projections. The receptacle includes a split cylinder forming a pair of spring latches that are displaced to permit entry and captivation of the fastener. When the fastener is turned 90.degree., the ribs displace the spring latches to positions out of engagement with the frustum-shaped projections to enable removal of the fastener from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Jeffery J. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 4938645
    Abstract: A two-way fastener which is adapted for joining at least two members in, electively, either a reusable position or a non-reusable position includes an elongate shank, a head member which is integral with an upper portion of the shank, an elongate rail member integral with and substantially parallel to the shank, the rail member having a substantially tee-shaped cross section, a plurality of non-reusable resilient teeth attached to a side of the shank which is opposite the rail member and a plurality of reusable teeth attached to second and third sides of the shank. The non-reusable teeth are angled toward the head member at a first angle, and the reusable teeth are angled toward the head member at a second angle which is less than the first angle. When inserted into a slotted member so that the two sets of reusable teeth engage the sides of the slot, the device acts as a reusable fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Phillips Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Burnell J. Wollar
  • Patent number: 4927287
    Abstract: A fastener includes a female body and male body. By forcibly inserting the male body into a male body insertion hole of the female body, the two bodies are temporarily coupled together. By further inserting the male body into the female body from this state, leg portions of the female body are caused to flare outwardly so that overlapped plates are fastened together between the flared leg portions and a head portion of the female body. By further inserting the male body into the female body from this state, the leg portions are released from the flared state, so that the plates can be unfastened. When and only when the leg portions are inserted through a hole of a plate to be fastened by means of the fastener disposed in the temporarily coupled state, can the male body be further inserted within the female body so as to fasten the two plates to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: NIFCO, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshiya Ohkawa, Hiromichi Nakayama, Tatsuya Iguchi
  • Patent number: 4927306
    Abstract: A screw grommet of synthetic resin having an enlarged head part adapted for abutment against the surface of a mounting panel, a shank adapted for engagement with an oblong fitting hole bored in the mounting panel, a pair of integral shoulders extending from opposite walls of the shank, and a pair of integral elastic arms extending at a prescribed angle from the other pair of opposite walls of the shank. The pair of elastic arms and the pair of engaging shoulders engage with the corresponding edges of the oblong fitting hole in the mounting panel. The screw grommets are always retained in the correct posture in the oblong fitting holes and absorb errors in manufacture or fabrication. The screw grommets are also capable of absorbing variations in the relative positions of the fitting holes in the panel and the through-holes in a part to be attached caused by expansion or contraction due to a change in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Kato Hatsujo Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiichi Sato
  • Patent number: 4921382
    Abstract: A locking apparatus intended to be anchored in the bore of an element and to receive rotatably by snap-in closure a mating element provided with an undercut head. The locking apparatus according to the invention includes a substantially cylindrical body having first and second ends. Outwardly directed gripping means are arranged in the peripheral surface of the body at its first end. The body has a coaxially arranged cavity which narrows toward an opening in the first end. The cavity extends to the second end of the body and the body is provided there with an inwardly directed flange. The body is expansible or flexible at the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventors: Bror Fries, Berit Fries
  • Patent number: 4906155
    Abstract: The fixing of an object such as a thermophonic insulation cushion or blanket to a structure such as as stringer within the fuselage of an aircraft is carried out by means of a one-piece device (10). The latter comprises a support member (12) resting on a circular arc-shaped portion (a3) of the stringer (a), a fixing member (14), which is fitted into a hole (a4) in the stringer and an attachment member (16), such as a serrated pin, on which the cushion is held by a washer (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Balza
  • Patent number: 4902182
    Abstract: A one piece plastic push-in fastener for insertion into a preformed opening in a workpiece comprises an axially elongated rigid shank having a head end and a free end. A series of flexible wing members extend laterally from the shank to a radial extent greater than the cross-section of the opening. The wing members flex toward the head to permit push-in installation of the fastener in the opening. However, abutment stops are located between adjacent wing members to prevent their flexure toward the free end. Thus, the fastener has low resistance to installation and high resistance to removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Lewis
  • Patent number: 4900210
    Abstract: A fastening system comprises a push in-screw out fastener having a slotted head, threaded cylindrical shank with a plurality of resilient thread segments thereon and a tubular receptacle. The diameter of the receptacle is less than the diameter of the thread segments and greater than the shank diameter such that the thread segments are deformed by insertion of the fastener into the receptacle. The receptacle has an internal thread formed at its entry. The internal thread engages the resilient thread segments to impart a removal force to the fastener when its slotted head is rotated in a counterclockwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Jeffery J. Buchanan, Terrance A. Cassity
  • Patent number: 4888843
    Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a pad to a rotary floor machine includes an internally threaded drive collar mounted in coaxial relation with a drive shaft. The teeth of the thread on the collar have a sawtooth profile with an inclined lead-in surface and a holding surface. A retainer member in the form of a flanged collar has a cylindrical insert with a plurality of tabs capable of flexing inwardly. The flex tabs are spaced about the insert and have external thread segments, the teeth of which also have a sawtooth profile, for matching engagement with the internal threads of the drive collar. The retainer insert is assembled by pushing it into the drive collar. The lead-in surfaces of the matching threads cam the flex tabs inwardly during assembly so that the sawtooth threads ride over one another. The radial holding surfaces engage to provide substantial holding force for the center of the pad which is clamped between the flanges of the drive collar and the retainer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Hako Minuteman, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Smith, Thomas J. Lerch, Rick McLeod
  • Patent number: 4884572
    Abstract: An apparatus for repairing in vivo torn cartilaginous or other bodily tissue, particularly torn meniscus tissue during arthroscopic surgery, employs a repair tack of biodegradable material chosen to have a degradation time in excess of the required healing time for the tissue. The repair tack has a shaft portion with a longitudinal bore and a grip portion adapted for releasable engagement by a hollow applicator. In one embodiment the grip portion of the tack is a cross bar, at the proximal end of the shaft, which fits into an open-sided slot at the forward end of the applicator. A needle passes through the hollow applicator and tack bore to project from the distal end of the tack shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: Concept, Inc.
    Inventors: F. Barry Bays, Arthur F. Trott, Sam R. Marchand
  • Patent number: 4875641
    Abstract: A screw including a head and a shaft having a helically threaded portion and a barbed portion is provided. In operating the barbed portion driven into a hole by pressure on the head in the axial direction. When the barbed portion is completely driven into the hole, the threaded portion comes into contact with the wall of the hole for driving the screw slightly further into the hole in this manner tight engagement between the two members fastened by the screw can be achieved. The barbed portion is so formed as to prevent removal of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuo Endo, Masahiro Makino
  • Patent number: 4871209
    Abstract: A foldable stadium seat having a seat frame and backrest frame joined by a hinge assembly, made of a rigid plastic; the frames have recesses in which seat and backrest cushion pads are located. When folded, the edges of the frame meet and the pads also meet. The hinge assembly is so positioned and configured as to permit surfaces at the back portion of the seat frame and the bottom portion of the backrest frame to be used as stops to resist the thrust of a person leaning slightly backwards when the stadium seat is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: K R Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert I. Handelman
  • Patent number: 4869440
    Abstract: The upper and lower cassette parts of a magnetic tape cassette are connected to each other by means of non-releasable fixtures, wherein a synthetic material bolt is introduced into at least one of the holes provided for screw connections according to the prior art. The bolt is provided with longitudinal ribs (8) or with an inner bore (9) or possesses a thread-like or saw tooth-like track (11) in the manner of a dowel (FIGS. 3a-3c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengessellschaft
    Inventors: Jose Toral, Gottfried Lutz
  • Patent number: 4867725
    Abstract: A horn for attachment to a control surface of a model aircraft. The horn includes a spine to pass through the structure, a shoulder to bear against one face of the structure, and a unidirectional abutment body applicable to the spine to bear against the other side of the control surface. A horn projection extends from the spine to receive a push-pull actuator to establish the position of the control surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Aero Toys, Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark A. Smith
  • Patent number: 4861208
    Abstract: The present invention is a fastening assembly for securing a door trim panel to a door body inner panel. The assembly includes a male member having a head portion adapted to be removably secured to a slot in the door trim panel. The male member has a cylindrical portion having a plurality of barbs spaced longitudinally along the cylindrical portion. The assembly also includes a female member having means for removably securing the female member to the door body inner panel. The female member has a cylindrical portion with a longitudinal axis and a pocket formed therein along the longitudinal axis. The pocket includes a means for engaging a groove between a pair of adjacent barbs on the male member for adjusting the door trim panel relative to the door body inner panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy M. Boundy
  • Patent number: 4844250
    Abstract: A tamper-evident container assembly comprises a container and a cap. The container has a dispensing end that includes an opening through which the contents of the container can be dispensed, a threaded surface, and a frangible tab extending outwardly from the threaded surface. The cap is internally threaded with the threads of the cap being complementary to those of the threaded surface of the dispensing end of the container and being formed prior to the cap being placed on the dispensing end of the container. The cap has a vertical notch therein extending from the lower edge thereof of a size sufficient to receive at least a portion of the tab so that the tab is readily visible therethrough. The cap is initially placed axially over the dispensing end of the container so that the tab is received within the notch in the cap.The cap can not be initially removed from the container without separating at least a portion of the tab from the threaded surface of the dispensing end of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Wheeling Stamping Company
    Inventors: George H. Holoubek, John J. Rhoades
  • Patent number: 4826379
    Abstract: A push nut and a male member are disclosed having cooperating buttress threads. The push nut is divided into sectors, each of which has multiple segments that comprise the nut's thread. The adjacent edges of the successive sectors are connected to each other by a resilient corrugation arranged to distribute the stress equally between the ends of each thread segment and equally among the thread segments of each sector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Connectron, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander R. Norden
  • Patent number: 4810144
    Abstract: A tube connector comprising a first member and a second member, each member being made from a sheet metal stamping. Each member includes an annular portion, a tubular barrel, and plural legs. The tubular barrel extends from an inner periphery of the annular portion. The legs extend outwardly from the annular portion and are adapted to flex axially so as to facilitate insertion of such member into the tube through one end of the tube. The legs have sharp edges tending to dig aggressively into an inner wall of the tube so as to resist withdrawal and rotation of such member. The tubular barrel of the first member fits within and extends through the tubular barrel of the second member and is crimped at one end so as to secure the tubular barrel of the second member bears at one end agains the annular portion of the first member. The tubular barrel of the first member is internally threaded and consequently deformed so as to fit tightly within the tubular barrel of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Martelli
  • Patent number: 4805366
    Abstract: An improved snap lock retainer mechanism for insulated wall construction apparatus for pouring a composite wall structure which includes a pair of outer poured concrete layers separated by a high density foam insulating panel mounted between the concrete layers and which includes a number of tying mechanisms for holding the insulated layer in place while the concrete is being poured and hardened wherein the holding means are formed of plastic rods upon which two plastic receivers are directly injection molded onto the rod. One of the receivers has a single notch and the other receiver has multiple notches. One of two snap rings which are identical goes first over the single notch receiver and is locked in place and then the rod is extended through the insulating panel and a second snap ring is attached to the multiple notches in a ratchet effect on the multiple notches plastic receivers so as to lock the board in place so that the concrete can be poured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Thermomass Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Long
  • Patent number: 4802388
    Abstract: A plug and tool are provided for repairing and sealing a puncture of a tire. The plug is generally cylindrical in shape and is made from a rubber-like material which is stiffer and more durable than prior repair plugs. The plug has a cylindrical shank portion and adjoining circular head portion. Extending around the outer edge of the head portion is a thin auxiliary sealing ring. On the periphery of the shank portion is a plurality of closely spaced sealing rings with grooves therebetween. When the shank portion is forcibly inserted into a puncture, the sealing rings provide multiple sealing members by individually radially compressing and locally conforming to the size and shape of the puncture. Additional sealing is provided by bonding the head portion to the inner surface of the tire. At the end portion of the plug opposite to the head portion is a metal loop. There is provided a tool having a handle portion and adjoining slender shank portion for forcibly inserting the plug into a puncture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Inventor: Simon Roberts
  • Patent number: 4787795
    Abstract: A push-in type fastener for use in a preformed opening in a workpiece. The fastener is formed from plastic and includes a relatively rigid, axially elongated body. An enlarged head is formed at one end and a pair of resilient arms are integrally joined to the body at the other end. The arms are located diametrically opposite one another and extend at an angle toward the head. The free end zones of the arms have catch openings or notches adapted to engage the underside of a panel or workpiece opening when the fastener is inserted therein. In addition, the body includes cylindrical guide sections which lie opposite each other and are displaced 90 degrees radially from the arms. Truncated cone sections are formed above and below the cylindrical guide sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: TRW United-Carr GmbH
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 4776739
    Abstract: A one-piece plastic reusable push-in fastener for insertion into an aperture in a workpiece comprising a head portion and a shank portion, the shank portion being integrally formed to one side of the head portion with its longitudinal axis extending away from the head portion and having a particular cross section and a transversely extending fin section intermediate the length of the shank on one side thereof whereby the fin section cooperates with the particular shank cross section to inhibit withdrawal of the fastener from a particular workpiece aperture and to centrally locate the longitudinal axis of the shank with the central axis of the aperture by forcing the periphery of the shank cross section against the inner wall of the workpiece aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Denver C. Hamman
  • Patent number: 4762437
    Abstract: A fastener snaps through aligned apertures in two work pieces. The shape of the aperture in the first work piece is such that the fastener cannot be withdrawn from it. However, the aperture in the second work piece is so shaped that the fastener can be rotated for removal of the fastener from the second work piece. The work pieces thereby can be separated, but the fastener remains in substantially permanent association with the first work piece for reuse of the work piece and the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Seiji Mitomi
  • Patent number: 4759670
    Abstract: A two-piece molded plastic fastener comprises a hollow body and a pin insertable thereinto. The body has a head and a bore defined by a resiliently deformable grooved bore wall. The pin has a pin head and a serrated pin shank. When fully installed in an aperture in a workpiece (which comprises one or more panels), the serrated pin shank is frictionally engaged with and digs into the resilient grooved bore wall (i.e., is "set"), and the two heads bear against opposite sides of the workpiece. Depending on fastener design, the heads either apply a predetermined pressure on the workpiece (depending on the setting force) or are maintained at a predetermined distance from each other when set. Either the body or pin or both may embody features (such as holes, screw threads, hooks, snap fasteners) which enable objects to be secured thereto. In addition, the pin may have an axial bore therethrough to enable the fastener to serve as a bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Phillips Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: David Linder, Joseph Bart
  • Patent number: 4728238
    Abstract: An improved one piece drive fastener having a head and a shank, the shank including a generally non-circular cross-section presenting a plurality of generally flat, axially extending surfaces. Each of the flat surfaces on the shank carry a plurality of axially spaced flexible resilient wing elements; the wings being flexed along the straight line connection with the flat surfaces. Certain wings extending from and positioned in spaced relation along at least one said surfaces being angularly disposed so as to tilt in the direction of said head and further including means formed integrally with each of said certain wings to substantially increase the force required for removal of said fastener from a cooperating aperture as compared to the force required to introduce said fastener into said aperture. Said fastener with its flat surfaces permitting the manufacture of said fastener in a simple two-plate mold design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa E. Chisholm, John F. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4728236
    Abstract: A fastening device for connection to threaded bolts or studs. The device is preferably molded from plastic and has an internal opening provided with one or more resilient catch projections distributed about the circumference of the opening. The projections extend axially and radially into the opening. A series of graduations or thread-form configurations are carried by each projection. When a bolt is received in the opening, the projections are resiliently deflected and the graduations engage the threads of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: TRW United Carr GmbH
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 4726705
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a fastener assembly comprises a first and second bushing that are each inserted into respective parts to be coupled. The first bushing has a bearing post member extending from its mating face. The bearing post member has two circumferential locking flanges spaced along its length. The second bushing member has an axially-extending opening to receive the bearing post member. The opening has two reduced diameter sections situated to coincide with the circumferential locking flanges when the bearing post member is inserted into the opening. The reduced diameter sections are in snap-fit engagement with the circumferential locking flanges to resist separation of the first and second bushing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Inventor: Daniel Gomes
  • Patent number: 4724747
    Abstract: A ventilator housing with at least one protective screen for covering a ventilator positioned in a housing, whereby through-hole borings for fastening the protective screen with fastening elements are provided in the walls of the housing. The fastening elements are formed as pin-shaped fastening studs, which can be inserted into the through-hole borings of the housing walls, and which have, on their peripheral surfaces, tongue-like springy counter-hooks which are directed in the direction opposed to the direction of insertion of the stud, being angularly to the longitudinal axis of the stud, so that after insertion of the studs into the borings, at least one counter-hook engages the housing wall under prestressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: ebm Elektrobau Mulfingen GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Gerhard Sturm, Horst Voss, Jurgen Zilling
  • Patent number: 4722628
    Abstract: An elongated hollow rectangular spine or backplate formed of plastic material for supporting and securing ring hardware in a loose-leaf binder has spaced, parallel, front and back walls joined at the edges and a centrally disposed strengthening rib extending between the front and back walls longitudinally for the length of the back plate. The ring hardware is secured to the backplate by inserting circumferentially grooved metal rivets through apertures in the ring hardware, pressing into the backplate rib and sonically welding the rivet therein. The circumferential grooves on the rivet shank facilitate anchoring the rivets to the backplate rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Van der Jagt 1980 Family Trust
    Inventor: David C. Rager
  • Patent number: 4710249
    Abstract: A method and closure are provided for sealing and repairing a puncture of a tire. The closure is a resilient plug of a rubber-like material stiffer and more durable than prior closures having a generally cylindrical shank portion and an adjoining circular head portion. The periphery of the shank portion has a labyrinth of closely spaced sealing rings and grooves therebetween. When the shank portion is forcibly engaged with a puncture, the sealing rings individually radially compress and locally conform to the size and shape of the puncture thereby providing multiple sealing members with the puncture. Additional sealing is provided by an auxiliary sealing ring on the head portion of the closure which is adhesively bonded to the inner surface of the tire, adjacent to the puncture. Tool attaching means are provided on the closure for forcibly engaging the closure with the puncture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Inventor: Simon Roberts
  • Patent number: 4705442
    Abstract: A quarter-turn fastener adapted for selective connection to a support member through a generally rectangular opening. The disclosed fastener comprises a body having a head and an axially elongated, rigid shank. Extending radially outward from the shank are two series of resilient leg members. The leg members in each series are axially spaced and configured to be readily deflectable toward the head but to offer substantial resistance to deflection away from the head. Wing-like stop members are joined to the shank at positions spaced circumferentially of the leg members for centering the fastener in the opening and limiting its rotation about the axis of the shank to a single predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph G. Fucci
  • Patent number: 4704059
    Abstract: A plastic screw grommet is disclosed, which has a body formed with a threaded hole and also formed in a lower end portion with a diagonal slit. A side of at least one of divisions defined by the slit is formed with a flexible hook portion adjacent to an edge of the slit and outwardly inclined toward the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Daiji Nakama, Masaru Arakawa
  • Patent number: 4703775
    Abstract: A liquid flow regulator has a housing including an axial bore, an inlet, an outlet and a plurality of axial grooves opening endwise of the inlet and laterally of the housing into the bore. The grooves, which have different axial lengths, taper axially so that the cross-sectional area of each groove gradually decreases from the inlet to nothing at a point where the groove merges with the bore. An elastomeric stock fits within the bore. A plunger for expanding the sock radially outward into sealing engagement with the housing adjacent the bore is axially movable within the bore. Flow through the grooves and the bore is regulated by the axial position of the plunger and the minimum cross-sectional area of the tapered, axial grooves at the axial location where the sock seals the bore. Axial adjustment of the plunger sequentially opens and closes passage from the grooves through the bore to the bore outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Giovanni Pastrone
  • Patent number: 4702349
    Abstract: A u-shaped climbing rung to be anchored in a bore hole in a wall, the climbing rung having two parallel legs each leg having two ends, one end of each leg being connected to a transverse central element or tread spaced a predetermined distance below the parallel legs and having the other end for anchoring in a wall, the legs and tread being completely encapsulated in a synthetic protective coat having an outer configuration adapted to present each end of the legs remote the tread for anchoring the climbing rung in the wall. Behind said anchoring means each encapsulated end receives a soft elastic and tightly fitting and slidable sealing collar. At least one surface of either the encapsulated end behind the anchoring means or the inside surface of the sealing collar presents alternating raised rings and annular grooves to frictionally engage and seal the interface between the encapsulated end and the inside surface of the sealing collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Inventor: Heinrich Zenhausern
  • Patent number: 4678385
    Abstract: A fixing peg is provided comprising a body and a bearing washer for fixing an insulating panel. The body is tubular, with a support portion and an anchorage portion and is split over the whole of its length. In the anchorage portion two abutment tongues project from the lips of the slit, against which tongues the lips come into abutment during anchorage for increasing the anchorage pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Ollivier, Roland Almeras
  • Patent number: 4676707
    Abstract: A thermoplastic fastener having a slight taper, is friction welded to a thermoplastic workpiece. A system for friction welding the fastener includes a way of automatically stopping rotation of the fastener while contact pressure between the fastener and the workpiece is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Steven V. Cearlock, Francis C. Peterson, Gene S. Kunos
  • Patent number: RE33005
    Abstract: An electrical connector including an insulator and a number of contacts for mounting on a substrate such as a printed circuit board. As disclosed, the electrical connector includes an elongated insulator block carrying contacts in the form of pins, an end of each of which is received in a printed circuit board aperture to be soldered to the printed circuit board. The elongated insulator block further includes a series of holes, each intermediate an adjacent pair of contacts of the connector, precisely located relative to the contact locations, to facilitate positioning the connector for insertion of the pins into a printed circuit board. The insulator block is notched adjacent each of the holes to facilitate breaking the connector to a desired length, and hence containing a desired number of contacts. The insulator block further has generally semi-cylindrical indentations at each of its ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Crane Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Robert Bryce