And Discrete Biasing Spring Patents (Class 411/552)
  • Patent number: 11988022
    Abstract: The housing lock includes a barrel, a screw and a bumper. The screw and bumper are threadedly engaged with one another and slidably engaged with the barrel. A barrel passageway includes a screw stop limiting sliding of the screw and bumper assembly in the distal direction and a bumper stop limiting sliding of the screw and bumper assembly in the proximal direction. The barrel includes feet. The perimeter defined by the feet is selected to closely fit within a housing passage in order to limit rotational movement of the housing lock within the housing passageway. The length of the feet is selected to prevent manipulation of the lockout of the housing passageway once the lock is secured to the housing. The barrel provides an exterior housing stop limiting movement of the housing lock relative to the housing in a distal direction. The bumper provides an interior housing stop limiting movement of the housing lock relative to the housing in a proximal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: The Government of the United States as represented by the Director, National Security Agency
    Inventors: Andrew R. McGregor, Gary S. Mosholder
  • Patent number: 11901265
    Abstract: A heat sink fastener assembly for fastening a heat sink onto a heat generating computer component. The fastener assembly includes a stud comprising at least one cam follower, and a rotatable nut defining a cam surface. A spring may be mounted to the heat generating computer component, and the spring is biased away from the heat sink. The stud is mounted to the spring and the nut is mounted to the heat sink. A clip mounted to the heat sink provides a secondary catch or attachment of the heat sink to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Schlack
  • Patent number: 11753091
    Abstract: A fixing is provided for securing a spare wheel to a structure, for example a part of a vehicle, the fixing including a connector having a lug arranged such that rotation of the fixing relative to the structure moves the lug into a recess of the structure to secure the fixing to the structure; and wherein the connector further includes a resilient articulated arm arranged to act between the fixing and the structure to urge the lug into the recess when the fixing is connected to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Francisco Criado Del Pino, Francisco Cuervas Florido, Ivan Cipres Ballester
  • Patent number: 11624204
    Abstract: A vertical rod coupler includes a bracket, bolt, and cam lock. The bolt is disposed through the bracket and the cam lock, and includes a head and a transverse pin. When the bolt is rotated relative to the cam lock, a pin camming surface cams the transverse pin to adjust the tension in the bolt and/or a distance between the head and the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Sargent Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Timothy Schaeffer, Larry Cote, Darren C. Eller
  • Patent number: 11603876
    Abstract: A telescopic tube is disclosed. By pressing and rotating a switching button, an abutting section is aligned to a first hole of an outer tube and then elastically pushed by an elastic member, a pin section of the switching button is released from engagement with a fastening hole of the inner tube, and the position of the inner tube in the outer tube can be adjusted individually. After the inner tube is adjusted completely and the switching button is pressed to rotated again, the pin section is inserted into the fastening hole, the engaging section is engaged in the first hole. When the switching button is pressed, the movement of the inner tube makes the switching button release from the first hole and the third hole, and the inner tube, the control assembly and the inner mounting member are retractable in the through hole of the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Inventor: Ching-Yao Chou
  • Patent number: 11208838
    Abstract: A clip release system for a vehicle door includes: a clip including a stem and a clamping portion configured to hold a window; a lock including at least one guide extending from the first axial surface to the second axial surface, the lock being disposed in the stem of the clip; a bolt that rotates between a first position and a second position, is inserted through the hole of the lock in an insertion direction, and biased to move out of the lock in a direction opposite the insertion direction, the bolt including a head at a first end of the bolt, a shaft extending to a second end of the bolt, and at least one locking tab disposed on a surface of the shaft and configured to pass through the at least one guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Scott P. Robison, Scott L. Frederick
  • Patent number: 10954983
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a spring-loaded plunger within the housing, and a spring-loaded rotating lock extending from the housing. The spring-loaded plunger includes a slot and an end portion. The end portion is configured to extend outside the housing and to be moved inward at least partially into the housing. The spring-loaded rotating lock includes a shaft, a locking pin positioned on the shaft, and a disc positioned on the shaft and having a recess. At least part of the spring-loaded plunger fits within the recess of the disc and is configured to contact the disc, and at least part of the disc fits within the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Brent A. Carper, Mitchell H. Parker
  • Patent number: 10638840
    Abstract: Cantilevered retention systems for architectural systems are provided herein. As one example, a cantilevered retention system may include a support structure, a cantilever structure comprising a threaded channel and an L-shaped hook structure, and one or more retention sources configured to bias the cantilever structure to a first position, the cantilever structure being moveable between the first position and a second position via a fastener that traverses the support structure and at least partially traverses the cantilever structure and the one or more retention sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Jerry Moro
  • Patent number: 10427616
    Abstract: An accessory attachment system comprising a fastening key having an accessory retention cap, a stem extending from the retention cap, and at least one bit extending laterally from a distal end of the stem. The stem configured to be inserted through a key aperture in an accessory to be attached to the vehicle. The system includes a locking bracket connectable to the vehicle adjacent an accessory portal provided in the vehicle. The locking bracket comprises a base plate, a keyhole disposed through the base plate, and at least one inclined securing structure disposed along a circumference of the keyhole. Each securing structure comprises a ramp and a detent. The keyhole is configured to receive the stem distal end and bit(s) therethrough, and each securing structure is configured to engage the bit(s) and interlock the fastening key with the locking bracket upon rotation of the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Blake Henry Wilckens, Derral Edward Creswell, III, Jeffrey Lloyd Nabors, Scott Timothy Keziah
  • Patent number: 9599136
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fastening system (10) for fastening two first and second profile bars (16, 18) which have a first and second groove (12, 14) respectively, comprising a fastening body (20) that has feather-key-like first and second projections (30, 32) which extend into first and second groove openings (34, 36) in the assembled state, the projections (30, 32) being provided with first and second screw bores respectively which extend into one of the respective groove openings (34, 36) in jaw-like manner, the respective first and second hammer heads each being freeform heads which impart a twist, the first and second shafts being located partially within the groove openings (34, 36) in the assembled state and first and second noses being arranged approximately diagonally to each other at each hammer head screw (22, 24) at the transition between hammer head and shaft, which noses lie against the jaw-like screw bores (38, 40) in the assembled state so as to inhibit rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rixen, Gerrit Pies
  • Patent number: 9046003
    Abstract: A bore-scope sealing apparatus is provided for removably sealing a bore-scope opening in a turbomachine wall with a plug. The bore-scope sealing apparatus includes a bayonet coupling via which the plug is mountable to the bore-scope opening. The bayonet coupling has a projection at the plug and a corresponding recess at the bore-scope opening. A resilient retaining device is arranged at the recess being compressed by the projection in a sealing position to retain the plug in the bore-scope opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Philip Twell
  • Patent number: 9011059
    Abstract: A fastening unit (1,101) for fastening an object to a profile element (80) with a longitudinal slot (85). The profile element having an upper side formed by a flanges which define between them the longitudinal slot. The fastening unit includes an oblong metal anchoring element (2) for engaging behind the flanges, a washer element (4) for engaging the upper side of the flanges and a support element. The support element (3) is connected to the anchoring element and associated with the washer element. The connection between the support element and the anchoring element includes two or more connecting legs (36) which are formed integrally with a body of the support element and extend each through an associated recess in the anchoring element. The connecting legs at their distal ends have a retaining lug (37) for preventing that the anchoring element can be released from the distal ends of the connecting legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: J. Van Walraven Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Van Walraven, Marek Juzak
  • Patent number: 8773857
    Abstract: A heat sink mounting device includes a touching plate and a mounting member. The touching plate defines a locking hole. The mounting member includes a locking post. The locking post includes a body and two protrusions protruding from the body. An inner surface of the locking hole defines two cutouts. The touching plate includes two blocking blocks extending from an edge of the locking hole on a bottom surface of the touching plate. The two protrusions extend out of the two cutouts and abut the bottom surface of the touching plate. One of the two protrusions is located between the two blocking blocks, to prevent the body from rotating freely in the locking hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Hao Yang, Xiang-Kun Zeng, Bao-Quan Shi, Jing-Jun Ni
  • Patent number: 8695258
    Abstract: A nameplate attachment structure enables a nameplate to be attached in at least two variations of postures to a chassis outer surface of an apparatus, the nameplate being formed of an elastic body, the nameplate including: a shaft projected on a rear surface of an indication surface and having a distal end including a locking stop; and at least two engagement pieces respectively having hook projections, the chassis outer surface including: a support hole through which the shaft is inserted; and at least two engagement holes engageable with the engagement pieces. When the shaft is inserted through the support hole, the locking stop restricts movement of the nameplate in a direction in which the shaft extends, and when the engagement pieces are inserted through the engagement holes, the hook projections are engaged with the engagement holes so that the nameplate is attached to the chassis outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Kori, Akira Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8657545
    Abstract: An assembly includes a first structure and a clamp configured to clamp the first structure to a second structure. The clamp may include a top portion configured to extend through the slot, where the top portion includes a head, a neck portion coupled to the head and a cylindrical body coupled to the neck portion. The clamp may also include a rotatable nut located adjacent the slot, where the rotatable nut has an opening to receive the cylindrical body. The clamp may further include a spring nut configured to receive a portion of the cylindrical body. The rotatable nut is configured to be turned such that when the head of the clamp is aligned with the slot in the first structure, the top portion of the clamp is configured to lower into the opening and clamp the first structure to a second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joey D. Magno, Jr., Robert K. Jolly
  • Patent number: 8651786
    Abstract: A fastening device (21) for mounting on a mounting rail (11) having a rear-engagement member (22) which is configured to be introduced into the mounting opening (15) and to engage behind the rims (14) of the mounting opening (15) of the mounting rail (11); including a tensioning device (32) which cooperates with the rear-engagement member (22) and has a longitudinal axis, for clamping the fastening device (21) to the mounting rail (11); including a contact plate (42) for resting on the outside of the mounting rail (11) that has a feed-through opening for a part of the tensioning device (32); and a spring element (52) configured between the contact plate (42) and the rear-engagement member (22) for preloading the rear-engagement member (22) circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal axis (34) of the tensioning device (32); including a holding device (62) between the rear-engagement member (22) and the contact plate (42) for holding the rear-engagement member (22) in the preloaded position; upon release
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Merhar, Peter Mugg
  • Patent number: 8607399
    Abstract: A quick release attachment for a power tool having a rotatable spindle includes a pad assembly and a quick release connector adapted to join the pad assembly to the spindle. The pad assembly includes a mounting plate and a pad affixed to at least one side of the mounting plate, wherein the pad includes a primary material that is either metal, stone, ceramic, fiber, sand, nylon or polypropylene, and the mounting plate includes a central aperture. The mounting plate aperture further comprises a circular ring disposed therein and has a t-shaped key extending diametrically across the aperture. The t-shaped key comprises a magnetically attractive material. The quick release connector has a main body adapted to fixedly engage the spindle. The connector further has a head end extending from the main body and having a circular cross-section sized to engage the circular ring. The head end further has a slot sized to engage the t-shaped key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Richard T. Umbrell
  • Patent number: 8567733
    Abstract: A support stand for display device includes a base seat, an elevating support, and a locking module detachably connected the elevating support to the base seat. The locking module includes a fixing member, a rotating member, an elastic member, and a latching member. The fixing member is fixed on one of the base seat and the elevating support, and the fixing member defines a gap and a latching groove. The rotating member is rotatably extended through the other one of the base seat and the elevating support, and the fixing member. The elastic member is sleeved on the rotating member, and abuts on the fixing member. The latching member is fixed on an end of the rotating member. The latching member is extended through the gap of the fixing member, and is engaged in the latching groove of the fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Xin Wang, Lian-Cheng Huang, Jian Li
  • Patent number: 8475101
    Abstract: A locking screw for connecting two or more articles together is provided. The screw includes an externally threaded shaft, a head, and an elastic member. The head defines a chamber in which a spiral groove is defined. The shaft extends from the bottom of the chamber; and the elastic member is arranged around the shaft and one end of the elastic member is received in the spiral groove of the chamber and another end abuts against an article. The elastic member can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the shaft, to change the length of the elastic member, so that enough tension is created to ensure locking the screw in place and prevent any rotation, thus maintain a tight engagement among the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peng-Yu Chen, Hung-Ti Su
  • Patent number: 8430615
    Abstract: An exemplary securing structure includes a base, a fastener, and a spring mounted around the fastener. The base defines a securing hole, and two slots located aside the securing hole and communicating with the securing hole. The fastener includes a head, a bolt extending downwardly from the head, and two blocks extending outwardly from an outer periphery of the bolt corresponding to the slots. The bolt is extendable through the securing hole together with the blocks extending through the slots, respectively. The fastener is then rotatable to a position such that the blocks abuts a bottom side of the base. The spring is resiliently compressed between the head of the fastener and a top side of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yen-Chih Chen, Chien-Yu Chao
  • Patent number: 8342328
    Abstract: A fastener system includes a toy product, a support platform, and a plug that engages a keyhole formed into the product. The plug includes a base and a pronged key extending from the base. The support platform includes a through-hole that permits the passage of the key into the packaging. One or more integrally-formed biasing members are located on the base of the plug to draw the key toward the product and create a secure connection. The pronged key may be formed from a plastic material and configured such that it plastically deforms but remains attached to the key when and predetermined force is applied to the key to pull the key from a misaligned position with respect to the key hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Trapp, Robert Michael Buresch, Donald George Scheffold
  • Patent number: 8240944
    Abstract: A fixing device for an emblem plate includes a front cover, a panel, and a rotating member. The emblem plate is located on an outside of the front cover. A locking portion extends from an inner side of the front cover. The locking portion includes a hook. The panel defines a first through hole. The rotating member includes a rotating shaft extending through the first through hole. The rotating shaft axially defines a second through hole. The locking portion extends through the second through hole. A locking block is formed on an inner sidewall of the second through hole, corresponding to the hook. The rotating shaft can be rotated relative to the front cover in the first through hole of the panel, to release the locking block from the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Ming Chang
  • Patent number: 7955038
    Abstract: A turnlock fastener (1) for the connection of two components features a cover plate (4) and a base shaft (5) which is formed on the cover plate (4) and which extends away from the cover plate (4), at which at least two opposing rigid locking stands (10, 11) are positioned at a distance from the cover plate (4) and extend outward from the base shaft (5) in the radial direction. In addition, a fixing arrangement is provided to secure the turnlock fastener (1) to a first component which possesses at least two radial elastic spring limbs (14, 15) which are each arranged between two locking stands (10, 11) and which are connected at one end with the base shaft (5) and which extend away from the base shaft (5) with the other free end in the direction of the cover plate (4). That way, the turnlock fastener (1) can be secured ahead of time within certain relatively large dimensions of insertion openings of different sizes and with relatively large pullout forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Friedrich Silbereisen, Jurgen Vollmer
  • Publication number: 20110091298
    Abstract: A fastener comprises an adjustable insert that disposed in a receptacle having a first end facing a grommet and the insert is connected to the receptacle for movement relative to the receptacle. The insert has a central opening and diametrically opposed cam and locking surfaces open to said central opening. A bore in the insert is radially disposed relative to a longitudinal axis of the insert. An engagement member disposed within the bore is moveable therein laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the insert toward and against the receptacle to fix the insert against movement relative to the receptacle. The engagement member is moveable laterally relative to and toward the central opening of the insert to allow movement of the insert relative to the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Ned C. Bowers, Carlos Osorio
  • Patent number: 7841122
    Abstract: The present invention relates to adaptable leg supports for bipod assemblies and more specifically to an adaptable leg support assembly that is pivotable with respect to the legs of the bipod to maintain complete contact with the supporting surface as the weapon is rotated, removable to allow the adaptable leg support assembly to be sued with multiple bipod assemblies, and adaptable for use on different surfaces by changing the foot portion of the adaptable leg support assembly that actually contacts the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Phoenix Tactical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Hansen, Ronald Detillo
  • Publication number: 20100272541
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing device comprising a closing part (8) which comprises a head plate (9) and a base shaft (11) equipped with clips (24). Spring webs are arranged on the base shaft (11) whereon a clip (24) is arranged, webbed wings are formed and journals are embodied. The receiving element (12) also comprises an edge wall (14) which is fitted with projecting sections and recesses, in addition to a profile surface. When the closing part is in the mounted state, the journals are arranged in a first recess and the spring webs are in a rear engaging position, wherein the clips engage behind the component (3). When the closing part (8) is in the demounted state, the journals are arranged in a second recess and the spring webs in a released position, wherein the journals are arranged in an engaging-free manner in relation to the rear engaging position. As a result, the components (1, 2, 3) are clipped together and can be detached from each other in a very simple manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: A. RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventor: Ingo Hauser
  • Patent number: 7657960
    Abstract: A quick release attachment for a power buffer having a rotatable spindle includes a buffing pad assembly and a quick release connector adapted to join the buffing pad assembly to the spindle. The buffing pad assembly includes a mounting plate and a buffing pad affixed to either side of the mounting plate. The mounting plate and the buffing pads each have respective aligned central apertures. The mounting plate aperture further comprises a circular ring disposed therein and has a pin extending diametrically across the aperture. The pin comprises a magnetically attractive material. The quick release connector has a main body adapted to fixedly engage the spindle. The connector further has a head end extending from the main body and having a circular cross-section sized to engage the circular ring. The head end further has a slot sized to engage the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Richard T. Umbrell
  • Patent number: 7556281
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bracket that connects an airbag subassembly to a support structure, such as a steering wheel armature. The bracket generally has a base formed from a material and at least two retention members extending from the base wherein the retention members are formed integral with and from the same material as the base. The present invention is also directed a method of forming the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael J Olesko, Joseph J. Mannino, Peter Vigeant, William Henry Travis
  • Patent number: 7537409
    Abstract: An improved locking device is essentially characterized by the following features: at least two recessed sections extend radially outwards from the central axis and are arranged at regular angular intervals from one another, a setting member or rotary member is provided in the inside of the pot-like or housing-like fixed element; the rotary member comprises an actuation portion with a locking element which is axially offset in the direction of the base; the locking element has a structure provided with locking arms which project radially outwards, so that the thus designed locking element can be axially inserted through the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Steelcase Werndl AG
    Inventor: Frank Huhnerbein
  • Patent number: 7491025
    Abstract: A fastener for releasably securing a first substrate to an apertured second substrate includes a base member and a locking member mounted for rotation relative to the base member. The locking member is rotatable between an insertion position for insertion of the base member and locking member through the aperture formed in the second substrate and a locking position for releasably securing the first and second substrates together. A resilient member is provided to bias the locking member toward the base member when the resilient member is compressed. The locking member includes at least one protrusion and the base member includes at least one detent. The detent and protrusion are configured to releasably engage each other in the insertion position of the locking member and disengage from each other upon rotation of the locking member toward the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Tangeman, Rainer B. Teufel
  • Patent number: 7474530
    Abstract: An apparatus for dissipating heat in a computer system includes a heat sink, at least one fastener which secures the heat sink to at least one first support member, and at least one cup. The first support member has a top side and a bottom side. The at least one cup includes a cylindrical cavity, an upper protruding lip, and a lower base having a hole through which the at least one fastener passes. A method for dissipating heat in a computer system includes, mounting a heat emitting component onto a printed circuit board, pressing a heat sink into thermal contact with a heat emitting component, inserting a cup into an aperture of the heat sink, and supporting a heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Stewart, Daniel Hruska
  • Patent number: 7401995
    Abstract: A channel connector comprises a main portion having a connecting portion, a clamping element having at least two opposite ends, and a threaded element threadably connecting the main portion to the clamping element. Each of the two opposite ends are spaced to interfere with walls of an interior portion of a channel during rotation of the clamping element in the interior portion of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald C. Senakiewich, II
  • Patent number: 7150596
    Abstract: A fastener apparatus is disclosed that features projecting locking members that extend and retract when a central drive shaft is rotated. The exterior of the connector has a body that is partially threaded to receive a nut so that two structures (eg. flanges, panels, plates, beams, etc.) can be pulled together by tightening the bolt when the locking members are in the extended position. In one embodiment, the shaft can be an eyebolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventors: Carroll Diaz, Derrick Prentice
  • Patent number: 7114899
    Abstract: A pop-up fastener including a tubular retainer for one-way passage into a socket. A fastening member slidably extends through the retainer. The fastening member has helical threads at its top and a protrusion at its bottom. A compressed spring is positioned atop the retainer for urging the protrusion into engagement with the bottom of the retainer and for urging the helical threads from the top of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventors: Richard Christopher Gass, Robert Neil Dombroski, Ralph Carpinella
  • Patent number: 7090454
    Abstract: A fastener, such as a housing, for mounting to a structure, such as a panel, that has an aperture formed therethrough. The fastener includes a shank member and an annular nut member that is configured to align coaxially with the shank member. The shank member is inserted through aperture in the structure and the nut member is placed on the shank member. Teeth on the radially outwardly facing surface of the shank member engage a pawl, such as one or more teeth, on the radially inwardly facing surface of the nut member to lock the nut member to the shank member. Removal of the nut member is effected by rotating the nut member to disengage the pawl from the teeth, thereby permitting longitudinal displacement of the nut member off of the shank member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Floyd Bell, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Shain
  • Patent number: 7077610
    Abstract: A toggle bolt type connector has projecting locking members that extend and retract when a central drive shaft is rotated. The exterior of the connector has a body that is partially threaded to receive a nut so that two structures (eg. flanges, panels, plates, beams, etc.) can be pulled together by tightening the bolt when the locking members are in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Buern USA, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Carroll Diaz
  • Patent number: 7065963
    Abstract: A vibration and heat insulating board fixed so as to cover at least part of a heat source while forming a gap against the heat source surface, in order to lessen diffusion of heat from the heat source fixed in a vibration source, in which the heat source and the vibration and heat insulating board are coupled by means of a collar member having a pair of locking pieces fitted to the vibration and heat insulating board main body and bolted to a mounting part of the heat source, and ring-shaped coil members interposed between the pair of locking pieces of the collar member and the vibration and heat insulating board main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Nichias Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Niwa
  • Patent number: 7052223
    Abstract: A lockable key comprises a handle, a flange, a shaft, a first spring, a second spring, and two depressible balls. The handle is connected to the top of said flange, and the shaft is connected to the bottom of the flange. The shaft provides two lateral appendages, and he first spring is coiled around the shaft between the flange and the two lateral appendages. The shaft terminates in a tapered region that provides apertures through which the depressible balls depend. The second spring is mounted internal to the shaft and acts to push the depressible balls outwardly through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: William Clarence Miller
  • Patent number: 7044701
    Abstract: A fastening system (1) comprises a rear grip part (5) for introduction into a mounting opening (4) of an elongated mounting rail (2) in a first position and for gripping behind the mounting projections (6.1, 6.2) in a second position and a stop (3) for frontal external loading of the mounting rail (2). The stop (3) is connected to the rear grip part (5) by means of a threaded bolt (9). In addition, on the fastening system (1) a system is provided for providing a relative rotary movement between the stop (3) and the rear grip part (5) about the axis of the bolt (9). The system is configured as a transmission system for transforming a translatory movement of the bolt (9) relative to the stop (3) into a rotary movement of the rear grip part (5) relative to the stop (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Armin Herb
  • Patent number: 6848388
    Abstract: An apparatus for quickly installing a flag on and removing a flag from a golf hole flag staff is disclosed. A flag staff attachment having laterally displaceable retaining clips is threaded onto the top of a golf hole flag staff, and a retainer cap is installed through the aperture at the top of the sleeve of a golf hole flag. Laterally displaceable retaining clips on the retaining cap engage the flag sleeve's aperture, thereby securing the retaining cap to the flag. An engagement member on the retaining cap displaces the retaining clips of the flag staff attachment, thereby allowing the engagement member to pass therebetween, thereby securing the flag to the staff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Shields
  • Patent number: 6837661
    Abstract: A detachable insert connection arrangement adapted to be connected to a retaining channel having a slot-like opening between two retaining edges and method of connecting a component to a retaining channel. The connection arrangement includes a holder having a push-in part that includes a locking element. The push-in part is capable of being pushed into the retaining channel. A rotation pin is coupled to the locking element. The locking element is at least partially rotatable in two directions. A spring biases the locking element towards a locking position such that when the locking element is arranged in the retaining channel, the locking element bridges the slot and engages an inside of the two retaining edges. The locking element is movable, upon movement of the rotation pin against a biasing force of the spring, to a non-locking position, whereby the push-in part can be removed from the retaining channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Schwarz Verbindungs-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Schwarz, Bernhard Homner
  • Patent number: 6773215
    Abstract: A fastener for securing a composite panel 14 to a noncomposite support 12 includes a composite stud 22 with a notched shank 26, and a collar 36 with an axis 38 and circumferentially extending ribs 56. When assembled, the ribs 56 and notches 28 engage each other to resist axial translation between the stud and the collar. In one embodiment, a spring 66 urges the rib into contact with the notch to tension the stud and clamp the panel to its support. In a second embodiment, the collar 36a has external threads. A nut 76 engages the threads to tension the stud and clamp the panel to its support. The spring 66 is optional in the second embodiment. Because the composite stud is susceptible to damage if exposed to excessive torque, both embodiments include features to minimize torque transfer to the stud during assembly and disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Cuva, Robert E. Warburton
  • Patent number: 6705795
    Abstract: An attachment mechanism for connecting a cooling device with a component to be cooled and carried by a connector is disclosed. The attachment mechanism includes a plate, a bore that connects with a portion of the cooling device, a hinge that can be removably hinged on the connector, and a latch assembly that includes tilt relief profiles that allow the latch assembly to pivot on the plate so that a latch profile on the latch assembly can be removably latched on the connector. The latch assembly further includes a spring locator and a spring that are positioned within a slot in the latch assembly and hold the spring pre-loaded in compression. When the latch assembly is tilted on the plate, the latch profile is pivoted outward to facilitate latching onto the connector. After latching onto the connector, the spring is further compressed and exerts a load between the cooling device and the component to be cooled such that contact resistance is reduced and thermal transfer is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Shankar Hegde
  • Patent number: 6666640
    Abstract: A fastener for a heat-radiator on a chip has a leg with a lower end and an upper end. A cone-shaped foot of which a maximum diameter is larger than that of the leg is formed at the lower end of the leg. A head is formed at an upper end of the leg. Two flexible bow arms are oppositely formed at two sides of the leg, each with a first end fixed on a bottom face of the head. A ring is formed on second ends of the bow arms. An opening is defined in the ring for the leg extending therethrough. A resilient member is provided outside the leg and extends through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Hsin-Mao Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6634844
    Abstract: The present invention is a fastener assembly, and a system including two panels secured together by the fastener. The panels may form part of a container with two portions secured together by the fastener, such as a door and a panel to which the door is hingedly connected. The container may have walls that are formed of a composite material with a metal edge channel. The fastener is suitable for joining panels that are relatively thick, such as those formed of a composite material. The fastener includes a screw rotatable in a body to move a crossbar into engagement with one portion of the container to clamp that portion to another portion of the container. The fastener is tamper resistant and operable completely from the exterior, without need to access the inside end of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Bryan J. Huber
  • Publication number: 20030156923
    Abstract: An indexing plunger is provided whereby a first downward force exerted on a hand grip or a lever will move a pin assembly downwardly and whereby a second rotating force exerted on the hand grip or the lever either clockwise or counterclockwise will lock the device into place by extending the locating pin and thereby locking it into place using the compression force exerted by an internal spring. This embodiment can assume a number of different physical configurations. In another preferred embodiment, the object is to provide an indexing plunger that moves the locating pin incrementally downwardly through the housing when the handgrip is rotated in the clockwise direction. At all times during the pin's downward movement, a compression spring maintains an opposing force on the handgrip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: John M. Winkler, Tony J. Cavadias
  • Patent number: 6598435
    Abstract: A locking device suitable for NID housing security. The device includes a slotted cylinder, a key and key tool. The slotted cylinder has a resistance component contained in the cylinder. The key is mateable with the slotted cylinder and is held in place by the force of the resistance component. The key head has a cavity therein of a complimentary shape to the key tool so that the tool may be used to turn the key for locking or unlocking. A cylindrical sleeve is used for additional security. The sleeve fits over the mated key and slotted cylinder to protect against release of the parts and may further provide a barrier to removal from a structure being locked. By use of different key head cavity shapes each subscriber may only access their own line in a NID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Douglas L. Cowan, David S. Kerr, Jason A. Kay, Ronald Marchisin, Ivan Pawlenko
  • Patent number: 6568894
    Abstract: Fasteners, such as lock-pins, that in selected embodiments can be installed or removed from the near side of a blind installation. In one embodiment, the lock-pin includes a pin and a rotatable key. The pin includes a head portion, a shaft portion having a tip end, and a longitudinal axis of symmetry. A bore extends through the head portion and the shaft portion in a generally longitudinal direction non-colinear with the longitudinal axis of symmetry. In one aspect of this embodiment, the key includes a spring portion toward the head portion of the pin, a retainer portion toward the tip end of the pin, and an actuator rod portion extending therebetween rotatably disposed within the bore of the pin. When the key is rotated to an unlocked position, the retainer portion is disposed within the diameter of the shaft portion such that the pin can be inserted in, or retracted from, a hole only slightly larger in diameter than the shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Golden Dove Marine
    Inventors: Richard Golden, Mark Adams
  • Patent number: 6520725
    Abstract: A holder for connection to a first unit has a locking device designed for insertion, in a first position, into a receiving part in the first unit and, in a second position, for locking the holder to the first unit, is described. The holder's locking device has a threaded locking shaft arranged for axial movement in the holder, a handle with a threaded hole for admitting the locking shaft and a locking element rigidly connected to the locking shaft. The holder also has at least one beveled shoulder against which the locking element is axially movable, the handle axially pulling the locking shaft, as well as the locking element, against the beveled shoulder when rotated for locking, thereby inducing simultaneous rotation of the locking element to lock the holder to the receiving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens-Elema AB
    Inventor: Thomas Valeij
  • Patent number: 6506007
    Abstract: A fastening bolt fastens flanges between a bolt head and a nut attached on the threaded portion of the shaft via spherical washers. The fastening bolt has a cavity formed within the shaft. By application of pressure in the cavity with a hydraulic fluid supplied through a hydraulic pressure port in a plug, the shaft is extended and the fastening bolt becomes unfastened condition. In the unfastened condition, a gap is created between flange and nut, and the nut and the fastening bolt are free to rotate each other, therefore, the nut can be removed easily by hand from the fastening bolt, even the bolt is large in size. The fastening force is adjustable by the width of the gap before releasing hydraulic pressure in the cavity. By releasing hydraulic pressure in the cavity, the fastened condition is obtained. Conversion between fastened condition and unfastened condition can be made quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuharu Kishimoto, Yukihiko Koza, Hiroki Nomoto, Kenichi Yajima