Including Element For Holding Fasteners Against Separation From Member Patents (Class 411/85)
  • Patent number: 11807392
    Abstract: A system for ensuring proper installation of components of a cargo management system within a cargo hold has cleats rigidly attached to a floor of the cargo hold, a first subset of the cleats having insets of a first shape, a second subset of cleats having insets of a second shape, keys and rotatable fasteners attached to the components of the cargo management system, a first subset of the keys having the first shape and a second subset of the keys having the second shape. The first subset of keys can only engage with the first subset of cleats and the second subset of keys can only engage with the second subset of cleats and the rotatable fasteners utilize a rotary movement to secure the components of the cargo management system to a respective cleat, against which the rotary fastener is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Nuessen, Martin Guse, Dirk Meiranke, Sascha Nowarre, Dennis Fischer, Uwe Panzram, Matthias Horst
  • Patent number: 11542972
    Abstract: A fastening assembly suitable for being fastened to a substrate with a front face and a first hole. The fastening assembly includes a fastening plate with a second plate with front and rear faces and pierced with a second hole aligned with the first hole. The fastening plate front face is fastened to the substrate rear face. The assembly includes a nut holder with a third plate with front and rear faces and pierced with a third hole aligned with the second hole and a nut fastened to the third plate on the side of the rear face and coaxial with the third hole. The front face of the nut holder is fastened to the rear face of the fastening plate. The fastening plate includes a first fastener that engages with a second fastener of the nut holder to removably fasten the nut holder to the fastening plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Philip Cresswell, Julien Salomon
  • Patent number: 11136129
    Abstract: Provided are seat track fittings and methods for installing passenger seats in aircraft cabins using these seat track fittings such that the same seat can be installed on different types of seat tracks. A seat track fitting comprises a leg support, a pin, and a base interconnecting the leg support and pin. During installation of the seat track fitting, the pin is inserted into an attachment opening of the seat track. The attachment opening is selected based on the desired position of a seat. A removable fastener then protrudes through the base of the seat track fitting and is inserted into another attachment opening of the seat track. The seat is then attached to the seat track fitting by inserting the stud end of the seat into the leg support of the seat track fitting and fixing the stud end within the leg support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gagandeep Inder Singh Grewal, Jason B. Kim, Angela Natale
  • Patent number: 10816025
    Abstract: A screw band has a body and multiple positioning members disposed on the body. The body has two paper layers and an adhesive layer. Each one of the two paper layers has a paper base and a waterproof heat-insulation film. The waterproof heat-insulation film is mounted on an outer surface of the paper base. The adhesive layer is disposed between and is connected with the two paper layers. The adhesive layer is connected to inner surfaces of the paper bases of the two paper layers. The waterproof heat-insulation films of the two paper layers are respectively located at two outer surfaces of the body. With the waterproof heat-insulation films, the screw band has waterproof and heat-insulation effects. Screws or screw assemblies are easy to be applied with coating and baking processes automatically with the screw band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: GUANGZHE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Fu Cheng Su
  • Patent number: 10502254
    Abstract: Additively manufactured parts are disclosed comprising an integral additively manufactured nut plate cradle, and methods of their manufacture and use in part and component installation and to facilitate joining parts and components to larger structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul Dufour, Michael Hand, Matthew Molitor
  • Patent number: 10221881
    Abstract: A fastener retainer for one or more thumb nuts. The fastener retainer includes a retainer body including a first retaining surface and a second retaining surface opposed to the first retaining surface and configured to form an open-sided retaining feature that allows a thumb nut to rotate therein and translate along an axial axis, yet restrains the thumb nut from lateral motion and allows finger and thumb access via side openings of the open-sided retaining feature to turn the thumb nut. Enclosure assemblies, thumb nut retainer assemblies, and methods of connecting enclosures are disclosed, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventors: Kristopher Scott Robinson, Brian J. Rusch
  • Patent number: 9884579
    Abstract: A sliding block for a loading rail includes a central part defining a coupling structure along an upper face thereof. The sliding block further includes at least one side part defining an undercut having an inner face directed toward the central part and angled away from the central part in a direction along a central axis of the central part away from the upper face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lothar Baldsiefen, Dino Valter, Rene A. Huth
  • Patent number: 9644652
    Abstract: A connecting element for connecting profile rails and/or profiles of various shape comprises a planar base part which comprises a central web and two lateral limbs which are angled with respect to the web. At least one of the limbs comprises a base part surface section slung out from the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Protektorwerk Florenz Maisch GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Theo Hertweck, Martin Waibel, Andreas Leier
  • Patent number: 9528542
    Abstract: The invention encompasses a rivetless nut plate that includes: a base plate having an inferior face and a superior face, a plurality of extensions for engaging a fastener, each of the extensions extending from the superior face in a direction substantially perpendicular to the superior face, the extensions defining a cage region between the extensions, and the extensions being adapted to receive a retainer for retaining the fastener against the superior face in the cage region, and an anchor comprising a body extending from the inferior face to a distal end, having a groove to contain a portion of a substrate that is formed about the anchor being disposed between the inferior face and the distal end and the body having a conformation that is not rotationally symmetrical about an axis perpendicular to the inferior face of the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Greene, Tweed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Fortunato, Steven Spadaccino, Fernando Torres
  • Patent number: 9447799
    Abstract: An electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets, whereby each slotted frame cabinet can conveniently be attached to one or more vertically or horizontally positioned adjacent slotted frame cabinets by using connecting components which are generally located around the periphery of one or more slotted frame cabinets. Connecting components including splice bars, splice plates, and mounting clamps are aligned in, positioned along, and secured to backing bars which are co-located in backing bar slots in one or more of the slotted frame cabinets. Lift eyes can be variably located in one or more lift eye slots. The use of externally located connecting components, which do not extend through the cabinetry, minimize the entry of environmental elements into the interior of the electronic sign. Multiple slotted frame cabinets can be connected without the removal of LED display panels. Bracket assemblies and clamping assemblies are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kory D. Kludt, Jon M. Mammenga, Nathan W. Hart, Michael A. Hulscher
  • Patent number: 9140290
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cage nut (10) comprising a cage (12) with an opening and a nut body (14) that is accommodated in the cage (12) and comprises an enlarged flange (16) and a hollow cylindrical neck (18) with an internal thread (20). A spacer element (22) is arranged between the nut body (14) and the cage (12) and comprises at least one spring element (34) that acts perpendicularly in relation to the axial direction of the internal thread (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: RUIA GLOBAL FASTENERS AG
    Inventor: Arnold Damm
  • Patent number: 9097004
    Abstract: The present application relates to a pre-embedded anchor system for securing construction elements to concrete slabs. The system comprises at least one pair of juxtaposed elongate anchor slots (1) connected together by at least two linkage bolts (8) and an assembly of steel bars (2) interconnecting a plurality of anchor members (3) at connection nodes (7) of the anchor members (3). The anchor slots (1) have a plurality of anchor members (3) extending therefrom. The pair of juxtaposed anchor slots (1) are interconnected by the linkage bolts (8) and the assembly of crossover steel bars (2) to form a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Pak Sum Yau
  • 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: 8925952
    Abstract: An above-bed structure having two or more feet is attached into a bed of a truck using inserts which can be removed or retracted to provide a flat, unobstructed truck bed. Each insert includes an above-bed cleat portion and a below-bed peg portion which is received in a below-bed socket. Each insert is received first vertically without substantial rotation into its socket and then by rotation to a terminal point wherein the insert is vertically held by the socket. The above bed structure is then placed onto the inserts such that the feet mate with the inserts to prevent the inserts from rotating away from their terminal point, thus preventing the inserts from being removed from their sockets. The attachment can be completed by inserting mounting pins into aligned holes on the cleat portions and the feet. In one embodiment, the feet are supported on a bed place section of the insert which is offset from the rotational axis of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Curt Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Cody James Leech, Kristopher William Schwennsen, Scott Morrison
  • Patent number: 8844888
    Abstract: A strut clip for facilitating attachment of pipe hangers, electrical conduit, or other structures to open channel unistruts. The strut clip includes an assembly of a face element and a nut element. The face element includes a centrally located threaded aperture, a face element rear surface, and a pair of flanges extending rearwardly from the face element rear surface. The nut element includes a nut element rear surface, an unthreaded aperture for free passage of a fastener, and a pair of openings therein. The flanges of the face element extend through the openings in the nut element thereby forming the strut clip assembly. Nut element further includes a narrow side, a wide side, and beveled edges that enable attachment to a unistrut by simply inserting the narrow side of the nut portion into the open channel of the unistrut and rotating the assembly by 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8807899
    Abstract: A grab bar or other accessory is attached to a wall with at least one anchor assembly. The anchor assembly can be removed and repeatedly used as needed. The anchor assembly includes a vertical support beam, an arm having a hub portion and an arm portion, and a mounting plate that is supported by the arm. The arm portion is received within a slot formed within the vertical support beam. A spring is attached to the vertical support beam and cooperates with the arm portion to hold the arm in place during installation. The mounting plate includes a plurality of hole locations spaced radially outwardly from a center opening. The mounting plate is rotatable to position the plurality of hole locations at one of many different desired mount positions for a variety of grab bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: William H. Spencer, Jr., Neil Edwards
  • Publication number: 20140169908
    Abstract: A nut plate fastener includes a basket and a nut. The basket includes a web that extends laterally between a plurality of lipped flanges. The web and the lipped flanges form a channel that extends longitudinally through the basket. The web includes a fastener aperture, with an elongated cross-sectional geometry, that extends vertically through the web. The nut is arranged within the channel and aligned longitudinally with the fastener aperture. The lipped flanges retain the nut laterally and vertically within the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joey Wong, Jose E. Ruberte Sanchez
  • Patent number: 8720031
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for assembling a piece of furniture. The system comprises an elongated track element including a recessed bottom wall having a plurality of equidistantly spaced apart indentations and opposite front flanges defining there between a channel. The system further includes a fitting element having a main portion defining a front surface and opposite rear surface, an arresting pin extending from the rear surface, and a transversal bar extending parallel with the front and rear surfaces. The fitting element is arrested relative to the elongated track element in a three-step operation. The first step involving positioning the fitting element in front of the channel and introducing the transversal bar into the channel. The second step involves rotating the fitting element while maintaining the transversal bar within the channel. The third step involves receiving the arresting pin within a single indentation of the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Steen Sauer
  • Patent number: 8701265
    Abstract: A connector assembly for installation to a surface having a slot pattern. The connector assembly includes a base shell and a clasp shell. The clasp shell movable relative to the base shell between an open position and a closed position, and one of the base shell and the clasp shell includes a threaded insert spaced from an end of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Lowell S. James
  • Publication number: 20140013578
    Abstract: A fastening device which is suitable, in particular, for use in aircraft construction includes a carrier which is composed of a rollable or foldable material and has a first surface, intended for abutting against a component to be connected to the fastening device, and a second surface opposite the first surface. A plurality of openings are formed in the carrier and pass through the carrier. The fastening device also includes a plurality of heads, each provided with an internal thread, which are connected to the carrier or formed integrally with the carrier and which extend in such a manner from the second surface of the carrier that the internal threads of the heads are aligned with the openings passing through the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Alexander Goehlich
  • Patent number: 8585000
    Abstract: A clamp has a body, a wedged channel nut, and a bolt. The body has a first component extending from the body and configured to engage a module and a second component having a tapered body surface. The wedged channel nut has a first flange and a second flange extending from opposing sides of the nut and configured to engage a rail and a tapered nut surface having an angle substantially identical to the angle of the tapered body surface of the second component, wherein the tapered nut surface engages the tapered body surface. A bolt extends through the wedged channel nut and the body. When the bolt is tightened, the nut and the body secure the module and rail together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Mainstream Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Patent number: 8550485
    Abstract: An above-bed structure having two or more feet is attached into a bed of a truck using inserts which can be removed or retracted to provide a flat, unobstructed truck bed. Each insert includes an above-bed cleat portion and a below-bed peg portion which is received in a below-bed socket. Each insert is received first vertically without substantial rotation into its socket and then by rotation to a terminal point wherein the insert is vertically held by the socket. The above bed structure is then placed onto the inserts such that the feet mate with the inserts to prevent the inserts from rotating away from their terminal point, thus preventing the inserts from being removed from their sockets. The attachment can be completed by inserting mounting pins into aligned holes on the cleat portions and the feet. In one embodiment, the feet are supported on a bed place section of the insert which is offset from the rotational axis of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Curt Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Cody James Leech, Kristopher William Schwennsen, Scott Morrison
  • Patent number: 8465242
    Abstract: A self-contained fastener is provided for attaching to a structure having opposing edges that flank a cavity across a gap. The fastener includes a grip member, a clamp member and a latch member. The grip member has a knob and an inner annulus disposed thereon along an axis of symmetry. The knob has a central through-hole coaxial with the inner annulus. The inner annulus has an arc tab that radially protrudes therefrom. The clamp member includes a boss and an outer annulus disposed thereon. The boss has first and second dimensions perpendicular to the axis, the first dimension being shorter than the gap. The clamp member is flanked by opposing ledges along the second dimension. Each ledge is arranged to engage a respective edge of the structure. The inner annulus is coaxially insertable into the outer annulus. The latch member includes a stud and a flange. The stud is insertable at a proximal end into the inner annulus and the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Scott P. Arendt, Rodolfo Jesus Bernal, Vladimir Fabian, Thomas E. Jean, Carl S. Lynn, IV, Kevin G. Smith
  • Patent number: 8398347
    Abstract: An inexpensive and reliable floating fastener is provided by manufacturing an integrated nutplate into the backside of the interior structural member. A retention clip engages the nutplate to capture the nut while allowing the nut to float. The integrated nutplate roughly aligns the floating nut to the axial through-hole in the structural member and provides the torque resistance required to drive the screw into the nut. The retention clip holds the nut in place and provides the axial resistance required for the lead chamfer of the screw to engage the nut and resist the axial loading on the screw during installation. The nutplate is designed to facilitate cost-effective manufacturing. The per hole cost of the integrated floating-fastener is approximately 30% of the cost of the industry standard riveted floating fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Wayne K. Woodall, Walter S. Pope, E. Russ Althof, Scott A. Muse
  • Publication number: 20120315106
    Abstract: A self-contained fastener is provided for attaching to a structure having opposing edges that flank a cavity across a gap. The fastener includes a grip member, a clamp member and a latch member. The grip member has a knob and an inner annulus disposed thereon along an axis of symmetry. The knob has a central through-hole coaxial with the inner annulus. The inner annulus has an arc tab that radially protrudes therefrom. The clamp member includes a boss and an outer annulus disposed thereon. The boss has first and second dimensions perpendicular to the axis, the first dimension being shorter than the gap. The clamp member is flanked by opposing ledges along the second dimension. Each ledge is arranged to engage a respective edge of the structure. The inner annulus is coaxially insertable into the outer annulus. The latch member includes a stud and a flange. The stud is insertable at a proximal end into the inner annulus and the through-hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: United States Government, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Scott P. Amedt, Rodolfo J. Bemal, Vladimir Fabian, Thomas E. Jean, Carl S. Lynn, IV, Kevin G. Smith
  • Patent number: 8303223
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastener (21) for arranging a rod element (9) on a mounting channel, said fastener (21) including an engaging part (22) that can be inserted and made to engage behind edges (14) of an installation opening of the mounting channel, whereby the engaging part (22) has an opening (25) with an internal thread for the rod element, a stop plate (42) for making contact on the outside of the mounting channel having a hole (44) through which the rod element (9) passes, and flexible connection elements (32) that connect the engaging part (22) to the stop plate (42; 76; 96) at a distance from each other. Moreover, a nut element (52) that has a hole (53) with an internal thread and that serves to secure the rod element (9) to the mounting channel can be rotatably held on the stop plate (42) using a holding device (62).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Rass, Peter Mugg, Thomas Merhar, Peter Woergartner
  • Patent number: 8277158
    Abstract: Methods relating to and apparatus such as floating nut plates may include complementary surfaces limiting movement of a retainer toward or away from side walls of a receiver, such as wherein a nut element is positioned between the retainer and the receiver. One of the complementary surfaces may be a groove formed in the retainer. In one configuration, the receiver and/or retainer are non-metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The Monadnock Company
    Inventors: Terrence Csik, Igor Komsitsky
  • Patent number: 8234832
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cast-in channel having a channel body which forms a receiving space for receiving a connecting element used to fixedly attach a fastening element to the cast-in channel, the channel body further being provided with holes, the holes having connectors provided therein for fixedly attaching anchoring members to the channel body. The connectors are designed as rivets, whose fixing portions, which are inserted through the respective holes, are expanded so as to secure the rivets to the channel body, and which have an attachment for fixedly attaching the anchoring members to the channel body. The present invention also relates to a rivet nut for a cast-in channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Birnbaum, Juergen Gebhard, Markus Heudorfer, Harald Schachinger, Erich Spreizer, Denis Novokshanov
  • Patent number: 8220211
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toggle assembly that can be used with a curtain wall system to retain infills of panel members. A toggle assembly of the present invention is sufficiently designed to simultaneously retain in place a first infill of a first panel member and a first infill of a second panel member on both sides of a mullion, wherein at least a portion of the toggle assembly directly engages at least a portion of the first infill of the first panel member and at least a portion of the first infill of the second panel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Dolby, Gregory Blake McKenna
  • Patent number: 8181926
    Abstract: A clamp includes a first member, a washer, a nut, a threaded bolt, a spring and a torsion spring. The first member may include side portions and have a first opening. The washer may include a second opening and at least one portion protruding in a downward direction from an upper surface of the washer. The nut may have an upper surface, a lower surface and a threaded opening. The threaded bolt may be disposed through the first opening, the second opening and the threaded opening. The spring may be located between a portion of the first member and the washer. The torsion spring may be located between the washer and the nut, where the torsion spring causes the nut to rotate when force is applied to an upper part of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joey D. Magno, Jr., Robert K. Jolly, Andrew C. Cole, Cong T. Dinh
  • Patent number: 8132992
    Abstract: A fastening assembly is provided for fixing an object to a profiled element with flanges which bound a longitudinal slot between them. The fastening assembly includes a metal washer element having a bearing face arranged for resting against the outside of the profiled element, and an elongated metal anchoring member situated on the underside of the bearing face of the washer element. The assembly furthermore includes a support connected to the washer element and supporting the anchoring member. The support includes a head with one or more connecting members engaging with the washer element, and legs, each extending from the head in a direction away from the washer element to a bottom end of the corresponding leg situated below the anchoring member. The support below the anchoring member includes one or more spring members supported upon the bottom ends of the legs and resiliently supporting and engaged with the anchoring member from underneath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: J. van Walraven Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Jan van Walraven
  • Patent number: 8002507
    Abstract: A connector assembly for installation to a surface having a slot pattern. The connector assembly includes a base shell and a clasp shell. The clasp shell movable relative to the base shell between an open position and a closed position, and one of the base shell and the clasp shell includes a threaded insert spaced from an end of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Lowell S. James
  • Patent number: 7976257
    Abstract: A profile rail has a face and is formed with a longitudinally extending channel open at the face and with longitudinally extending stabilizing formations on the face flanking the channel. The channel has confronting ribbed flanks. A stabilizing element has a face engageable with the face of the rail and formed with a pair of stabilizing formations fittable with the stabilizing formations of the rail and with a throughgoing hole between the respective stabilizing formations and aligned with the channel when the element stabilizing formations are fitted with the rail stabilizing formations. A screw fittable through the hole has a screwthread engageable with the flanks of the channel so that the screw can clamp the element to the face of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Ideematec Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Johann Kufner
  • Patent number: 7921539
    Abstract: An inexpensive and reliable floating fastener is provided by manufacturing an integrated nutplate into the backside of the interior structural member. A retention clip engages the nutplate to capture the nut while allowing the nut to float. The integrated nutplate roughly aligns the floating nut to the axial through-hole in the structural member and provides the torque resistance required to drive the screw into the nut. The retention clip holds the nut in place and provides the axial resistance required for the lead chamfer of the screw to engage the nut and resist the axial loading on the screw during installation. The nutplate is designed to facilitate cost-effective manufacturing. The per hole cost of the integrated floating-fastener is approximately 30% of the cost of the industry standard riveted floating fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Wayne K. Woodall, Walter S. Pope, E. Russ Althof, Scott A. Muse
  • Patent number: 7905694
    Abstract: The invention relates to a securing assembly for securing an object to a profiled element with flanges which delimit a longitudinal slot between them. The securing assembly comprises a metal bearing element which is designed to bear against the outside of the profiled element, an elongate metal anchoring part which is situated on the bottom side of the bearing face of the bearing element, and a support for the anchoring part, which support is provided with one or more spring members and is optionally removably connected to the bearing element and which support supports the anchoring part resiliently in such a manner that the anchoring part can be moved up and down with respect to the bearing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: J. van Walraven Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Jan van Walraven
  • Patent number: 7887013
    Abstract: A fixing mechanism includes a base, a stud and an elastic clamping member. The base is arranged at a side of an object. The base includes a through hole defined therein. The stud includes a threaded hole defined therein. The stud includes a cap portion received in the through hole and a main body passing through the through hole. An engaging groove is defined in a surface of the main body. The elastic clamping member includes an annulus end surface, and a truncated cone surface extending from an inner edge of the annulus end surface. The annulus end surface is pressed against onto with the base. A number of gaps are radially arranged in the truncated cone surface thereby defining a number of clamping portions between the gaps. The clamping portions are engaged with the engaging groove thereby cooperatively clamping the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: TVM Corp.
    Inventors: Fu-Shen Chen, Shih-Huang Ou
  • Patent number: 7621487
    Abstract: A support is provided for conduit held on a channel member having a C-shaped cross section with lips extending toward the back wall of the channel. The support has a base with one surface adapted to fasten to the conduit. The second surface has a twist-lock fastener that includes a first and second plate, each having a width sized to fit through the space between the lips and having a length about the same as the distance between the sides of the channel. Two V-shaped deformable members join these plates adjacent the ends on the longest side of the plates. Each V-shaped member is joined to a different plate and the bends at the juncture of the two legs of the V-shaped member abut the side walls of the channel. The bends are adjacent the ends and extend beyond the plates to wedge against the channel sides as a screw draws the plates together and moves the legs of the V shaped member toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Securus, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Brown, Dennis Hart
  • Patent number: 7604444
    Abstract: A fastener assembly is disclosed for securing an object to channel framing. One embodiment of the assembly includes an elongate body such as a nut which engages inside faces of the framing at opposite sides of a slot in the framing, a washer spaced from the nut which engages outside faces of the framing at opposite sides of the slot, and a spring interposed between and connecting the nut and the washer for generating a force holding the washer and nut in clamping engagement with respective faces of the framing prior to securing an object to the framing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Xiaodong Wu
  • Publication number: 20080292424
    Abstract: A profile rail has a face and is formed with a longitudinally extending channel open at the face and with longitudinally extending stabilizing formations on the face flanking the channel. The channel has confronting ribbed flanks. A stabilizing element has a face engageable with the face of the rail and formed with a pair of stabilizing formations fittable with the stabilizing formations of the rail and with a throughgoing hole between the respective stabilizing formations and aligned with the channel when the element stabilizing formations are fitted with the rail stabilizing formations. A screw fittable through the hole has a screwthread engageable with the flanks of the channel so that the screw can clamp the element to the face of the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Johann Kufner
  • Publication number: 20080095591
    Abstract: A fastener assembly is disclosed for securing an object to channel framing. One embodiment of the assembly includes an elongate body such as a nut which engages inside faces of the framing at opposite sides of a slot in the framing, a washer spaced from the nut which engages outside faces of the framing at opposite sides of the slot, and a spring interposed between and connecting the nut and the washer for generating a force holding the washer and nut in clamping engagement with respective faces of the framing prior to securing an object to the framing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Xiaodong Wu
  • Patent number: 7338241
    Abstract: A receptacle for a fastener which is inserted into a receptacle receiving member. The receptacle is insertable and rotatable in a hole in the receptacle receiving member and includes at least one arm extending from a fastener receiving member. The arm is arranged to engage with a first side of the receptacle receiving member on insertion of the fastener receiving member into the receptacle receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Southco, UK Ltd.
    Inventor: Derrin John Bond
  • Patent number: 7338245
    Abstract: A self-attaching nut for installation in a panel by a plunger driven against the bottom face of the nut, the bottom face of the nut including parallel rails on opposed sides of a channel-shaped recess and a threaded bore through the recess, eliminating the requirement for a countersink in the bore at the bottom face and preventing tapping burrs from being driven back into the bore during installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Whitesell International Corp.
    Inventor: Harold A. Ladouceur
  • Patent number: 7316380
    Abstract: An article hanging system (1) capable of easily changing an exhibit position and an exhibit height of an article such as a goods exhibited in a shop, a hanger and a display shelf comprises a ceiling rail assembly (10), a wire holder (50) slidably retained to the ceiling rail assembly (10), a wire (100) hanging down from the wire holder (50), a gripper (120) fixably attachable at a desired position along the wire (100), a wire holder (70) attached to a lower end of the wire (100) and a floor rail assembly (40) to which the wire holder (70) is slidably retained. Each of the rail assemblies (10), (40) comprises longitudinal rails (21), (11Y) extending in a longitudinal direction (the Y-direction) and lateral rails (11), (11X) slidable with respect to the longitudinal rail as being spanned between the longitudinal rails. Each of the wire holders (50), (70) are slidable along the lateral rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: A.G.K. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Arakawa
  • Patent number: 7252470
    Abstract: A wheel locking assembly for preventing theft of wheels and tires. The wheel locking assembly includes a wheel rim assembly including a disc-shaped wheel rim having a first side and a second side, and also having an axle-receiving opening being centrally disposed therethrough, and further having fastener holes being spaced apart and being disposed therethrough, and also having cover-mounting holes being disposed therethrough; and also includes a fastener assembly including fasteners being lockingly disposed in the fastener holes of the disc-shaped wheel rim; and further includes a locking assembly being disposed in the disc-shaped wheel rim for locking the fasteners in the fastener holes; and also includes cover members being fastenably attached to the wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Lorenzo Sanchez
  • Patent number: 7241094
    Abstract: A restraint clip for suspending a load-bearing object includes an engaging member having a body defining an engaging member hole, two abutting surfaces, and two non-abutting surfaces; a lock having a lock body with a base defining a lock hole spatially aligned with the engaging member hole, wherein the lock coacts with the engaging member; a fastener extending along a longitudinal axis threadably engaged with the engaging member hole engaged with the lock hole and threadably engaged with a threaded stop hole, whereby the engaging member is adapted to move along the longitudinal axis relative to the fastener when the fastener is rotated about a longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Epic Metals Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Potts, Andrew Park
  • Patent number: 7156599
    Abstract: A cage nut assembly includes a nut and a cage wrapped therearound. The nut and/or the cage are provided with a number of stand-offs. The stand-offs reduce the amount of bearing surface interface between the cage and the nut thus reducing the possibility that the two parts will stick to each other after a bath is applied to the mating surface, and thus to the cage nut assembly, as the cage is welded to the mating surface. The stand-offs can be configured such that the cage nut assembly can move through the bath in a horizontal position, an upside down position, or a sideways position, substantially without the cage and nut sticking to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: James Patrick Clinch, Paul Douglas Purdy
  • Patent number: 7073995
    Abstract: An attachment system, which is to be introduced in a mounting opening (5) of a hollow body (3), includes a rear engagement member (4) for engaging from behind holding projection (17.1, 17.2) of the hollow body (3), at least one stop (6, 37) for engaging edges of outer sides of the hollow body which limit the mounting opening (5) and connected with the rear engagement member (4) by a screw, and a device providing for a relative rotational movement between the stop (6) and the rear engagement member (4) about an axis of the fastening means (7; 35) and formed as a transformation device (9; 31) for converting a translational movement of the screw (7; 35) relative to the stop (6) in a rotational movement of the rear engagement member (4) relative to the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Armin Herb
  • Patent number: 6872038
    Abstract: A spring nut adapter for use in connection with a U-shaped channel. The channel has a base plate, two side plates and channel grooves on upper portions of the side plates. The channel grooves are bounded by channel groove walls. The spring nut adapter includes a face plate with an attachment orifice extending therethrough, and a compression spring with a first end and a second end. The first end of the compression spring is secured to an underside of the face plate; an adapter element is secured to the second end of the compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Patrick C. Westlake
  • Patent number: 6824399
    Abstract: A system and a device are provided for recessing a fastener on a printed wire board (PWB). The system includes a PWB having a fastener hole, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The system further comprises a recessed fastener adapter which includes a board interface for interfacing the adapter with the PWB at the fastener hole and a fastener head engaging surface for accepting and recessing a fastener head. The board interface is generally in the shape of a tube. The walls of the tube may be circular, curved or straight in a cross-section perpendicular to the long axis of the tube. The tube has an exterior surface, which is connected to the PWB at the fastener hole. The fastener head engaging surface is formed by a closed end on the tube having an opening or bore. In one version of the adapter, a flange extends radially outward from the exterior surface of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Kyocera Wireless Corp.
    Inventors: Paul J. Smith, Aleksandr Manulis
  • Patent number: 6802171
    Abstract: A framing member has an elongate body with at least one elongate U-shaped trough. The side walls of the U-shaped trough define a plurality of elongate side wall protuberances having squared off edges. The framing member can be used with a fastener screw having squared off edges to assemble commercial and residential work benches, storage shelves, bookcases, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Duane McKinnon