Including Element For Holding Fasteners Against Separation From Member Patents (Class 411/85)
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Patent number: 7156599Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventors: James Patrick Clinch, Paul Douglas Purdy
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Patent number: 7073995Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventor: Armin Herb
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Patent number: 6872038Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Inventor: Patrick C. Westlake
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Patent number: 6824399Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Kyocera Wireless Corp.Inventors: Paul J. Smith, Aleksandr Manulis
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Patent number: 6802171Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Inventor: Duane McKinnon
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Patent number: 6685255Abstract: Apart installation structure for a vehicle for attaching a part to a vehicle body through a bracket using an access hole established in the vehicle body and a surrounding portion of the access hole, comprises a bolt including a head capable of passing through the access hole and a thread section projecting from the head and passing through the access hole, a plate member including an opening section and capable of being attached to the thread section through the opening section, a nut for being screwed onto the thread section and for tightening the surrounding portion, the plate member and the bracket altogether, and a rotation stopper provided on the bracket for contacting the head after passing through the opening section and the access hole so as to restrict a rotation when the nut is screwed in.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hisao Kasahara
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Patent number: 6679640Abstract: A coupling assembly for a printing system that includes a threaded bolt that engages a threaded bore of a first dovetail nut. The assembly also includes a second dovetail nut with a bore through which a shaft of the bolt passes. Each dovetail nut has two tapered portions located on opposite sides of the bore of the respective nut. When the bolt/dovetail nut combination is assembled, the two dovetail nuts are located a distance apart so that the tapered portions of the two nuts define a pair of slots. To connect sections of the web guide together, each slot engages a flared connector of a respective section.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Vutek, IncorporatedInventor: Daniel E. Smith
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Publication number: 20030185643Abstract: The present invention is a flexible bridge that positions a strut nut in a C-shaped mounting channel. The flexible bridge is graspable between a thumb and forefinger for rapid positioning, and converts to an anti-rotation device that prevents the strut nut from rotating within the channel. A harness supports the strut nut while a flexure member provides a grippable location to position the harness and strut nut combination at a desired location within the channel. The flexure member remains outside of the channel while the strut nut and harness are disposed within the channel, and at least a portion of the flexure member has a dimension greater than the width of the channel. This dimension prevents the flexible bridge from withdrawing into the channel when the strut nut is in place in the channel. The flexure member converts to an anti-rotation mechanism for preventing the strut nut from rotating within the channel during engagement with the threaded member.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: William J. Thompson
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Patent number: 6615413Abstract: A toilet mounting assembly for securely and easily mounting a toilet to a structure includes a sealing ring securable to a structure and having either integral threaded rods extending from a main body portion of the sealing ring or threaded rods easily and securely attached to the sealing ring using a tongue and groove. Alternately, the sealing ring may include threaded apertures for receiving specially structured bolts to secure the toilet to the sealing ring.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Inventors: Rodney C. Grant, Robbie Grant
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Patent number: 6581339Abstract: An erectable platform includes at least one bay, the bay having; at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers. The platform further includes support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto, and a plurality of depending columns operably removably coupled to the support structure in a supporting disposition.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Wenger CorporationInventor: Martin E. Thiede
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Patent number: 6582170Abstract: A channel nut is attachable to a structural channel. The channel nut includes a nut portion having a planar surface and a resiliently flexible cone attachable to the nut portion. The cone includes an attachment portion for attachment to the planar surface of the nut portion, the conical portion extending conically from the attachment portion. The conical portion is defined by a conical wall having at least one slot therethrough to permit resilient deflection of the conical wall portion with respect to the attachment portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Mark R. Drane
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Patent number: 6511120Abstract: A reinforcing nut plate (40) contacts one surface of an automotive vehicle body pillar (28) with hot-melt adhesive bodies (52) therebetween. A door hinge plate (15) is secured to the pillar (28) and nut plate (40) by one or more bolts (20,22) providing a predetermined mounting arrangement. On rust-proofing or other manufacturing treatment raising the door temperature a significant amount, the adhesive bodies affix the nut plate to the pillar. Now, the door may be removed from the pillar and transported to another work site for accessories to be mounted, following which the door can be readily reinstalled to the predetermined arrangement with the pillar and nut plate.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Richard K. Mitts
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Patent number: 6499923Abstract: A fastener is configured for engagement upon a panel having a panel opening, and for engaging a mating fastener through the panel opening. The fastener includes a body having an axis of rotation, a peripheral edge, a main portion and a panel end. At least two lugs project from the peripheral edge at the panel end and are the points of fixed engagement with the panel without causing yielding of the panel or of the fastener. In another embodiment, a fastener system includes a fastener having a body with at least two lugs projecting from the body, a panel with an opening and at least two pocket formations disposed relative to the opening to receive the lugs and place the body in registry with the opening. The lugs lockingly engage the pocket formations as the body is rotated, the engagement being achieved without causing yielding the fastener or the panel.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Kenneth R. LeVey
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Patent number: 6447200Abstract: A connector having gripping teeth which are formed intrinsically with a first set of locking lugs which are in a parallel relationship with a second set of locking lugs, the first and second set of locking lugs being spaced apart with two parallel supporting posts disposed therebetween. The second set of locking lugs has a bore through an approximate center thereof and the first set of locking lugs is split in two portions to form a slit aligned with an axis of the central bore of the second set of locking lugs such that a screw or similar fastener can be inserted so as to open the slit for forcing the gripping teeth against a channel member wall surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Linking Industries, LLCInventor: C. Stuart Hungerford, III
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Patent number: 6443677Abstract: A nut plate is formed from a generally U-shaped clip having first and second elongated legs and a connecting leg extending therebetween. The first leg has an opening therein for receipt of a nut and for securing the nut in the leg. The second leg has a pass-through opening opposing the nut opening. The nut is fully passed through the pass-through opening for securing in the first leg. The nut can be positioned in the first leg without deflection and urging away of the legs from one another. A method for making the nut plate includes the steps of forming an elongated strip, forming a nut opening in the strip and forming a pass-through opening in the strip. The strip is bent to define a clip having the first and second legs and the connecting leg. The clip can be heat treated. A nut is then passed through the pass-through opening into the nut opening and is secured to the first leg.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: John P. Patterson, Jr.
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Patent number: 6434903Abstract: A section fixable in a mounted position to an anchoring base by means of fastening screws has at least one fastening segment extending in the mounted position substantially parallel to the anchoring base. The fastening segment is, for example, a fastening flange, which is provided with at least one screw hole for receiving a fastening screw provided with a slot or cross slot as the surface engaged by a screwdriver. A safety (or securing) tab protrudes from the fastening segment at least within the area of the screw hole. When the section is in its mounted position and after the fastening screw has been driven in, the safety tab can be deformed by bending or folding it into its safety or securing position. In this position, the tab grips over the edge of the screw head of the fastening screw and leaves free the surface engaged by the screwdriver. In an alternative embodiment of the section, a spring-elastic safety arrest is used instead of a bendable safety tab.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Profil-Vertrieb GmbHInventor: Theo Hertweck
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Patent number: 6413005Abstract: A fastener for securing objects to a slat floor, having a self-centering and self-aligning capability. A first embodiment comprises a body formed of a durable material and having a top surface, a lower surface, at least one side surface, and a central hole extending between the top surface and the lower surface. A second embodiment comprises a body formed of a durable material and having a top surface, a lower surface, at least one side surface, and a central hole extending between the top surface and the lower surface, wherein the top surface of the body has a flat central surface and two sloping upper surfaces starting adjacent to the flat central surface and angling downward toward either end of the body, and a lower fastener component that is coaxial with the central hole.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Wahoo Concrete Products, Inc.Inventor: Thomas A. Massie
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Patent number: 6408583Abstract: A section fixable in a mounted position to an anchoring base by means of fastening screws has at least one fastening segment extending in the mounted position substantially parallel to the anchoring base. The fastening segment is, for example, a fastening flange, which is provided with at least one screw hole for receiving a fastening screw provided with a slot or cross slot as the surface engaged by a screwdriver. A safety (or securing) tab protrudes from the fastening segment at least within the area of the screw hole. When the section is in its mounted position and after the fastening screw has been driven in, the safety tab can be deformed by bending or folding it into its safety or securing position. In this position, the tab grips over the edge of the screw head of the fastening screw and leaves free the surface engaged by the screwdriver. In an alternative embodiment of the section, a spring-elastic safety arrest is used instead of a bendable safety tab.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Profil-Vertrieb GmbHInventor: Theo Hertweck
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Publication number: 20020071735Abstract: A channel nut is attachable to a structural channel. The channel nut includes a nut portion having a planar surface and a resiliently flexible cone attachable to the nut portion. The cone includes an attachment portion for attachment to the planar surface of the nut portion, the conical portion extending conically from the attachment portion. The conical portion is defined by a conical wall having at least one slot therethrough to permit resilient deflection of the conical wall portion with respect to the attachment portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Mark R. Drane
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Patent number: 6386809Abstract: A nut assembly is provided which has a pivotable nut having both sides thereof increased in wall thickness to impart strength and thereby to prevent breakage of the nut upon tightening of a bolt. The nut assembly includes a nut having pivot pins about which the nut is pivotable, and a frame having a flange formed with a bolt hole and a pair of arms provided on both sides of the flange. A pair of hanging walls extending in the bolt inserting direction are provided around the bolt hole at two opposing positions on an imaginary plane perpendicular to a line connecting the pins. This makes it possible to narrow the width of the guide hole of the nut in which the hanging walls are received by an amount by which the banging walls have narrowed. By this arrangement, the wall thickness of both sides of the nut is increased.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Wakai & Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuichi Ikuta
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Publication number: 20020048497Abstract: An attachment device including an anchoring unit having at least two gripping members (9, 22, 37) and a receiving member (10, 26, 35) with openings (14, 28, 36) for guiding the gripping members (9, 22, 37), a mounting rail (2, 20) with a mounting opening (3) limited on its opposite sides by longitudinal walls (4), with the longitudinal walls (4) being provided on its adjacent to each other sides with retaining projections (5, 21, 40) that are engaged, in a locking position of the device, at least partially by corresponding gripping members (9, 22, 37) in a directions transverse to a longitudinal direction of the mounting rail (2); and a bolt (7, 33) for connecting an attachable object to the anchoring unit (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Inventor: Armin Herb
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Patent number: 6331092Abstract: A corner joint for profile sections (13) provided with one or more longitudinal channels (16), in connection with the outside of the profile section via a likewise longitudinal slot opening (12). The channel (16) constitutes an attachment for a nut means (11) which cooperates via screw means (14) with connector fittings (17, 24). Each screw means (14) is provided with a lock means (10) which is located in the slot opening (12) between the nut means (11) and the connector fittings (17, 24). The lock means (10) is provided with a screw opening (15) and means (20) for locking the nut means (11) against rotation out of a locking position. The lock means (10) is also provided with at least one boss (23) which during rotation of the nut means (11) from its locking position cooperates with a shoulder (22) on said nut means, in order to position the nut means and facilitate its removal from the channel (16).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1997Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: Mats Linger
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Patent number: 6290426Abstract: A strut-rod connector enables the rod to be quickly and easily attached at any adjusted position along the strut, or axially adjusted. The connector has an internal and external head assembled to each other for limited rocking and opening and closing movement. The rod is threaded in the inner head and extends through a transverse slot in the outer head. A lock nut quickly clamps the parts together, and each self-centers on the legs of the strut. The connection can be made by simply rocking the assembly of the two heads and rod to insert the assembly and rod at any desired location. Tightening a lock nut centers and clamps the assembly and rod in place. Optimum loading in either axial direction of the rod is provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Erico International CorporationInventors: Gerardus Emanuel Cornelius van Gijsel, Stefan Walter Huwer
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Patent number: 6270281Abstract: Two alternative mounting methods and devices for mounting rails achieve new points of mounting (8) by adding new pitch-holes to mounting rails (2) and using either adjustable cage-nuts or cage-nuts containing two nuts in their respective pitch-holes. The shape of the new pitch-holes preserves the structural integrity of mounting rails (2). The number of mounting points and possibilities can be dramatically increased, thereby satisfying various ventilation and pass-through requirements between devices (5).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1998Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Inventor: Tommi Ensio Ruusuvuori
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Patent number: 6226952Abstract: A device for anchorage to a grating floor. The device includes a lower element the cross-section of which is larger than the width of the openings in the grating in one direction and is narrower in the other direction so that it can pass through the grating after pivoting through 90°, the lower element housing a nut in its lower face and having, on two of its lateral faces, respective housings with toothed regions on their respective upper portions, the toothed regions being complementary with an upper element of a width larger than the openings in the grating and having two legs of a width smaller than the openings in the grating, the legs having respective lower studs which can be introduced into the housings of the lower element, allowing the lower element to pivot, and respective teeth on the inner faces of the said legs for meshing with the teeth adjacent the housings for the studs in the lower element.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Rotecna, S.A.Inventor: Gener Romeu Guardia
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Patent number: 6205719Abstract: A roof screen system comprises a number of triangular frames assembled from aluminum beams held together with pivotable clamps. Such clamps also bolt down onto roof footers with flashing boots that prevent roof leaks. A number of clips are attached to the upright triangular frames. Horizontal rails are then attached with the clips to the triangular frames, and screen panels are hung and attached to the rails. The pivotable clamps allow a slip-connection anywhere along the aluminum beams that can be locked down with ordinary wrenches. As such, the screen panels can be tilted back or forward to accommodate painted signs, electric signs, advertising, and even solar photovoltaic panels.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Royal Roofing Co., Inc.Inventor: Ryan W. Bruce
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Patent number: 6065766Abstract: A securement device used for attaching a hitch to a vehicle bed in which the device includes a bracket secured to a frame part of the vehicle, a support post which is seated upon the bracket and which extends upwardly through the bed and the hitch, a retainer which forms a part of the support post and which upon rotation of the support post relative to the bracket prevents separation of the support post from the bracket, and a keeper part which is secured to the support post and which overlies at least a portion of the hitch to prevent the support post from rotating relative to the bracket and which further serves to prevent the hitch from being removed from the support post.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Inventor: Randall Pulliam
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Patent number: 5991976Abstract: A backing member includes locking structure for locking a Z-axis clip in alignment with the aperture of the clip aligned with aperture in the backing member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the backing member includes a track with spaced inwardly projecting lips which overlie edges of the base of the fastening clip for holding the clip adjacent the backing member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the backing member further includes an interlocking tab which can be ramped to snap-lock into an alignment aperture associated with the fastener clip for locking the fastener to the backing member against sliding motion within the track.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: Todd C. Adams, Thomas M. Kelley
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Patent number: 5988930Abstract: A connecting apparatus for producing a firm, releasable and reproducible mechanical interconnection of two profile member ends includes a groove strip (6) with threaded holes, an apertured strap (1) with through holes and screws (7), wherein the profile members (4) to be connected have mounting grooves (5) for the reception of the groove strip (6). The apertured strap (1) has, formed on a support surface thereof, penetration elements (3) which project from the surface and which on tightening of the screws (7) penetrate in a cold-deforming manner into the material of the profile members (4) to be connected and thus yield a multiply mechanically positive connection. The penetration elements (3) are formed as grater gashes.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Christoph Liebetrau, Kaspar Schindler
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Patent number: 5975822Abstract: A quick release fitting for securing equipment, such as seating, to floor or ceiling tracks of T-shaped internal channel section comprises a first member securable to the seating and a second member rotatable through a quarter turn in the first member, the second member including a T-shaped end complementary in shape with the channel and engageable therein by insertion in the channel with the cross-member of the "T" extending along the channel and subsequently turning the second member through a quarter turn.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Martin-Baker Aircraft Company LimitedInventor: Stephen Anthony George Ruff
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Patent number: 5897276Abstract: A U-shaped clip-on slide nut with two parallel sliding limbs provided with notch elements and capable of being clipped onto an undercut ridge. One sliding limb has a bore and the other limb is provided with a threaded bore aligned with the bore and accommodating a clamping screw. The invention facilitates fixing of a component on the ridge in that the bore is a blind bore, the clamping screw is a countersunk screw, and at least one sliding limb also has a screw receptacle for a securing screw.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh Gmbh & Co. KGInventor: Marc Hartel
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Patent number: 5860576Abstract: A vehicle roof rack assembly for retaining a roof rack to the roof of a vehicle. The assembly includes a plurality of spanners which span a pair of spaced round holes through the roof of the vehicle at preselected locations. Each spanner includes a main body portion having spaced integral downwardly extending insert portions or apertured bosses which extend into the spaced round holes. These apertured bosses are self tapping for receiving screws therein. Thus, the rack, having holes at each end aligned with the apertured bosses, receives a self tapping screw in each apertured boss securing the rack to the roof of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1997Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: Avibank Mfg., Inc.Inventor: John A. Duran
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Patent number: 5839787Abstract: An improved seat assembly for mass transit vehicles and an improved methodology for providing seating in mass transit vehicles. The seat assembly includes a universal seat frame which is formed of aluminum extrusions welded together and which is usable in combination with a variety of support bracketry so that a single common seat frame may be utilized to provide a variety of seating positions and seating attitudes within the vehicle. The seat frame includes side rails and cross rails extending between the side rails. Each cross rail includes an upper tube portion and a lower track portion formed integrally with the bottom wall of the upper tube portion and defining a groove. A slot in the bottom wall of the track portion communicates with the groove.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: American Seating CompanyInventors: Richard C. Magnuson, Michael E. Phillips
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Patent number: 5833417Abstract: An adjustable clamping assembly is provided for holding and supporting a conventional structural component. The assembly includes a support element having an elongate channel that employs a pair of longitudinal locking grooves. A screw-like component is engaged with a structural component and a clamping nut is aligned with and inserted into the channel at a selected location. The nut includes a pair of locking tabs and a latch mechanism for permitting the nut to be rotated from an aligned orientation to a generally perpendicular orientation within the channel, wherein the locking tabs are respectively inserted in the locking grooves. The latch mechanism holds the nut in the perpendicular orientation to prevent removal of the nut from the channel. The nut further includes a threaded opening that is operably engaged by the screw-like component to attach the structural component to the support element at the selected location.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1997Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Quality Boat Lifts, Inc.Inventors: Charles L. Sargent, Daniel S. Carter
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Patent number: 5823727Abstract: An anchor fitting assembly for securing objects on an elongated track. The track is of the type commonly used in aircraft and in various vehicles to secure seats, wheelchairs, cargo and other objects. The track has an elongated groove which has a bell-shaped profile. The top of the groove is open and has a series of opposed tabs and semicircular faces. There are many styles of fittings which are placed in such tracks and secured to the tracks. The anchor fitting assembly of the present invention has a securable fitting which has a flared based held beneath the opposed tabs of the groove. The fitting is prevented from sliding along the track by a pair of buttons which are inserted downwardly into two opposed semicircular openings adjacent the securable fitting. When an object is screwed onto the securable fitting it holds down the buttons preventing them from coming out of the semicircular openings.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1998Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Inventor: Ray Lee
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Patent number: 5820322Abstract: A fastening element for a C-shaped rail (30) including a rail nut (2) insertable through the rail opening (35) into the interior of the rail (30) when longitudinal sides (6, 7) of the rail nut (2) extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rail (30), and pivotable in the interior of the rail (3) so that a longitudinal extent (1) of the rail nut (2), which is larger than the width (w) of the slot-like opening (35), would overlap the opening (35); and a rail clip (3) overlapping the rail nut (2) at least in some areas and spaced from the rail nut by an axial distance (d), which is reduced upon clamping the free ends (33, 34) of the shoulders (31, 32) the rail clip (3) being formed as one-piece with the rail nut and being connected with the rail nut (2) by a connection link attached to an edge of the rail nut (2) so that with the longitudinal sides (6, 7) of the rail nut (2) extending parallel to the longitudinal extent of the opening (35), it would engage the free end (33) of one should (31) and, withType: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Fritz Hermann, Andreas Sedlmeier, Armin Hoffmann, Helmut Mirsberger, Jakob Dischinger
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Patent number: 5802891Abstract: An improved anchor assembly for a multiple drawer locking system having a "C" shaped lock bar with an access slot, the anchor assembly including an anchor having an anchor element for slidably mounting in the lock bar and a mounting device; a multi-faceted locking pin for engaging the mounting device and an indexing plate between the anchor element and the pin and including at least one anti-rotational element extending through the slot into the lock bar to prevent the anchor element from rotating and aligning with the slot; the indexing plate may also include a first indexing device and the locking pin may include a second indexing device for constraining the pin to lock with one of the facets in a predetermined position; the indexing plate may also include at least one gripping edge for gripping the lock bar to prevent sliding of the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: ESP Lock Products, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Arthur Kahara, Wayne Rodriques Crespo
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Patent number: 5803687Abstract: A compression clip of the present invention comprises a bolt and a self-tightening member having two side sections and a grooved intermediate section therebetween. The intermediate section has a hole for receiving the bolt. Preferably, the intermediate section has grooves on both an interior and exterior surface thereof. After tightening of the clip, the intermediate section flattens to become somewhat planar and the side sections are compressed inward to securely engage a guide rail or wear strip within the clip.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Patent number: 5794901Abstract: Functional component usable for demonstration and/or training purposes which can be releasably secured to the mounting face of a support base (1). It is provided with a clamping device (8) which is brought into engagement with a mounting recess (3) of support base (1), which is activated by rotating an actuating element (12). A downwardly extending clamping head (18) is mounted on the actuating element which is insertable into the mounting recess (3) and which can be positioned by rotating in such a manner that it engages behind two retaining protrusions in the mounting recess (3). By a further rotation of the actuating element, the functional element is clamped against the surface of the support base (1).Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1995Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Festo KGInventor: Albert Sigel
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Patent number: 5779412Abstract: A nut (30) carried by a nut holder (11) is inserted into a dovetail groove (46) in a profile frame (45) to connect another profile frame or a mechanical component to the profile frame (45). The nut holder (11) has clamping portions (19A, 19B) at both longitudinal ends that extend in one direction at approximately right angles to a bottom member. Coupling projections (23) or recesses are formed on the inner sides of the clamping portions (19A, 19B). Elastically deformable portions (13) project from the sides of the bottom member. Abutments (34) are formed at both ends of the nut (30). When the nut (30) is coupled to the nut holder (11), the coupling projections (23) are engaged with the coupling recesses (34) to maintain the coupled state. When the nut (30) coupled to the nut holder (11) is inserted into the dovetail groove (46), the nut is maintained at a predetermined position in the groove by frictional force due to resilient force from the elastically deformable portions (13).Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1997Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: SMC CorporationInventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Koji Sugano
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Patent number: 5716178Abstract: A gang channel nut assembly permits nut plates held therein to be used even though the assembly channel is in contact with a stringer. The instant invention enlarges the fastener hole in the channel as well as slots on both sides of the channel and cuts a connecting slot between the hole and the slot sufficient to permit passage of a fastening screw or bolt. In this way the gang channel nut assembly still functions as originally intended that is, to positively retain the nut plates and align them in the channel, but permit the nut plates to be flexible or float transverse of the channel without falling out of the channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1996Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: McDonnell Douglas CorporationInventor: Thai O. Vu
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Patent number: 5699944Abstract: A vehicle roof rack assembly for retaining a roof rack to the roof of a vehicle. The assembly includes a plurality of spanners which span a pair of spaced round holes through the roof of the vehicle at preselected locations. Each spanner includes a main body portion having spaced integral downwardly extending insert portions or apertured bosses which extend into the spaced round holes. These apertured bosses are self tapping for receiving screws therein. Thus, the rack, having holes at each end aligned with the apertured bosses, receives a self tapping screw in each apertured boss securing the rack to the roof of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1996Date of Patent: December 23, 1997Assignee: Avibank Mfg., Inc.Inventor: John A. Duran
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Patent number: 5655816Abstract: An improved seat assembly for mass transit vehicles and an improved methodology for providing seating in mass transit vehicles. The seat assembly includes a universal seat frame which is formed of aluminum extrusions welded together and which is usable in combination with a variety of support bracketry so that a single common seat frame may be utilized to provide a variety of seating positions and seating attitudes within the vehicle. The seat frame includes side rails and cross rails extending between the side rails. Each cross rail includes an upper tube portion and a lower track portion formed integrally with the bottom wall of the upper tube portion and defining a groove. A slot in the bottom wall of the track portion communicates with the groove.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1996Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: American Seating CompanyInventors: Richard C. Magnuson, Michael E. Phillips
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Patent number: 5655865Abstract: An attachment arrangement for securing components or construction parts to an attachment rail (32) with a slot-like opening (34). The attachment arrangement includes a spring element (27) for improved handling which is deflectable both in the axial and radial directions. An axially elastic region (28) of the spring element (27) provides an axial prestress between a base member (21) and an intermediate member (29) whereby spontaneous detachment of the attachment arrangement by turning the base member (21) through 90 degrees relative to the attachment rail (32) is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Hilti AktiengeschaftInventors: Wolfgang Plank, Kurt Waibl
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Patent number: 5636891Abstract: A vehicle accessory has a mounting wall with an elongated slot which slideably receives a snap-in fastener which is fixed in the orthogonal direction of installation of the snap-in fastener. The fastener cooperates with an elongated slot formed in a vehicle support structure which slot extends orthogonally to the slot in the vehicle accessory such that the fastener can be moved into alignment on two axes to align with the aperture in the vehicle for insertion of the fastener and installation of the accessory.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: Kim L. Van Order, Nels R. Smith, Dean T. Miller
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Patent number: 5636954Abstract: An adapter apparatus for securing the slats, or outer rail end or center supports, of a vehicle article carrier to an outer body surface of a vehicle. The adapter apparatus has a plurality of groups of openings for enabling attachment of a slat having previously formed openings to a variety of vehicles having different spacings of holes drilled therein, which would otherwise normally require additional drilling of holes in the slat or additional drilling of holes in the outer body surface to enable direct alignment of the holes in the slat with the holes in the outer body surface of the vehicle. The adapter apparatus, through its plurality of groups of openings, enables the adapter apparatus to be secured to vehicles having openings in their outer body surfaces which differ in spacing, and which otherwise would require additional drilling of holes in either the slats or the outer body surface to secure the slats thereto.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1995Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.Inventors: Brian E. Henderson, Donald R. Potter
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Patent number: 5628598Abstract: An attachment nut includes a base member (1) and an elastic retaining insert (6) connected to the base member. The attachment nut serves for fastening components (18), for instance pipe members, to a C-shaped profiled rail (15). The retaining insert (6) has locking tabs located diametrically opposite one another. The tabs can be pivoted about an axis into a slot-like opening in the profiled rail (15) to prevent the turning of the attachment nut. Each locking tab has a projecting lug for effecting the manual turning of the attachment nut within the profiled rail (15).Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1995Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventor: Siegfried Hofle
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Patent number: 5628597Abstract: A spring-biassed nut includes a generally rectangular nut body which has a spring device fitted on one main surface thereof. The nut can be fitted into a slotted hollow rail by inserting the nut through the rail slot in the direction of its plane. The spring tightens the nut against the rail legs defining the rail slot, so that the nut will be held in a chosen position along the rail by friction. A pivot point around which the long-edge flange of the nut pivots when the nut is first inserted into the rail is defined in the interior of the rail, preferably in the inner corner region between the rail side-wall and the flange. The length of the nut as measured between the edges of the long-edge flanges is essentially equal to or slightly smaller than the distance between the pivot point and the edge of the opposing rail flange.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1995Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: Josef ChudobaInventors: Josef Chudoba, Sven-Erik Kaufeldt
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Patent number: 5624217Abstract: A connector comprises first and second opposed, spaced apart locking lugs having first and second opposed, spaced apart faces between which the channel member is clamped. A flexible connection integral with the opposed faces of the locking lugs joins the locking lugs together in a unitary structure in a manner which allows for the space between the opposed faces of the locking lugs to be varied. The first and second locking lugs are provided with axially aligned bores which, when securing the connector to the channel member, receive a fastener for drawing the opposed faces of the locking lugs toward one another when the fastener is advanced into the axially aligned bores for clamping the channel member in between the opposed locking lugs of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Inventor: Charles S. Hungerford, Jr.
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Patent number: RE36681Abstract: A fastener used to secure an object on a channel including a channel nut which may be entered into a slot in the channel and then turned about an axis of rotation to extend in a generally crosswise position relative to the slot for engagement of portions of the nut at locations generally adjacent opposite ends of the nut with edges of the channel. A retainer for the nut has a body and a flange integral with the body which may engage the channel at opposite sides of the channel slot for preventing the retainer from being pushed inwardly completely through the slot when the nut is turned to a crosswise position in the channel and when an object is being fastened to the channel. Resiliently deformable spring elements on the body of the retainer are so sized and arranged as to be engageable with the channel for holding the nut in its crosswise position against slippage lengthwise of the channel slot.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1997Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Sigma-Aldrich Co.Inventor: Eric R. Rinderer