Abstract: A fastener made of a synthetic resin material is usable for both a circular engagement hole and a square engagement hole which are approximately the same in size, and includes a head, a leg depending from the head, and two groups of vertically multilayered flexible fins formed on a periphery of the leg so as to extend radially outward. Some of the fins stay in the engagement hole and are flexed by the wall of the engagement hole when the leg has been inserted into one of the engagement holes and others of the fins are thrust out of the engagement hole and restore to their respective original states, thereby preventing the leg from being extracted from the engagement hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides fasteners that have surprising benefits, such as the ability to be set into a fixing hole by gentle pressure, for example thumb pressure, and remain in place without holding until hammered fully home, and the ability to maintain the proper alignment upon hammering. Also provided are methods of attaching one object to another object, using the instant fasteners.

Abstract: A orthopedic support unit fastener composed of a female portion which is molded directly as part of an orthopedic support component such as a sternum brace and has reinforcing ridges extending between an outer ring and a central receptacle which receives a male portion.

Abstract: A continuous impact-driven fastener pack made of ultra-high strength plastic composite materials, for example, thermoplastic or thermoset materials for use in standard impact driving fastener machines. The individual fasteners have sufficient compressive strength and a flexural modulus such that the fastener may be used with commodity woods for construction, furniture making, or for building boats. Further, this fastener pack is non-corrodible and provides plastic fasteners having a length/diameter ratios of a working nail or staple, e.g., heretofore unavailable.

Abstract: A tacking device for tacking a first member to a second member comprises a tacking member having a fusible plate and a pin having a bulged tip and projecting from the lower surface of the fusible plate; and a retaining member having a substantially cylindrical body provided with a plurality of catches on its outer circumference. The tacking member is rotated at a high rotating speed or vibrated with the fusible plate pressed against the first member so that the upper surface of the fusible plate is fused by frictional heat to weld the tacking member to the first member, the pin is inserted in the central hollow of the retaining member so that the expanded tip of the pin is caught by the retaining member to combine the tacking member and the retaining member, and the retaining member is forced into a hole formed in the second member so that the catches engage with the edge of the hole to tack the first member to the second member.

Abstract: A device for anchoring a threaded fastener in a drywall or blind hole is molded in one flat piece having two half cylinders joined by a thin frangible hinge. Each half-cylinder carries half of a threaded bore divided axially. When folded together the two half-cylinders form a cylindrical headed anchor with a continuously threaded passage extended part way to the hinge. A threaded fastener advances readily down the bore until the unthreaded portion is reached. The fastener, as it advances in that portion, forces the halves apart, rupturing the hinge and anchoring the device.

Abstract: A standard size fastener, such as a nail or screw, is provided with a pointed PVC or similar type material on the fastener tip. The soft end will penetrate wood but not metal materials, such as copper pipe and electrical conduit, when nailing sheathing or sheet rock onto wood framing. The soft front end will squash on impact with metal leaving a rounded blunt shape that will turn or stop when contacting a pipe.

Abstract: The stud retention device has a top end, a base defining a bottom end and two diametrically opposed longitudinal members defining a shank. The shank has a longitudinal passage in which a ribbed stud or externally threaded bolt is insertable. Staggered along the length of the shank are one or more ribs, each rib having a finger projecting inwardly. One or more flexible arms project from the base toward the top end, where the angle between each arm and the shank is 45 degrees. When a stud or bolt is inserted into the passage, arms and fingers engage in the recesses between the ribs of the stud or threads of the bolt, thereby imparting a retention force which prevents retraction of the stud or bolt from the passage. A range of stud diameters and lengths may be coupled with the stud retention device.

Abstract: A device for fastening an insulation element to a constructional component and including a large-surface head (1); a hollow shank (2) projecting from the head (1) and having an inner space which is freely accessible from an opening (15) provided in the head (1), for receiving a fastening member (3), and a lid supported on the head and pivotable about an articulation axis (16, 17) located outside of the opening (15), for closing the opening with the lid engaging, in its closed position, a projection extending from a head surface extending parallel to a cross-sectional surface of the hollow shank (2).

Abstract: A fastener includes a post and a clip. The post is formed with a head and an elongated shank extending therefrom, longitudinally spaced and radially extending ribs being formed at the free end of the shank. The clip is formed with an opening for receiving the shank, a forward split collar section generally surrounding said opening, a resilient center section, and a pair of wings extending rearwardly, from the center section. When the wings are squeezed together, the shoulder sections separate for slipping over and around the free end portion of the post as the shank is received into the opening in the clip. When the wings are released, the shoulder sections resiliently return toward one another to engage the shank between two adjacent ribs for interlocking engagement between the clip and the post.

Abstract: An automatic fastening or closing device operating by moving past a dead point and comprising a base portion to which are pivotally connected arcuate tongues themselves pivotally connected by hinges to lugs and comprising each one an outwards projecting portion to form a bearing point allowing the lugs to assume a position remote from each other, i.e. an open locking position, the device being applicable to the fastening and to the locking in blind relationship of a box-like or channel-shaped part onto any support or member whatsoever.

Abstract: A fastening member is formed from a fiber-reinforced ceramic composite material, in which a ceramic material is reinforced with a plurality of inorganic long fibers. The inorganic long fibers are located in the ceramic material such that first orientated layers, in which the inorganic long fibers are orientated in a predetermined direction, and second orientated layers, in which the inorganic long fibers are orientated in a direction different from the direction of orientation of the inorganic long fibers in the first orientated layers, may be laminated alternately.

Abstract: A polymeric inventory control collar locking ring for securing an inventory control collar around the cylindrical neck of a storage container comprising a circular disc with a central opening sized to fit around the neck of the storage container and a plurality of inwardly disposed flexible tabs spaced equally around the perimeter of the central opening. The tabs are formed integrally with the disc and extend radially inward into the central opening, having a distance of projection sufficient to engage the neck of said storage container.

Abstract: A connecting device of the invention is used to connect two members together. The connecting device is formed of a base flange, a support column extending downwardly from the base flange, and elastically deformable engaging members formed at both lateral sides of the support column and projecting from the base flange. The support column has first and second side edges, and the lateral sides extending between the first and second side edges. The distance between the first and second side edges is greater than that between the lateral sides. The first side edge is cut diagonally from a longitudinal middle portion of the support column to a lower end portion of the support column, and the second side edge is cut diagonally from near a top of the support column to the lower end portion. The engaging members have lower ends terminating at and joining with the lower end portion.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A retainer has inner and outer subsections that are hingedly connected. An outer portion is hingedly connected to the outer subsections. The outer subsection rotates on its hinge relative to the outer portion, and axially back towards the inner surface of the wall to contact the wall. The inner subsection extends to a connection with the inner head portion. The inner and outer subsections are in abutting contact adjacent to the hinge. The abutting contact creates a holding force at the point of contact between the hinge and the inner wall. This results in a truss-like configuration that securely retains the retainer in the wall.

Abstract: An injection molded fastener is provided for securing a preform to a foam substrate. The fastener includes a body having first and second ends with a head secured to the first end. A pilot section extends from the second end of the body, and includes a pointed end for penetrating and forming a hole in the preform and substrate. A plurality of angled barbs extend from the body for preventing removal of the fastener from the formed hole. The fastener is of sufficient strength to withstand a hammer blow and to penetrate the substrate when hammered. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener comprises a mineral filled nylon material.

Abstract: A stud clip for mating with a threaded stud bolt projecting outwardly from a base member, such as, for example, an automobile body, is used to mount an elongate article, such as, for example, an automobile fuel line, upon the automobile body. The stud clip comprises a plurality of latch members for engaging a threaded shank portion of the stud bolt, and the latch members have a predetermined thickness dimension, which determines the flexibility or rigidity of such latch members, in order to provide the latch clip with a relatively low or small insertion force, however, in order to provide the stud clip with a relatively high or large withdrawal or pull-off force, stopper members are provided in conjunction with and beneath the latch members so as to prevent the latch members from bending or flexing in the opposite direction attendant the attempted withdrawal or removal of the stud clip from the threaded stud bolt. Consequently, the withdrawal or pull-off force is substantially increased or enhanced.

Abstract: A plastic fastening element includes an insert portion 2 attachable in an aperture of a support. The insert portion has elastic wings 4 joined about the circumference of a rigid core 9 to extend in an axial direction relative to the support aperture. The wings 4 are designed in the shape of a triangle with the first triangle side 7 connected to core 9 of the insert piece 2, and the opposite outer triangle corner 8 defining the outer limit of a second and third triangle side 5 and 6 each of which extend from the triangle corner 8 to the core 9 of the insert piece 2. The second triangle side of each wing 4 ascends from the lower end of the core in spirally-wound form up to the respective triangle corner 8 and the third triangle side 6 of each wing 4 ascends in spirally-wound form from the respective triangle corner 8 to the core 9 of the insert portion 2.

Abstract: A connection between a support, specifically a part of a motor vehicle body, and a plate element, specifically a door panelling, comprises an upper part attachable to the plate element via an attachment zone and a contact zone for a holding piece, which is joinable with the support. The contact zone of the upper part comprises two pockets arranged one above the other and separated by a cross-piece. The holding piece is equipped above the attachment zone with two flanges having differing elasticity arranged at an axial distance cross-wise to the longitudinal direction. The flanges are insertable into the pockets of the upper part.

Abstract: An elongate fastener that may not be removed without destruction is provided for insertion in adjacent cooperating holes defined in box structures and their closure elements to maintain closure. The fastener defines a head, larger than the hole to carry the fastener, that structurally carries a peripherally extending tab to aid manual manipulation. The head structurally connects an elongate perpendicularly extending body that fits in the cooperating holes and is formed by spaced peripheral webs that carry barb-like fasteners in their end portions distal from the head that allow insertion of the body through a hole by deformation, but thereafter expand responsive to retentent memory to prevent removal. The interconnection of the body and head is weaker in tensile strength than the material on either side of the interconnection so that the head may be removed from the body by manual manipulation of the peripheral tab, without the use of tools, to allow opening of the box structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming reinforcing structural rebar comprising a core of a thermosetting resin containing reinforcing material and an outer of sheet molding compound is provided. The apparatus comprises layer reinforcing material supply, a thermosetting resin supply means, a shaping die, means for impregnating the reinforcing material the reinforcing material with resin, means for pulling the reinforcing material through the shaping die to form the core of the thermosetting resin containing reinforcing material, sheet molding compound supply, guide means for guiding the sheet molding compound onto the core, and mold means for molding the outer layer of sheet molding compound onto the core.

Abstract: An expansible plug for anchoring in a drilled hole having an undercut, comprises a threaded bolt having a leading end with an expander cone at the leading end, an expansible sleeve having a leading end and a rear end and provided with a plurality of longitudinal slits starting from the leading end of the expansible sleeve and extending for a part of a length of the expansible sleeve. The expansible sleeve has a cylindrical portion arranged at the leading end of the expansible sleeve, and also an annular groove adjoining the cylindrical portion and tapering toward the rear end of the expansible sleeve. The groove is bounded in a region of the slits by a rounded portion. The expansible sleeve is composed of a fiber-reinforced, high-strength plastic material.

Abstract: A fastener assembly formed of molded plastic components and comprising helically grooved studs interference fitted into smooth walled cylindrical bores.

Abstract: A socket end closure arrangement comprises a socket 4 in an article 5 and a closure 1 for the socket end. The closure 1 comprises a plug 2 for fitting into the socket 4, and to which plug 2 is attached, preferably tangentially, a disc-like flange 3. The plug 2 has spherically-arranged surfaces having a curvature substantially derived from the surface of a sphere and permitting selection of the orientation of the plug in fitting of the plug 2, preferably in interference-fit manner, into the socket 4 from a plurality of alternative orientations about at least one axis transverse to the longitudinal axis y of the socket 4. The flange 3 preferably locates into a surface recess 7 to become flush with the surface of the article 5. The plug may be physically structured in providing resilience and accordingly may be segmented 24. The axis y may be non-perpendicular to the plane of, or tangent to, the article surface, and the axis x of the recess 7 may not be aligned with axis y.

Abstract: A fastener assembly adapted to be integrated with a component such as a coat hook to allow the coat hook to be releasably mounted to a panel. The fastener assembly includes resilient latch legs that extend from the first component and are adapted to engage in a panel opening. The legs include resilient spring fingers that permit the assembly to be preassembled to a second component such as a headliner prior to the time that the first component and the second component are joined to the panel.

Abstract: A fastening or connecting device for fiber-reinforced ceramics to be used in high temperature ranges is in the form of a screw that is manufactured of a ceramic material in the shape of a plate having fiber layers with fibers oriented parallel to the surface of the plate. The plate thickness is less than 90% of the core diameter of the thread so that upon cutting a thread a discontinuous thread results. The bore of a complementary nut is provided with a continuous inner thread that cuts through the fiber layers at a right angle.

Abstract: The encapsulated nut of the present invention comprises a stove pipe configured encapsulation, having a base portion for entirely encapsulating the exterior surfaces of a conventional nut such as a nut designed to accommodate a half-inch bolt and having a square exterior shape. The encapsulated nut of the present invention also comprises an integral bore which is configured as an elongated cylinder adapted to receive the portion of the bolt that is threaded through the nut and extends beyond the nut. However, the internal diameter of the bore is greater than the external diameter of the threaded bolt and comprises a smooth surface. Thus, the internal wall surface of the bore is not provided with threads, nor is it cut to form threads when the bolt is threaded through the nut of the invention.

Abstract: A continuous nail pack made of ultra-high strength plastic composite materials, for example, thermoplastic or thermoset materials for use in standard nailing machines. The individual nails have sufficient compressive strength and a flexural modulus such that the nail may be used for nailing into commodity woods for construction, furniture making, or for building boats. Further, this nail pack is non-corrodible and provides plastic nails having a length/diameter ratio of a working nail heretofore unavailable.

Abstract: A fastening assembly for securing plastic panels (50) to metallic substrates (52) is provided in which a metallic nut (14) is mounted in snap-fit relationship on plastic insert (12), which is in turn engaged in snap-fit relationship on the metallic substrate (52). The nut (14) slidably engages the plastic insert (12) to permit certain movement along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the insert (12) to provide thermal compensation for the mounted plastic panel (50). The nut (14) itself utilizes the same guide lug structure (26) of the insert member (12) to both effect snap-fit retention of the nut (14) on the insert (12) and to guide the sliding movement of the nut (14) with respect to the insert (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal fixation insert for stiffening the fixation zone of a part of plastic material on a support. This metal fixation insert is made of rolled steel which is perforated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the application for one or more deposits of material to a succession of discrete articles such as fasteners as is provided. The method and apparatus of the present invention deposits a droplet or extended bead of thermoplastic or thermoset material onto the surface of a part that is urged into a postion once it solidifies to extends above the surface of the part to create assembly resistance when the part is assembled into or over another part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system comprising a nut and a counterpart, wherein for protection against torsion of the nut at least two fastening elements are provided which interengage as a projection and a depression. In order on the one hand to secure the nut against inadvertent loosening and on the other hand to facilitate simple manual operation in tightening and loosening, the nut is made from resilient material and is constructed integrally with one of the two fastening elements.

Abstract: A fastener for releasably securing first and second panels together includes a pin for being secured in an opening of a first panel, and a grommet for being secured in an opening of the second panel and for releasably receiving a shank of the pin to thereby releasably secure the first and second panels together. The pin includes a shank having a plurality of spaced apart circumferential grooves thereon, and a pair of spaced apart flanges connected to an end of the shank for securing the pin in the opening of the first panel. The grommet includes a tubular body defining a passageway for receiving the shank and has at least one longitudinal slot opening outwardly to an end thereof to define a radially pliant portion of the tubular body. A flange may be connected to the tubular body adjacent an end thereof opposite the longitudinal slot and cooperates with a plurality of tabs connected to the tubular body to secure the grommet within the opening of the second panel.

Abstract: An article 10 for insertion into an opening, for example for use as a closure plug in a screw-threaded hole, comprises a body 18 and two projections 22 extending outwardly from the body 18. The outer extent of the projections 22 is circular about the axis of the body 18 except for two gaps 24 which are oppositely disposed. The body 18 is tapered backwards to enable the projections 22 to fold backwards in a compact fashion so that the article can fit large and small diameter openings.

Abstract: An encapsulating grommet for use with a push-pin for retaining a covering panel or other structure to a supporting panel is molded in an open condition and includes a hinge portion which permits one half of the encapsulating grommet to be folded against the other half. One of the two halves includes a rectangular frame having an opening surrounded by an umbrella-like flange. The other half snap-fits into the rectangular frame when closed so that the encapsulating grommet may be shipped in a closed condition. One of the two halves has a single side wall, while the other half has an inner and outer side wall separated by a channel. When the two halves are closed upon one another, the single side wall fits into the channel, whereby a labyrinth seal against dust and water will be provided for the internal cavity of the encapsulating grommet.

Abstract: An anchoring device for anchoring a threaded member in a substrate material includes a plastic anchoring sheath for receiving the screw. The plastic anchoring sheath includes annular anchoring ribs formed around a body portion of the anchoring sheath and at least three longitudinal ribs extending along at least a portion of the body portion of the anchoring sheath preferably parallel to a longitudinal axis of the anchoring sheath. The longitudinal ribs extend outwardly from the anchoring sheath and lie in different planes which intersect at the longitudinal axis of the anchoring sheath. The anchoring sheath preferably includes top and bottom regions which have no annular or longitudinal ribs. The plastic anchoring sheath may be coated with a resilient, elastomeric coating.

Abstract: A screw hole plug for aesthetically closing a screw hole in a frame element having a counter sunk screw within. The screw hole plug is a molded monolithic deformable plug having a non-planar contoured finished surface that matches the contour of the frame element's exposed surface into which it is inserted by friction abutting the screw head positioned within.

Abstract: A spiral flex tree fastener, for use in securing a component to a panel by insertion into a hole provided therein, has a head, and a shank extending axially therefrom and ending in a conical rounded point. The head, shank, and point share a common axis, the head naturally being of greater diameter than the shank and point. The point has a maximum diameter substantially equal to the hole into which the fastener may be inserted. The shank is flattened, has two sides and a flange running axially along each of the two sides. The shank has a diagonally measured width equivalent to the maximum diameter of the point and merges smoothly thereinto, and the flanges ensure that the fastener remains centered in the appropriately sized hole into which it may be inserted. On each side of the shank are a plurality of flexible fins set at an oblique angle with respect to the axis of the fastener. A portion of each fin extends radially outward from the axis of the shank beyond the radial extent of the conical rounded point.

Abstract: An anchoring arrangement for use in underground mining or foundation work or as a reinforcing element for concrete includes a rod-shaped tension member of composite fiber material which has, over at least an anchoring portion thereof, a helically extending external thread with ribs formed by impressing valleys in the tension member. An anchoring member having a corresponding internal thread can be screwed onto the tension member. For obtaining a radial pressure on the tension member as a result of a wedge effect, the angle of inclination of the sides of the thread relative to the longitudinal axis of the tension member is smaller than 45.degree.. The thread preferably is a fiat trapezoidal thread. In an anchoring member which is stiff relative to circumferential tensile forces, the flat angle of inclination of the sides of the thread increases the radial pressure acting on the tension member, which leads to an increased effect into the depth and a higher resistance to shearing.

Abstract: An integral nut and washer formed from a fiber reinforced polymeric material that is particularly useful for use in water tanks and the like that are bolted together from overlapping metal plates. The combination includes a generally cylindrical nut body having an internally threaded cavity, with a transversely extending washer portion around the opening. At least one pair of opposed flats are provided on the nut body for tightening the nut with a conventional wrench. An axial vent is provided at the closed end of the cavity to allow air or excess sealant, where sealant is used, to escape as the nut is tightened. The entrance into the threaded cavity is chamfered, and the washer portion is tapered back along the nut portion for maximum washer strength. Preferably, the integral nut and washer is formed from a glass fiber reinforced polyurethane material by injection molding. This nut is durable and does not corrode in use.

Abstract: A screw and grommet fastener assembly for securing two mating panels together where the grommet absorbs variations in the relative positions of the panels and allows for expansion of a body portion thereof during insertion of the screw to withstand higher torques from screws of different sizes and dimensions without causing damage to the grommet.

Abstract: A one-piece non-metallic nut ring for surrounding and supporting an electrical connector attached to a bulkhead or other flat panel. The nut ring includes a planar backplate and threaded nuts extending outwardly therefrom. The backplate and nuts are coextensively and continuously connected to one another by compression molding a matrix of resin impregnated, non-metallic fibers. The non-metallic fibers are preferably short chopped fibers that are randomly dispersed within the matrix in directions extending generally parallel to the plane of the backplate. The nut ring of this invention is characterized as being of relatively light weight, corrosion resistant, non-conductive and able to withstand detection by radar.

Abstract: In a unit for mounting a primary insulator for power lines onto a pin, a threaded element has an inner diameter which decreases along the length of the threaded element from its top to bottom. The threaded element surrounds a portion of the pin, forming a gap defined by the outer peripheral surface of the pin and the inner diameter of the threaded element. An adhesive resinous material, such as epoxy, is permitted to cure within the gap and forms a strong bond with the pin, which may be metal or fiberglass. An interference fit, or interlock, is formed between the threaded element and the adhesive resinous material. The threaded element may be plastic, and a lubricating powder may be dispersed throughout the threaded element.

Abstract: Fasteners composed of a composite material constituted by a ceramic matrix reinforced with refractory fibers for use in the assembling and dissembling of structures likely to be subjected to high temperatures. The fasteners, which can comprise screws, nuts and bolts, can include a threaded rod, possibly comprising a head, and at least one nut cooperating with the rod. The threads of the rod and the nut are round threads. Further, the male and female portions of the threads have the same theoretical profile to within machining tolerance and functional clearance.

Abstract: A push-in fastener including a head and a shank, the shank including at least one resilient fin integrally formed along its length for insertion and retention of the fastener within an aperture of an article where the fin includes at least one engagement rib formed on either side thereof for contact with the edges of the aperture and for absorbing any wear or shear caused by the edges upon insertion or removal of the fastener so the fin remains intact and maintains the originally designed insertion and retention forces.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insert comprising a tubular plastic body having a hollow, axially extending threaded interior, and a plurality of interlocking portions preferably in the form of integrally formed plastic protrusions extending outward from the plastic body. The insert is maintained by force-fit engagement within a corresponding recess in a plastic base. Thereafter, the plastics of the body, protrusions and base are brought to a flowable condition at their interface to integrally bond the insert to the base and/or to interlock portions of the base and insert. The threaded interior of the insert remains intact during this insert bonding procedure to then accept and threadably engage with a threaded member, which may be metal or any other material. The metal threaded fastener may be already threaded into the insert at the time of bonding together of the plastics of the insert and base so that a driving of the metal fastener into the base is eliminated.

Abstract: A plug is suitable for use in preformed blind holes in rigid and soft material and also holes in sheetform material.The plug comprises a head portion (2) joined to a tail portion (10) by four legs (12), all having flexing points (20, 22, 24) towards their ends and in a central portion.The tail portion has a thread formation (16, 18) formed by a moulding process.

Abstract: A clip comprising a female member and a male member, with the female member having a plurality of resilient divisions, with the end of each division pressing radially inwardly, and in which the male member has a head portion that radially outwardly flexes said divisions, a small diameter portion integrally associated to the rear of the head portion that does not radially outwardly flex the divisions, and a large diameter portion integrally associated to the rear of the small diameter portion that can engage with the ends of the divisions to thereby hold the divisions in a radially outwardly flexed state, and the small diameter portion is also provided with ribs which can be received in the dividing slits used to form the divisions in the female member.

Abstract: A fastener is provided which is particularly suited for joining two or more panel members together, such as a circuit board with the internal support chassis of an electrical enclosure or casing. The fastener is configured with a compliant lower portion, such that the fastener can be installed and secured with a simple push-through action which requires only a moderate force. Because assembly of the fastener does not require a rotational motion, assembly costs for automated assembly operations are reduced, while physical demands on an assembler are significantly reduced for manual assembly operations. The fastener is reusable, in that the fastener can be readily removed without being plastically deformed.