Abstract: A plastic fastener for securing moldings to frames in vehicles. The fastener includes minor slots formed in the fastener and adjacent to a coupling structure. The minor slots provide sufficient flexibility to allow the fastener to flex inward under pressure, thereby permitting the coupling structure to move between an engagement position and a retracted position. The fastener is pushed through an opening in the frame. The opening is sized such that the edges of the opening apply pressure to the fastener as it moves through the opening, thereby moving the coupling structure toward its retracted position. When the fastener completely in the opening, the pressure is relieved, and the coupling structure snaps back to its engagement position, thereby engaging the edges of the opening and securing the fastener thereto. The fastener may be removed from the opening by applying sufficient pressure to again move the coupling structure to its retracted position.

Abstract: A fastener clip assembly for securing in a non-rotative fashion a first material to a second material includes a substantially planar and polygonal shaped base member and a plurality of four engaging members. The engaging members extend substantially upwardly from associated sides of the base. A laterally projecting angled tab portion extends from each engaging member to a next succeeding engaging member and both the angled tab portions and engaging member faces are provided with aligning apertured portions. Seating portions extend from the engaging members and secure the extending tab portions with their associated engaging member so that, in combination, the fastener clip exhibits an outwardly directed and resilient bias. The engaging members of the clip are resiliently biased so as to insert through a central opening in the second material and to locking engage the second material in a non-rotative fashion.

Abstract: A headed fastener clip having a threaded shank with a T-head embedment molded in a hex nut head for rotatably threading the clip into a support. A trim piece attachment post protrudes oppositely from the shank. A pair of spring arms are cantilevered from the post outer free end and diverge dependently therefrom to free ends spaced closely above the nut head. A catch portion adjacent each arm free end dimensioned to overlaps in use mutually opposed marginal edges of a fastener-receiving opening in the trim piece. The nut head has platforms on the head that underlie and support the opening marginal edge when the trim piece is installed on the clip. The fastener clip is first threaded into the support, the trim piece fastener opening registered with clip head and then the trim piece is pushed toward the support.

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 fastening device of the invention includes a head, a tool hole formed in the head, and a leg extending downwardly from a lower surface of the head and having engaging portions. The tool hole has at least one opening on a peripheral surface of the head. When the leg is inserted into a hole in a member to be jointed, the engaging portions engage the member. When the fastening device is removed from the member, a tool is directly inserted into the tool hole of the head to pull out the fastening device.

Abstract: A fastener device is provided for connecting a first component having a first aperture therein to a second component having a second aperture therein. The fastener device includes an axially extending first shaft portion for connection within the first aperture of the first component and an axially extending second shaft portion for connection within the second aperture of the second component. A connector portion extends between and interconnects the first and second shaft portions to each other. The shaft portions are each made of a first material and the connector portion is made of a different second material. The second material forming the connector portion is sufficiently flexible to permit axial and transverse movement of the first and second shaft portions relative each to allow for coaxial misalignment of the first and second apertures and to provide noise and vibration isolation between the first and second components in the assembled condition.

Abstract: A clip includes a fastener unit and a leg unit, the fastener unit having a pair of support plates projecting in parallel from the underside of a trim plate to be fastened and being formed at their distal ends with slits and a pair of engagement members provided on the outer surfaces of the support plates, and the leg unit having a pair of parallel wall plates formed on upper inner surface portions with steps for engaging with the engagement members of the fastener unit and a base connecting the wall plates and formed with a pair of opposing elastic legs at positions spaced from the wall plates and with lugs for engagement with the slits.

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: A panel fastener includes separable components formed from two different plastics, one relatively rigid and the other somewhat more flexible and resilient. The two components are formed in a two shot injection molding process and are joined through a ball and socket joint that allows subsequent separation and reconnection.

Abstract: A blind snap mounted clip fastener for anchoring into a round hole pattern stamped from a single sheet metal piece with a base portion (50) that is substantially flat, from which a cylindrical sleeve (24) is drawn and internally threaded. A pair of locking arms (26a) and (26b) projecting outwardly from the base portion, with an anti-rotate tab (20) projecting outwardly from a locking arm (26a) and bent downwardly and perpendicularly to the locking arm. A pair of spaced apart cylindrical shaped segments (28) projecting outwardly from base portion (50) and bent downwardly generally perpendicular and concentric to the sleeve. Along the vertical surface of each cylinder segment, a locking pawl (22) is sheared, shaped and bent outwardly away from the segment with its top edge placed at a predetermined distance from the top surface of the base portion and concentric to the segment perimeter.

Abstract: A article retainer includes an outer casing and an insert, the outer casing being formed as a hollow body having an engagement flange destined to cover the periphery of a mounting hole formed in a panel for insertion of the outer casing, a pair of engagement claws formed at diametrically opposite wall portions below the engagement flange to extend upward while maintaining flexing spaces between their inner surfaces and the wall portions and a pair of windows formed in diametrically opposite wall portions offset from the wall portions formed with the engagement claws by 90. The insert is formed as a hollow body of a size snugly fittable into the outer casing and having a pair of engagement projections formed at diametrically opposite outer wall portions for engagement with the windows and a pair of downward facing elastic engaging members formed at diametrically opposite inner wall portions for clamping the hook.

Abstract: A locking assembly used for securing an abutment member to a support member includes a locking stud having a post connected to and disposed outwardly from the abutment member. The post has a longitudinal locking blade connected to and disposed outwardly from the abutment member. The locking blade includes an outwardly disposed inclined surface terminating in a crest edge which comprises a wedge lock for being disposed against an edge of the hole in the support member. An inwardly disposed surface extends from the crest edge. The blade is deflectable at the inwardly disposed inclined surface so that the inwardly disposed inclined surface acts as a cam whereby insertion of the blade into the hole causes an edge of the hole to press against the cam and deflect the blade until the crest edge has passed beyond the hole with the wedge lock preventing removal of the stud from the hole. The post also includes a longitudinally outwardly extending base portion transversely opposite the locking blade.

Abstract: An engaging structure of a flexible retainer which includes a retaining portion for retaining a member to be retained and which retains the member to be retained at a mounting plate by engaging the retaining portion with a mounting hole formed at a mounting plate, comprising: a pair of leg pieces which are inserted through the mounting hole; a pair of pawl pieces which are provided at an anchor portion to which distal ends of the pair of leg pieces are connected and which are inserted through the mounting hole so as to elastically abut a back surface of the mounting plate; and elastic plates which are provided in pairs so as to oppose the pawl pieces and elastically contact the surface of the mounting plate. Because the elastic plates urge the anchor portion in a direction of withdrawing the anchor portion, the engaging structure of the retainer can conform to changes in the thickness of the mounting plate.

Abstract: A support for medical instruments is provided to securely grasp the instrument during sterilization and storage. The support can be readily rearranged on a sterilization tray and can be securely locked in whatever position is desired. It employs a novel arrangement of locking bayonet fingers and a simple removal tool for changing location of the support.

Abstract: A bayonet-type fastener especially adapted for securing wiring harnesses at predetermined locations within vehicle bodies. A half-arrowhead; i.e., single barb bayonet fastener is formed of flat ribbon stock such as plastic to define an open sided hollow body in which the base legs lie in spaced parallel relationship, a cam surface for insertion purposes is formed on the outer surface of the barb arm, and the barb arm terminates in a retention leg which also lies in spaced parallel relationship to both of the base legs. The entire structure compresses when thrust through an approximately sized aperture and thereafter reexpands to prevent or inhibit removal. The single barb eliminates the ambiguity arising from multiple audible clicks associated with multiple barb type fasteners.

Abstract: A removable plastic automobile boss has a body formed with a bore for receiving a threaded fastener. A flat seating flange is formed on the front portion of the body, the flange including left and right ears respectively protruding outwardly from the left and right sides of the body. Top and bottom ramp-shaped engagement abutments are formed on the body. Further, a slit is formed on the body such that the top and bottom engagement abutments ride against the periphery of an instrument panel receptacle when the boss is advanced into the receptacle, thereby causing the top and bottom halves to be urged toward each other to permit the boss to be fully inserted into the receptacle. The front portion snappingly resumes an engaged configuration when the engagement abutments clear the periphery to sandwich the periphery between the engagement abutments and the seating flange to engage the boss with the instrument panel.

Abstract: A fastener assembly and method for attaching a first member to a second member. The fastener assembly includes a socket member which defines a socket and a stud which includes a head engagable with the socket of the nut. The stud is attached to a first member and the nut is attached to a second member. The assembly is initially attached to the first member by attaching the stud to the first member and then inserting the nut into the second member. When the first member must be removed from the second member, the head of the stud is forcibly disengaged from the socket of the nut. Reattachment of the first member the second member is achieved by forcibly engaging the head with the socket. After the initial insertion, the socket member remains captively retained on the second member.

Abstract: A clip comprised of a head portion retained to a panel, and a leg portion inserted and retained in a mounting hole. The leg portion has a leg plate, elastic legs which project out from the longitudinally-extending transverse direction sides of the leg plate so as to form curved surfaces which face each other, and pawl portions protruded from the elastic legs. Curved outer surfaces of the pawl portions are disposed on a circular locus around central points on side surfaces of the leg plate, and have a greater curvature than the curvature of the mounting hole. As a result, when the leg portion is inserted into the mounting hole, the entire peripheral surfaces of the pawl portions do not contact the peripheral wall of the mounting hole, but only point-contact the peripheral wall of the mounting hole at points. Therefore, frictional force between the mounting hole and the leg portion is small, and insertion force is reduced.

Abstract: A nail-like fixing element has a shank having a rear end and a front end, and a retaining element provided at the rear end of the shank for clamping an article to a component. The shank has at least one expansion zone extending from the front end in a longitudinal direction of a part of a length of the shank and being formed by a free space. An expansion element is inserted in the free space. The space is formed as a U-shaped longitudinal slot with a base which slopes up toward the front end. The expansion element is formed as a wedge which is located in the longitudinal slot on the base so as to be displaceable towards the front end. The wedge has an outer face provided with teeth which project beyond the shank.

Abstract: A plug connector for making a connection joint between an axially aligned pair of hollow spacer profiles of insulating glass panes is configured as an essentially U-shape cross section with a center web and a pair of side webs extending from the center web to define with the center web a cavity in the plug connector. The plug connector is characterized by a bottom plate extending between the side webs for closing the cavity in and only in the region of the connection joint between the spacer profiles. Preferably the bottom plate consists of one or two lobes bent at an angle from the side webs and pointing towards an inner side of the spacer profiles. The plug connector preferably has siccative disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: At least one end portion of a nut threadably engaged with a screw shaft is provided a mounting member mounting stepped portion, a radial through-hole is formed in the peripheral surface of the stepped portion and a radial pin insertion aperture is formed in the peripheral surface of a mounting member correspondingly to the through-hole, and an engagement recess is formed at a location whereat the through-hole and the pin insertion aperture are connected together. A pin member is provided with a protruded portion on the barrel portion thereof. The pin member is elastically deformed and inserted into the through-hole, and the tip end thereof is brought into engagement with the pin insertion aperture to fix the mounting member and bring the protruded portion into engagement with the engagement recess, thereby preventing the pin member from slipping out.

Abstract: A uni-directional slack adjuster is incorporated into a hold-down tension rod or strap, such as a hold-down anchor bolt for bolting a shear wall on one floor to a shear wall or foundation wall below, when a wood floor joist assembly is in between. The slack adjuster eliminates bolt slack so that in the event of an earthquake or hurricane, the sill plate is positively anchored with no vertical bolt play, eliminating much of the cosmetic damage that is often done to the wallboard and other finished surfaces due to distortion of the wallboard framing as the sill rises abruptly until it reaches the end of travel on the hold-down bolts. The slack adjuster comprises a link in the tensioner and non-reversibly either expands or contracts axially depending on the particular embodiment.

Abstract: A clip for coupling an inner shield with a frame of a cathode ray tube preventing the clip from being detached from an insertion hole after coupling and easy to mount, comprising: a head portion including grippers 91 having free ends, extended from the two sides of the head portion with having a certain angle; connecting portions formed by upwardly bending extensions from the two sides of the head portion; and supporting portions having elastic bending portions formed by outwardly bending extensions from the upper part of the connecting portions and contacting portions formed by upwardly bending extensions from the elastic bending portions.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for restraining a cracked shroud against vertical joint separation. The method involves the placement of a plurality of tie rods (e.g., four) in the downcomer annulus at respective azimuthal positions, each of the tie rods having one end anchored to the shroud support plate. The other end of each tie rod is latched over the top edge of the shroud to counteract lifting forces exerted on the shroud by the bolts which hold down the shroud head.

Abstract: A protective liner is secured to a truck cargo bed by a plurality of one-piece resilient fasteners each including a bearing plate and a clamp member. The bearing plate and clamp member are integrally formed with the clamp member extending perpendicularly from the bearing plate. A lever arm extends from a peripheral edge of the clamp member toward the bearing plate to a free end portion removed from contact with the base plate. The lever arm is normally spring biased downwardly away from the bearing plate. On installation the clamp member is projected through an opening in the liner with the peripheral edge sliding over the edge of the liner around the opening. As the clamp member advances through the opening, the lever arm slides on the liner edge and is urged upwardly toward the bearing plate to allow the clamp member to pass through the opening. The pivotal movement of the lever arm allows the bearing plate to be compressed against the liner without flexing the bearing plate relative to the clamp member.

Abstract: A fastening element is provided having a fastener body including a first side and a second side, with resilient locking prongs extending from one side of the fastener body. The fastener body can include either a cavity or a shank on one of the sides. The shank or cavity can be provided with either a channel or an engagement lug for mating with a complimentary fastening element. One side of the fastener body can also be provided with a cam surface or a resilient surface to inhibit rotation between mated complimentary fastening elements.

Abstract: A spring formed from strip steel crimped on a threaded bolt for receiving a threaded member preferably having four arms separated by 90 degrees to form a cross and wherein the ends of the legs are cambered in order to provide greater bearing surface against each of the two walls of a corner in a tubular member when the spring member is inserted into the tubular member. Where the arms extend from the well of the spring, the arms are slightly notched in order to provide for automatic indexing. When the spring is compressed the wells formed by the spring contact the walls of the tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably locking a microphone stand tube to a microphone base has a lock member receiver threadingly attached to the microphone base. A locking coupling has a first end threadingly attached to the microphone stand tube. A lock member has a coupling end connected to a second end of the locking coupling and a locking retainer releasably locked into the locking receiver. The lock member has a locking actuator arm. A locking arm is connected to the locking actuator arm and pivotally connected to the locking retainer. There is a securing hook attached to the locking arm. The securing hook releasably engages an end of the lock member receiver. There is a spring receiving chamber in the locking retainer. A lock spring has an end removably placed in the spring retaining chamber and another end abutting the locking arm. The male exterior surface is octagon in shape and a female interior surface of the lock member receiver is octagon in shape to receive the male exterior surface of the lock member.

Abstract: A cable actuator control assembly for motion furniture such as lounge chairs having shiftable footrests and the like, includes a cable assembly (16), a cable actuator module (12) having a pivot assembly (46) connecting rearward base (18) and front handle (20) for shifting a cable (92) between first and second positions, a channel including an apertured bight (78) connecting opposed legs (80 and 82), and bolts (88) for biasing channel (14) into engagement with boss (28). Self-tensioning pivot assembly (52) includes coaxially aligned pins (62 and 64) connected by coiled spring (72).

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: A push-in rivet for being mounted on and interconnecting a connector and a circuit board. The rivet body includes a head portion, a plurality of spaced-apart flexible legs, and a shank portion which interconnects the head portion and the legs. The legs are flexible and are subsequently radially inwardly movable for passage through a hole formed in the board and radially outwardly movable after passage through the hole so as to interconnect the connector and the board. The method of riveting the connector to the board includes the steps of passing the rivet through a hole in the connector so that the head portion abuts a surface of the connector, drawing a mandrel through the bore so as to outwardly expand the legs, and passing the legs of the rivet through a hole in the board so as to radially inwardly compress the legs for passing through the hole in the board and subsequently radially outwardly expanding the legs so as to secure the board to the connector.

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: A holding element 1 is formed of plastic with a basic body 2 and an adjoining resilient stop 3. There are formed onto the basic body several resilient detents 4, 4'; 5, 5', located in diagonally oppositely disposed pairs with front engagement surfaces 6, 6'; 7, 7' facing the resilient stop 3. The basic body is rectangular in cross section and exhibits an open interior S. Moreover, all four side surfaces are equipped with at least one of the resilient detents 4, 4'; 5, 5'. At least two of the diagonally opposite detents respectively have a T-shape, and the transverse cross-piece 9 on the T-shape carries the front engagement surface. The vertical cross-piece 10 of the T-shape is arranged between two recesses 11, 12 located in the plane of the side surfaces of the basic body 2. Each detent 4, 4'; 5, 5' is surrounded by perforations 13 extending to the free interior space 8 in the basic body 2.

Abstract: A fastening device is provided to secure a sagging headliner to the interior roof portion of a motor vehicle. The device consists essentially of an upholstery type button which has been modified by attaching thereto a V-shaped member made from spring steel wire. The device is installed in the ceiling of the vehicle by squeezing the two prongs of the V-shaped member into a sharp point, and then pushing the point through the headliner and into a cardboard backing. When the button has been fully pushed in, the prongs of the V-shaped member will spread apart under the force of the flexed steel, and thereby hold the button, and the headliner, up against the roof of the car.

Abstract: This invention most generally relates to a clip mechanism assembleable to the back-side of an ornament member, most preferably jewelry objects or fanciful buttons and the like, to be displayed by removable attachment to clothing mainly through "button-holes" and used, for example, as tuxedo-studs, cuff-links, lapel-pins, etc. The clip mechanism may also be used with hooks or posts upon which may be placed, or hung, tools, pictures, or articles for display. The clip mechanism is removably insertable into a mounting hole or peg-board hole and because of the particular design of the clip mechanism will support the article hung on the hook or post. The clip mechanism is removable with a pulling force in a direction opposite the direction of insertion of the mechanism.

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: A clamp and installation tool combination wherein the clamp portion comprises an elongated pin having a hook at both ends and containing multiple circumferential notches along its shaft. A clamp button with a central through-hole is mounted on the shaft of the pin and engages the notches so as to produce a ratchet-type mechanism that permits the motion of the button only in the direction of the distal end of the pin. The installation tool consists of a syringe-type applicator having an outer barrel containing a pin retention clip designed to engage the hook at the proximal end of the pin, so that the pin cannot move in relation to the barrel of the tool.

Abstract: A cable mount for securing a bundle of wires against a mounting surface including a spaced apart pair of legs having retention barbs, and a corresponding harness fixture, which allows for easy application of a single, centered cable tie by an automatic cable tie application tool.

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.

Abstract: A locking assembly for securement through a hole in a support member comprises an abutment member having a locking stud in the form of a post with a locking blade. A plane perpendicular to the abutment member bisects the post. The locking blade is disposed on one side and spaced from the bisecting plane. The stud is completely open in the space opposite the locking blade to create an air space over the entire volume of the stud outwardly of the post and inwardly of the single locking blade. The locking blade includes an outwardly disposed inclined surface which terminates in a crest edge. The outwardly disposed inclined surface functions as a wedge for being disposed against an edge of the hole in a support member. An inwardly disposed inclined surface extends from the crest edge. The blade is deflectable at the inwardly disposed inclined surface so that the inwardly disposed inclined surface functions as a cam which guides the blade into the hole.

Abstract: A locator tie for attaching an element, such as a bundle of electrical wires, to a thin wall having an aperture. The locator tie comprises of a cable tie (11) capable of surrounding and engaging the element and an arrowhead connector (12) connected to the cable tie, the arrowhead connector being adapted so that it is easily inserted into the aperture but removed from the aperture only with great difficulty.The arrowhead connector (12) has an arrowhead (34) consisting of two blades (35 and 36) and a hinge (37) connecting the two blades. The arrowhead is supported on a support structure (31) and is connected to the cable tie in such a way that insertion force is minimized, extraction force is maximized, and stress-induced failure of the support structure is minimized.The structure includes two arms (51 and 52) which engage the blades of the arrowhead and two legs (54 and 55) which connect to a split connector on the cable tie.

Abstract: The present invention anti-rotational fastener for an automotive vehicle comprises a cap portion suitable for attachment to an electrical apparatus and a barbed shaft. The shaft has a pair of broad sides and a pair of thin sides, all of which extend perpendicularly downward from the cap portion for attachment to an automotive vehicle body panel. This difference in shaft side dimensions corresponds to an elongated slot cut within the vehicle body panel, thereby preventing rotation of the fastener and, in turn, the electrical apparatus. Furthermore, an upper portion of the shaft broad sides has a pair of wings oppositely extending outward therefrom in order to mechanically stabilize the fastener against rotational movements in vertical planes which would otherwise tend to loosen the fastener. In an alternative embodiment, the anti-rotational fastener of the present invention can be used to retain and prevent rotation of a portion of a wire harness.

Abstract: In a fastener for securing a weather strip to an automotive body panel provided with a cap portion for retaining the weather strip, a stem portion extending from the cap portion and adapted to be fitted into a through hole provided in the body panel, a radial flange provided in the stem portion adjacent the cap portion for abutting the outer surface of the body panel, and a plurality of engagement claws projecting radially from the stem portion for securing the stem portion in the through hole of the body panel, to reduce the force required for securing the fastener and facilitate the use of the fastener without compromising the fastening capability of the fastener, the stem portion has a substantially hollow cross section, and is provided with four axial slits at 90 degree interval. Thus, the separated parts of the stem portion are given with a sufficient yieldability without being affected by the rigidity of the radial flange, and the work of mounting the fastener is facilitated.

Abstract: A fastener is disclosed for attaching first and second members. The fastener includes a longitudinal shaft portion having first and second segments each having a cross-sectional shape substantially conforming to the peripheral shape of first and second openings formed in the respective members. The longitudinal length of each segment substantially conforms to the depth of said first and second openings. A cap member is formed at a first end of the shaft portion adjacent and outside the first segment. The cap member is larger than the periphery of the first opening. A spacer member is formed on the shaft portion between the first and second segments. This spacer member has an outer periphery larger than the first and second openings to inhibit passage therethrough so as to secure the first member on the first segment of the shaft portion between the cap member and the spacer member. The fastener also includes an abutment member positioned on the second end of the shaft portion outside of the second segment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a one-piece expansion nut for a T-joint of pipes, including an internal thread hole at the center thereof and a plurality of long expanding pieces and short expanding pieces alternatively disposed around the outer periphery thereof, wherein the outer diameters formed by the long and short expanding pieces the same, but slightly larger than the inner diameter of one pipe to be jointed, upon putting the expansion nut into the pipe and passing a bolt through another pipe to screw onto the internal thread hole for a T-joint, the long and short expanding pieces being respectively expanded to exert force against the inner wall of the one pipe in two stages, so as to firmly hold the expansion nut in place and effectively complete the T-joint as required.

Abstract: Dowel-like retaining peg (10) of plastics material--particularly for fastening furniture fittings to articles of furniture--which may be fitted by pressing or driven into a bore (16). The retaining peg has an elongate peg portion (18) from whose outer peripheral surface a number of peripheral projecting ribs (20) extend radially, offset in the longitudinal direction of the peg and with a triangular cross-section tapering towards the exterior and defining a respective knife blade-like retaining ridge. Over the major portion of its longitudinal extent the peg portion (18) has a substantially smaller diameter with respect to the diameter (d) of the associated bore (16) and the peripheral annular projections (20) are constructed as annular disc-shaped, elastically deformable fins (20) which are integrally connected to the peg portion (18) and whose external diameter (D) is larger than the diameter of the associated bore (16).

Abstract: A one-piece plastic drive fastener comprises an enlarged head with a rigid cylindrical shank extending therefrom and terminating in a free end. Four circumferentially spaced axial rows of wing elements extend generally radially outwardly from the shank. The wing elements each have the shape of a segment of a thin walled truncated cone with a narrow first end joined to the cylindrical shank and a wider second end spaced outwardly of the shank and inclined toward the head portion. The wing members are freely flexible in the direction toward the head portion with the wing elements in each row being relatively uniformly spaced axially of the shank but axially offset from the wing elements in the next adjacent rows.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a sleeve portion and an engagement portion which are spaced apart but which are interconnected by two flexible strut members, each of which includes short and long arms. A screw can be inserted through a central bore in the sleeve portion so that its end engages a bore in the engagement portion to initially hold the engagement portion in a fixed position relative to the sleeve portion and thereby resist flexing movement of the strut members. Upon subsequent tightening of the screw, the sleeve and engagement portions are caused to move together, thereby flexing the strut members outwardly.

Abstract: A lock for front-mounting through a panel opening in a panel, the lock having a face plate, a barrel extending transversely from the face plate, and a shaft extending from the barrel to receive a cam. The lock has a retaining spring with a base and two legs, the base and legs being formed of spring steel and being integral with one another, the base having a central opening receiving the shaft and being so dimensioned as to be able to pass through the panel opening when the base is mounted on the shaft, each of the legs having two sides of different lengths so that the outer ends of the legs are angular. The legs extend generally transversely of the base with the outer ends being spaced apart a greater distance than the size of the panel opening, so that when the lock is pressed through the panel opening the face plate will engage with one side of the panel and the outer ends will engage with the other side of the panel, securing the lock in position.

Abstract: A light-weight sheet metal fastener (10) is formed from a single flat metal blank (20) to include first and second pairs of opposite side wall members (22, 24) having parts formed into leaf spring members (49), all surrounding a threaded sleeve (16) unitary with a center plate (12). The side wall members (22, 24) extend through a panel (14) opening (60) during mounting and the spring members lock against fastener removal.