Abstract: A spacer pad for a nuclear control rod includes first and second halves each including a head and a shank. The shanks are configured for joining together the pad first and second halves, and the shanks are independently locked together for preventing the disassembly thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second shanks are threadingly joined together, and then independently locked together using a complementary hook and ledge respectively supported by the pad halves which allows assembly together of the pad halves but prevents disassembly thereof.

Abstract: A locking stud for securing a plate to a support member includes a single post connected to and disposed outwardly from the plate. A single locking blade is connected to and disposed outwardly from the post on one side of and spaced from the axial center line of the post. The stud is completely open in the space opposite the locking blade. The locking blade includes an outwardly disposed arcuate surface which terminates in a crest edge and functions as a wedge lock when disposed against the edge of a hole in the support member. An inwardly disposed arcuate surface extends from the crest edge. The blade is deflectable at the inwardly disposed arcuate surface so that the inwardly disposed arcuate surface functions as a cam during insertion of the blade into the support member hole. When fully inserted the outwardly disposed arcuate surface is wedged against the hole to effectively prevent removal of the stud from the hole.

Abstract: A two-part fastening clip made of a hard-elastic plastic material for fastening a piece of molding to a panel. The device includes an upper part having a cover plate, with the molding being secured to one side of the cover plate, a stopper element that extends perpendicularly out from an opposite side of the cover plate in a direction away from the molding and a bulge on its free end that tapers conically in both its axial directions. The device also includes a lower part that can be anchored in a hole in the panel and has a socket casing having a through opening therein for receipt of the stopper element of the upper part and a constricted edge in the opening behind which the bulge of the stopper engages to lock the two parts together.

Abstract: A device is described for use in locating and securing a component, for example a cover panel, in an adjusted position to a main structure. The device is formed from an elongated plate-shaped member which is turned down at each end to form locating legs. The main part of the device sits on the component which is secured to the main structure by a screw which passes through apertures in the device and the component and engages in a threaded aperture in the main structure. When the component has been secured in the desired adjusted position, the legs of the locating device extend into, and grip, the removable component thereby establishing a location in the component for the screw. It is then possible to remove the component from the main structure and replace it in the same position without further adjustment.

Abstract: A securement member (13-18) has a relatively rigid foot (4-25) adapted to be secured on a first member (1) and prolonged by a body (5-19) provided in at least one region of its side surface with protuberant elastic hooking formations (7-20), and a seat (8-23) provided in the second member (2) whose internal side wall (9-24') has a shape of revolution, and adapted to receive with friction the body (5-19) and the hooking formations (7-20). The securement member (3-18) and the seat (8) comprise a mutual unlocking assembly (13-22, 24) permitting, by movement of rotation between the securement member (3-18) and the seat (8-23), effecting the escape of the hooking formations from the side wall of the seat. The invention is particularly applicable to devices for securing an appliance housing on a wall.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting a vehicle accessory such as a visor to a vehicle includes a mounting member for each visor and which includes a pair of opposed spaced support surfaces for compressibly engaging opposite sides of the vehicle sheet metal support structure when one of the support surfaces is extended through an aperture in the sheet metal support structure to lock the mounting member in place. A compression member extends between one of the support surfaces of the mounting member and the sheet metal vehicle support structure to prevent movement of the mounting member and visor attached thereto once installed.

Abstract: A fastener which releasably retains a first member in relation to a second member. The fastener is frangible for fracture upon the application of a tensioning force thereto permitting the first and second members to which the fastener is engaged to be displaced relative to one another. The fastener, once fractured, is retained in the corresponding first and second members to which it was originally attached to prevent the generation of loose pieces. An installation tool is also provided for installing the fastener into the first and second members. The fastener includes a shank which fractures into a first and a second segment. A frangible portion of the fastener is spaced along the shank between the first and second segments and defines such segments for providing a predetermined fracture point. Non-planar engaging portions on the first and second segments retain the fastener in the corresponding first and second members once engaged therewith even after fracture of the fastener.

Abstract: An easily insertable fastener for use joining a plurality of layers of material, and particularly as the pin for an eyeglass temple hinge. This fastener has a shank member to pass through apertures of the layers and extend outward from a far side. A plurality of sets of fingers extend from the shank member along the length thereof, with a recess provided immediately adjacent each set of fingers whereby the fingers, when distorted, are fully received in the recess as the fastener is inserted. The recess depth corresponds to the thickness of the adjacent fingers. When the fastener is fully in place, at least one of the sets of fingers projects from the opposite side of the layers such that the projecting set of fingers returns to the extended position to prevent removal of the fastener. Several embodiments are shown and described for use as eyeglass temple hings fasteners where all of the apertures of the hinge barrels are of the same size, as well as when an outer barrel is smaller and/or is threaded.

Abstract: A clip for fixing a panel (17) to a support (18), comprising: a relatively stiff moulded plastics material body (1) having a head (2) adapted to be mounted to the panel through an orifice (19), a foot (3) adapted to be mounted to the support through an orifice (20), a flange at the place where the foot (3) and the head (2) merge and a relatively soft plastics material washer cooperating with the flange to provide a seal with the support characterized in that the washer (14) is overmoulded onto the periphery of the flange (4).

Abstract: An electrical connector incorporates a resilient hold-down device for securely fastening the electrical connector to an associated printed circuit board or the like. The hold-down device is capable of repeated insertion and removal into the printed circuit board without the danger of failure or fracturing which could cause unreliability in the electrical connections between the connector and the printed circuit board. The hold-down device comprises a horizontal base, a pair of spaced arms bent upwardly at a right angle from opposite sides of the base in substantially parallel relationship, and a pair of legs, spaced apart from one another extending downwardly and bent downward at a right angle along the longitudinal edge of the base. The legs also have side projections for engagement with the periphery of an aperture in the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A clip (20) for supporting a vine or plant stem (S) on a pair of planks (12, 14) of a wooden fence (10). The clip (20) has an elongate body portion (22) and a pair of legs (24, 26) extending in opposite transverse directions relative to the longitudinal axis L of the elongate body portion (22). The clip (20) is mounted within the space (T) between opposed side edges (16, 18) of the wooden planks (12, 14) with the legs (24, 26) having projecting gripping elements (30) for biting into and gripping the wooden side edges (16, 18) upon insertion of the legs (24, 26) within the space (T) between the side edges (16, 18). Upon installation of the clip (20) with the plant stem (S) received between the legs (24, 26) and inward depression of the legs (24, 26) for fitting between the side edges (16, 18) a torsional loading of the elongate body portion (22) occurs.

Abstract: A clip for attaching an ornamental member to a wall member such as a vehicle body panel. The clip has a head continuously connected with a portion locking the ornamental member. The head is pressed against one surface of the wall member. The clip also has a leg extending from the head and is inserted into a through hole in the wall member. Pawls are formed at a maximum diameter portion of the leg and pressed against the other surface of the wall member to fixedly hold the leg onto the wall member. Pliable thin-walled resin is coated through secondary forming around the respective outer peripheries of the pawls and the leg for preventing damage of an inner periphery of the through hole when the leg is inserted into the through hole.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener system comprising a male or stud element with a split or bifurcated head, forming two prongs, that fits inside a female or socket sleeve. Inside the socket sleeve is an internal annular ring of a smaller diameter. The stud prongs deflect radially inwardly when pushed into contact with the internal ring until the prongs pass the ring at which point they deflect radially outwardly and lock the male member within the sleeve. This locking action allows for a variety of items to be clamped together along the length of the rivet sleeve provided that at each end of the rivet there is a head of larger diameter than that of the sleeve. Each head can be replaced by any number of integrally molded items requiring a locking/mating action or where locking and rotation is desired.

Abstract: On the rear side of the front panel (1) of an electronic equipment, at each lateral end which overlaps an edge of an aperture (3) into which the electronic equipment is being inserted, bushings (5) having rearwardly extending catch members (6) are fastened to the rear of the front panel by screws (12). The bushings are of resilient synthetic plastic. The catch members are disposed around a continuation of the central bore of the bushing. Stepped bores (14) are provided in the wall portion overlapped by the front panel. When the bushings are inserted into these stepped bores the catch members are first deflected inwards and then, as they reach their final position, spring outwards and catch against the step (16) of the bore (14). Mating projections (9) and openings (10) lock each bushing against rotation as it is screwed on to the front panel (1).

Abstract: A sliding grommet includes a head flange and a shank portion of a unique construction which is capable of absorbing relative positions of an oblong fitting hole in a mounting panel and a throughhole in a mating hole to be attached caused by thermal expansion and contraction. A pair of Y-shaped members are disposed on opposite sides of the shank portion to permit flexing upon insertion, and locking tabs are provided on each leg of the Y-shaped members for retaining freely floating the shank portion in the oblong fitting hole in the mounting panel so as to permit lateral sliding engagement between the upper and lower edges of the fitting hole.

Abstract: The combination of a metal stud having a projecting head for welding to a receptor surface and a resilient clip for mounting on said stud and retained by said projecting head is characterized in that the underside of said head has a tapered shoulder which reduces progressively to the diameter of said stud, in that said clip has a retaining hole of which the internal diameter increases correspondingly from a diameter equal to that of the stud whereby it engages the tapered shoulder under said head when the clip is applied to the stud and in that said clip is provided with at least two retaining members which contact said receptor surface to urge the clip into close engagement with the tapered shoulder under the head of the stud.The clip is easily mounted on the stud by direct pressure and provides a more positive location of the clip on the stud.

Abstract: A self-locking retainer, actuated by pushing a piece to be retained into the retainer, includes opposed molded parts hinged together, one pair of parts, on opposite sides of a hinged portion, movable together to form a base and a retention plug with integral locking dogs, and a second pair of parts mounted on the base of the first pair formed as hinged jaws with opposed recesses to clamp a piece to be retained. Detent means on the jaws and the base of the first pair of parts interlock to hold the jaws together when pushed together by a part to be retained.

Abstract: A grommet has a female member and a male member. Each member consists of a sleeve with a flange formed at one end. The sleeve of the male member is slightly smaller than the bore of the sleeve of the female member. A locking mechanism for the grommet consists of an annular groove inscribed within the inner surface of the sleeve of the female member and a slightly-offset, matching annular lip formed upon the outer surface of the sleeve of the male member. The annular groove and annular lip are offset so that the two members remain in tension, pulling toward one another when the grommet is locked in place. The grommet is locked in place by inserting the male member into the female member and urging them together until the annular lip fits within the annular groove. The grommet may be disassembled by placing a dowel or like object against the non-flanged end of the male member and striking the male member or otherwise applying a force thereto.

Abstract: A peg for anchoring within a hole having an undercut portion comprises a body (1) with an external end (5) for mounting an element thereon and a tapered internal end (11) widening out towards the inside of the hole, a locking ring (2) formed from segments disposed about the body and intended to pivot within the undercut portion (10). The external diameter of the ring (2) is equal to that of the hole (8). Means (4,14,19) for temporarily immobilizing the segments of the ring are mounted upon the body. Means fixed upon the body may drive the ring (2) into the vicinity of the undercut portion of the hole and radially acting means (4) may cause the segments of the ring (2) to pivot into the undercut portion.

Abstract: A fastener having a head portion, a shaft portion, and a hook portion which secures the fastener within a substrate. The hook portion may have a plurality of serrations on a surface thereof for gripping a substrate. The hook may be of a material having a memory such that, when the hook is compressed during the insertion of the fastener in a hole in a substrate, the hook will expand against the walls of the hole in a desire to return to its original shape. Such a fastener may be easily inserted into the hole, but considerable force is required to remove the fastener from the hole after insertion. The fastener thus can be inserted easily through soft materials overlying a hard substrate without damaging them while providing an effective anchoring force within the substrate in effectively fastening materials to a substrate.

Abstract: A fastening device is provided for securing of liners to the interior of pickup truck cargo beds. The fastening devices include a base plate which overlies the outer surface of a bed liner and a locking tongue projecting laterally from a bottom of the plate to extend through an aperture in the liner sidewall and to mechanically couple with a flange of the cargo bed sidewall to effect clamping of the liner to the flange. The locking tongue is formed with a peripheral edge surface that includes a locking surface angularly disposed with respect to the base plate forming in cooperation therewith for receiving edge portions of the liner and flange in clamped relationship, a camming surface that rides against an edge of the aperture in the liner during insertion to facilitate assembly and a locking surface that automatically engages the liner to maintain the fastening device in locking engagement.

Abstract: A device arranged to be releasably mounting within a hole in a panel, e.g., a ceiling, to hold a lamp bulb and associated reflector or any other member therein. The device comprises a tubular body, a flange for engaging one side of the panel, and plural, equidistantly, peripherally-spaced, flexible arms for engaging the other side of the panel. Each arm extends outward from the body and is moveable from an extended position to a retracted position and vice versa. The arms are moved from the extended position to the retracted position when the body is pushed into the hole while being twisted about its longitudinal central axis in one rotational direction. The arms automatically move back to the extended position when the device is in place to hold the device securely within the hole. The device can be removed by pulling it out of the hole while twisting it about its longitudinal axis in the same rotational direction as used to insert it, whereupon the arms flex to the retracted position.

Abstract: A wooden architectural moulding includes fasteners spaced from each other and each include a continuous mounting groove of re-entrant profile having inwardly facing internal ledges, and a unitary fastener provided with deformable limbs having profiled noses which are arranged to interact with the ledges to connect or disconnect the base member.

Abstract: A press-in fastener clip (50) is provided that features a resilient locking arm (10) having a surface (18) adapted to releasably secure clip (50) to an aperture (16). Clip (50) has a V shaped insertion leg (8) that is operative to assist in securing clip (50) to aperture (16) as well as to automatically urge clip (50) outwardly therefrom upon manual release of locking arm (10).

Abstract: An anchoring device having a head and a shank integral with the head and adapted to be forcibly driven into a hole having a cylindrical wall defined within a body of concrete, masonry, or like material. The shank has a spring temper and has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a transitional portion joined to the proximal portion at a proximal elbow and to the distal portion at a distal elbow. Each such portion is substantially straight when the shank is unstressed. The shank has a substantially uniform, substantially circular cross-section, except at the elbows, where the shank has smaller cross-sections causing the shank to be preferentially bendable at the elbows. Each of the proximal and distal portions has an axial length equal to at least approximately twice its diameter. The transitional portion has an axial length approximately equal to its diameter. The distal portion facilitates initial entry of the shank into the hole.

Abstract: A clip for attaching an ornamental member to a wall member such as a vehicle body panel. The clip has a head continuously connected with a portion locking the ornamental member. The head is pressed against one surface of the wall member. The clip also has a leg extending from the head and is inserted into a through hole in the wall member. Pawls are formed at a maximum diameter portion of the leg and pressed against the other surface of the wall member to fixedly hold the leg onto the wall member. Pliable thin-walled resin is coated through secondary forming around the respective outer peripheries of the pawls and the leg for preventing damage of an inner periphery of the through hole when the leg is inserted into the through hole.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a friction drive unit. To adjust the contact pressure between the friction wheel and a cooperating wheel of the friction drive unit, one of these wheels is mounted on a lever that is pivotable about a pivot axis. A cam that applies the contact pressure rests against the lever. The spacing of the cam relative to the pivot axis of the lever is variable.

Abstract: A vehicle plastic panel is mounted by means of a one-piece molded screw anchor on a substructure member in a bi-directional tolerance compensating manner. The screw anchor is adapted for snap-in capture in a substructure elongated rectangular aperture enabling it to slide along the aperture major axis. Upon the insertion of a self-tapping screw in a panel circular opening overlying the screw anchor, the screw tip enters the anchor upper lead-in chamber. If the screw and anchor are misaligned, the screw tip contacts a subjacent one of a pair of opposed anchor ramped side surface portions whereby the anchor is cammed for limited adjustment along the aperture major axis. The anchor ramped surface portions terminate in a lower, elongated channel extending transverse to the major axis. The anchor base wall is adapted to be threadably engaged upon driving the screw at a piercing point in vertical alignment with the panel opening.

Abstract: A push button type fastener for releasably joining together two panels. A stud assembly is snap-fit to one panel, and a mating socket is snap fit to the other panel. The stud assembly and the socket are releasably secured to each other merely by pushing a stud of the stud assembly toward the socket, which includes two resilient arms that move apart to receive and lock onto a thin wall portion at the stud's remote end. The stud assembly is released from the socket by rotating the stud such that the thin wall portion spreads apart the two resilient arms of the socket, to allow a spring to urge the stud out of it engagement with the socket.

Abstract: A quarter-turn fastener for securing together a plurality of overlapped panels comprises an elongated body portion having a longitudinal axis, a head provided upon one end of the body portion for engaging a first outer surface of one of the overlapped panels, and a pair of resiliently flexible fingers provided upon an opposite end of the body portion for engaging a second outer surface of a second one of the overlapped panels whereby the panels are preliminarily secured together by the fastener in a non-compressed state. A pair of diametrically opposed inclined cam portions are also provided upon the body portion at a position axially between the opposite ends of the body portion so as to engage the second outer surface of the second one of the overlapped panels such that when the fastener is rotated through means of an angular rotation of 90.degree.

Abstract: A self-licking stud assembly including male and female segaments. The male segment includes a base for mounting or being integrally molded on a panel member to be joined with a second panel member in a side-by-side relationship, a central stem extending from teh base, with a plurality of equally spaced deflectable fingers formed on the end thereof so as to extend outwardly and toward the base. The female segment includes a base for mounting or being integrally molded on the second panel member, a flange or collar formed on one side of the base, and an opening through the base and the collar, with a frustoconically shaped surface formed on the inner surface of the collar. The outer edges of the fingers are selectively shaped to lockingly cooperate with the frustoconically shaped surface once the fingers are urged through the opening.

Abstract: A plastic fastening element 1 for installation in a substantially rectangular opening of a support includes head part 2 and a holding part 3. Holding part 3 is substantially rectangular in cross section and is provided with lamella-form fingers 4 on the longer sides positioned in groups lying opposite each other. Stays (5) extend along the holding part 3 and limit the edge zone of the fingers. According to the invention, the stays are resilient straps 7 wherein the beginning zones 8 of the two straps 7 lie opposite each other on different sides of the holding part 3. The straps are arranged oblique to each other and merge into a conical push-in zone 23 with oblique side surfaces 24. The head part 3 is designed for holding a strip-form object.

Abstract: The device disclosed by the invention is associated with an element to be mounted in a wall, by insertion in a hole bored in the wall.It comprises a longitudinal body (4), centring and lateral stabilizing means (7') and longitudinal locking means consisting of a collar (5') and peripheral resiliently retractable portions (10') having a step shaped cut-out (11') so as to form a succession of interrupted circular shoulders so that after insertion the edge of the reception hole in the wall is automatically engaged bweteen the collar (5') and the shoulder whose longitudinal spacing from the collar is the closest, upwardly, of the thickness of the wall.The device may be integrated in the element to be fixed or consist of a sleeve (1'). With the device, an element may be quickly fixed while working from only one side of the wall.

Abstract: A fastening element particularly adapted for use in conjunction with a mandrel for opening the expandable sleeve of the fastening element into secure relationship with a wall having a hole into which the fastening element is inserted. The sleeve is designed to provide a radial channel for enveloping the plate member adjacent the hole. The mandrel becomes a part of the fastener and offers good resistance to shear forces and also provides the means for removing the fastening element as well as fixing it to the object to be fastened.

Abstract: A fastening element for connecting a component to an apertured panel. The fastening element has a shank with a rounded end for latching engagement with a female latch member. This female latch member is rigidly connected with the component to be fastened or formed integrally therewith. The shank is adapted for limited pivotal movement in the female latch member. During removal of the component, the spherical member is caused to disengage from the female latch member prior to the shank disengaging.

Abstract: A snap-in type fastener for securing an object to an apertured support includes a shank member having predetermined diameter and length. A locking member integral with one end of the shank member is provided to extend through the support aperture to facilitate engaging of the apertured support by the shank whereby the locking member resists withdrawal of the fastener from the apertured support. A head member is disposed at the other end of the shank member and includes a resilient member which provides for axial deflection of the shank for a selected distance in the direction of the apertured support to facilitate engaging of apertured supports of different thicknesses. The resilient member may form all or a portion of the head member depending upon the method of securing or may be associated with the head member.

Abstract: An enclosed plastic screw grommet includes a head flange and a shank portion. The head flange is provided with four radially extending U-shaped slots so as to permit flexing upon insertion into a panel, thereby reducing the force needed. The shank portion includes two sets of opposed ramps formed on its outer surface and which are disposed in an offset relationship with respect to each other to thereby accommodate a variety of panel thicknesses.

Abstract: A device for attaching a plate or cap over an opening, comprising a rod or wire extending from the front through the plate or cap. On the end of the rod or wire extending into the opening, there is provided a spring clamp whose end remote from the rod or wire has a sharp point. The plate or cap has a closeable opening therein for introducing a foamable resin thereinto, which foamable resin forms a foam in the plate or cap and in the opening and, thus, seals the opening.

Abstract: A screw grommet of synthetic resin having an enlarged head part adapted for abutment against the surface of a mounting panel, a shank adapted for engagement with an oblong fitting hole bored in the mounting panel, a pair of integral shoulders extending from opposite walls of the shank, and a pair of integral elastic arms extending at a prescribed angle from the other pair of opposite walls of the shank. The pair of elastic arms and the pair of engaging shoulders engage with the corresponding edges of the oblong fitting hole in the mounting panel. The screw grommets are always retained in the correct posture in the oblong fitting holes and absorb errors in manufacture or fabrication. The screw grommets are also capable of absorbing variations in the relative positions of the fitting holes in the panel and the through-holes in a part to be attached caused by expansion or contraction due to a change in temperature.

Abstract: A fastener clip for positioning in a preformed aperture in a workpiece to receive a threaded fastener comprises a planar head having opposed faces with a threaded opening extending between the faces and a pair of resilient legs joined to opposite ends of the faces. The legs each have a body extending away from the head angularly and terminating in a free end located to engage the shank of the threaded fastener extended through the opening. A pair of resilient tab members are integral with each leg and extend outward of the respective leg in a direction away from the free end to a terminal end bent inwardly of the respective leg toward the head. At least a portion of each tab member extends to a point outwardly of the maximum radial extent of the associated leg at a location adjacent the head with the terminal end having a radial position closer to the opening than the first end of the legs.

Abstract: A screw retainer comprises a head portion, and a leg portion depending therefrom and provided with locking means, a screw retainer bore being formed so as to extend from the top of the head portion through the head and leg portions. An engagement portion projects from the upper surface of the head portion such that the screw retainer bore is open at the top of the engagement portion. The top of the engagement portion is provided with temporary engagment pawls for engaging an upper surface of a panel to be secured to a base panel within which the screw retainer is disposed by means of its dependent leg portion.

Abstract: A one piece fastener which uses spring action to fasten parts together. The fastener has a body which is inserted into a drilled aperture in the parts. An enlarged head on one end of the body is too large to enter the aperture. A spring on the other end of the body is normally too large to enter the aperture but can be retracted to a size to pass through the aperture. A stud has its head connected to the spring and its opposite end in threaded engagement with an internally threaded passage extending through the body of the fastener. Turning of the stud by a special tool applies a torsional force to the spring which retracts it so that the fastener can be applied to or removed from the fastened parts. Alternative embodiments of the invention employ various types of multiple stage springs to enhance the fastening power.

Abstract: A one piece plastic push-in fastener for insertion into a preformed opening in a workpiece comprises an axially elongated rigid shank having a head end and a free end. A series of flexible wing members extend laterally from the shank to a radial extent greater than the cross-section of the opening. The wing members flex toward the head to permit push-in installation of the fastener in the opening. However, abutment stops are located between adjacent wing members to prevent their flexure toward the free end. Thus, the fastener has low resistance to installation and high resistance to removal.

Abstract: A fastening system comprises a push in-screw out fastener having a slotted head, threaded cylindrical shank with a plurality of resilient thread segments thereon and a tubular receptacle. The diameter of the receptacle is less than the diameter of the thread segments and greater than the shank diameter such that the thread segments are deformed by insertion of the fastener into the receptacle. The receptacle has an internal thread formed at its entry. The internal thread engages the resilient thread segments to impart a removal force to the fastener when its slotted head is rotated in a counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a pad to a rotary floor machine includes an internally threaded drive collar mounted in coaxial relation with a drive shaft. The teeth of the thread on the collar have a sawtooth profile with an inclined lead-in surface and a holding surface. A retainer member in the form of a flanged collar has a cylindrical insert with a plurality of tabs capable of flexing inwardly. The flex tabs are spaced about the insert and have external thread segments, the teeth of which also have a sawtooth profile, for matching engagement with the internal threads of the drive collar. The retainer insert is assembled by pushing it into the drive collar. The lead-in surfaces of the matching threads cam the flex tabs inwardly during assembly so that the sawtooth threads ride over one another. The radial holding surfaces engage to provide substantial holding force for the center of the pad which is clamped between the flanges of the drive collar and the retainer member.

Abstract: A device for bolting an article to a wall board, using a pre-drilled hole in the wall, is disclosed. The device comprises a volt, and an anchoring portion threadedly mounted to the bolt. This anchoring portion is resiliently deformable in one direction which allows it to pass one way through the hole and has a normal configuration wherein it grasps the inside surface of the wall board to hold the attached bolt against removal from the hole. The anchoring portion comprises a resilient, ribbon-like strip spirally wound into a cone-like configuration and resiliently held therein with inner and outer edge portions of the strip overlapping and in close mutual proximity. A nut for receiving the bolt is affixed to a first, inner end of the spirally wound strip and is held with its bore aligned with the central axis of the conical configuration. The anchor may be uncoiled when the turns of the spiraling strip are urged apart in one direction axially.

Abstract: A car-mat fastener for removably securing a car-mat to a car carpet includes a latching post member, a bottom latching ring-mat member, and a top latching ring-mat member. The top member is telescoped into the bottom member for permanently securing them together and to form an eyelet extending therethrough. The post member includes a lower projecting portion for fixed attachment to the car carpet and an upper post portion for insertion through the eyelet so as to be detachably engaged with the top and bottom latching members.

Abstract: A part mounting structure for mounting a part having a boss portion on a panel having a mounting oblong hole includes a U-shaped leaf spring member made of metal for admitting and fixing thereto the boss portion of the part and a clip member made of synthetic resin for admitting the leaf spring member and engaging in the mounting oblong hole of the panel. The leaf spring member has opposite side walls thereof provided with outwardly folded engaging pieces and formed with a plurality of inwardly folded check pawls having sharp leading ends which wedge individually into the surface of the boss portion of the part.

Abstract: An expansion dowel assembly includes a sleeve-like support bearing incorporating load engagement surfaces, and annular disks displaceably held on the support bearing by a tension member for displacement between a radially inwardly displaced position and a radially outwardly displaced position. The annular disks are formed of a spring-like material. The tension member clamps the disks in the radially inwardly displaced position in the form of a hollow cone. When the clamping force on the disks is removed, because of their spring-like characteristic, they move into the radially outwardly displaced position flattened out from the hollow cone configuration. A load can be applied to the support bearing at the load engagement surfaces.

Abstract: A wall fastener comprising a hollow conical member, a cylindrical sleeve member disposed substantially within the conical member, an anchoring member attached to the sleeve member for engaging the inner surface of a hollow wall and a rotatable threaded member extending through aligned openings in the conical member, sleeve member and anchoring member for tightly securing the fastener to the wall. The anchoring member is comprised of a central housing and a plurality of resilient curved feet flared outwardly from the housing. The feet are bendable toward the axis of the threaded member to allow the anchoring member to be inserted through a hole in the wall. When the anchoring member has cleaned the hole, the feet are spring-biased to return to the outwardly flared position to engage the inner surface of the wall.