Bolt- Or Nut-carried Patents (Class 411/959)
  • Patent number: 12134888
    Abstract: An end bracket for a wall system includes a body member having attachment structure to join a horizontal strut to a vertical strut. The end bracket further includes attachment structure in which the horizontal strut is slidably attached for moving and positioning the horizontal strut relative to the vertical strut in forming the wall system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Falkbuilt Ltd.
    Inventor: Dale R. Marshall
  • Patent number: 11986944
    Abstract: A socket holding frame assembly has a track base and multiple socket positioning holders. The track base has a base panel and a connection hole formed through the base panel. The socket positioning holders are slidably and rotatably connected with the track base. Each socket positioning holder comprises a holder body, an inserted part being metallic and combined in a bottom of the holder body, and a bolt inserted through the connection hole from a bottom of the base panel and connected with the inserted part via a threaded engagement to tightly fasten the holder body on the track base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Inventor: Jui Chien Kao
  • Patent number: 11965539
    Abstract: An integrated fastener includes a threaded portion, a fastener head, and one or more spring fingers integrated into the fastener head, wherein the spring fingers are configured to apply a compressive load when the fastener is inserted and secured to a receiving assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventor: Navid Poulad
  • Patent number: 11946500
    Abstract: A clamping force monitoring device is provided having a step washer, a contact plate, a compression washer separating the step washer and the contact plate, a threaded fastener extending through the step washer and the compression washer, a nut and an electric circuit, wherein when a sufficient axial force is exerted in the threaded fastener by engagement of the nut, the compression washer is compressed and the step washer is in contact with the contact plate, thereby closing the electric circuit. A method for monitoring a threaded fastener is provided including extending a threaded fastener through a step washer and a compression washer and engaging the threaded fastener with a nut, wherein when a sufficient axial force is applied to the threaded fastener by the nut, the compression washer is compressed and the step washer contacts a contact plate, thereby closing an electric circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Loose Wheel Sensors Inc.
    Inventors: Markus Jaan Hess, John Carlos Sousa
  • Patent number: 11927210
    Abstract: A lock nut and tang washer mechanism preloads and locks components in a rotating environment. A drive system mechanism preloads and locks the device in a rotating environment and provides a double locking safety requirement needed in most aircraft for applications operating in an enclosed environment. The mechanism holds a required torque for the duration of the drive system operating life without the need for periodic visual inspections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: AVX Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Ian W. Brown, Richard F. Murray
  • Patent number: 11879491
    Abstract: In order to prevent wood fringes at the edge of a hole from a countersunk screw (1), the screw-head (2) is provided with a tapering underside and inclined milling-ribs with cavities between the milling-ribs on the tapering underside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: DISSING A/S
    Inventor: Claus Hornstrup Dissing
  • Patent number: 11820182
    Abstract: A magnetic fastening includes a cinch-block having a body with a first and a second opposing side, a throughbore passing through the body from the first opposing side to the second opposing side along a first axis, and a first magnet disposed on a second axis, wherein the second axis is laterally offset from and parallel to the first axis, wherein the first magnet is configured to apply magnetic force to removably attach a cinch-block to the first metallic object, and wherein the throughbore of the cinch-block is configured to align with a first aperture of the first metallic object and a first aperture of a second object; a cinch-pin configured to pass through the aligned throughbore and apertures to securely fasten the first metallic object, the cinch-block, and the second object; and wherein the body of the cinch-block is configured to limit rotation during fastening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Patent number: 11786282
    Abstract: Implants, devices, systems, and methods for achieving ligament fixation are disclosed. An implant comprises a cap member comprising an internally threaded opening extending from a first end thereof, an anchor portion comprising a first end that defines a tip of the implant and external threads, and a coupling portion extending between the cap member and the anchor portion. The coupling portion of the implant includes an externally threaded portion threadably coupled within the internally threaded opening of the cap member. The cap member of the implant is longitudinally moveable along the coupling portion. Insertion instruments for inserting an implant for ligament fixation are also disclosed. Methods of using an implant for achieving ligament fixation are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Paragon 28, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Allard, Albert Dacosta, Sean Gill, Peter Andrew Mladinich, Richard David Hunt, Frank S. Bono, Benjamin Majors
  • Patent number: 11725684
    Abstract: A screw structure includes a screw and a washer mounted on the screw. The bottom face of the screw head is provided with a plurality of pressing portions. Each of the pressing portions has a top provided with a first plane and a bottom provided with a second plane having an area smaller than that of the first plane. Each of the pressing portions is provided with a first inclined face and a first steep arcuate face. The first inclined face is directed toward a clockwise direction of the screw when the screw is screwed. The first steep arcuate face is directed toward the external thread. When the screw is screwed into an article, the pressing portions press the washer, and an outer diameter of the washer is expanded outward and forms an expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Inventor: Wei-Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 11725685
    Abstract: A caulking bolt includes a shank and a head, wherein a bearing face of the head has, along an outer circumference of the shank, a groove having a ring shape into which a crimped member is fitted. The caulking bolt includes projections and depressions for whirl-stop in the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Aoyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinori Fujimoto, Shigeki Matsunami, Keiichiro Masui
  • Patent number: 11725688
    Abstract: A mounting device for covering a roof penetration in a roof includes a base formed from a sheet of material. The base includes a top, a bottom, a socket depending from the top toward the bottom, and an outer perimeter structure encircling the socket and depending downward from the top to the bottom. An internal reservoir is defined between the top and bottom of the base for holding a sealant against and in cooperation with the roof. The internal reservoir includes an upper cavity and a lower cavity. The upper cavity is bound within the socket. The lower cavity continuously encircles the socket and extends both below the socket and between the socket and the outer perimeter structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Inventors: Shawn J. Meine, Carolyn D. Kitchel
  • Patent number: 11719272
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a fastener including a head, a shank connected to the head and having a tip, one or more helical thread formations extending outwardly from the shank, and wherein a bottom portion of the head includes a plurality of ribs that extend towards the tip of the shank and that are shaped to abruptly frictionally engage a surface of a first object being attached to a second object to create an immediate frictional torsional resistance of a desired force level to the tightening of the fastener. This frictional resistance is provided back to the tightening tool to inform the operator of the tightening tool that the head of the fastener has sufficiently engaged the first object and that further tightening or clockwise rotation of the fastener is unnecessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Truong, Michael C. Dill, Yongping Gong, Mark D. Latz
  • Patent number: 11692583
    Abstract: A locking device (11), e.g. a lock washer, for use with a screw threaded fastener (71), said locking device comprising at least a first disc-like body (12) comprising an annular portion (13) with at least one aperture (15) therein and a central through-hole (14) e.g. a washer having notches (15) open to the outer periphery and at least one further body (25) held in said one aperture (15). The further body may be shim (22) also having a central hole (24) and at least one tab (25) which extends through the notch (15) and has an end portion which juts above adjacent surface of the washer to engage an adjacent surface on the fastener when compressed, on tightening of the fastener deflects within the void of the aperture in which it is located under the influence of the tightening of the engaging surface such that under any tendency to loosen, the tab jams against the opposing surfaces and resist loosening of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventors: Peter McLoughlin, John McLoughlin
  • Patent number: 11624395
    Abstract: Provided herein is a fastener that may be used to secure objects to a channel strut or attach a channel strut to a structure. In an arrangement, the fastener is a fastener block configured for disposition within the interior of a channel strut. The fastener block has a body that includes at least one aperture that extends through the fastener block between upper and lower surfaces. A fastener receptacle is formed around the aperture. A standard nut or bolt may be inserted into the fastener receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: D Three Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Richard F. Schaefer, David Kreutzman
  • Patent number: 11614118
    Abstract: A clinch fastener that includes a plurality of ribs disposed under a head of the clinch fastener, wherein the ribs are specifically configured to displace host material more evenly than conventional clinch fasteners. To that end, in cross section, along a line, arc, or combination, going from a central axis of the clinch fastener to an outer periphery of the head of the clinch fastener, each rib preferably provides a curved surface that is formed of multiple sections, wherein different radii define at least two of the sections. The configuration of the ribs allows for a vented escape of host material beyond the rib outside diameter and provides for radially focused material displacement, thereby releasing stress within the host material and reducing warping during clinching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Donovan, Bryan D. Warju, II
  • Patent number: 11548680
    Abstract: A system for locking together sheets of semi-rigid material. The system includes a clamp with a head having a clamp face, and a threaded rod having a first end affixed to the clamp face, and a second end that penetrates through the sheets. The system also includes a nut with a face forced into contact with the second side when tightened to the rod. The clamp face includes a gripping region, in a first circumferential position, with a trough and a hook that projects beyond the plane of the clamp face; and a leverage region, in a second circumferential position, that projects axially, so that, as the nut is tightened, the leverage region contacts the sheets' first side, and upon continued tightening, exerts a torque on the clamp head, elastically deforming the clamp so as to cause the hook to dig into the first side and prevent head rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventors: David Brebner, David Dupuis
  • Patent number: 11519440
    Abstract: A dowel for fastening fitting parts of pieces of furniture, including: a dowel sleeve; at least one fastening claw separate from the dowel sleeve; and a spreading element movable axially in the dowel sleeve and intended for radially spreading the at least one fastening claw and the dowel sleeve. The dowel sleeve has a guide which laterally guides a retaining portion of the fastening claw, and a latching element which retains the fastening claw, which is inserted into the guide, on the dowel sleeve, preferably with play. The spreading element can be connected to at least one fastening claw, preferably to all fastening claws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: JULIUS BLUM GMBH
    Inventor: Dominik Hagspiel
  • Patent number: 11486129
    Abstract: A geodesic frame connector system for a geodesic frame and method are provided comprising a first discontinuous ring having a first discontinuous ring upper and lower faces, the first ring upper face including an opening extending through the first discontinuous ring, and having inner and outer ring perimeters. A second discontinuous ring is provided having second discontinuous ring upper and lower faces, and inner and outer ring perimeters, and a fastener is provided having a cross section smaller than the opening. When one of the first discontinuous ring lower face and upper face is placed adjacent one of the second discontinuous ring lower face and upper face, insertion of the fastener in the opening of the first discontinuous ring causes the fastener to contact the second discontinuous ring, thereby forcing the second discontinuous ring away from the first discontinuous ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventor: Michael E. Garvey
  • Patent number: 10502326
    Abstract: A control valve includes a main body encasing a vapor channel configured to supply pressurized vapor from an evaporator to a turbine; an control unit, disposed in the vapor channel of the main body, for controlling an amount of vapor supplied to the turbine; and a load distributor, disposed between the control unit and the main body, for sealing the main body and for distributing to the main body a load applied to the control unit by the pressurized vapor in the vapor channel. The load distributor being fitted between the control unit and the main body enables the main body to be sealed, while distributing a load that has conventionally been concentrated on the cover and the cover studs. Since a load is distributed to the main body, a control valve for power generation systems can be designed with a smaller cover and smaller cover studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Doosan Heavy Industries Construction Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hyun Chul Lee
  • Patent number: 7014406
    Abstract: A fastener includes an axial shank and a clamping face extending radially from the shank. A plurality of serrations are formed on the clamping face and extend radially from a shank periphery to an outer periphery of the clamping face. The shank periphery is axially displaced away from the clamping face relative to the outer periphery of the clamping face to define a ramped surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Jerry Wayne Robertson
  • Patent number: 6908270
    Abstract: A self-locking bolt has a head with a bearing surface and a threaded part extending from the bearing surface and provided with an external thread of a pitch P for fastening to a first member when the head and threaded part are rotated in a fastening direction. There are n locking projections or recesses at equal angular intervals on the bearing surface, heights or depths of the locking projections or recesses from the bearing surface increasing or decrease gradually in a direction opposite the fastening direction from maximums to minimums with edges of the locking projections or recesses at junctions of the bearing surface and end walls of the locking projections or recesses at the maximums. The maximum height of the edge of the locking projections from the bearing surface of the head is nearly equal to and less than P/n. A second member that is between the bearing surface and the first member when the head and threaded part are rotated in the fastening direction bulges into the locking recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Iwata Bolt Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyotaka Iwata
  • Patent number: 6722830
    Abstract: A fastener is formed of an axially extending shaft (2) and a driving head on the end directed away from the setting direction, and has on its underside or first side (9) for the prevention of unintended loosening, a plurality of webs (12) extending radially from the longitudinal axis (L) of the shaft up to the external periphery (11) of the underside (9). The webs (12) having a substantially trapezoidal cross-section, are limited by a face surface (13) on the underside (9), extending between two flank surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hubert Forster, Michael Werner, Franz-Xaver Huber
  • Patent number: 6082942
    Abstract: An electrical terminal clamping assembly of the character that will simultaneously accommodate and securely grip one or more conductor wires of substantially different diameters. The assembly includes a threaded terminal screw and a uniquely configured generally circular shaped clamping plate or tilt washer which is adapted to freely tilt relative to the undersurface of the head of the terminal screw in a manner to move gripping projections provided on the undersurface of the washer into secure clamping engagement with a wire of large diameter disposed on one side of the axial center line of the terminal screw and into secure clamping engagement with a wire of much smaller diameter disposed on the opposite side of the axial center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: E. Grant Swick
  • Patent number: 5827028
    Abstract: An electrical terminal clamping assembly of the character that will simultaneously accommodate and securely grip one or more conductor wires of substantially different diameters. The assembly includes a threaded terminal screw and a uniquely configured generally circular shaped clamping plate or tilt washer which is adapted to freely tilt relative to the undersurface of the head of the terminal screw in a manner to move gripping projections provided on the undersurface of the washer into secure clamping engagement with a wire of large diameter disposed on one side of the axial center line of the terminal screw and into secure clamping engagement with a wire of much smaller diameter disposed on the opposite side of the axial center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: E. Grant Swick
  • Patent number: 5797581
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and mounting fixtures is described. At least one ring for fitted insertion into a fixture to be mounted is provided. A disc having an opening for receiving a fastening device is provided for each ring. The fastening device is installed through the opening in the disc, then aligned through the ring in the fixture with a pre-drilled hole in the mounting surface, and loosely tightened into the pre-drilled hole. The fixture is then aligned to a desired position relative to the mounting surface, and the fastening device is tightened such that the underside of the disc fixedly engages the ring and the fixture to the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Norman Sherman
  • Patent number: 5746560
    Abstract: A faying plate having a clearance hole is fastened to a tapping plate having a tapping hole by a fastener having a shank with a tapered tip and with a self-tapping thread. The shank, which defines an axis, is adapted to tap a complementary thread around the tapping hole, via the self-tapping thread, when the fastener is driven rotatably. The fastener has a unitary head with a bearing portion having a peripheral edge and a having surface facing the shank, flaring outwardly toward the shank, and frusto-conical at a conical angle of about 5.degree. relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis. Eight torque-absorbing ribs project from the clamping surface, are spaced at regular intervals about the axis, and have ridges that lie on an imaginary, frusto-conical surface flaring outwardly toward the shank at a conical angle of about 1.degree. relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis and at a conical angle of about 4.degree. relative to the clamping surface. Each rib has a depth from not less than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald D. Barth, Frank W. Bechtel
  • Patent number: 5718610
    Abstract: A cable clamp terminal for use with an electrical apparatus is provided, the cable clamp terminal including a terminal block having a threaded hole defined therein. An intermediate screw and an upper screw are disposed in the threaded hole, whereby the intermediate screw divides the threaded hole into a lower housing and an upper housing. A lower opening extending through the terminal block and communicating with the lower housing provides access for an end of a corresponding lower cable to be positioned and secured in the lower housing. An upper opening extending through the terminal block and communicating with the upper housing provides access for an end of a corresponding upper cable to be positioned and secured in the upper housing. The lower cable can be secured in the lower housing by tightening the intermediate screw without removing the upper screw from the threaded hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Timothy Robert Faber
  • Patent number: 5658108
    Abstract: An electrical terminal clamping assembly of the character that will simultaneously accommodate and securely grip one or more conductor wires of substantially different diameters. The assembly includes a threaded terminal screw and a uniquely configured clamping plate or tilt washer which is adapted to freely tilt relative to the undersurface of the head of the terminal screw in a manner to move gripping projections provided on the undersurface of the washer into secure clamping engagement with a wire of large diameter disposed on one side of the axial center line of the terminal screw and into secure clamping engagement with a wire of much smaller diameter disposed on the opposite side of the axial center line. The undersurface of the tilt washer is provided with uniquely configured, generally circularly shaped gripping protuberances that provide multiple contact points for firmly gripping the different diameter conductor wires which are disposed on opposite sides of the terminal screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: E. Grant Swick
  • Patent number: 5518352
    Abstract: An improved relief screw is provided for installing a wallboard panel to a stud, which consists of a flat head made of an inverted rectilinear slant height frustrum portion and a straight thin cylindrical portion. The straight thin cylindrical portion is larger than the widest part of the rectilinear slant height frustrum portion, therefore creating an annular flange thereabout. A threaded shank with a conical point extends from a narrow part of the rectilinear slat height frustrum portion, while the flat head bas a recess to accommodate a driving tool element for imparting rotary motion thereto. A structure is in the flat head for relieving particles of the wallboard panel therefrom, after the flat head is driven into the wallboard panel. The top of the straight thin cylindrical portion will be flush with and not damage the outer surface of the wallboard panel, while the annular flange will add more gripping support thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Martin Lieggi
  • Patent number: 5470183
    Abstract: An electrical terminal clamping assembly of the character that will simultaneously accommodate and securely grip one or more conductor wires of substantially different diameters. The assembly includes a threaded terminal screw and a uniquely configured clamping plate or tilt washer which is adapted to freely tilt relative to the undersurface of the head of the terminal screw in a manner to move gripping projections provided on the undersurface of the washer into secure clamping engagement with a wire of large diameter disposed on one side of the axial center line of the terminal screw and into secure clamping engagement with a wire of much smaller diameter disposed on the opposite side of the axial center line. The undersurface of the tilt washer is provided with uniquely configured, generally circularly shaped gripping protuberances that provide multiple contact points for firmly gripping the different diameter conductor wires which are disposed on opposite sides of the terminal screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: E. Grant Swick
  • Patent number: 5441417
    Abstract: An electrical grounding connector, electrical grounding connector assembly, and a method of attaching an electrical grounding connector and electrical grounding connector assembly to an electrically conductive panel is disclosed. The grounding connector assembly includes a grounding stud connector having a body portion disposed between, and integrally joining, a stud portion and a riveting portion. The body portion includes a flange extending generally radially from the body portion and the flange includes a panel engaging surface and a lug engaging surface. A protective nut is adapted to engage and substantially cover the stud portion of the grounding stud connector thereby protecting the stud portion from contaminants. Barbed elements are disclosed on various surfaces of the grounding connector thereby giving the grounding connector excellent electrically conductive properties when it is assembled to an electrically conductive panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Multifastener Corporation
    Inventors: Harold A. Ladouceur, Rudolf R. M. Muller
  • Patent number: 5249882
    Abstract: A shape of the head part of the screw is improved and performance of insertion of the screw when punched and performance of fastening of the screw when seated as well as a finishing treatment upon completion of the fastening against a fastened member are improved. The head part is comprised of an upper large diameter part formed with a first seat surface of inverse truncated cone shape having an outer circumference of a curved concave surface and a small diameter part formed with a second seat surface of an inverse truncated cone shape concentrically and integrally connected to a lower part of the large diameter part and having its outer circumference of a curved concave surface, and an annular projecting edge is formed at a connection part between the seated surfaces of the two-stage curved concave surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Topura Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichi Nagoshi, Osami Iwasaki, Tetuya Akashi
  • Patent number: 5217339
    Abstract: An improved plate/fastener assembly includes an elongated fastener having a first set of threads adjacent the tip and a second set of threads adjacent the head. The first set of threads has a diameter smaller than that of the second. The fastener is employed with a plate which includes a stress plate portion having a hub extending downwardly therefrom. The hub includes an opening extending therethrough which receives the fastener. The first set of threads will engage with a metal roof deck to hold the fastener in place, while the second set of threads engages with the plate to hold the plate in place. The lower face of the plate includes a plurality of ribs adapted to engage with an insulation material to prevent rotation of the plate. Each of the ribs presents a concave configuration in the direction of rotation of the plate to disengage same from the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Performance Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Terence J. O'Connor, Charles J. DeCaro
  • Patent number: 5215206
    Abstract: A closure ring assembly for securing a cover in sealed relation over the open top of a storage drum container in which a split ring is closed by tightening a headed tie bolt between a pair of laterally spaced lugs fixed to the ring on opposite of the split therein; the bolt freely passing through one of the lugs and threadingly engaging the other so that upon tightening the bolt the ring is contracted with the one non-threaded lug having outwardly extending teeth for engaging the bolt head to lock the same in tightened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Hallen Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Allen D. Siblik
  • Patent number: 5207588
    Abstract: An electrical grounding connector, electrical grounding connector assembly, and a method of attaching an electrical grounding connector and electrical grounding connector assembly to an electrically conductive panel is disclosed. The grounding connector assembly includes a grounding stud connector having a body portion disposed between, and integrally joining, a stud portion and a riveting portion. The body portion includes a flange extending generally radially from the body portion and the flange includes a panel engaging surface and a lug engaging surface. A protective nut is adapted to engage in substantially cover the stud portion of the grounding stud connector thereby protecting the stud portion from contaminants. Barbed elements are disclosed on various surfaces of the grounding connector thereby giving the grounding connector excellent electrically conductive properties when it is assembled to an electrically conductive panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Multifastener Corporation
    Inventors: Harold A. Ladouceur, Rudolf R. M. Muller
  • Patent number: 5183359
    Abstract: A torque-absorbing rotary threaded fastener for joining metal panels has a stripping torque sufficiently in excess of its driving torque to ensure that it will be relatively unlikely to be stripped when mechanically driven home. The fastener has a clamping face which includes a number of polyhedral nibs extending axially therefrom and separated from one another by substantially planar uninterrupted portions of the clamping face. The nibs include a leading wall and a trailing wall, facing in the direction of tightening and opposite thereto, respectively. The leading wall may be inclined at a steeper angle with respect to the plane of the clamping face than is the trailing wall, or vice versa. The leading wall and the trailing wall meet to form an apex which is also inclined with respect to the plane of the clamping face, so that the nibs increase in axial height as one views outward toward the periphery of the clamping face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald D. Barth
  • Patent number: 5073074
    Abstract: This invention relates to a set screw comprising a shank having external threads and a work-engaging end portion integrally formed at one end of the shank. The work-engaging end portion has a frustohemispherical outer surface comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced serrations in the form of teeth. Each of the teeth comprises a ramp extending outwardly from a root to a crest thereof with the ramp being inclined in a direction which is opposite to the direction of rotation of engaging the set screw in a workpiece. A cavity is formed in the outer extremity of the work-engaging end portion. The cavity cooperates with the frustohemispherical outer surface to form therebetween an annular wedge. The work-engaging end portion can be readily formed by a forging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: SPS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Niall Corrigan, Gerry Keating, Desmond Beegan
  • Patent number: 5018921
    Abstract: A locking screw is disclosed having a shank and a frustoconical head with a cavity therein and a knurled annular end surface portion encircling the cavity. The locking screw is disposed within the arm of a joint connecting member which arm is inserted in a tubular structural member. The screw is turned out from the arm into engagement with the structural member holding the joint and structural member securely together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Richard C. Pinney
  • Patent number: 4930960
    Abstract: A mounting screw for mounting an electrical wiring device having non-metallic components, to an electrical outlet box and combination of root electrical wiring device and screw. The screw includes a head and a shank, with a lip projecting downwardly from the bottom surface of the screw head spaced from and encircling the shank, and a series of ribs extending radially outward between the shank and the lip. Advantageously the mounting screw is in combination with an electrical wiring device having non-metallic mounting straps so that when the screw is installed by a power tool, the lip-and-ribs arrangement on the screw bites into the mounting strap material to produce resistance to the turning of the power tool signaling the operator that the screw is secure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Slater Electric Inc.
    Inventor: Harald B. Jadatz
  • Patent number: 4842463
    Abstract: A self-locking fastener having a bearing surface comprising a plurality of sets of serrations arranged to penetrate a workpiece such that while a resistance to the loosening of the fastener from the workpiece is created the marring of the workpiece surface is minimized. Use of the fastener is particularly advantageous if the workpiece consists of soft materials such as cast-aluminum or non-heat treated carbon steels. Each set of serration, when viewed as a profile, includes a downwardly inclined surface, a relatively deeper serration and a relatively shallower intermediate serration. The intermediate serration controls the depth of the penetration into a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: SPS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Landt
  • Patent number: 4812095
    Abstract: A threaded fastener is provided having a head for accommodating a tool for rotating the fastener. A plurality of ribs culminating in teeth are provided under the head for engaging the material into which the fastener is inserted, each rib and tooth having a ramp surface and a brake surface, the ribs being oriented for inhibiting either clockwise rotation or counter-clockwise rotation of the fastener by torque created through contact of the brake surfaces with the material. The ribs are formed on the fastener during the heading process by means of a matched die set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Piacenti, Pat Ferrante
  • Patent number: 4808050
    Abstract: A self-locking fastener having a bearing surface comprising a plurality of sets of serrations arranged to penetrate a workpiece such that, while a resistance to the loosening of the fastener from the workpiece is created, the marring of the workpiece surface is minimized. Use of the fastener is particularly advantageous if the workpiece consists of soft materials such as cast-aluminum or non-heat treated carbon steels. Each set of serration, when viewed as a profile, includes a downwardly inclined surface, a relatively deeper serration and a relatively shallower intermediate serration. The intermediate serration controls the depth of the penetration into a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: SPS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Landt
  • Patent number: 4797022
    Abstract: An improved fastener provides axially extending teeth on a narrow shoulder adjacent the fastener head. The teeth bite into sheet material, and are particularly useful in biting into the surface of a thin sheet which is fastened to a thicker sheet material. The teeth extend from a shoulder formed on a medial collar between the head and a threaded shank. The narrow shoulder has a larger diameter than the end of the threaded shank to which the shoulder is joined. The teeth can be formed by cold-flow of the material of the shoulder so that the teeth axially extend from the outer peripheral edge of the shoulder in order to bite into the thin sheet metal proximate the annular periphery of the aperture in which the threaded shank is engaged. Preferably, the teeth axially overlap the threading of the shank which extends entirely to its junction with the shoulder, and the teeth are fabricated after the shank thread in order to enable such overlap by the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Edward G. Crigger
  • Patent number: 4764068
    Abstract: A set screw having a novel cup-point for engagement with a shaft or rod. The cup-point has knurling on a portion of its outer circumferential surface and is provided with a smooth frustoconical surface portion adjacent the knurling such that, in use, the smooth surface portion of the cup-point engages the surface of the rod or shaft before the knurling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: SPS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Corey Crispell
  • Patent number: 4741654
    Abstract: A fastener having a body defining an axis of rotation extending downwardly from the body and formed integrally therewith is provided with a flange extending radially and downwardly from the body. The flange is slotted to define a plurality of deformable tabs joined at their respective bases to the body. At least a portion of each tab is twisted relative to its base about an axis extending along the flange radially from the axis of rotation in a direction so that the leading edge of each tab as defined by the slots, the edge being on the side of the tab facing in the direction of rotation of the fastener for tightening, projects downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Industrial Fasteners Corp.
    Inventor: Louis J. Lovisek
  • Patent number: 4735535
    Abstract: A locknut having a single-turn thread for securing electrical fittings, threaded conduit and the like to electrical junction boxes and the like is disclosed. The locknut comprises a generally cylindrical portion, a flange portion attached to the cylindrical portion, a plurality of teeth attached to and projecting radially outwardly of the flange portion and axially beyond the end of the flange portion, and a standard thread attached to and extending for substantially only a single turn interiorly of the cylindrical portion. The thread has an included angle corresponding to that of a standard thread, for example, 60.degree.. The teeth seat against a work surface when the locknut is threaded onto the fitting and act as springs which can compensate for a small degree of element loosening by spring recovery. In addition, the thread of the locknut is flexible so that both the teeth and thread act as springs working in conjunction with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Jacobson Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Baubles
  • Patent number: 4671716
    Abstract: The locking screw for the adjustable connection of a hinge strap to a base plate of a hinge has an external thread, with which the locking screw is screwed into a corresponding threaded hole in the hinge flap. The end face of the bolt portion of the locking screw abuts on the corresponding face of the base plate. In order to ensure a secure seating of the locking screw even under changing loads, a plate spring is attached to the end face of the locking screw and is spring-loaded axially, which abuts the base plate with its spring front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Alfred Grass GmbH Metallwarenfabrik
    Inventor: Alfred Grass