Abstract: An annular recess is formed in an inner periphery defining a bolt shank bore and has fitted therein an annular elastic member having elasticity radially thereof and having an inside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the shank of a bolt. The shank bore has at an intermediate part thereof a stepped portion so as to give an increased diameter to a bore portion from the intermediate part to one end of the bore, and a hollow cylindrical member for preventing the elastic member from slipping out is inserted in the shank bore from the bore end so as to form a clearance between the stepped portion and the preventing member, whereby the annular recess is formed.

Abstract: A captive panel fastener includes a retractable screw having a thermal plastic cap molded around its head. The cap includes slotted skirt with resilient fingers. When the retractable screw is forced downward through the bore of the ferrule having divergent sides, the fingers of the cap spread apart by the wedging action against the outside surface of the ferrule, thus providing a biasing force urging the screw in an upward retracted direction. The ends of the cap fingers include inward facing ribs which fall into a circumferential groove around the outside surface of the ferrule adjacent its bottom end. The groove may further include plurality of radial extending teeth which engage inward facing protrusions located on the fingertip ribs to resist unwanted loosening of the screw.

Abstract: A pin for a two piece type fastener includes a flexible member attached to a free end of the pin. The flexible member has a diameter slightly larger than a bore in a workpiece through which it is inserted so that the pin is retained in the bore after insertion. The flexible member also cleans debris from the bore as the pin is installed in the bore, thereby reducing the possibility of the debris from fouling the grooves in the pin.

Abstract: The fastening element has a threaded part (3) and in front of it a carrier part (4) with an elastic element (5). The carrier part (4) may be a different material, such as an elastic plastic, from that of the threaded part (3) and may be joined either firmly or releasably to it, the latter for instance by a screw or detent connection. The elastic element (5) can be attached in front of the threaded part (3) with the contrary thread (6) or at some other point in frictional or detent engagement, in that at the beginning of an assembly operation, the two parts (1, 6) to be screwed together are simply inserted axially into one another. The radially outer ends of the spring tongues (5) forming the elastic element can be located on a helical line in an extension of the thread course of the threaded part (3).

Abstract: A one-directional captive screw attachable to a panel that is hand tightenable, but requires a tool to loosen once hand tightened. The captive screw includes a screw having a head with a recess and a threaded portion, a knob having a central longitudinal axis coaxial with the screw, a one-directional ratchet between the knob and the screw. The ratchet engages to allow the screw to be tightened in a clockwise direction using the knob, and disengages when rotated in a counterclockwise direction, such that a tool is required to loosen the screw by use of the recess.

Abstract: An electrical device to be mounted on a support includes a housing having an inner part and an outer part secured to one another. The housing is mounted on the support in a position in which the outer part of the housing is accessible. A cover plate is provided for obscuring the view of at least a portion of the housing and surrounding areas of the support. The cover plate has at least one through opening in it. The cover plate is secured to the housing by a screw passing through the opening and an aperture. The screw engages the thread of a threaded bore when the device is fully assembled. The outer housing part includes webs at or within the opening for engaging the shank of the screw and temporarily holding it, and with it the cover plate, in their proper positions prior to engagement of the shank thread with the bore thread.

Abstract: A snap fastener assembly includes a cylindrical C-shaped spring retainer member having a hollow open core with an exterior longitudinal slit aperture extending into the core. The spring retainer member is mounted on a stud member having an enlarged head at one end, a retaining head at the other end, and a longitudinal shaft that is dimensioned to be substantially enclosed by the spring retainer member. The stud member can be used for both the insertion and retraction of the cylindrical spring retainer member. The retainer member can be actively fastened to a hole, for example, to hold panels on a wall.

Abstract: A one-directional captive screw attachable to a panel that is hand tightenable, but requires a tool to loosen once hand tightened. The captive screw includes a screw having a head with a recess and a threaded portion, a knob having a central longitudinal axis coaxial with the screw, a one-directional ratchet between the knob and the screw. The ratchet engages to allow the screw to be tightened in a clockwise direction using the knob, and disengages when rotated in a counterclockwise direction, such that a tool is required to loosen the screw by use of the recess.

Abstract: An attachment nut includes a base member (1) and an elastic retaining insert (6) connected to the base member. The attachment nut serves for fastening components (18), for instance pipe members, to a C-shaped profiled rail (15). The retaining insert (6) has locking tabs located diametrically opposite one another. The tabs can be pivoted about an axis into a slot-like opening in the profiled rail (15) to prevent the turning of the attachment nut. Each locking tab has a projecting lug for effecting the manual turning of the attachment nut within the profiled rail (15).

Abstract: A snap fastener assembly includes a cylindrical C-shaped spring retainer member having a hollow open core with an exterior longitudinal slit aperture extending into the core. The spring retainer member is mounted on a stud member having an enlarged head at one end, a retaining head at the other end, and a longitudinal shaft that is dimensioned to be substantially enclosed by the spring retainer member. The stud member can be used for both the insertion and retraction of the cylindrical spring retainer member. The retainer member can be actively fastened to a hole, for example, to hold panels on a wall.

Abstract: An air bag mounting system for mounting an air bag module in the preexisting steering wheel air bag receiving pocket of a vehicle. The system includes a mounting plate having a plurality of spaced bolt assemblies extending therefrom receivable in a like plurality of aligned spaced holes in the pocket. The bolt assemblies are non-rotational with respect to the mounting plate and snap into the holes in a locking relationship. The module can be thus mounted from the access side of the pocket, automatically locked thereto, then released by unthreading of a threaded lock portion of the bolt assemblies from the blind side of the pocket.

Abstract: A nose cone on the fan of a gas turbine engine contains access holes that provide access to cap screws that hold the nose cone on the fan hub. The cap screws extend through an internal flange on the nose cone. A spring clip extends from the flange in a configuration that covers the access hole and holds the cap screw in the flange as the nose cone is installed.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for the spring elastic position fixing of fasteners, e.g. spring nuts, in a recess, e.g. a T-slot. In smooth recesses, a reliable position fixing of a fastener, such as a rail, can be obtained if the fastener is placed in the recess. For spring elastic reception of the fastener, locking areas are formed in the fastener.

Abstract: A fastening device is provided which is a variation on the conventional nut and bolt. The bolt has a longitudinal axis and threading helically affixed thereon along the longitudinal axis. A nut having a bore extending therethrough is provided. The bore of the nut has a greater diameter than the diameter of the bolt so the bolt can extend through the bore. An array of wire bristles are affixed within the bore so as to form a brush. The wire bristles extend inwardly from the bore and are constructed and arranged of the correct size, length and stiffness to guide the bolt within the bore and to restrain the bolt within the bore as required. A variety of applications of the wire brush nut are disclosed, including a bolt capture device and a test rig apparatus.

Abstract: A stud bolt clip is provided with a tube having an oblong center. Provided inside the tube are opposing first claws projecting from the inside surfaces of the long sides of the tube, and opposing second claws projecting from the inside surfaces of the short sides of the tube. The second claws are flexible, and the projection of the second claws is greater than that of the first claws. The gaps between the inside ends of the first claws and the second claws are smaller than the outside diameter of the stud bolt shank. Thus, the stud bolt clips can be positively secured to the stud bolts even when there is a difference between the stud bolt pitch and the clip pitch by absorbing the irregular shift of the stud bolt in the tube.

Abstract: A clip for fastening an insulation having several layers, such as used on spacecraft. A counterhold which snaps onto the end of an elongated pin is made from an elongated strip of foil backed elastically deformable material. Holes in the elongated strip having a diameter such that they can lock in engagement with an annularly grooved portion of the pin.

Abstract: At an outlet of a heating, ventilating or air conditioning system air passes from the ducting through a plenum chamber, a damper provided with a set of blades which are movable between open and closed positions and a diffuser which directs the air in a desired direction. The plenum chamber is provided with internal vanes which act to guide a flow of air through the chamber between its inlet and outlet. The damper defines a plurality of predetermined blade positions between the open and closed positions and a resilient finger and teeth for retaining the blades in a selected one of said predetermined positions. The damper has a frame comprising a plurality of discrete frame elements interconnected at each corner joint of the frame by a friction fit pin passing through interdigitated projections on the frame elements.

Abstract: A cable clip for retaining coaxial cables and the like against a mounting surface is provided which includes fastener retaining means for holding a fastening device in place prior to user installation. In one embodiment, the fastener retaining means includes a plurality of segmented arcuate-shaped wall portions which are tapered inwardly so as to resiliently grip the fastening device. In a second embodiment, the fastening retaining means includes a plurality of radially extending tabs disposed on the inner surface of a cylindrically-shaped fastener hole for frictional engagement with the fastener device with a retention fit.

Abstract: A multi-part fastener assembly for attaching a first apertured member such as a valve cover to a second member such as a cylinder head, comprising an elongated threaded fastener, a tubular sleeve encircling the threaded fastener, and a rubber grommet encircling the sleeve. The grommet's outer surface is cylindrical for facilitating its insertion through the valve cover's aperture. However, a bead formation created on the grommet's inner surface is engaged upon insertion of the sleeve member through the grommet to cause the lower edge portion of the grommet to be biased radially outward in a manner which secures the sleeve and grommet in the aperture. In addition, the sleeve's upper end portion has a surface extending obliquely to the axis of the sleeve so that when pressed against the grommet by tightening of the fastener the rubber grommet material is distorted outwardly.

Abstract: A retaining apparatus disposable within an axial bore for maintaining a fastener having an extending shank within a bore provided on a structural member. In the preferred embodiment, the retainer comprises a convoluted, polymeric, thin-walled annular body constructed of a resilient material with an aperture extending therethrough. The unitary body is defined by longitudinally extending radially outwardly projecting ear portions and radially inwardly projecting ribs which circumferentially alternate in a symmetrical pattern. A method for pre-attaching fasteners to structural members includes disposing the retainer within a bore contained on a structural member and subsequently inserting the fastener through the retainer's aperture. The fastener is thereby flexibly maintained along the central axis of the bore. The structural member may then be transported with fasteners pre-attached for subsequent attachment to another structural member.

Abstract: A retention system is described for retaining a bolt in an opening in a screen rail to prevent the bolt from falling out after the fastener has been removed from the bolt, The retention system is a rubber disk which is positioned adjacent the screen rail, The rubber disk includes an aperture in registry with the opening in the screen rail.

Abstract: A fully retractable captive screw that is low profile, having a snap-in feature allowing for installation of the device into a hole on a panel, by hand, without the need for separate tools. The fully retractable captive screw has a screw, a knob with a screwdriver recess on top, a cylindrical ferrule with attached snap-in mechanism, and a spring that causes the screw to retract into the ferrule when the screw is not engaged.

Abstract: A U-shaped stud mounting clip adapted for securing an projecting stud to a panel by means of an edge thereof formed with an upstanding flange. The resilient clip is stamped from sheet metal and has an elongate, generally U-shaped bifurcated configuration defining an upper contoured leg and a lower planar leg having their proximate ends joined by a bight wall. The upper leg has a first proximate sloped portion, a second angled portion, a third platform means, and a fourth lead-in distal portion. The platform means fixedly supports a projection stud thereon. The clip is flexed over the panel upstanding flange enabling a retaining tongue, struck from the clip upper leg sloped portion, to capture the clip on the panel flange while allowing the clip stud to be moved along the panel upstanding flange in a predetermined adjustable manner.

Abstract: A sleeve is slidable axially through a limited range along the shank of a threaded fastener. A resiliently yieldable retainer is capable of both moving with and moving along the thread of the shank and captivates the sleeve against slipping axially off of the shank while effecting required relative positioning of the sleeve and the shank even if the sleeve is short in comparison to the length of the shank.

Abstract: Method and assembly for producing shear-resistant attachment between a prefabricated top plate having a plurality of preformed bolt passage holes and a support member having a corresponding plurality of bolt-receiving holes which may be slightly out of alignment with the bolt passage holes in the top plate. The bolt passage holes are oversize and have conical walls, and the bolts have a rounded undersurface which makes line contact with the conical wall when each bolt is tightened into a nut or floating nut plate aligned and/or attached at the undersurface of the support member.

Abstract: The thread protecting device of the present invention includes a U-shaped clip with a hollow cylindrical cap mounted thereon. The clip includes spaced apart upper and lower legs defining a channel therebetween for receipt of a portion of a vehicle frame. The cap includes a threaded plug in the lower end thereof and a closed upper end. A carrier bolt for a spare tire carrier is adapted to extend through a hole in the legs of the clip, an aperture in the frame, and the threaded lower end of the cap such that the threads are enclosed within the cap. A grease fitting is provided on the cap so that grease can be injected into the cap for lubricating the threads.

Abstract: A universal joint (10) for a steering gear input shaft (11) includes a yoke (12), a bolt (14) movable into an installed position in the yoke, and a spring clip (22) for locking the bolt in its installed position in the yoke. The spring clip (22) moves with the bolt (14) when the bolt is moved into its installed position in the yoke (12), and has first and second portions (202, 212). The first and second portions (202, 212) of the spring clip (22) have locking positions in which the first portion (202) engages the bolt (14) and the second portion (212) interlocks with the yoke (12) to block movement of the bolt out of the yoke. The second portion (212) of the spring clip (22) moves resiliently into its locking position to interlock with the yoke (12) upon movement of the bolt (14) into its installed position in the yoke (12).

Abstract: A wallboard adaptor bracket formed of sheet metal defining a plate with a central opening therein, holes in the bracket for receiving retaining screws, the holes having been formed by coining the material to form an opening and to form a collar around the opening on one surface of the sheet metal. The retaining screw holes and collar are so dimensioned as to hold the retaining screws perpendicular to the bracket.

Abstract: A sleeve is slidable axially through a limited range along the shank of a threaded fastener. A resiliently yieldable retainer grips an unthreaded portion of the fastener shank and coacts with the adjacent end of the thread to captivate the sleeve against slipping axially off of the fastener.

Abstract: A fastener used to secure an object on a channel including a channel nut which may be entered into a slot in the channel and then turned about an axis of rotation to extend in a generally crosswise position relative to the slot for engagement of portions of the nut at locations generally adjacent opposite ends of the nut with edges of the channel. A retainer for the nut has a body and a flange integral with the body which may engage the channel at opposite sides of the channel slot for preventing the retainer from being pushed inwardly completely through the slot when the nut is turned to a crosswise position in the channel and when an object is being fastened to the channel. Resiliently deformable spring elements on the body of the retainer are so sized and arranged as to be engageable with the channel for holding the nut in its crosswise position against slippage lengthwise of the channel slot.

Abstract: A two-part adjustable connector assembly for utilization in adjustably connecting two juxtaposed members which, for proper fit, must be secured to one another and must be capable of being moved relative to each other to accomplish a proper fit. An example of such a situation is provided by a door frame which must be attached to supporting structural members and which must be plumb even though the supporting structural members to which the door frame is secured are not plumb. In one aspect, the adjustable connector assembly includes a first connector adapted to be embedded in one of the members, say the door frame, and to be secured to the other juxtaposed structural member by a second connector rotatably mounted on the door frame in axial alignment with and adjustably engaging the first connector to preclude unintended axial displacement thereof.

Abstract: A self-aligning fastener system incorporates a stud member fastened to a first member and a female member attached to a second panel member for fastening the first member to the panel member. The female member includes a head portion which spans an aperture of the panel and has an aperture therethrough, the head portion includes leg portions which depend from the head portion which extend through the panel aperture and are engaged by a clip on the opposite side of the panel for retaining the female fastener in the aperture. The panel aperture and leg spacing are dimensioned such that the female fastener is adapted to move along a first axis of said aperture thereby allowing the female fastener to accommodate any alignment errors between itself and the stud fastener along the first axis. The leg portions of the female fastener have a pair of linear engagement surfaces arranged perpendicular to the first axis whereby the leg portions can engage and retain the stud member anywhere along their length.

Abstract: A nut plate retainer comprises a planar body, nut elements, and at least two orienting tabs. The tabs are formed from and extend parallel to the body. One tab has a locking element having a ramped leading edge and a cutaway trailing edge for snap engagement with an opening in a workpiece. The tabs fit into slots in the workpiece and the nut plate can be moved until the locking element snaps into place in the opening. The nut plate retainer is thereby mounted to the workpiece, and is prevented from rotation or displacement.

Abstract: A one-piece plastic retainer device is provided for snap-in blind attachment in a keyhole-shaped apertured panel. The retainer device comprises a flat rectangular base having a push-in fastener shank adjacent one transverse edge. The shank extends from the base inner face while a fastener head and subjacent spacer collar extend from the base outer face in coaxial alignment with the shank. An integral wedge-shaped locking cam projects from the base outer face and is aligned on the base major axis of symmetry adjacent the base other transverse edge. The locking cam has a raised outboard facet and an inboard ramp sloped toward the fastener head with the facet spaced a predetermined longitudinal distance from a transverse outboard collar stop shoulder. The panel keyhole-shaped aperture is configured and dimensioned enabling the head to be initially inserted in the circular opening thereof.

Abstract: A threaded fastener and grommet assembly for joining two apertured parts. The fastener is retained in the grommet with axial play between the fastener and grommet. The assembly can also be retained in one of the apertured parts, and when this part is placed over the other apertured part, the axial play allows alignment of the fastener without ejection of the assembly.

Abstract: A clip-on nut for enabling a panel to be secured to a support structure, the clip-on nut being secured to the support structure. The clip-on nut has a portion for guiding the clip-on nut into an aperture formed on the support structure, the guide portion comprising a spherically rounded projection.

Abstract: A barrel nut retention apparatus for retaining a barrel nut within a cylindrical bore in a panel comprising a barrel nut and retaining means. The barrel nut is comprised of a threaded bore having a longitudinal axis, and a partially cylindrical base portion having opposed first and second shoulders on the outer extremity thereof. The opposed shoulders project away from the threaded bore. Furthermore, the retaining means is comprised of a resilient member having a first portion and a second portion being positioned on opposite sides of the threaded bore and being seated on the opposed shoulders in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A part of the first portion and a part of the second portion are adapted to engage the panel when the apparatus is installed within the cylindrical bore. Additionally, the resilient member has a third portion disposed between the first and second portions and integrally connecting the first and second portions.

Abstract: An improved fastening device is disclosed for securing a longitudinally extending body member within an aperture of a workpiece. The fastening device is designed to accept resilient material after it is inserted within the workpiece. In one alternative embodiment the inserted resilient material acts in cooperation with the longitudinally extending body member to lock the device in place and to provide a support structure to the workpiece. In another alternative embodiment, the body member, after injection by the resilient material, assumes the shape of the workpiece aperture. In another alternative embodiment, structure fibers are added and held to the fastening device by the inserted resilient material.

Abstract: A retention clip cooperates with a bolt and a flange through which the bolt passes to retain the bolt during blind assembly. Opening 28 in flange 26 receives bolt 24. Retention clip 40 is retained with extension 50 in recess 34 by engagement of the clip with the bolt. The clip in turn retains bolt 24 by engaging head 22 with arms 52. Surface 32 is adjacent to flat 60 resisting rotation of the bolt.

Abstract: A barrel nut fastener apparatus that includes a nut loosely retained in a prescribed position by a retainer that is adapted to be slidably received in a cylindrical bore formed in a panel. The nut is carried loosely on a seat formed in the retainer and is positioned to threadedly receive a bolt projecting through aligned transverse holes in both the panel and the retainer. A spring is interposed between the nut and the seat, to bias the nut outwardly to a position where a cylindrical extension of the nut projects outwardly into engagement with the panel's transverse hole. This ensures that the fastener apparatus remains in its desired position within the panel's cylindrical hole for proper engagement by a bolt.

Abstract: A caged fastener adapted to be mounted in a hollow frame member without welding comprises a fastener body having a threaded bore therein and a cage enclosing the fastener body and providing it a limited range of movement in at least one direction and providing access to the threaded bore. Holding members comprising rigid and spring members extend from the cage and frictionally fit inside the hollow frame member. The spring resilience of the spring member allows the caged fastener to be snapped in place and retained in the frame member.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an improved floating caged nut having a first cage in the shape of a U in cross-section in which a collar nut is retained in a floating manner, this first cage being housed inside a second cage also in the shape of a U in cross-section and whose legs have openings co-operating with protruding lugs provided on the legs of the first cage to thus permit the removable mounting of the first cage in the second cage, by simple pinching of the legs.

Abstract: A barrel nut fastener apparatus that includes a nut loosely retained in a prescribed position by a retainer that is adapted to be slidably received in a cylindrical bore formed in a panel. The nut is carried loosely on a seat formed in the retainer and is positioned to threadedly receive a bolt projecting through aligned transverse holes in both the panel and the retainer. The nut and seat have conforming cross-shaped configurations such that the compressive force of their engagement is distributed over a relatively large area, thereby substantially reducing the possibility of the nut being deformed if the bolt is overtightened.

Abstract: A bolt for fastening a water closet to a floor flange has a shoulder portion for engaging the arcuate slot of the flange to prevent rotation of the bolt during installation and removal. A spring bias device on the shoulder maintains the vertical orientation of the bolt during installation and prevents the bolt from falling through the flooring.

Abstract: An integral hold out spring and built-in stop ring is provided on a threaded bolt. The bolt is adapted to be inserted through a hole in a panel. The hold out spring and built-in stop ring is inserted into a bore in the bolt, the hold out spring portion extending out of a slot in the bolt and the built-in stop ring portion entering a groove adjacent the nose of the bolt. In one embodiment of the invention, a washer having inwardly extending tabs is installed on the shank of the bolt prior to insertion of the built-in stop ring portion, the tabs riding in grooves extending along the outer body of the bolt and stopped in their downward movement by engagement with the built-in stop ring portion.

Abstract: A nut is comprised of a one piece stamping having a base wall with an integrally formed conical nut. A frame member has a bolt receiving first aperture in a first planar wall and a nut receiving second aperture in a second planar wall extending at a generally perpendicular angle with respect to the first planar wall. The stamping has integral stop tabs which engage with the frame member to limit the insertion of the stamping into the second aperture so that the conical nut is registered with the bolt receiving first aperture. First and second integral flexure arms flex inwardly upon insertion of the stamping through the second aperture and then engage with the inner surface of the frame member to retain the stamping against removal from the frame member.

Abstract: This assembly comprises a collar (3) having splines cooperating with splines on the bolt (1) and lateral tabs (4) in contact with flat sides of the nut (2). This assembly further comprises at least one bent elastically yieldable locking element (5, 5') having a first branch (6, 6') trapped between a tab (4) of the collar (3) and a flat side of the nut, a second branch (8, 8') having an aperture (9, 9') through which extends the bolt and which has an edge engaged between screw threads of the bolt. By exerting a lateral pressure on the locking elements (5, 5'), the screw threads of the bolt are elastically disengaged.

Abstract: An economical alternative to throw away lock nuts is provided by a retainer that fits to or over a conventionally threaded nut. Splines on the shaft, and resilient fingers on the retainer, are mismatched in number by one, assuring that they interfit with at least one finger blocked by a spline, or closed to it, so that the nut cannot be turned significantly back. The retainer can be easily removed, so that both it and the nut may be reused.

Abstract: A retaining apparatus disposable within an axial bore for maintaining a fastener having an extending shank within a bore provided on a structural member. In the preferred embodiment, the retainer comprises a convoluted, polymeric, thin-walled annular body constructed of a resilient material with an aperture extending therethrough. The unitary body is defined by longitudinally extending radially outwardly projecting ear portions and radially inwardly projecting ribs which circumferentially alternate in a symmetrical pattern. A method for pre-attaching fasteners to structural members includes disposing the retainer within a bore contained on a structural member and subsequently inserting the fastener through the retainer's aperture. The fastener is thereby flexibly maintained along the central axis of the bore. The structural member may then be transported with fasteners pre-attached for subsequent attachment to another structural member.

Abstract: A fastener used to secure an object on a channel including a channel nut which may be entered into a slot in the channel and then turned about an axis of rotation to extend in a generally crosswise position relative to the slot for engagement of portions of the nut at locations generally adjacent opposite ends of the nut with edges of the channel. A retainer for the nut has a body and a flange integral with the body which may engage the channel at opposite sides of the channel slot for preventing the retainer from being pushed inwardly completely through the slot when the nut is turned to a crosswise position in the channel and when an object is being fastened to the channel. Resiliently deformable spring elements on the body of the retainer are so sized and arranged as to be engageable with the channel for holding the nut in its crosswise position against slippage lengthwise of the channel slot.