A ball stud assembly includes a ball stud for engaging a component with a stepped bore extending along a bore axis and a reaction surface orthogonal to the bore axis. The stud includes a ball first end, a threaded second end, and a flange. The stud additionally includes a shank extending along a stud axis between the first and second ends, having a stepped shank shape, and configured to extend through the stepped bore and leave a gap between the bore and the shank. The stud also includes a flange between the first end and the shank with a flange surface orthogonal to the stud axis for engaging and abutting the reaction surface. The stud additionally includes a sleeve positioned on the shank and a threaded nut configured to tighten the stud on the component and deform the sleeve such that the sleeve fills at least part of the gap.
A fastener system that includes a fastener, a compression-limiting sleeve, and a retainer which generally retains the compression-limiting sleeve on the fastener. By providing that the compression-limiting sleeve is not staked to the fastener, existing technology can be used, and no extra staking processing step needs to be performed. The fastener may comprise a conventional metal threaded screw or bolt, possibly having a recess in its head for receiving a driver. Preferably, the compression-limiting sleeve is cold headed as opposed to being stamped, and preferably includes a counter bore which assures that an end of the retainer is below an end surface of the compression-limiting sleeve. Preferably, the retainer is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer or another suitable material.
A bolted joint providing a "zero-clearance" fit formed from a bolt including a shoulder that works during installation to cold form a deformable sleeve. The bolted joint joins a bolt receiving member to a clamped component. One or more bolted joints may be used and as the bolts are installed, shoulders on each of the bolts dilate deformable sleeves until the outer diameters of the sleeves contact internal walls of through holes in the clamped component. Each of the deformable sleeves includes at least one groove or flute on its interior surface that results in: reduced radial load on internal walls of the clamped component and the bolt receiving members, and less friction between the sleeve and both the clamped component and a counter bore disposed within the bolt receiving member, thereby allowing for smaller percentage of the bolt's tensile strength capability required to deform the sleeve.
F16B 19/00 - Bolts without screw-thread; Pins, including deformable elements; Rivets
F16B 21/00 - Means without screw-thread for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft, or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings without screw-thread
F16B 21/18 - Means without screw-thread for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft, or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings without screw-thread by separate parts with grooves or notches in the pin or shaft - Details
F16B 23/00 - Specially-shaped heads of bolts or screws for rotations by a tool
F16B 29/00 - Screwed connection with deformation of nut or auxiliary member while fastening
A bit cutter is used to cut a bit, where the bit cutter matches the configuration of a recess in a corresponding fastener. The resulting bit contacts the top of the recess of a fastener, along a plurality of lines of contact. The fact that the contact is along a plurality of lines, as opposed to mere points, provides for improved frictional adhesion or "stick fit" between the bit and the fastener.
F16D 1/104 - Quick-acting couplings in which the parts are connected by simply bringing them together axially having retaining means rotating with the coupling and acting only by friction
B25B 23/00 - TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING, OR HOLDING - Details of, or accessories for, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers
F16B 23/00 - Specially-shaped heads of bolts or screws for rotations by a tool
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.
A deformable fastening system that has a deformable member and a mating member that seal together at a reduced clamp load from a conventional fastening system.. The deformable member reduces the axial force that is required to install a fastener. The system can be used in connection with the installation of various fasteners with one or more steps under the head of the bolt, or a deformable washer with at least one step or at least one taper. The stepped configuration provides a reduced contact area where the stepped portion contacts the mating member which translates into reduced clamp force range for a given torque. Thus, less axial force is needed to properly install the fastener. Alternatively, a non-deformable bolt with a clinch feature and a stepped underhead forms a seal with deformed staking material when the bolt is staked in the staking material.
F16B 39/10 - Locking of screws, bolts, or nuts in which the locking takes place after screwing down by a plate or ring immovable with regard to the bolt or object
F16B 39/284 - Locking by means of elastic deformation
A drive system with full surface drive contact. The drive system tends to maximize the surface contact pattern or area at typical bit-recess reaction (drive) torque values, thereby tending to minimize bit-recess surface contact stresses, coating damage, recess ream and premature bit fatigue failure. The drive system comprises a fastener and/or bit having drive surfaces formed of either polygon involutes or a single arc construction. A punch is also provided for forming a recess in either the fastener or the bit, wherein the punch has corresponding surfaces.
F16B 35/04 - Screw-bolts; Stay bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws with specially-shaped head or shaft in order to fix the bolt on or in an object
A drive system with full surface drive contact. The drive system tends to maximize the surface contact pattern or area at typical bit-recess reaction (drive) torque values, thereby tending to minimize bit-recess surface contact stresses, coating damage, recess ream and premature bit fatigue failure. An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a drive system with full surface drive contact. An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a drive system that tends to maximize the surface contact pattern or area at typical bit-recess reaction (drive) torque values, thereby tending to minimize bit-recess surface contact stresses, coating damage, recess ream and premature bit fatigue failure.
F16B 23/00 - Specially-shaped heads of bolts or screws for rotations by a tool
F16B 35/04 - Screw-bolts; Stay bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws with specially-shaped head or shaft in order to fix the bolt on or in an object
Punch pins which have further extending lobes, and which are designed to punch sockets that have deeper flutes while not having lobes which extend further toward a center axis of the fastener. Using such a punch pin to form a socket in a fastener provides that the resulting socket has flutes which are deeper than they otherwise would be, without having to provide corresponding lobes which extend further toward the center axis of the socket. This extra deepness in the flutes helps to provide extra room for a coating to deposit.
A fastener system (10) that includes a fastener (12), a compressing sleeve (20) and a retainer (10) which generally retains the compression-limiting sleeve (20) on the fastener (12). By providing that the compression-limiting sleeve (20) is not staked to the fastener (12), existing technology can he used, and no extra staking processing step needs to be performed. The fastener (12) may comprise a conventional metal threaded screw or bolt, possibly having a recess (14) in its head (16) for receiving a driver. Preferably, the compression-limiting sleeve (20) is cold headed as opposed to being stamped, and preferably includes a counter bore (26) which assures that an end (38) of the retainer (12) is below an end surface (40) of the compression-limiting sleeve (20). Preferably, the retainer (30) is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer or another suitable material.
In a preferred embodiment, a driver socket (402) is configured to provide a visual indicator on a portion of a locknut (42, 142) upon application of a predetermined torque to the driver socket (402) relative to the locknut (42, 142). The driver socket (402) has a member (492, 492a, 492b) which is positioned proximate to the first end (414), with a portion thereof protruding into an aperture (426) of the driver socket (402). The member (492, 492a, 492b) is configured to engage a drive configuration (48, 148) of a locknut (42, 142) in order to apply nut torque to the locknut (42, 142) upon rotation of the drive socket (402) and to form a mark (150) on the drive configuration (48, 148) of the locknut (42, 142) in order to provide a visual indicator on the locknut (42, 142) that the locknut (42, 142) has been subjected to the desired torque during initial assembly. The driver socket (402) is preferably attached to a ratchet arm (206) of a fastening tool (200) which provides a mechanical advantage in applying the desired torque.
B25B 23/15 - Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers having a mechanism to mark the work when the selected torque is applied to the work
An article for use in a torque transmitting system which has a drive surface configuration having side and end surfaces is disclosed. The end surface tapers upwardly and outwardly from a lowermost point provided along a longitudinal axis to the side surface. The end surface defines a plurality of identically configured lobes that extend from a first point to a second point. The first point of one lobe is identical to the second point of an adjacent Jobe. The first and second points of each lobe are provided along an imaginary circle having its center along the longitudinal axis. Each lobe extends from the first point to the second point by a series of edges that are straight, concave and/or convex. Two of the edges are tangential to the imaginary circle. The side surface extends upwardly from the edges defining the plurality of lobes.
A fastener (10) which includes a recess (18) that includes a plurality of alternating lobes (24) and flutes (22), where each of the flutes (22) and lobes (24) is twisted or angled. The fastener (10) can be driven using a conventional multi-lobular driver (38). Alternatively, a driver which also has angled or twisted flutes and lobes can be used to engage the recess (18) and drive the fastener (10). A punch pin (60) includes a head (62) that has a plurality of alternating lobes (66) and flutes (22) that are twisted or angled. The head (62) of the punch pin (60) is configured to punch the recess (18) into the head (12) of the fastener (10). A device (80) retains the punch pin (60) such that the punch pin (60) can rotate out of the recess (18) after the punch pin (60) punches the recess (18) into the head (12) of the fastener (10).
A threaded insert (10) which has a cutting edge (18) on its external surface (12). The cutting edge (18) is configured to punch (22) a hole (22) in a workpiece (24) while leaving a slug (26) intact, still connected to the workpiece structure (24). The cutting edge (18) is configured such that no backup die need be utilized to form the hole (22) in the workpiece (24). The threaded insert (10) includes an internal threaded portion (32), and a deformable side wall (34) which is configured to deform upon installation of the threaded insert (10), to form a blind-side bulb (36) against the workpiece (24), and against the slug (26). The threaded insert (10) is configured such that an installation tool (100) can be threaded (40) into the threaded insert (10), and then the installation tool can be used to cause the threaded insert (10) to pierce through the workpiece (24). Then, the installation tool is actuated (44) to cause the deformable side wall (34) of the threaded insert (10) to plastically deform and form the blind-side bulb (36).
F16B 13/04 - Dowels or other devices fastened in walls or the like by inserting them in holes made therein for that purpose with parts gripping in the hole or behind the reverse side of the wall after inserting from the front
A thread forming screw (10) having a minimum surface hardness of HRC 56. The screw (10) can form threads in a workpiece having a surface hardness which exceeds HRC 23. A method of surface hardening a screw (10) includes carbon enriching the screw (10) to at least a 0.48 carbon level, and then quenching the screw (10). Then, the screw (10) is tempered such that the surface hardness does not exceed the core hardness by more than 3 Rockwell C points, and both the surface and core are at a Rockwell C33-C39 hardness. Subsequently, the point (16) is induction hardened, and the screw is quenched again. The screw (10) is again tempered such that the lead threads (18) and the first 3-4 full threads (22, 24) are at a Rockwell C56 minimum hardness, preferably to a depth (26) of at least 0.008 inches, and the core of the fastener (10) is at Rockwell C33-C39 hardness. Finally, a finish is applied.
A self-piercing pin (10, 10a, 10b) and method of installing same. The pin (10, 10a, 10b) includes a body portion (12), a pierce ring (16), a flange (24), and a lock groove (26) which is disposed between the pierce ring (16) and the flange (24). An angled surface (28) is provided between the pierce ring (16) and the lock groove (26). A top side (32) of the flange (24) is generally flat so that the flange (24) can be set flush to the workpiece (18), and to enhance the side load strength of the pin (10, 10a, 10b) once the pin (10, 10a, 10b) is installed. A bottom side (34) of the flange (24) is beveled, angled or flat, thereby minimizing the amount of workpiece material which becomes displaced during installation. Upon installation, the pierce ring (16) shears the workpiece (18), and the material of workpiece flows to the lock groove portion (26) of the pin (10, 10a, 10b), thereby forming a mechanical lock between the pin (10, 10a, 10b) and the workpiece (18). A driver (60) and a die (40) are used to install the pin (10, 10a, 10b).
A pulling head that can be used with a wide range of fasteners and power tools having different stroke lengths and/or power ratings. The pulling head has a set of internal jaws which has serrations that are configured to grip a wide range of fastener types and sizes. The effective stroke of the pulling head is determined by the power tool to which it is engaged, rather than by the structure and design of the pulling head. The pulling head preferably has two jaws and a jaw follower with a leading surface which provides two beveled surfaces. As a result, the trailing surface of the jaws need not be conical, thereby providing that the jaws need not be machined after they are cast, thereby providing a very low cost manufacturing solution.
A bolted joint which is formed by using a bolt (20, 20a) having a tapered shoulder (44, 21a) to cold form a deformable sleeve (46, 46a) in order to provide a 'zero-clearance' fit. Specifically, preferably a plurality of bolted joints are used to join a ring gear (42) to a differential case (58). As the bolts are installed into the differential case (58) and ring gear (42), tapered shoulders (44, 21a) on the bolts (20) dilate deformable sleeves (46, 46a) until outer diameters of the sleeves (46, 46a) contact internal walls of through holes (56) in the differential case (58).
A C-frame (40) for use in association with a fastener setting machine (42), such as a rivet setting machine. The C-frame (40) is configured such that it can be used as a suspended C-frame or as a pedestal mounted C-frame. Specifically, the C-frame (40) is configured such that it can be easily mechanically mounted on and electrically connected to a pedestal (44). The pedestal (44) has a docking mechanism (64) and the C-frame (40) has corresponding structure which mates with the docking station (64) to mechanically mount the C-frame (40) to the pedestal (44). In addition, the pedestal (44) includes an electrical connector (60) which connects to, or mates with, a corresponding electrical connector (58) on the C-frame (40). Preferably, controls (46, 48) are provided on both the C-frame (40) and the pedestal (44) and docking the C-frame (40) on the pedestal (44) works to effectively transfer control of the rivet setting machine (42) from the controls (46) on the C-frame (40) to the controls (48) on the pedestal (44).
B25C 7/00 - Accessories for nailing or stapling tools, e.g. supports
B21J 9/18 - Drives for forging presses operated by making use of gearing mechanisms, e.g. levers, spindles, crankshafts, eccentrics, toggle-levers, rack bars
A tool (20) and method for installing collapsible inserts. The tool (20) includes a stabilizing handle (26) which is threaded onto a tool body (24). The tool body (24) is threaded onto a tool shaft (22). In use, a collapsible insert (34) is threaded onto the tool (20) and the insert (34) is positioned in a hole (102) in a workpiece (104). An actuating handle (38) of the tool (20) is then rotated, while holding the stabilizing handle (26), to cause the collapsible insert (34) to collapse, thereby installing the insert (34) relative to the workpiece (104). Once the insert (34) has been collapsed using the tool (20), the actuating handle (38) is rotated in the opposite direction, while holding the stabilizing handle (26), to disengage the tool (20) from the insert (34). Then, a hanger (106) is threadably inserted into the collapsed insert (34) and a threaded rod (124) is threaded into the hanger (106). Alternatively, the threaded rod (124) is directly threadably engaged with the collapsed insert (34), without need for a hanger (106).
A rivet delivery apparatus and method which is configured to drop a ꧀vet into a position such that the rivet can be threaded onto a guide wire and shot along the guide wire, such as to a rivet tool for broaching Preferably, the ꧀vet delivery apparatus includes a means to clamp the guide wire at two positions a first position before a ꧀vet is threaded onto the guide wire, and a second position after the rivet has been threaded onto the guide wire Specifically, preferably the guide wire is clamped in a first position, and the rivet delivery apparatus includes a plate which shifts, causing a single ꧀vet to fall in place for threading onto the guide wire Then, the guide wire is undamped, moved to the second position such that the rivet threads onto the guide wire, and the guide wire is clamped.
A lockbolt (100, 200, 300) which includes a head portion (102) and a shaft (104, 302) which extends from the head portion (102). The shaft (104) includes at least a portion which is threaded and has a multi-lobular profile. A collar (120, 304) is swageable onto the multi-lobular threaded portion (104), and thereafter the lobes (114) provide that the collar (120, 304) does not tend to vibrate loose from the threading. The fact that the section which has a multi-lobular profile is also threaded provides that the collar (120, 304) (or a conventional threaded nut) can be selectively rotatably removed and re-installed on the lockbolt (100, 200, 300). Before swaging, the collar (120, 304) may initially include a cylindrical bore (130), or a bore (130) which is multi-faceted, preferably generally corresponding to the profile of the multi-lobular portion of the lockbolt (100, 200, 300). The lockbolt (100, 200) may include a frangible pintail (106, 202), wherein the multi-lobular threaded portion is disposed between the head portion of the bolt and the frangible pintail. Alternatively, the lockbolt (300) maybe pintail-less. A tool (310) for swagging a collar (304) onto a pintail-less lockbolt (300) is also described.
A lockbolt (100, 200) which includes a head portion (102) and a shaft (104) which extends from the head portion (102). The shaft (104) includes at least a portion which is threaded and has a multi-lobular profile. A collar (120) is swageable onto the multi-lobular threaded portion (104), and thereafter the lobes (114) provide that the collar (120) does not tend to vibrate loose from the threading. The fact that the section which has a multi-lobular profile is also threaded provides that the collar (120) (or a conventional threaded nut) can be selectively rotatably removed and re-installed on the lockbolt (100, 200). Before swaging, the collar (120) may initially include a cylindrical bore (130), or a bore (130) which is multi-faceted, preferably generally corresponding to the profile of the multi-lobular portion of the lockbolt (100, 200). The lockbolt (100, 200) may also include a frangible pintail (106, 202), wherein the multi-lobular threaded portion is disposed between the head portion of the bolt and the frangible pintail.
F16B 21/00 - Means without screw-thread for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft, or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings without screw-thread
F16B 35/04 - Screw-bolts; Stay bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws with specially-shaped head or shaft in order to fix the bolt on or in an object
24.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ORIENTATING A FASTENING ELEMENT
A receptacle (32, 32a) which is configured to receive a fastener element (10) having a hexagon, or some other polygonal profile (16), and which is configured to rotationally or angularly orientate the insert fastener element (10). One version of the receptacle (32) provides that the receptacle is in the open position as a fastener element (10) is dropped therein. Then, a jaw cylinder (80) closes the receptacle (32), thereby orientating the fastener element (10). Another version of the receptacle (32a) uses springs (110) instead of a jaw cylinder (80), and orientates the fastener element (10) upon rotation of a threaded shaft (52) of a pulling head (46).
B23P 19/00 - Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformation; Tools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes