US3319510A

US3319510A - Fastener stud

Info

Publication number: US3319510A
Application number: US394748A
Authority: US
Inventors: George M Rapata
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 1961-05-05
Filing date: 1964-09-08
Publication date: 1967-05-16
Anticipated expiration: 1984-05-16

Description

G. M. RAPATA FASTENER STUD May 16, 1967 Original Filed May 5, 1961 United States Patent ()fiice 3,3l9,5l Patented May 16, 1967 3,319,510 FASTENER STUD George M. Ra ata, Park Ridge, 11L, assignor to Iilinois Tool Works Inc., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Original application May 5, 1961, Ser. No. 108,110, new

Patent No. 3,162,085, dated Dec. 22, 1964. Eivided and this application Sept. 8, 1964, Ser. No. 394,748

7 Claims. (Ci. 85-72) V This application is a division of my copending application, Ser. No. 108,110, filed May 5, 1961, now issued as Patent No. 3,162,085.

The present invention relates to a novel fastening device or anchor member, and more specifically, to novel fastening devices or anchor members suitable for application to an aperture work structure from one side thereof.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a novel anchor member or fastening device of resilient or deformable material which may be easily and securely applied to an apertured work structure from one side thereof and which may be economically produced.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel anchor member or fastening device of the above described type having a portion which may be readily inserted into an aperture work structure and which is adapted to be expanded for sealing the work structure aperture.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a novel anchor member or fastening device of resilient or deformable material which is constructed so that a portion thereof may be readily inserted into a work structure aperture without undue forcing and subsequently expanded without hammering or otherwise applying forces which may cause injury to the work structure.

Still another object of the present invention is to pro- Vide a novel anchor member or fastening device of the above described type which is constructed so that it may repeatedly be applied to and removed from an apertured work structure without injury to the device or work structure.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a device incorporatingk features of the present invention and an end portion of a tool adapted to be used in association with the device;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1, and further shows the device in an initial stage of assembly with an apertured work structure;

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2, but shows the device in an intermediate stage of assembly with a work structure;

FIG. 4 shows the device of FIGS. 1-3 fully assembled in a work structure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a fastening device incorporating a modified form of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the device of FIG. 5, partially assembled with an apertured work structure;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the device of FIG. 5, fully assembled with an apertured work structure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a further modified form of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the device of FIG. 10, partially assembled with a work structure;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view, partially broken away, showing another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 12, partially assembled with a work structure;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing the device of FIGS. 12 and 13 fully assembled with a work structure; and

FIGS. 15 and 16 respectively show different forms of an expansion element usable in the device of FIGS. 12- 14.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings wherein like parts are designated by the same numerals throughout the various figures, a device 20 incorporating features of the present invention is shown in FIGS. l-4. The device 20 in this embodiment is preferably molded from a tough deformable and resilient plastic material such as nylon. While the device 26 may be modified so as to serve various functions, the embodiment shown is particularly adapted for fastening or anchoring a channel shaped molding strip 22 with respect to an apertured work structure or panel 24.

The device 20 is provided with an axially extending shank portion 26 adapted to extend through an aperture 28 in the work structure or the panel 24. A laterally or radially extending head portion 30 is integrally formed with a trailing end of the shank portion 26 for overlying the outer surface of the work structure and for cooperative engagement with the molding strip 22. In this embodiment the head portion 30 is provided with

beveled margins

32 and 34 extending upwardly and outwardly from the back or clamping face 36 of the head portion. These beveled margins are respectively adapted to overlie and retain inturned marginal flanges 38 and 40 of the molding strip 22. It is to be understood that the head portion 30 may be adapted for cooperation with various workpieces other than the molding strip 22; and, if desired, the device 26 with or without a modified head portion could be used for securing a plurality of apertured workpieces together or with respect to the apertured panel or workpiece 24.

As shown best in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the shank portion 26 is hollow and comprises a relatively thin and flexible peripheral and axially extending wall structure including opposite sides or the wall sections 4244 and 4648. An end flange 50 is integrally formed with entering end extremities of the side walls 42-4-4 and 46-48.

As shown in FIGS. 12, the shank portion 26 is for-med so that it has a transverse cross-section which is substantially uniform in size and shape throughout the length of the shank portion. Furthermore, the outer shape and dimensions of the shank portion 26 are similar to, but slightly smaller than the shape and dimensions of the aperture 28 through the work structure 24, so that the shank portion may be readily inserted into the aperture without any need for pounding or forcing which might cause injury to the work structure.

In accordance with a feature of the present invention the device 20 is provided with means for expanding side Walls of shank portion behind the work structure or panel 24 as shown in FIG. 3 so as to provide

shoulders

55 and 56 cooperable with head portion 30 for securing the device with respect to the workpiece or panel 24-. The expanding means in this embodiment comprises an elongated pin or strut element 54 preferably having a generally elliptical transverse cross-section. The pin element 54 is initially molded integrally with the remainder of the device and is joined to the head portion 36 by a thin breakable connection 57. The head and

shank portions

30 and 26 have a central opening 59 of uniform transverse dimensions of substantially the same elliptical shape as the pin 54.

Upon application of the device to the workpiece, the pin is adapted to be forced inwardly to break the connection 57 and permit shifting of the pin to the position shown in FIG. 3 in which thepin is located within the shank portion between

opposite sides

42 and 44. In this position the pin extends from the end flange 50 toward and adjacent to the head portion 31 but sufiiciently short of the head portion so that the free terminal end 58 of the pin or strut element 54 is located entirely through and beyond the work structure or panel 24 when the device is fully applied to the work structure. The elliptical configuration of the strut element makes it relatively thin in one direction while having a substantial width between longitudinal edges 60 and 62 thereof, which width is materially greater than the distance between inner surfaces of the

opposite sidewalls

42 and 44. The resilient deformable material of the shank 26 enables the pin to be twisted about its longitudinal axis from its normal position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, to a position disposed transversely of the

wall sections

42 and 44 as shown in FIG. 4. Thus, the

side walls

42 and 44 may be readily expanded without pounding and without applying axially directed forces to the device 20 which might dent or otherwise injure the workpiece 24, particularly if the workpiece 24 is a relatively thin panel, by twisting the element 54 so that it becomes wedged between the

side walls

42 and 44 as shown in FIG. 3.

In order to secure device 20 with respect to the work structure, a screwdriver-like tool 76 is preferably provided, a portion which is shown in FIG. 1, which tool includes an elongated shank adapted to be inserted into a slot 61 in the pin 54 and through the portion of the part of opening 59 in the head portion 30. With the aid of this tool, the strut element may quickly and easily be forced into the shank 26 and twisted from its normal position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to the position shown in FIG. 4. During this twisting movement, the

opposite side walls

42 and 44 will expand sufiiciently to provide the

shoulders

55 and 56, and provide a resilient gripping of the pin element so that the pin element will be positively locked in the twisted condition, and the device 20 will be positively secured with respect to the work structure or panel. However, it is further to be noted that the device may be removed from the work structure, if desired, and without injury thereto simply by utilizing the tool 76 for applying a twisting force to the pin element, which is sufficient to cause the pin element to return to its original position. After the pin element has been disengaged in this manner, the resiliency of the plastic will cause the

opposite side walls

42 and 44 to return substantially to their original or normal condition, so that the device may be readily withdrawn from the work structure aperture.

As indicated above, the shank portion in its normal condition substantially fills the aperture 28 in the work structure or panel. When the shank is expanded, the side walls thereof are urged into sealing engagement with the edges of the work structure aperture and the work structure aperture is effectively sealed. The slot 61 terminates short of the inner end of the element 54, so that the element 54 will provide an effective plug for sealing the aperture through the shank portion.

FIGS. 5-9 show another embodiment of the present invention which is' similar to the structure shown in FIGS. 1-4 as indicated :by the application of identical reference numerals with the suffix b added to corresponding elements. This embodiment differs primarily in that the complementary cross-sectional configurations of the strut or expanding element 54b and the aperture 59b are varied from the above disclosed elliptical shape. In this embodiment the strut element 54b is provided with a plurality of eccentric cam portions 86 spaced around the periphery thereof and the wall of the aperture 59b is formed with complementary cam surfaces 88. As shown best in FIG. 9, the cam portions 86 are adapted to mate with the cam surfaces 88 when the element 547? is in a first position so that the element may be readily inserted,

into the aperture 5%. However, upon rotation of the element 54b, toward the position shown in FIG. 9, the high points of the camportions 86 are progressively forced into lower portions of the cam surfaces 88 so as to expand the shank behind the work structure.

The strut or expanding element 54b is further provided with means for resisting retrograde rotation. This means comprises ratchet teeth 90 which are peripherally spaced and which are adapted to engage the wall of the aperture 59b in a manner which permits expanding rotation of the element 54b, but resists return rotation. While the element 54b is shown separate from the head and shank portions of the device, it is to be understood that it may initially be integrally joined thereto in the manner contemplated by the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4. It is further to be understood that the ratchet teeth 90 or similar means may be formed on the expanding or strut element of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 for positively locking such element in the shank expanding position and the pin or strut element of FIGS. 1-4

7 may be formed separately from the head 30, if desired.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show still another embodiment which is similar to the devices described above and particularly the structure of FIGS. 5-9 as indicated by the application of identical reference numerals with the suffix c substituted for the suffix b to corresponding elements. This embodiment shows a slightly modified cam structure for expanding the shank portion of the device. Furthermore this embodiment contemplates the provision of axially facing cam surfaces 92 and axially extending abutment surfaces 94 cooperable with a complementary tool, not shown, which may be used for rotating the element 54c within the shank portion.

A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 12-14 in which elements corresponding to those described above are indicated by the application of iden tical reference numerals with the suflix d added or substituted for the previous sufixes. In this embodiment, the expanding element 54d is a thin flexible wafer-like element which is elongated so that it has a length along a major axis greater than the internal diameter of the shank portion 26d and a dimension along a minor axis less than the internal diameter of the shank. Thus the element 54d may be readily inserted lengthwise into the shank portion.

The shank portion 26d and the element 54d are provided with cooperable means for facilitating turning of the element 54d about its minor axis and about an axis extending transversely of the shank portion 26d so as to expand the shank portion as shown in FIG. 14. In the embodiment shown, the cooperable means include oppositely projecting pin or pivot elements 96 and 98 on the element 54d and aligned with the minor axis thereof. In addition,

socket elements

100 and 102 are integrally formed with inner surfaces of the shank portion 26d and are oppositely disposed for receiving the pivot pins 96 and 98 respectively. As shown in the drawings, the socket elements 1% and 102 have a generally U-shaped configration so that the pin elements 96 and 98 may be slipped into association therewith when the element 54d is inserted into the shank portion 26d as shown in FIG. 13. It will be appreciated that the element 54d may be turned to the position shown in FIG. 14 by pushing on the 1 outwardly projecting end portion thereof with the aid of any suitable elongated tool so 'as to cause the element to pivot around the common axis of the pins 96 and 98.

FIGS. 15 and 16 respectively show elements 54:; and 54] which may be substituted for the element 54d described above. These elements are respectively provided with central apertures 104a and 104 for accommodating elongated pins, rods, shanks, or fastener elements such as screws and the like. The aperture 104s is defined by a plurality of axially inclined resilient prongs 106a which are specially adapted to engage and retain a pin or the like having a smooth surface while the aperture 104 is defined by a helically deflected inner marginal portion 106) so that the element 541 is especially suitable for accommodating a screw member or the like.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it is obvious that many structural details may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A fastening device comprising a resiliently transversely expandable plastic shank portion insertable through an aperture in a work structure, a head portion integrally joined to a trailing end of shank portion and projecting laterally from the shank portion for overlying one side of the work structure, said shank and head portions having an axially extending opening therein, said shank and head portions having internal cross sectional configurations of substantially the same size and shape, said internal cross sectional configuration having a first predetermined transverse dimension and a second transverse dimension greater than said first dimension, said shank and head portions joining each other at a circumferentially continuous junction, said shank portion having circumferentially continuous walls extending axially from said junction, said shank portion having an exterior transverse cross section having its maximum dimensions adjacent said junction and similar to and not substantially greater than corresponding dimensions of the aperture in the work structure for facilitating easy insertion of the shank portion through the aperture, and substantially filling the aperture, and a rotatable expansion element pivotally locatable in said opening and having transverse dimensions generally corresponding to said internal transverse dimensions of said shank portion and having one of said transverse dimensions in one direction greater than said first predetermined transverse dimension of said opening and a second transverse dimension less than said first predetermined transverse dimension of said opening for enabling the expansion element to be rotated within said opening for expanding the shank portion behind a work structure during assembly of the device with the work structure, said expansion element being located substantially entirely within said shank portion and avoiding axially directed engagement with said head portion when said device is fully assembled with the work structure.

2. A fastening device, as defined in claim 1, wherein said transverse cross-sections are substantially elliptical.

3. A fastening device, as defined in claim 1, wherein said expansion element and said shank portion include cooperable eccentric cam surface means.

4. A fastening device, as defined in claim 1, which includes tooth means projecting between said element and shank portion for resisting retrograde rotation of the element after said element has been turned so as to expand the shank portion.

5. A fastening device, as defined in claim 1, wherein said expansion element is disposed for rotation about a central longitudinal axis of said shank portion.

6. A fastening device, as defined in claim 1, wherein said expansion element is disposed for rotating about a transverse axis of said shank portion.

7. A fastening device as defined in claim 6, wherein said expansion element includes central aperture means for accommodating and retaining an elongated element inserted axially into said shank portion when said expansion element is turned for expanding said shank portion.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,733,067 1/1956 Moore et al 242 14 X FOREIGN PATENTS 1,115,678 1/1956 France.

WILLIAM FELDMAN, Primary Examiner. E. SIMONSEN, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

1. A FASTENING DEVICE COMPRISING A RESILIENTLY TRANSVERSELY EXPANDABLE PLASTIC SHANK PORTION INSERTABLE THROUGH AN APERTURE IN A WORK STRUCTURE, A HEAD PORTION INTEGRALLY JOINED TO A TRAILING END OF SHANK PORTION AND PROJECTING LATERALLY FROM THE SHANK PORTION FOR OVERLYING ONE SIDE OF THE WORK STRUCTURE, SAID SHANK AND HEAD PORTIONS HAVING AN AXIALLY EXTENDING OPENING THEREIN, SAID SHANK AND HEAD PORTIONS HAVING INTERNAL CROSS SECTIONAL CONFIGURATIONS OF SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME SIZE AND SHAPE, SAID INTERNAL CROSS SECTIONAL CONFIGURATION HAVING A FIRST PREDETERMINED TRANSVERSE DIMENSION AND A SECOND TRANSVERSE DIMENSION GREATER THAN SAID FIRST DIMENSION, SAID SHANK AND HEAD PORTIONS JOINING EACH OTHER AT A CIRCUMFERENTIALLY CONTINUOUS JUNCTION, SAID SHANK PORTION HAVING CIRCUMFERENTIALLY CONTINUOUS WALLS EXTENDING AXIALLY FROM SAID JUNCTION, SAID SHANK PORTION HAVING AN EXTERIOR TRANSVERSE CROSS SECTION HAVING ITS MAXIMUM DIMENSIONS ADJACENT SAID JUNCTION AND SIMILAR TO AND NOT SUBSTANTIALLY GREATER THAN CORRESPONDING DIMENSIONS OF THE APERTURE IN THE WORK STRUCTURE FOR FACILITATING EASY INSERTION OF THE