U.S. patent application number 09/782961 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-15 for screw retention device.
Invention is credited to Kirimoto, Kanji.
Application Number | 20020110437 09/782961 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25127734 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020110437 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kirimoto, Kanji |
August 15, 2002 |
Screw retention device
Abstract
A screw retention device is disclosed for maintaining at least a
pair of screws in a substantially static position. The screw
retention device preferably includes at least two clamping
portions, each clamping portion defining a recess therein for
receiving and securely retaining a screw. The clamping portions
include a serrated surface extending circumferentially around an
inside periphery of the clamping portion, surrounding the recess.
The serrated surface of the clamping portion corresponds to and
engages with a serrated surface on the screw to retain the screw.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the screw retention
device is press fitted onto the screws.
Inventors: |
Kirimoto, Kanji; (Osaka,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JEFFER, MANGELS, BUTLER & MARMARO, LLP
2121 AVENUE OF THE STARS
10 FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067
US
|
Family ID: |
25127734 |
Appl. No.: |
09/782961 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
411/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 39/101 20130101;
F16B 23/0061 20130101; F16D 2065/1348 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
411/119 |
International
Class: |
F16B 039/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A screw retention device for retaining serrated screws, the
screw retention device comprising: a body; and at least two screw
engagement portions integrally attached to the body, wherein the
engagement portions are dimensioned to securely engage screws.
2. The screw retention device of claim 1 wherein each of the at
least two screw engagement portions comprise a serrated surface
dimensioned to grip the serrated screws.
3. The screw retention device of claim 2 wherein each of the at
least two screw engagement portions comprise a slit therein.
4. The screw retention device of claim 2 wherein each of the at
least two screw engagement portions comprise a non-serrated
surface.
5. The screw retention device of claim 1 comprising a rubber
material.
6. The screw retention device of claim 1 comprising a plastic
material.
7. A screw comprising: a shaft; a head attached to the shaft, the
head having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper
portion of the head has a conical shape and the lower portion of
the head has a serrated section.
8. A screw retention device for retaining serrated screws having a
head with an upper conical section and a lower serrated
circumference, the screw retention device comprising: at least two
screw engagement portions associated with each other by a
connecting arm, each of the at least two screw engagement portions
defining a recess therein, the recess dimensioned to receive the
serrated screw; and a serrated surface disposed, at least
partially, along an inside periphery of each of the at least two
screw engagement portions surrounding the recess, the serrated
surface corresponding to and dimensioned to engage with the
serrated circumference of the screws.
9. The screw retention device of claim 8 comprising an elastic
material.
10. The screw retention device of claim 8 comprising a rubber
material.
11. The screw retention device of claim 8 wherein each of the at
least two screw engagement portions include a slit extending from
the recess.
12. The screw retention device of claim 8 wherein each of the at
least two screw engagement portions include a pair of extension
handles, wherein the recess is expanded by moving the pair of
extension handles apart.
13. The screw retention device of claim 12 wherein each of the at
least two screw engagement portions include a non-serrated surface
proximal the connecting arm.
14. The screw retention device of claim 13 wherein the serrated
surface is disposed proximal the pair of extension handles.
15. The screw retention device of claim 8 wherein the serrated
surface extends along the entire periphery of each of the at least
two screw engagement portions.
16. The screw retention device of claim 14 comprising a plastic
material.
17. A method of retaining screws in a substantially static
position, comprising the steps of: providing a pair of screws, each
screw having a head comprising of a conical head portion and a
serrated circumference adjacent the conical head portion; providing
a screw retention device having a pair of screw engagement
portions, wherein each screw engagement portion has an inside
circumference defining a bore therein, the bore being dimensioned
to receive a screw head, wherein the inside circumference of the
screw engagement portion has a serrated surface corresponding to
the serrated circumference of the screw; pressing the screw
retention device onto the screw head; sliding each of the screw
engagement portions over the conical head portion of a respective
screws; and engaging the serrated surface of each of the screw
engagement portions with the serrated circumference of a respective
screw.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the screw head is dimensioned to
maintain the screw engagement portion in a static position when the
screw retention device is installed.
19. A method of installing a screw retention device on a screw,
comprising the step of press fitting the screw retention device on
the screw.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of:
providing at least two screw engagement portions on the screw
retention device, each of the at least two screw engagement
portions having a serrated portion and a non-serrated portion;
providing at least two screws, each screw having a screw head with
a serrated portion; and pressing each of the at least two screw
engagement portions over a respective screw head and engaging the
serrated portion of the screw engagement portion with the serrated
portion of the screw head.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to screw retention
devices, and more particularly to a screw retention device having a
serrated holding portion for engagement with corresponding
serrations on a screw to be retained.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] When using a fastener, such as a screw, there is a risk that
vibrations, or other conditions, will cause the screw to shift in
position, loosen and, in some cases, fall out. To prevent the screw
from shifting or falling out, numerous screw retention devices and
methods have been developed. As shown in FIG. 4, a known device 200
is disclosed for preventing fall out. The device 200 includes a
wiring mechanism 202 that is used to wire a pair of tightened screw
heads 204, 206 together.
[0003] Another known device 220 is shown in FIGS. 5a-5c. The known
device 220 includes a tightening plate 222, best shown in FIG. 5a,
having a pair of holes 224 dimensioned to receive screws 226. The
screws 226, as best shown in FIG. 5b, have a triangular head
portion 228 and a threaded shaft 230. To install the tightening
plate 222, the screw shaft 230 is positioned through a hole 224 of
the tightening plate 222 prior to being threadingly engaged with
another object. As shown in FIG. 5c, each tightening plate 222
receives two screws 226. When the screws are fastened, the edge 232
of the tightening plate 222 is bent in the direction designated as
X, shown in FIG. 5c, to fit the shape of the screw. When the edges
232 are bent around the screw 226, the bent edges prevent the
triangular head 228 from rotating. Thus, the screw 226 is
maintained in position.
[0004] The known methods of retaining screws in a static position
are complicated and time consuming. Accordingly, there is a need
for a simplified method and device to retain screws in a static
position.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0005] A screw retention device is disclosed for maintaining at
least a pair of screws in a substantially static position. The term
screw is used herein to refer to any fastener that threadingly
engages an object. The screw retention device preferably includes
at least two clamping portions, each clamping portion defining a
recess therein for receiving and securely retaining a screw. The
clamping portions include a serrated surface extending
circumferentially around an inside periphery of the clamping
portion, surrounding the recess. The serrated surface of the
clamping portion corresponds to and engages with a serrated surface
on the screw to retain the screw. In a preferred embodiment of the
invention, the screw retention device is press fitted onto the
screws.
[0006] In one embodiment of the invention, the serrated surface of
the clamping portion extends around the entire inside periphery of
the clamping portion and the serrated surface of the screw extends
around the entire outside periphery of the screw. The screw
retention device is snap fit onto the screws and the serrated
surface of the clamping portions engage the serrated surface of the
screws.
[0007] The screws preferably have a conical head portion to
facilitate the installation of the screw retention device. During
installation, the clamping portions slide down the conical head
portion of the screw until the serrated surface of the clamping
portions engages the serrated surface of the screw. In a more
preferred embodiment, the conical head portion of the screw is
dimensioned to overlap the top surface of the screw retention
device when the device is installed, and restrict the movement of
the device in the direction of the axis of the screw.
[0008] The screw retention device is preferably made of an elastic
material that provides elastic yield during the installation of the
device. In one embodiment of the invention, the screw retention
device comprises rubber. In another embodiment of the invention,
the screw retention device comprises a relatively harder material,
such as plastic. If a relatively harder material is used, slits are
provided in the screw retention device, extending from the recess,
to facilitate the installation of the device.
[0009] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the
clamping portions include a serrated surface and a non-serrated
surface on the inside periphery surrounding the recess. The
non-serrated surface is preferably disposed proximal the slit. To
facilitate the removal of the screw retention device from the
screws, the clamping portions preferably include a pair of
extension handles. The extension handles operate such that by
pulling the handles apart, the recess is expanded and the serrated
surface of the clamping portion disengages from the serrated
surface of the screw.
[0010] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description. It is to be understood, however,
that the detailed description and specific examples, while
indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are
given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and
modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made
without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention
includes all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention may be more readily understood by referring to
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the screw retention device of the present invention shown in
conjunction with a pair of screws;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment
of the screw retention device of the present invention shown in
conjunction with a pair of screws;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of yet another preferred
embodiment of the screw retention device of the present invention
as installed;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a known screw retention device which tightens
about the screw heads; and
[0016] FIGS. 5a through 5c depict a known tightening plate, shown
separately and as installed in connection with a plurality of
screws.
[0017] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several
views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] A preferred embodiment of the screw retention device of the
present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and designated as numeral 10.
Screw retention device 10 has a first screw engagement portion 16
at a first end 12 of the screw retention device 10 and a second
screw engagement portion 18 at a second end 14 of the screw
retention device 10. The first and second screw engagements
portions 16, 18 each define a bore 20 therein. The bore 20 is
preferably dimensioned to receive a screw 100 and securely retain
the screw 100 in the bore 20. On an inside circumference 22 of the
screw engagement portions 16, 18, surrounding the bore 20, the
screw engagement portions 16, 18 preferably include a serrated
surface 24. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
serrated surface 24 extends circumferentially along the entire
inside circumference 22 of the screw engagement portions 16, 18. In
another embodiment of the invention, the serrated surface 24
extends partially along the inside circumference 22 of the screw
engagement portions 16, 18 (not shown).
[0019] The screw retention device 10 is configured to be used in
conjunction with screws having a serrated section, as described
more fully below. As shown in FIG. 1, screw 100 includes a shaft
102 and a head 104. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
head 104 includes a conical section 106 and a serrated section 108.
The serrated section 108 of the screw 100 is configured to
correspond to and engage with the serrated surface 24 of the screw
engagement portions 16, 18, when the screw retention device 10 is
installed on the screw 100.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the screw
retention device 10 engages two screws 100. When installed, the
first engagement portion 16 of the screw retention device 10
engages a first screw and the second engagement portion 18 of the
screw retention device 10 engages a second screw. Specifically, the
serrated surfaces 24 of the engagement portions 16, 18 are
configured to engage the serrated section 108 of the screws 100. To
install the screw retention device 10 on the screws 100, the first
and second engagement portions 16, 18 are aligned with the first
and second screws, respectively. The screw retention device is
pressed onto the screws until the engagement portions 16, 18 slip
over the conical section 106 of the screws. The shape of the
conical section 106 facilitates the movement of the engagement
portions 16, 18 toward the serrated section 108. Upon passing the
conical section 106 of the screw, the serrated surfaces 24 of the
engagement portions 16, 18 mesh with the serrated sections 108 of
the screws. When the serrated surfaces 24 engages the serrated
sections 108 of the screws, the screws are substantially maintained
in a static position until the screw retention device is
removed.
[0021] The conical section 106 of the screw 100 is preferably
dimensioned to restrict the movement of the screw retention device
10. Specifically, when the screw retention device 10 is installed
on the screw 100, the edge 110 of the conical section 106 of the
screw 100 at least partially overlaps the top surface 26 of the
screw retention device 10, such that, the motion of the screw
retention device 10 is restricted in the direction of the center
axis A of the screw 100.
[0022] To facilitate the installation of the screw retention device
10 on the screws, the screw retention device 10 is preferably
comprised of an elastic material that provides elastic yield when
the screw retention device 10 is pressed onto the head portion 104
of the screw 100. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention,
the screw retention device 10 comprises rubber. The elasticity of
the screw retention device 10 allows the device to be snap-fit (or
press fit) onto the head portion 104 of the screw.
[0023] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the
screw retention device 10 immobilizes a pair of screws 100
simultaneously. The screw retention device 10, shown in FIG. 1,
includes two engagement portions 16, 18 each engagement portion
engaging a screw. In another embodiment of the invention (not
shown), the screw retention device 10 includes three or more
engagement portions, each engagement portion engaging one screw.
The screw retention device 10 operates in the same manner as the
previous embodiment in that the serrated surface 24 of each
engagement portion 16, 18 engages the serrated section 108 of a
screw 100. However, additional engagement portions can be added,
and the length and shape of the screw retention device can be
altered to accommodate additional screws, without departing from
the inventive concept disclosed herein.
[0024] Yet another preferred embodiment of the screw retention
device of the present invention is shown in FIG. 2 and designated
as numeral 30. Screw retention device 30 has a first clamping
portion 36 at a first end 32 of the screw retention device 30 and a
second clamping portion 38 at a second end 34 of the screw
retention device 30. The first and second clamping portions 36, 38,
are connected to each other by a connecting arm 40. Each of the
first clamping portion 36 and the second clamping portion 38 define
a recess 42 therein. The recess is preferably dimensioned to
receive a screw 100 and securely retain the screw 100 in the recess
42.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG.
2, the clamping portions 36, 38 each have an the inside
circumference 44, The inside circumference 44 of the clamping
portions 36, 38 preferably carries a serrated portion 46 and a
non-serrated portion 48. The serrated portion 46 preferably, at
least partially, surrounds the recess 42 at a location distal from
the connecting arm 40. The non-serrated portion 48 preferably, at
least partially, surrounds the recess 42 at a location proximal the
connecting arm 40.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the screw
retention device 30 comprises a relatively rigid material.
Specifically, the material of the screw retention device 30 shown
in FIG. 2 is more rigid than the material of the screw retention
device 10 shown in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment of the
invention, the material of the screw retention device 30, shown in
FIG. 2, provides an elastic yield to facilitate the installation of
the screw retention device 30 onto the screws 100 and the removal
of the screw retention device 30 therefrom. In a more preferred
embodiment of the invention, the screw retention device 30
comprises plastic.
[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, the screw retention
device 30 engages two screws 100, as shown in FIG. 2. To install
the screw retention device 30, the first clamping portion 36 of the
screw retention device 30 is aligned with a first screw and the
second clamping portion 38 of the screw retention device 30 is
aligned with a second screw. The screw retention device is then
pressed onto the screws until the clamping portions 36, 38 slip
over the conical section 106 of the screws. As discussed above, the
shape of the conical section 106 facilitates the movement of the
clamping portions 36, 38 toward the serrated section 108 of the
screw. Upon passing the conical section 106 of the screw, the
serrated portion 46 of the clamping portions 36, 38 mesh with the
serrated sections 108 of the screws. When the serrated portions 46
engage the serrated sections 108 of the screws, the screws are
substantially maintained in a static position until the screw
retention device 30 is removed.
[0028] The screw retention device 30 preferably includes a slit 50
extending from each of the first and second clamping portions 36,
38 in the direction of the connecting arm 40. Because the screw
retention device 30 is made of a relatively rigid material, the
slits 50 facilitate the deformation of the clamping portions 36, 38
as the screw retention device 30 is installed on the screws.
Specifically, as the clamping portions 36, 38 are pressed over the
head 104 of the screw 100, the slit 50 allows the recess 42 of the
clamping portion 36, 38 to expand. The recess remains expanded as
the screw retention device 30 is pressed over the conical section
106 of the screw. When the serrated portion 46 of the clamping
portion 36, 38 arrives at the serrated section 108 of the screw,
the screw retention device 30 snaps back into its normal state from
its expanded state.
[0029] Since the screw retention device 30 of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 2 is made of a relatively rigid material, the connecting
arm 40 is difficult to compress in the longitudinal direction.
Accordingly, to fit the screw retention device 30 on the screws,
the length of the connecting arm, L, must be equivalent or shorter
than the distance, B, between the screws. In the event that the
distance between the screws, B, is slightly larger than the length
of the connecting arm, L, the clamping portions 36, 38 will still
be able to engage the serrated sections 108 of the screws. Namely,
the serrated portion 46 of the clamping portion 36, 38 meshes with
the serrated section 108 and securely maintains the screw in place.
To retain the position of a screw, it is not required that the
screw retention device 30 include a serrated portion 46 that
extends circumferentially around the entire inside circumference 44
of the clamping portions 36, 38. As shown in FIG. 2, and discussed
above, the serrated portion 46 extends partially around the inside
circumference 44 of the clamping portions 36, 38. By providing the
serrated portion 46 at a location distal from the connecting arm
40, the screw retention device 30 can engage the serrated section
108 of a pair of screws that are apart a distance that is greater
than the length of the connecting arm, L.
[0030] The screw retention device 30 preferably includes handles
52. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handles 52 are
integrally attached to and extend from the clamping portion 36, 38.
When the screw retention device 30 is installed on the screws 100,
the handles 52 are used to facilitate the removal of the screw
retention device 30 from the screws. Specifically, the handles 52
are preferably pulled apart in the direction depicted as C in FIG.
2. By pulling the handles 52 apart, the recess 42 of the clamping
portions 36, 38 is expanded and the serrated portion 46 of the
screw retention device is disengaged from the serrated section 108
of the screw. The screw retention device can then be removed from
the screws.
[0031] As discussed with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
the screw retention device 30 is not limited to having two clamping
portions 36, 38. The screw retention device 30 can include three or
more clamping portions, each clamping portion engaging one screw.
The screw retention device having three or more clamping portions
would operate in the same manner as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2,
in that the serrated portion 46 of each clamping portion engages
the serrated section of a screw 100. As such, additional clamping
portions can be added, and the length and shape of the screw
retention device can be altered to accommodate additional screws,
without departing from the inventive concept disclosed herein.
[0032] An alternative embodiment of the screw retention device of
the present invention is shown in FIG. 3 and designated as numeral
60. In this embodiment of the invention, the screw retention device
60 has a plurality of clamping portions 62. Each clamping portion
includes a pair of slits 64 to accommodate a yield in the material
of the screw retention device during installation. The clamping
portions 62 each have a serrated portion 66 (not shown) that
engages the serrated section 108 of the screw and retains the screw
in a substantially static position.
[0033] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, six screws 100 are
installed on a disc brake rotor 120 in a circular relationship. The
shape of the screw retention device 60 substantially corresponds to
the layout of the screws 100. Each clamping portion 62 is
configured to align and engage with a corresponding screw. To
install, the screw retention device 60 is snap fit or press fit
onto the plurality of screws. Although FIG. 3 depicts a disc brake
rotor, the present invention is not limited to be used solely in
such an application. Rather, the screw retention device can be used
in any application wherein it is desirable to maintain a plurality
of fasteners in a substantially static position.
[0034] The embodiments described above are exemplary embodiments of
a screw retention device. Those skilled in the art may now make
numerous uses of, and departures from, the above-described
embodiments without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed
herein. Accordingly, the present invention is to be defined solely
by the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *