U.S. patent application number 10/607865 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-02 for combination fastener.
Invention is credited to Vassiliou, Eustathios.
Application Number | 20050117993 10/607865 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34624150 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050117993 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vassiliou, Eustathios |
June 2, 2005 |
COMBINATION FASTENER
Abstract
This invention pertains fasteners which are characterized by
easy insertion and extraordinarily difficult separation of items
that they attach together. This is achieved by a combination of
snapping segments with multi-engagement configurations of
engageable holes. The snapping segments may comprise anti-opening
and/or anti-sliding portions, which immensely increase the strength
with which the fasteners hold the objects together. Provision of an
elastic body in the vicinity of the bottom section of the fasteners
provides water and gas proof properties, and further eliminates
squeaking noises. Vehicles comprising objects connected together by
the fastening devices described and claimed herein are part of the
instant invention.
Inventors: |
Vassiliou, Eustathios;
(Newark, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EUSTATHIOS VASSILIOU
TERMAX CORPORATION
920 REMINGTON AVENUE
SCHAUMBURG
IL
60173
US
|
Family ID: |
34624150 |
Appl. No.: |
10/607865 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10607865 |
Jun 27, 2003 |
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09969563 |
Oct 2, 2001 |
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6629809 |
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60283266 |
Apr 12, 2001 |
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60249996 |
Nov 20, 2000 |
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60267281 |
Feb 8, 2001 |
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60283286 |
Apr 11, 2001 |
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60289343 |
May 7, 2001 |
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60302194 |
Jun 29, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
411/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 5/0642 20130101;
F16B 37/043 20130101; F16B 37/02 20130101; F16B 37/065
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
411/173 |
International
Class: |
F16B 037/02 |
Claims
1-250. (canceled)
251. A combination fastener as defined in claim 179, wherein the
fastener further comprises a left section connected to the bottom
section and comprising a left snapping segment; and a right section
also connected to the bottom section and comprising a right
snapping segment.
252. A combination fastener as defined in claim 251, wherein the
fastener further comprises a top section having a top engageable
continuous hole, wherein the top section is also connected to the
left section and to the right section.
253. A combination fastener as defined in claim 251, wherein the
fastener further comprises an upper free-ended top section having
an upper top engageable continuous hole; and a lower free-ended top
section having a lower top engageable continuous hole; wherein the
upper free-ended top section is connected to one of the left and
the right side sections and the lower free-ended top section is
connected to the remaining of the left and the right side
sections.
254. A combination fastener as defined in claim 251, wherein at
least one of the left and right snapping segments comprises an
element selected from an anti-opening portion, an anti-sliding
portion and a combination thereof.
255. A combination fastener as defined in claim 252, wherein at
least one of the left and right snapping segments comprise an
element selected from an anti-opening portion, an anti-sliding
portion and a combination thereof.
256. A vehicle as defined in claim 185, wherein the fastener
further comprises a left section connected to the bottom section
and comprising a left snapping segment; and a right section also
connected to the bottom section and comprising a right snapping
segment.
257. A vehicle as defined in claim 256, wherein the fastener
further comprises a top section having a top engageable continuous
hole, wherein the top section is also connected to the left section
and to the right section.
258. A vehicle as defined in claim 256, wherein the fastener
further comprises an upper free-ended top section having an upper
top engageable continuous hole; and a lower free-ended top section
having a lower top engageable continuous hole; wherein the upper
free-ended top section is connected to one of the left and the
right side sections and the lower free-ended top section is
connected to the remaining of the left and the right side
sections.
259. A vehicle as defined in claim 256, wherein at least one of the
left and right snapping segments of the fastener comprise an
element selected from an anti-opening portion, an anti-sliding
portion and a combination thereof.
260. A vehicle as defined in claim 257, wherein at least one of the
left and right snapping segments of the fastener comprise an
element selected from an anti-opening portion, an anti-sliding
portion and a combination thereof.
261. A vehicle as defined in claim 258, wherein at least one of the
left and right snapping segments of the fastener comprise an
element selected from an anti-opening portion, an anti-sliding
portion and a combination thereof.
262. A combination fastener as defined in claim 179, wherein the
fastener further comprises an upper free-ended top section having
an upper top engageable continuous hole; a lower free-ended top
section having a lower top engageable continuous hole; a left
section and a right section, the top sections and the bottom
section being connected by the left section and the right section;
and a front snapping segment and a back snapping segment, wherein
at least one of said segments is connected to at least one of the
upper free-ended top section and the lower free-ended top section,
substantially between the planes of left section and the right
section.
263. A combination fastener as defined in claim 262, wherein both
the front and the back snapping segments are connected to the lower
free-ended top section.
264. A combination fastener as defined in claim 263, wherein the
upper free-ended top section provides support to the lower
free-ended top section.
265. A combination fastener as defined in claim 262, wherein at
least one of the snapping segments comprises a portion selected
from anti-opening portion, anti-sliding portion, and a combination
thereof.
266. A combination fastener as defined in claim 263, wherein at
least one of the snapping segments comprises a portion selected
from anti-opening portion, anti-sliding portion, and a combination
thereof.
267. A combination fastener as defined in claim 264, wherein at
least one of the snapping segments comprises a portion selected
from anti-opening portion, anti-sliding portion, and a combination
thereof.
268. A vehicle as defined in claim 185, wherein the fastener
further comprises an upper free-ended top section having an upper
top engageable continuous hole; a lower free-ended top section
having a lower top engageable continuous hole; a left section and a
right section, the top sections and the bottom section being
connected by the left section and the right section; and a front
snapping segment and a back snapping segment, wherein at least one
of said segments is connected to at least one of the upper
free-ended top section and the lower free-ended top section,
substantially between the planes of left section and the right
section.
269. A vehicle as defined in claim 268, wherein both the front and
the back snapping segments are connected to the lower free-ended
top section.
270. A vehicle as defined in claim 269, wherein the upper
free-ended top section provides support to the lower free-ended top
section.
271. A vehicle as defined in claim 268, wherein at least one of the
snapping segments comprises a portion selected from anti-opening
portion, anti-sliding portion, and a combination thereof.
272. A vehicle as defined in claim 269, wherein at least one of the
snapping segments comprises a portion selected from anti-opening
portion, anti-sliding portion, and a combination thereof.
273. A vehicle as defined in claim 270, wherein at least one of the
snapping segments comprises a portion selected from anti-opening
portion, anti-sliding portion, and a combination thereof.
274. A combination fastener as defined in claim 179, wherein the
fastener further comprises: a top section having a top engageable
continuous hole; a bottom section having a bottom engageable
continuous hole; at least one side section, the top section and the
bottom section being connected by the at least one side section;
and a front snapping segment and a back snapping segment, the
snapping segments connected to the top section.
275. A fastener as defined in claim 274, wherein at least one of
the snapping segments comprises a portion selected from
anti-opening portion, anti-sliding portion, and a combination
thereof.
276. A vehicle as defined in claim 185, wherein the fastener
further comprises: a top section having a top engageable continuous
hole; a bottom section having a bottom engageable continuous hole;
at least one side section, the top section and the bottom section
being connected by the at least one side section; and a front
snapping segment and a back snapping segment, the snapping segments
connected to the top section.
277. A vehicle as defined in claim 276, wherein at least one of the
snapping segments comprises a portion selected from anti-opening
portion, anti-sliding portion, and a combination thereof.
278. A combination fastener comprising: a fastener, the fastener
comprising an upper free-ended top section having an upper top
engageable continuous hole; a lower free-ended top section having a
lower top engageable continuous hole; a bottom section having a
bottom engageable continuous hole, the bottom engageable continuous
hole having a helical periphery; a left section and a right
section; the top sections and the bottom section being connected by
the left section and the right section, the left section comprising
a left snapping segment, and the right section comprising a right
snapping segment, wherein the upper top engageable hole, the lower
top engageable hole, and the bottom engageable hole are located in
positions allowing coexisting engagement by a screw or bolt; and a
screw, the screw comprising a core, the core having a core surface,
and a pitch, the pitch being commensurate to the helical periphery
of the bottom engageable continuous hole, wherein substantially the
entirety of the helical periphery of the bottom engageable
continuous hole substantially contacts the core surface, when the
screw is engaged to the fastener.
279. A combination fastener as defined in claim 278, wherein at
least one of the snapping segments comprises a portion selected
from an anti-opening portion, an anti-sliding portion, and a
combination thereof.
280. A combination fastener as defined in claim 278, wherein the
upper free-ended top section and the lower free-ended top section
have smaller dimensions than the bottom section.
281. A combination fastener as defined in claim 279, wherein the
upper free-ended top section and the lower free-ended top section
have smaller dimensions than the bottom section.
282. A combination fastener as defined in claim 280, wherein the
upper free-ended top section and the lower free-ended top section
are just wide enough to accept the upper top engageable continuous
hole, and the lower top engageable continuous hole,
respectively.
283. A combination fastener as defined in claim 281, wherein the
upper free-ended top section and the lower free-ended top section
are just wide enough to accept the upper top engageable continuous
hole, and the lower top engageable continuous hole,
respectively.
284. A combination fastener as defined in claim 278, wherein at
least two of the upper top engageable continuous hole, the lower
top engageable continuous hole, and the bottom engageable
continuous hole are in a condition selected from deviating from
being commensurate, being misaligned, and a combination thereof, in
a manner to improve prevailing torque.
285. A vehicle comprising parts connected with a combination
fastener, the combination fastener comprising: a fastener, the
fastener comprising an upper free-ended top section having an upper
top engageable continuous hole; a lower free-ended top section
having a lower top engageable continuous hole; a bottom section
having a bottom engageable continuous hole, the bottom engageable
continuous hole having a helical periphery; a left section and a
right section; the top sections and the bottom section being
connected by the left section and the right section, the left
section comprising a left snapping segment, and the right section
comprising a right snapping segment, wherein the upper top
engageable hole, the lower top engageable hole, and the bottom
engageable hole are located in positions allowing coexisting
engagement by a screw or bolt; and a screw, the screw comprising a
core, the core having a core surface, and a pitch, the pitch being
commensurate to the helical periphery of the bottom engageable
continuous hole, wherein substantially the entirety of the helical
periphery of the bottom engageable continuous hole substantially
contacts the core surface, when the screw is engaged to the
fastener.
286. A vehicle as defined in claim 285, wherein at least one of the
snapping segments of the combination fastener comprises a portion
selected from an anti-opening portion, an anti-sliding portion, and
a combination thereof.
287. A vehicle as defined in claim 285, wherein the upper
free-ended top section and the lower free-ended top section of the
combination fastener have smaller dimensions than the bottom
section.
288. A vehicle as defined in claim 286, wherein the upper
free-ended top section and the lower free-ended top section of the
combination fastener have smaller dimensions than the bottom
section.
289. A vehicle as defined in claim 287, wherein the upper
free-ended top section and the lower free-ended top section of the
combination fastener are just wide enough to accept the upper top
engageable continuous hole, and the lower top engageable continuous
hole, respectively.
290. A vehicle as defined in claim 288, wherein the upper
free-ended top section and the lower free-ended top section of the
combination fastener are just wide enough to accept the upper top
engageable continuous hole, and the lower top engageable continuous
hole, respectively.
291. A vehicle as defined in claim 285, wherein at least two of the
upper top engageable continuous hole, the lower top engageable
continuous hole, and the bottom engageable continuous hole of the
combination fastener are in a condition selected from deviating
from being commensurate, being misaligned, and a combination
thereof, in a manner to improve prevailing torque.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of provisional patent
application 60/246,634 (filed Nov. 8, 2000), 60/249,996 (filed Nov.
20, 2000), 60/267,281 (filed Feb. 8, 2001), 60/283,286 (filed Apr.
12, 2001), 60/289,343 (filed May 7, 2001), and 60/302,194 (filed
Jun. 29, 2001), all six of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention pertains fasteners, and more particularly
fasteners which attach one object to another object, with special
emphasis to objects in the Automotive Industry.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the original conventional technology of fasteners
employed to securely attach one object to another, such as for
example one part to another in the case of an automobile or an
appliance, has utilized a nut on one of the two objects, usually
welded or glued to the back of said object, and a bolt passing
through a hole on the second object in a manner to be engaged by
the nut, thereby securing the two objects together.
[0004] This arrangement presents many problems, among which, one of
the most important is that in the case that one object is hollow,
the nut has to be in place at the back of the hollow object before
assembling the two objects together. If for any reason the nut is
misplaced, and/or if it becomes desirable to introduce a new
fastening connection between the two objects, the task of achieving
such connection becomes very difficult if not impossible for all
practical purposes.
[0005] The so-called "quick nuts" have also been used to connect
two objects. In addition, vibration during the operation of a
device, such as an automobile or appliance for example, containing
the two objects results very often in loosening of the bolt or
"quick nut" and in either full disassembling of the objects from
each other, or in a vibration noise which is most annoying and
often of unacceptable levels.
[0006] Fasteners of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,238
(Vassiliou) have been utilized to reduce considerably the potential
of bolt or screw loosening and vibration. They have also eliminated
the problem of having to place one member of the fastener at the
back portion of the hollow object. These fasteners are placed
through a slot from the front part of the hollow object. An
expanding member, being usually a bolt or a screw, supports the
second object by forcing the legs of the fastener (as described for
example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,238) to open or expand, thereby
securing the two objects together. The legs of the fasteners are
supported by a double-layered head having an upper side and a lower
side joined by side bents. The fasteners of this type have greatly
improved the prevailing torque, as well as the pulling force of the
system. Prevailing torque is the torque required to render a screw
loose. Pulling force is the pulling force applied on the screw to
the point of failure, which usually occurs at the bents.
[0007] Other references representing the state of the art at this
point are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,095,734, 5,919,019,
5,636,891, 5,632,584, 5,249,900, 3,486,158, 3,426,817, 2,430,555,
2,376,167, and 2,720,135.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] This invention pertains fasteners, and more particularly
fasteners which attach one object to another object, with special
emphasis to objects in the Automotive Industry. More particularly,
this invention pertains a folded sheet metal fastener
comprising:
[0009] a top section having a top engageable continuous hole;
and
[0010] a bottom section having a bottom engageable continuous hole,
substantially coaxial with the top engageable continuous hole;
[0011] the top section and the bottom section being connected by a
left section and a right section, the left section comprising a
left snapping segment, and the right section comprising a right
snapping segment.
[0012] Folded sheet metal fastener is an integral piece of folded
sheet metal.
[0013] The meaning of "substantially coaxial" includes cases that
the top engageable continuous hole, and the bottom engageable
continuous hole are in a condition selected from deviating from
being commensurate, being misaligned, and a combination thereof, as
long as they can still by concurrently engaged with the same screw
or bolt or other suitable engageable member. In this manner, the
prevailing torque is highly improved, even without the need of
other frictional elements.
[0014] Commensurate engageable holes to a screw or bolt are holes
that are positioned at such distance that they both match the pitch
of the screw when the holes are concurrently engaged to the same
screw or bolt.
[0015] Misalignment is deviation from the substantially coaxial
status.
[0016] Continuous hole, such as any of the engageable holes
utilized in the instant invention for example, is a continuous hole
on a continuous portion of an object, such as the top section or
the bottom section of the fasteners of the present invention for
example. An engageable continuous hole provides considerably higher
engagement strength than a hole made by two neighboring separated
portions of one or more objects (discontinuous hole).
[0017] Engageable continuous holes formed on a sheet metal fastener
have a helical configuration of the edge of the hole, which helical
configuration corresponds to the thread of the screw or bolt to be
used in combination with the engageable continuous holes. In some
occasions the helical configuration is suitable to fit double
threads.
[0018] Engageable discontinuous holes are utilized in a number of
fasteners, which fasteners have legs forming separate engageable
arcs or other types of engageable but separated portions, which
separated arcs or separated portions constitute the discontinuous
hole. Examples of discontinuous holes are disclosed by Gisondi
(U.S. Pat. No. 2,720,135). These discontinuous holes are formed by
notches 14 and 15 as well as by notches 17 and 19, as shown in
FIGS. 1-6 of U.S. Pat. No. 2,720,135, in contrast with a continuous
hole 6 (FIG. 1). In addition, discontinuous holes are the ones
through any part of which, a screw or bolt can have no engagement.
An example is the apertures 9a and 10a in U.S. Pat. No.
3,426,817.
[0019] The bottom section may comprise bottom extensions. Also, the
top section is substantially parallel to the bottom section, and
has smaller dimensions than said bottom section. The right side
section is preferably parallel to the left side section.
[0020] The bottom section may comprise an overbent, and the right
section may comprise an underbent, the overbent and the underbent
overlapping each other in a manner that the overbent is on top of
the underbent. The overbent may comprise bottom slots and the
underbent may comprise respective tabs, which tabs are passed
through the bottom slots, thereby locking the overbent on the
underbent. Further, the bottom section may comprise a positioning
tab.
[0021] The snapping segments may have bents directing part of said
snapping segments inwardly.
[0022] The fastener may further comprise an under bottom section,
the under bottom section being a bent continuation of the right
section and comprising an under bottom engageable continuous hole,
the under bottom engageable continuous hole being substantially
coaxial with the top engageable continuous hole and the bottom
engageable continuous hole. The under bottom section may comprise
an element selected from under bottom positioning tab, under bottom
extensions, and a combination thereof.
[0023] Part of the right section may be bent forming an inwardly
folded portion, the inwardly folded portion comprising an under top
engageable continuous hole, which continuous hole is substantially
coaxial with the top engageable continuous hole and the bottom
engageable continuous hole. The left section may comprise a support
tub on top of the inwardly folded portion.
[0024] The left snapping segment may comprise a left side slot, and
the right snapping segment may comprise a right side slot.
[0025] The top section and the bottom section may comprise more
than one set of coaxial engageable continuous holes.
[0026] The fasteners of the present invention may further comprise
an expansion panel on top of the bottom section, the expansion
panel comprising an over bottom engageable continuous hole, the
over bottom engageable continuous hole being substantially coaxial
with the bottom engageable continuous hole and the top engageable
continuous hole.
[0027] The present invention further pertains a major portion of a
non-integral fastener comprising:
[0028] a top section having a top engageable continuous hole;
[0029] a left side section connected to the top section, comprising
a left snapping segment and a left underbent under the left
snapping segment; and
[0030] a right section opposite to the left section connected to
the top section, comprising a right snapping segment and a right
underbent under the right snapping segment.
[0031] The side sections may comprise barbs over the underbents
and/or the underbents may comprise inclined tabs toward the
respective side sections.
[0032] The major portion of the sheet metal fastener may further
comprise frictional sections which frictionally hinder a screw or
bolt passing through said frictional section and the engageable
continuous hole from turning.
[0033] The present invention also pertains a non-integral fastener
comprising:
[0034] a major portion comprising
[0035] a top section having a top engageable continuous hole;
[0036] a left side section connected to the top section, comprising
a left snapping segment and a left underbent under the left
snapping segment; and
[0037] a right section opposite to the left section connected to
the top section, comprising a right snapping segment and a right
underbent under the right snapping segment; and
[0038] a bottom section having a bottom engageable continuous hole,
substantially coaxial with the top engageable continuous hole, the
bottom section disposed on top of the left underbent and the right
underbent.
[0039] As aforementioned, the side sections may comprise barbs over
the underbents and/or the underbents may comprise inclined tabs
toward the respective side sections. The major portion of the sheet
metal fastener may further comprise frictional sections which
frictionally hinder a screw or bolt passing through said frictional
section and the engageable continuous hole from turning. The
fastener may further comprise frictional sections which
frictionally hinder a screw or bolt passing through said frictional
section and the engageable continuous hole from turning.
[0040] The present invention also pertains a folded sheet metal
fastener comprising:
[0041] an upper free-ended top section having an upper top
engageable continuous hole;
[0042] a lower free-ended top section having a lower top engageable
continuous hole;
[0043] a bottom section having a bottom engageable continuous hole;
and
[0044] a left section and a right section;
[0045] the top sections and the bottom section being connected by
the left section and the right section, the left section comprising
a left snapping segment, and the right section comprising a right
snapping segment, wherein the upper top engageable hole, the lower
top engageable hole, and the bottom engageable hole are located in
positions allowing coexisting engagement by a screw or bolt.
[0046] The fastener may further comprise a guiding sector between
the bottom engageable continuous hole and the lower top engageable
continuous hole for directing the screw or bolt from said bottom
engageable continuous hole to said lower top engageable continuous
hole.
[0047] Preferably, the guiding sector comprises an element selected
from guiding sub-sectors leaning against each other, a sub-sector
having a non-engageable hole through which the screw or bolt can be
guided, a sub-sector having an engageable hole through which the
screw or bolt can be guided, an engageable extrusion hole through
which the screw or bolt can be guided, a non-engageable extrusion
hole through which the screw or bolt can be guided, and a
combination thereof.
[0048] The guiding sub-sectors leaning against each other may
preferably have reinforcing base disposed between said sub-sectors
and the bottom section. This is very important for increasing the
rigidity of the fastener's structure.
[0049] At least one of the snapping segments comprises an
anti-opening portion, which dramatically increases the strength by
which two or more objects may by held together by the fasteners of
this invention, since the anti-opening portions prevent the
snapping segments from spreading apart.
[0050] In order to considerably improve the insertion of the
fastener to a given slot, the upper free-ended top section and the
lower free-ended top section should have smaller dimensions than
the bottom section.
[0051] It is highly preferable that the upper free-ended top
section and the lower free-ended top section are just wide enough
to accept the upper top engageable continuous hole, and the lower
top engageable continuous hole, respectively. This is very
important for minimizing the structure of the fastener, and
unexpectedly improving its strength, instead of reducing it.
[0052] It is highly preferable and critical in many applications
that at least two of the upper top engageable continuous hole, the
lower top engageable continuous hole, and the bottom engageable
continuous hole are in a condition selected from deviating from
being commensurate, being misaligned, and a combination thereof. In
this manner, the prevailing torque is highly improved, even without
the need of other frictional elements.
[0053] This invention also pertains any folded sheet metal fastener
comprising:
[0054] a bottom section having a bottom engageable continuous
hole;
[0055] a left side section connected to the bottom section and
comprising a left snapping segment; and
[0056] a right side section opposite the left side section also
connected to the bottom and comprising a right snapping
segment;
[0057] wherein at least one of the left and right snapping segments
comprise an element selected from an anti-opening portion, an
anti-sliding portion and a combination thereof.
[0058] Examples of anti-opening and/or anti-sliding portions
suitable for the practice of any proper embodiment or other aspect
of this invention are given below, and/or disclosed in provisional
patent application 60/301,164 (filed Jun. 25, 2001), 60/308,921
(filed Jul. 31, 2001), and 60/312,867 (filed Sep. 16, 2001), all
three of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
[0059] The present invention also pertains a combination fastener
comprising:
[0060] a fastener, the fastener comprising
[0061] a bottom section having a bottom engageable continuous hole,
the bottom engageable continuous hole having a helical
periphery;
[0062] a left section connected to the bottom and comprising a left
snapping segment; and
[0063] a right section also connected to the bottom and comprising
a right snapping segment; and
[0064] a screw, the screw comprising
[0065] a core, the core having a core surface, and
[0066] a pitch, the pitch being commensurate to the helical
periphery of the bottom engageable continuous hole, and
[0067] wherein the substantial entirety of the helical periphery of
the bottom engageable continuous hole substantially contacts the
core surface.
[0068] The combination fastener may further comprise a top section
having a top engageable continuous hole, wherein the top section is
connected also to the left section and to the right section.
[0069] Further, the combination fastener may further comprise
an
[0070] upper free-ended top section having an upper top engageable
continuous hole;
[0071] a lower free-ended top section having a lower top engageable
continuous hole; and
[0072] wherein the upper free-ended top section is connected to one
of the left and the right side sections and the lower free-ended
top section is connected to the remaining of the left and the right
side sections.
[0073] At least one of the left and right snapping segments may
comprise an element selected from an anti-opening portion, an
anti-sliding portion and a combination thereof.
[0074] This invention is also related to a folded sheet metal
fastener comprising:
[0075] an upper free-ended top section having an upper top
engageable continuous hole;
[0076] a lower free-ended top section having a lower top engageable
continuous hole;
[0077] a bottom section having a bottom engageable continuous
hole;
[0078] a left section and a right section, the top sections and the
bottom section being connected by the left section and the right
section; and
[0079] a front snapping segment and a back snapping segment,
wherein at least one of said segments is connected to at least one
of the upper free-ended top section and the lower free-ended top
section, substantially between the planes of left section and the
right section.
[0080] Both the front and the back snapping segments may be
connected to the lower free-ended top section.
[0081] The upper free-ended top section may provide support to the
lower free-ended top section.
[0082] Both the front and the back snapping segments may be
connected, however, to the upper free-ended top section.
[0083] The fastener may further comprise side anti-sliding
extensions connected to the lower free-ended top section.
[0084] This invention also pertains a folded sheet metal fastener
comprising:
[0085] a top section having a top engageable continuous hole;
[0086] a bottom section having a bottom engageable continuous
hole;
[0087] at least one side section, the top section and the bottom
section being connected by the at least one side section; and
[0088] a front snapping segment and a back snapping segment, the
snapping segments connected to the top section.
[0089] Further, the fasteners may comprise an elastic body
surrounding the bottom section, or being disposed in the vicinity
of the bottom section. Thus, when water-proofing, and/or
gas-proofing are desired for a particular application, and/or
vibration noises are to be prevented, or for any other reason, an
elastic body is incorporated in the vicinity of the bottom section.
It may be integrally molded at least at the lower side of the
bottom section, or around the whole bottom section. Such elastic
bodies include, but are not limited to plastisols, polyurethanes,
silicones, thermoplastic elastomers, etc. Some examples of such
polymers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,343 (Smith), and in
the patent application of Kanubhai Manibhai Patel, Michael Walter
Smith and Edward John Smith having a Ser. No. 09/561,505, filed on
Apr. 28, 2000, and which patent and patent application are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0090] As aforementioned, the fasteners of the present invention
may comprise an elastic body. The elastic body may be attached to
or molded at least under the bottom section of the sheet metal
fastener, the elastic body having an upper side, a lower side, and
an edge. The fastener may comprise holders embedded into the
elastic body.
[0091] The elastic body may comprise sealing rims at least on one
of the upper and lower side of said elastic body.
[0092] When the elastic body comprises sealing rims on both the
upper side and the lower side of the elastic body, it is preferable
that the sealing rims on the upper side of the elastic body are
arranged to be in alternate positions with respect to the sealing
rims on the lower side of the elastic body.
[0093] Also, one of the sealing rims on the top side of the elastic
body is closest to the edge of the elastic body than any other
sealing rim at the lower side of the elastic body.
[0094] The elastic body may further comprises a screw sealing
portion in the vicinity of the bottom engageable continuous
hole.
[0095] This invention also pertains fasteners wherein the snapping
segments comprise a bent, and the anti-sliding portions comprise an
element selected from extension of the snapping segment, barbs on
the bent, ridges on the bent, knurls on the bent, and a combination
thereof.
[0096] In addition, this invention is related to folded sheet metal
fasteners comprising:
[0097] an upper free-ended top section having an upper top
engageable continuous hole;
[0098] a lower free-ended top section having a lower top hole;
[0099] a bottom section having a bottom engageable continuous hole;
and
[0100] a left section and a right section;
[0101] the top sections and the bottom section being connected by
the left section and the right section, the left section comprising
a left snapping segment, and the right section comprising a right
snapping segment, wherein the upper top engageable hole, the lower
top hole, and the bottom engageable hole are located in positions
allowing coexisting engagement by a screw or bolt.
[0102] As in all other cases, the snapping segments may comprise a
bent having a portion selected from anti-opening portion,
anti-sliding portion and a combination thereof, the anti-sliding
portion comprising an element selected from extension of the
snapping segment, barbs on the bent, ridges on the bent, knurls on
the bent, and a combination thereof.
[0103] Depending on the application, one or more configurations
described above are critical. Examples of such criticalities are
described in the detailed description of this invention.
[0104] The fastener may be connected first to a given element, and
the assembly of the two be attached to a second element, or vice
versa. Of course, more than two elements may be connected together
by the fasteners of the present invention.
[0105] The present invention also pertains vehicles comprising
parts or elements connected with the fasteners and combination
fasteners, as well as the major portion of such fasteners, as
disclosed and claimed herein. The parts or elements of the vehicle,
of course, have to be commensurate to the fastener, as shown for
example in FIG. 1G.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0106] The reader's understanding of this invention will be
enhanced by reference to the following detailed description taken
in combination with the drawing figures, wherein:
[0107] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a folded sheet metal
fastener 10 comprising two engageable continuous holes 24 and 26
according to a preferred embodiment of the instant invention,
wherein the bottom section 14 has an overbent 34, and the right
section 18 has an underbent 36, overlapping each other.
[0108] FIG. 1A represents an unfolded version of the fastener of
FIG. 1.
[0109] FIG. 1B is a cross sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 1
across line X1-X1 of FIG. 1A.
[0110] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a fastener 10 according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the
bottom section 14 is provided with bottom section extensions
40.
[0111] FIG. 1D is a perspective view of a fastener 10 comprising
two engageable continuous holes 24 and 26 according to another
preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the bottom
section 14 is provided with a different version of bottom section
extensions 42 as compared to the ones shown in FIG. 1C.
[0112] FIG. 1E is a perspective view of a fastener 10 comprising
two engageable continuous holes 24 and 26 according to another
preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the bottom
section 14 is provided with a different version of bottom section
extensions 44 as compared to the ones shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D.
[0113] FIG. 1F is a perspective view of a fastener 10 comprising
two engageable continuous holes 24 and 26 according to another
preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the snapping
segments 20 and 22 have bents 20" and 22".
[0114] FIG. 1G is a fragmental perspective view of an arrangement
demonstrating the operation of a fastener according to the instant
invention.
[0115] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fastener 10 comprising two
engageable continuous holes 24 and 26 according to another
preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the bottom
section 14 lacks the overbent, and the right section lacks the
underbent shown in FIG. 1.
[0116] FIG. 2A represents an unfolded version of the fastener of
FIG. 2.
[0117] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fastener 10 according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the
fastener 10 comprises an under bottom section 15 disposed under the
bottom section 14, thus providing the fastener 10 with three
engageable continuous holes 24, 25, and 26.
[0118] FIG. 3A represents an unfolded version of the fastener of
FIG. 3.
[0119] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fastener 10 according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein a
central part 72 of the right snapping segment 18 has been bent to
form an inwardly folded portion 72, which provides the fastener
with a third engageable continuous hole 27.
[0120] FIG. 4A represents an unfolded version of the fastener of
FIG. 4.
[0121] FIG. 4B is a cross sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 4
across line X2-X2 of FIG. 4A.
[0122] FIG. 4C is a cross sectional view of a fastener 10 according
to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, which
fastener is similar to the one shown in FIGS. 4, 4A, and 4B, with
the difference that a support tab 74 is located on the left section
16 at the height of and just above the inwardly bent portion 72
shown in FIG. 4, thus preventing said bent portion 72 from moving
in a direction form the bottom section 14 toward the top section
12.
[0123] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fastener 10 according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein
slots 78 and 80 are provided within the regions of the snapping
segments 16 and 18, respectively, in order to increase flexibility
of said segments, among other attributes. Further, there are
provided engageable slots 82 at the overbent 34 of the bottom
section 14 and tabs 84 at the underbent 36 of the right section 18,
thus resulting in a stronger configuration.
[0124] FIG. 5A represents an unfolded version of the fastener of
FIG. 5.
[0125] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fastener 10 according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein two
sets of coaxial engageable continuous holes 24A-26A and 24B-26B are
present.
[0126] FIG. 6A represents an unfolded version of the fastener of
FIG. 6.
[0127] FIG. 7A is a stamped blank of the fastener according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein an
expansion panel 86 is folded over the bottom section 14 and
provides an additional engageable continuous hole 29. A support
section 88 prevents movement of the free edge of the panel 29 from
moving in a direction from the bottom section 14 toward the top
section 12, thus increasing strength of the configuration.
[0128] FIG. 7B is a cross sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 7A
across line Y1-Y1 of FIG. 7A.
[0129] FIG. 7C is a cross sectional view of a fastener similar to
that of FIG. 7A (across line Y1-Y1 of FIG. 7A), with the difference
that the bottom section 14 is surrounded by an elastic body.
[0130] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a major portion of a
non-integral fastener which comprises underbents under the side
sections and inwardly directed barbs on the side sections to secure
the bottom section between the underbents and the barbs.
[0131] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a separate bottom section,
which when assembled with the major portion of FIG. 8, forms a full
fastener according to the instant invention.
[0132] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a major portion of a
fastener which comprises underbents under the side sections and
inclined tabs on said underbents to secure the bottom section.
[0133] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a separate bottom section,
which has bottom slots respective to the inclined tabs of the
underbents of FIG. 9, and which bottom section when assembled with
the major portion of FIG. 9, forms a full fastener according to the
instant invention.
[0134] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a major portion of a
fastener which comprises underbents under the side sections and an
inwardly folded portion for frictional improvement of the
prevailing torque.
[0135] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a major portion of the
fastener of FIG. 10 through line K-K.
[0136] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a folded sheet metal
fastener according to another preferred embodiment of the instant
invention, wherein the fastener comprises two top sections, a
guiding sector, and anti-opening portions on the snapping
segments.
[0137] FIG. 11A is a cross sectional view through line L of the
fastener shown in FIG. 11, after said fastener has been supported
on a first object, such as a headliner for example, by a screw.
[0138] FIG. 11B is a cross sectional view through line L of the
fastener shown in FIG. 11, after said fastener has been supported
on a first object by a screw, and inserted to a second object, such
as a metal sheet for example, through a slot.
[0139] FIG. 11C is a cross sectional view through line M of the
fastener shown in FIG. 11, after said fastener has been supported
on a first object by a screw, and inserted to a second object, such
as a metal sheet for example, through a slot.
[0140] FIG. 12A is a cross sectional view of an engageable stamped
hole.
[0141] FIG. 12B is a cross sectional view of a non-engageable
stamped hole.
[0142] FIG. 13A is a cross sectional view of an engageable
extrusion hole.
[0143] FIG. 13B is a cross sectional view of a non-engageable
extrusion hole.
[0144] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fastener similar to the
one shown in FIG. 11, with the difference that the fastener of FIG.
14 is further comprising underholding straps for better support of
the fastener in the slot of a metal sheet.
[0145] FIG. 15 represents an unfolded version of the fastener of
FIG. 14.
[0146] FIG. 16 is a fractional perspective view of a strapping
segment, which is provided with anti-sliding portions FIG. 16A is a
fractional perspective view of a snapping segment within a slot of
a metal sheet, wherein the anti-sliding portion is a linear
extension of the snapping segment.
[0147] FIG. 16B is a fractional perspective view of a snapping
segment within a slot of a metal sheet, wherein the anti-sliding
portion is a bent extension of the snapping segment.
[0148] FIG. 17 is a top view of a preliminary or blank hole.
[0149] FIG. 17A is a top view of an engageable continuous hole
after an impression has been formed around the hole of FIG. 17.
[0150] FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of a screw engaged on the
hole of FIG. 17A across line N-N, as taught by the prior art.
[0151] FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of a screw engaged on the
hole of FIG. 17A across line N-N according to a preferred
embodiment of the instant invention.
[0152] FIG. 19A is a cross sectional view of a screw engaged on the
hole of FIG. 17A across line P according to another preferred
embodiment of the instant invention.
[0153] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a fastener according to
another embodiment of the instant invention, wherein the fastener
comprises a front snapping segment and a back snapping segment
connected to the lower free-ended top section, and wherein the
upper free-ended top section provides support to the lower
free-ended top section.
[0154] FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG.
20, at a plane comprising an axis passing through line P.
[0155] FIG. 20B represents an unfolded version of the fastener of
FIGS. 20 and 20A.
[0156] FIG. 21 represents an unfolded version of a fastener similar
to the one shown in FIGS. 20, 20A, and 20B with the difference that
the anti-opening portions have been replaced by anti-slipping
portions
[0157] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view (at the same position as
in the case of FIG. 20) of a fastener, wherein the both the front
and back snapping segments are connected to the upper free-ended
top section, and the lower free-ended top section is connected to
side anti-sliding extensions.
[0158] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a fastener having a top
section and a bottom section, wherein the top section is connected
to a front snapping segment and a back snapping segment.
[0159] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a folded sheet metal
fastener according to another preferred embodiment of the instant
invention, wherein the fastener comprises two top sections and an
elastic body attached, and preferably molded, on the bottom
section.
[0160] FIG. 24A is different a perspective view of the same folded
sheet metal fastener illustrated in FIG. 24.
[0161] FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view of the folded sheet metal
fastener illustrated in FIG. 24A, through dotted line R-R.
[0162] FIG. 25 is a fragmental side-view of a snapping segment with
an inwardly bent portion provided with barbs.
[0163] FIG. 25 is a fragmental side-view of a snapping segment with
an inwardly bent portion provided with ridges.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0164] As aforementioned, this invention pertains fasteners, and
more particularly fasteners which attach one object to another
object, with special emphasis to objects in the Automotive
Industry.
[0165] As also mentioned earlier, there is a need to have one or
more fasteners attached to a large first object, such as a
headliner of a car for example, and then attach this large first
object to second object, such as the inside of the roof of a car
for example, by inserting at least part of the fastener into the
second object, through a slot for example. An additional
requirement many times is to use a rather light force for the
insertion, but to require an extraordinarily high force to separate
the two objects, if the fastener is not first removed, by
unthreading for example a bolt or a screw which attaches the
fastener to the first object. A further requirement in many
occasions is that after unthreading the bolt or screw, the fastener
remains attached to the second object. In other occasions, however,
it is required that the two objects are separated by pulling one
object away from the other object, without performing other action,
such as unthreading a screw or a bolt. Another requirement in a
plurality of application is that the fastener has to be attached to
a specified position on the first object, and not allowed to turn.
The configuration should be such that the screw or bolt could hold
additional object(s), such as a car handle for example.
[0166] This invention provides fasteners which have the
configurations required to satisfy the above need.
[0167] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is depicted a folded sheet
metal fastener 10 according to this invention. The fastener 10
comprises a top section 12, a bottom section 14, a left section 16,
and a right section 18. The left section 16 comprises an outwardly
bent left snapping segment 20, and the right section 18 comprises
an outwardly bent right snapping segment 22. The left snapping
segment 20 has an edge 20', and the right snapping segment has an
edge 22'.
[0168] It is of utmost importance that the top section 12 has
smaller dimensions than the bottom section 14 for insertion into a
slot, as it will be explained later in more detail. The top section
12 and the bottom section 14 are preferably integrally connected
with a size reducing left sector 28 and a size reducing right
sector 30. The top portion further comprises an engageable (with
respect to a screw, or a bold, or the like) continuous hole 24, and
the bottom further comprises an engageable continuous hole 26. The
bottom section 14 also comprises at least one positioning tab 32.
In order to achieve a strong structure, it is important that the
right section 18 is extended to an underbent 36, and the bottom
section 14 provides an overbent 34, which bents overlap each
other.
[0169] The fastener illustrated in FIG. 1 may be formed by folding
the stamped sheet metal piece, as the one shown in FIG. 1A, around
bending lines 38. The folding or bending at the region of each line
38 is preferably in the form of a gradual curve rather than in the
form of a sharp bent.
[0170] A cross section of the folded sheet metal fastener at the
length of line X1-X1 (FIG. 1A) is shown in FIG. 1B.
[0171] The top section 12 of the fastener is preferably
substantially parallel to the bottom section 14, and the left
section 16 is preferably substantially parallel to the right
section 18.
[0172] In a large number of applications, it is critical for the
fastener of the instant invention to comprise one or more extended
bottom sections. Examples of extended bottom sections are
extensions 40 of the bottom section 14 as shown in FIG. 1C,
extensions 42 of the bottom section 14 as shown in FIG. 1D, and
extensions 44 of the bottom section 14 as shown in FIG. 1E.
[0173] On the other hand, in other applications, it is critical for
the left snapping segment 20 and the right snapping segment 22 to
have inwardly bent portions 20" and 22", as better shown in FIG.
1F.
[0174] The folded sheet metal fasteners in FIG. 1, as well as in
FIGS. 2 to 7C have been shown in just their basic form without
extensions of the bottom section or bent portions of the snapping
segments for purposes of clarity and brevity, but it should be
understood that any of the embodiments of this invention may
comprise such features.
[0175] In operation, as better illustrated in FIG. 1G, one of the
fasteners of FIGS. 1 to 1E, for example the fastener 10 of FIG. 1D,
is secured on a first object 46, such as a headliner for example,
by passing a screw or bolt 48 through hole 50 of the first object
46, and threading said screw or bolt 48 on engageable continuous
holes 26 and 24 of the bottom section 14 and the top section 12,
respectively. A third object, such as a handle 52 for example, may
be secured by the same screw or bolt by passing said screw or bolt
through a hole 54 belonging to the third object. More than one
fasteners may be secured on the first object 46. Such combinations
form an assembly, such as a headliner assembly for example.
[0176] During securing the fastener 10 on the first object 46, care
is taken to align the fastener in a predetermined position, by
inserting positioning tabs 32 of the fastener 10 into respective
recesses or slots 32' of the first object 46 (or respective
recesses or slots on the additional object). Although the hole 50
and just one positioning tab 32 is adequate for placing the
fastener 10 to the predetermined position, more accuracy is
achieved by utilizing more than one positioning tabs 32 and
respective recesses or slots 32' (or respective recesses or slots
on the additional object).
[0177] The assembly, such as a headliner assembly for example,
which usually comprises more than one secured and aligned fasteners
10 in predetermined directions, is pushed by the operator against a
metal sheet 60, which can be in the form of a framework in the
vicinity of the ceiling of the inside region of a vehicle for
example. Other material may replace, however, the metal, and it
should be understood throughout this disclosure that when referring
to metal sheet, any other suitable material may replace the metal,
or any other object or combination of objects may replace the
sheet.
[0178] The metal sheet 60 has slot 62, an upper side 64, and a
lower side 66. The slot 62 has such dimensions and direction as to
accept the body 11 of the fastener 10 preferably rather tight, but
not as tight as not to allow small misalignments. The important
function of the fastener configuration which involves smaller
dimensions of the top section 12 as compared to the dimensions of
the bottom section 14, is absolutely critical in most occasions,
where more than one fasteners are used, in achieving insertion in
the case of such small misalignments.
[0179] As the body 11 of the fastener 10 is being pushed through
the slot 62, the snapping segments 20 and 22 are also inwardly
pushed until they reach a position substantially at the same plane
as the plane of the left section 16 and the right section 18,
respectively, and finally, when the body 11 of the fastener 10 has
reached its final position, the snapping segments 20 and 22 snap
back, the edges 20' and 22' position themselves on the top side 64
of the metal sheet 60, and thus, they lock the fastener 10, as well
as the whole assembly, onto the metal sheet 60.
[0180] The distance of the edges 20' and 22' from the extension 42
should be substantially the same as the thickness 60T of the metal
sheet 60 if the angle formed by the left and right sections with
the respective snapping segments is minimal, and accordingly larger
if said angle is rather large, so that the fastener can be
completely inserted and allow the snapping segments to snap back,
without leaving too much play between the fastener and the sheet
metal after locking. The length of the snapping segments should
also be taken into account for this procedure. An elastic body
surrounding the bottom section 14, as it will be discussed later,
corrects any play between the fastener and the sheet metal after
locking.
[0181] A number of parameters determine the force needed to insert
the assembly into the slot 62. These include but are not limited to
the thickness, hardness and spring characteristics of the folded
sheet metal from which the fastener is made, the shape and
dimensions of the fastener, the length and width of the snapping
segments, the angle formed by the left and right sections with the
respective snapping segments, the dimensions of the slot 62, etc.
For each particular application, these parameters may be determined
experimentally, or by engineering calculations, or a combination
thereof without undue effort.
[0182] The force to separate the assembly from the metal sheet 60
is manifold higher than the insertion force, due to the critical
configurations of the instant invention, and it depends on the
above parameters, but also on the characteristics of the screw or
bolt 48, the characteristics of the engageable continuous holes or
other engageable elements of the fastener, etc. The multiplicity of
engageable continuous holes, as well as the other features of the
fastener of the present invention, are critical in considerably
increasing the ratio of the separating force to the insertion
force.
[0183] The utilization of more than one engageable continuous holes
is critical not only for adequately strong attachment of the
fastener 10 to the first object, directly or indirectly, in a
manner to form an assembly, but also to combine very easy insertion
of the fastener into the slot 62 of the metal sheet 60 with
extremely difficult separation of the assembly from the metal sheet
after the easy insertion has taken place. The importance of
adequately strong attachment, despite the easy insertion, becomes
even more critical when a larger number of objects, and/or more
demanding objects have to be supported by the fastener 10 on either
one or both lower side 56 and upper side 58 of the first object 46.
Especially in the case that a given additional object (not shown
for purposes of clarity), such as an air-bag system for example,
has to be attached to the upper side 58 of the first object, then
the fastener may be secured on said additional item, so that the
additional object is sandwiched and secured between the fastener 10
and the first object 46, thus forming an assembly, such as a
headliner assembly for example.
[0184] If service is needed, and partial or total removal of the
assembly of elements from the metal sheet 60 is needed, the
screw(s) or bolt(s) 48 are unthreaded, and the assembly is freed
from the metal sheet 60, with the fastener, however, attached now
to the metal sheet 60. After the service, the elements may be
attached in their initial position by using the screw or bolt 48 as
shown in FIG. 1G.
[0185] In a different embodiment of the instant invention, better
shown in FIG. 1F, the snapping segments of the fastener 10 comprise
bents 20" and 22", which bents direct part of the snapping segments
inwardly.
[0186] The operation of this embodiment is similar to the operation
of the above embodiment, with the difference that the dimensions of
the slot 62 (FIG. 1G) and of the snapping segments are designed to
be such that after complete insertion of the fastener 10 into the
slot, the edges 20' and 22' (not shown), respectively, do not go
through the slot. Thus, the engagement of the fastener takes place
on the edge 68 of the slot 62 and the region of the snapping
segments between the bent 20" and the edge 20', as well as on the
edge 70 of the slot 62 and the region of the snapping segments
between the bent 22" and the edge 22'.
[0187] In this case, the assembly may be pulled away from the metal
sheet without unthreatening the screw or bolt 48. If the option of
unthreatening the screw or bolt is desirable, extensions of the
bottom section 14, such as extensions 40, 42, or 44, shown in FIGS.
1C, 1D, and 1E, respectively should be advisable.
[0188] Of course, it may be desirable for some applications to
design the dimensions of the slot 62 and the snapping segments 20
and 22 to be such that the edges 20' and 22' go completely through
the slot 62 upon insertion of the fastener. In such a case, the
operation is exactly as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
[0189] It is important to note that in all embodiments of the
present invention, extensions such as extensions 40, 42, or 44,
shown in FIGS. 1C, 1D, and 1E are critically necessary for certain
applications, but not necessary for other applications. However, in
many of the embodiments, extensions are not shown for purposes of
clarity and brevity.
[0190] In a different embodiment of the instant invention, better
shown in FIG. 2, there is depicted a fastener, which is similar to
that of the fastener illustrated in FIG. 1, with the difference
that the overbent 34 and the underbent 36 are missing. The fastener
of FIG. 2 has a simpler configuration, but it is still suitable for
certain applications, which do not need as high as pulling strength
as the fastener of FIG. 1 provides.
[0191] The unfolded blank to make the fastener of FIG. 2 is shown
in FIG. 2A.
[0192] The operation of this embodiment is substantially the same
as that of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0193] In another embodiment of the present invention, better shown
in FIG. 3, there is depicted a fastener, part of which is similar
to the fastener shown in FIG. 2, but which fastener comprises also
an under bottom section 15. The unfolded blank of the fastener of
FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 3A.
[0194] The under bottom section 15 comprises an additional
engageable continuous hole 25, a side bent 17, and positioning tabs
32'.
[0195] The additional engageable continuous hole 25 provides even
higher strength to the structure of the fastener, and greatly
increases the separation force during operation. Further increase
in separation force may be achieved by forming inwardly directed
protrusion(s) (not shown) or support tab(s) (not shown) on the side
section 18, just over the edge 14 (FIG. 3), which protrusion or
tab(s) hinder movement of edge 14' in a direction from the bottom
section 14 toward the top section 12.
[0196] The operation of this embodiment is substantially the same
as that of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0197] Still another embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 4, 4A and
4B. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fastener according to this
embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fastener of this
embodiment, while FIG. 4A illustrates a blank of the fastener
before folding it into its final shape. FIG. 4B is a cross section
of the final fastener through line X2-X2 of FIG. 4A.
[0198] This fastener has a portion 72 of the right section 22
folded inwardly under the top section 12. Portion 72 also has an
under top engageable continuous hole 27. Needless to say that all
three engageable continuous holes 24, 26, and 27 are substantially
coaxial.
[0199] The additional engageable continuous hole 27 provides even
higher strength to the structure of the fastener, and greatly
increases the separation force during operation, as do additional
continuous holes in other embodiments. Further increase in
separation force may be achieved by forming inwardly directed
protrusion(s) or support tab(s) (FIG. 4C) on the side section 20,
just over the edge 76 of the portion 72, which protrusion or tab(s)
hinder movement of edge 76 in a direction from the bottom section
14 toward the top section 12, and therefore, they render the
structure considerably more sturdy.
[0200] The presence of the folded portion 72 necessitates the
formation of two snapping segments 22A and 22B on the right section
18. For purposes of uniformity, two snapping sections 20A and 20B
are also formed on the left section 16, without this to be a
necessary condition.
[0201] The operation of this embodiment is substantially the same
as the embodiment of FIG. 1, with the difference than three
engageable continuous holes are engaged after threading the screw
or bolt through them, thus attaching one or more items together in
a manner to form an assembly, which as a whole may be snapped and
attached onto another item having a slot.
[0202] It should be noted, however, that the fasteners of the
instant invention may be first snapped and attached onto an item
having a slot, and then one ore more other items may be supported
on the same fastener by means of a screw or a bolt passing through
said items and threaded onto the engageable continuous holes.
[0203] A fastener according to another embodiment of the instant
invention is shown in FIG. 5. A blank of the fastener before
folding is shown in FIG. 5A.
[0204] According to this embodiment, there is provided a left side
slot 78, and a right side slot 80. One purpose of the slots is to
increase the flexibility of the snapping segments 20 and 22. The
size, width and length of the slots can vary according to the
application and the degree of flexibility increase required.
[0205] There are also provided bottom slots 82 and respective tabs
84, which tabs are inserted into the bottom slots 82 upon folding
the blank (FIG. 5A) to form the final fastener (FIG. 5). This
combination provides stronger structure to the fastener.
[0206] The operation of this embodiment is substantially the same
as the embodiment of FIG. 1, with the difference that the side
slots provide higher flexibility of the snapping segments 20 and
22, and that the combination of the tabs 84 with the bottom slots
82 provides stronger structure to the fastener.
[0207] A fastener according to another embodiment of the instant
invention is shown in FIG. 6. A blank of the fastener before
folding is shown in FIG. 6A.
[0208] This fastener is similar to the one shown in FIG. 1, with a
difference that instead of one top engageable continuous hole 24
there are two top engageable continuous holes 24A and 24B with
respective bottom engageable continuous holes 26A and 26B.
Engageable continuous holes 24A and 26A are substantially coaxial,
and engageable continuous holes 24B and 26B are also coaxial. It is
evident that even more than two sets of coaxial continuous holes
may be utilized. Another difference is the presence of bottom slots
82 in combination with tabs 84, as described in the previous
embodiment. A positioning tab, such as tab 32 in FIG. 1 is not
necessary since the two sets of continuous holes are adequate to
place the fastener in a predetermined position.
[0209] The operation of this embodiment is substantially the same
as the embodiment of FIG. 1, with the main difference that two sets
of engageable continuous holes are provided in this embodiment,
thus requiring two screws or bolts, and therefore, providing
considerably higher strength to the structure.
[0210] The blank of a fastener before folding, according to still
another embodiment of the instant invention, is shown in FIG. 7. A
cross section through line Y1-Y1 is shown in FIG. 6A, while a cross
section through line X3-X3 is substantially the same as the one
shown in FIG. 1B.
[0211] According to this embodiment, there is provided an expansion
panel 86, which comprises an over bottom engageable continuous hole
29. When the expansion panel 86 is folded inwardly as shown in FIG.
7B, the engageable continuous hole 29 is positioned in a manner to
be coaxial with engageable continuous holes 26 and 24 (see also
FIG. 1B). The expansion panel 86 is supported by support section
88.
[0212] The operation of this embodiment is substantially the same
as the embodiment of FIG. 1, with the difference than three
engageable continuous holes are engaged after threading the screw
or bolt through them, thus attaching one or more items together in
a manner to form an assembly, which as a whole may be snapped and
attached onto another item having a slot. This configuration
provides a considerably stronger structure.
[0213] As also mentioned earlier, when water-proofing, and/or
gas-proofing are desired for a particular application, and/or
vibration noises are to be prevented, an elastic body is preferably
integrally molded at least at the lower side of the bottom section,
and preferably around the whole bottom section. Such elastic bodies
include, but are not limited to plastisols, polyurethanes,
silicones, thermoplastic elastomers, etc. Some examples of such
polymers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,343 (Smith), and in
the patent application of Kanubhai Manibhai Patel, Michael Walter
Smith and Edward John Smith having a Ser. No. 09/561,505, filed on
Apr. 28, 2000, and which patent and patent application are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0214] An example of such a configuration is shown in FIG. 7C,
which corresponds to a fastener illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the
bottom section 14 of which has been surrounded by an elastic body
90. Preferably, the elastic body has an impression 92, which is
substantially coaxial with the engageable continuous holes 26, 29,
and 24.
[0215] The operation of this embodiment is substantially the same
as that of the previous embodiment, with the difference that when
the assembly is snapped onto the metal sheet 60 (see FIG. 1G), the
elastic body 90 covers the slot 62 completely and pushes against
the lower side of the metal sheet 60 around the slot. This provides
water proofing and gas proofing between the two sides 64 and 66 of
the metal sheet 60. In addition, it provides cushioning, which
eliminates squeaking noises.
[0216] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the
bottom section 14 is a separate (non-integral) part from the major
portion 11 of the fastener, as better shown in FIGS. 8 and 8A. The
full fastener is preferably assembled first before its use by
combining the bottom section 14 with the major portion 11, as
discussed below. This type of fastener has a number of advantages,
as compared to the fasteners of the previous embodiments. Among
these advantages is the fact that it is easier to be manufactured,
and also, the fact that it may be used for different thicknesses of
the metal sheet 60 (see FIG. 1G), by just changing the bottom
section 14, without affecting the major portion 11, as it will be
discussed in more detail later. Further, the major portion 11 may
have different thickness than the separate bottom section 17, thus
providing considerably higher freedom in designing the structural
characteristics of the fastener.
[0217] The major portion 11 comprises underbents 36, which
underbents have a width 36W and a length 36L. Although in FIG. 8,
the length 36L of the underbents 36 is shown to be substantially
equal to the length 16L of the side sections 16 and 18, in practice
it is preferable to be somewhat smaller the length 16L, in a manner
that the extensions 40 (FIG. 8A), after the fastener has been
assembled, come out of the edges 16i and 18i, at the level of the
underbents 36, provided of course, that the length 14L of the
bottom section 14 is substantially equal to the length 36L of the
underbents 36. The side portions 16 and 18 comprise inwardly
directed barbs 13, which can hold the bottom section 14 within the
gap formed between said barbs 13 and the underbents 36. Preferably,
this gap is substantially equal to the thickness 14T of the bottom
section 14. The thickness 14T may be the substantially same or
different than the thickness of the sheet metal from which the
major portion 11 of the fastener has been made. Further, the width
36W of the underbents 36 may vary widely, provided that there is
allowed adequate space for the screw or bolt 48 (see FIG. 1G) to
pass through. In case that the width 36W of the underbents 36 is
very large, a hole of adequate diameter, being substantially
coaxial with the hole 24 may be provided to the underbents.
[0218] The width 14W of the bottom section 14 should be preferably
substantially equal to the distance separating the side sections 16
and 18, when said sections are in parallel position to each other
and perpendicular to the top section 12.
[0219] In this embodiment, for practical purposes, it is important
that the major portion 11 of the fastener, which in most occasions
is made of steel which is hardened in order to get springiness
among other attributes, is shaped in a manner that the distance
between the two side sections 16 and 18 is smaller at the portion
close to the underbents 36, as compared to the distance between
said side sections 16 and 18 close to the top section 12.
[0220] Thus, in assembling the fastener, the bottom section 14 is
inserted within the structure formed by the side sections 16 and
18, and the top section 12 in a generally diagonal position, so
that one side of the bottom section 14 is inserted between the
barbs 13 and the underbent 36 of one side section (side section 18
for example), and the other side of the bottom section 14 has a
general position toward the top section 12. In sequence, the side
which has a general position toward the top section 12 is forced to
slide toward the underbent 36 of the other side section (side
section 16 for example), until it snaps between the barbs and the
respective underbent of this side section (side section 16 for
example). The springiness of the major portion 11 (which tends to
decrease the distance between the two side sections 16 and 18 in
the vicinity of the underbents 36) of the fastener holds securely
the bottom 14 in its position. Of course, care is taken to position
the underbents 36 along the length 14L of the bottom section 14, so
that the engageable continuous hole 26 is coaxial with the
respective engageable continuous hole 24, and so that the
extensions 40 extend beyond the edges 16i and 18i at the same level
as the underbents 36.
[0221] Further, in the fully assembled fastener, due to the
springiness of the sheet metal, the side sections 16 and 18 may
become substantially parallel to each other, and the top section 12
becomes substantially parallel to the bottom section 14. Further,
the side sections 16 and 18 may become substantially perpendicular
to the top section 12 and to the bottom section 14. For structural
integrity, it is important that the side sections 16 and 18 are
integrally connected to the top section 12.
[0222] The operation of this embodiment, after the fastener has
been assembled, is substantially the same as in the previous
embodiments, as for example shown in FIG. 1G, and as described in
detail hereinabove.
[0223] In another embodiment of the instant invention, better shown
in FIGS. 9 and 9A, there are provided tabs 84 at the underbents 36
of the major portion 11. The tabs 84 are preferably inclined at
their free end toward the respective side section for reasons to be
explained hereinbelow.
[0224] The bottom section 14 has respective bottom slots 82 for the
tabs 84 to be inserted when assembling the full fastener.
[0225] In this embodiment, also for practical purposes, it is
important that the major portion 11 of the fastener, which as
already mentioned in most occasions is made of steel which is
hardened in order to get springiness among other attributes, is
shaped in a manner that the distance between the two side sections
16 and 18 is larger at the portion close to the underbents 36, as
compared to the distance between said side sections 16 and 18 close
to the top section 12. It is also important in this embodiment that
the width 14W is adequately smaller than the distance separating
the side sections 16 and 18, when said sections are in parallel
position to each other and perpendicular to the top section 12, so
that the inclined tabs 36 can be inserted into the bottom slots
82.
[0226] In assembling the fastener, the two side sections in the
vicinity of the underbents are forced to close adequately in a
spring-like manner, so that the tabs 84 may be inserted into the
bottom slots 82. The force closing the two side sections is then
removed, and the two side sections in the vicinity of the
underbents tend to open, thereby causing the tabs to hold the
bottom section 14 securely in place.
[0227] The operation of this embodiment is the same as the
operation of the previous embodiment for all practical
purposes.
[0228] The prevailing torque (torque required to unscrew a screw or
a bolt, such as screw or bolt 48 in FIG. 1G for example) may be
increased by providing configurations, which make the turning of
the screw or bolt more difficult.
[0229] One such example is given in the embodiment of this
invention, better shown in FIGS. 10 and 10A, wherein FIG. 10
represents a perspective view, and FIG. 10 represents a cross
section through line K-K of FIG. 10. An example of such
configuration provides inwardly folded portions 72, which are
further shaped in a manner to form a frictional section 92, the
sides 94 of which frictionally hinder the screw or bolt from
turning (FIG. 10A). Such frictional sections may also be formed by
folding and shaping in a similar manner extensions (not shown) of
the top section 12, over or under said top portion 12, as well as
by folding other portions of the fastener so as to provide
frictional hindrance. Thread misalignment is also considered to
produce frictional hindrance.
[0230] The operation of this embodiment is similar to the operation
of the previous embodiment, with the difference that the prevailing
torque is considerably increased.
[0231] Fasteners of the instant invention have an additional
critical advantage, that when they are in place, they are
integrally connected through the top section 12, while their lower
portions are held securely in position (even without the
possibility of spreading apart) as being embedded within the walls
(such as the wall of edge 70 having a thickness 60T for example) of
the slot 62 on metal sheet 60.
[0232] The present invention also pertains a folded sheet metal
fastener 10 as better shown in FIGS. 11, 11A, 11B, and 11C. The
fastener 10 comprises an upper free-ended top section 12A, which
has an upper top engageable continuous hole 24A. The fastener 10
also comprises a lower free-ended top section 12B which has a lower
top engageable continuous hole 24B. Further, the fastener 10
comprises a bottom section 14 which has a bottom engageable
continuous hole 26.
[0233] The upper top engageable hole 24A, the lower top engageable
hole 24B, and the bottom engageable hole 26 are located in
positions allowing coexisting engagement by a screw or bolt, or
other engagement member, such as screw 48 for example. As
aforementioned, it is highly preferable and critical in many
applications that at least two of the upper top engageable
continuous hole, the lower top engageable continuous hole, and the
bottom engageable continuous hole are in a condition selected from
deviating from being commensurate, being misaligned, and a
combination thereof, as long as they can still by concurrently
engaged with the same screw or bolt or other suitable engageable
member. In this manner, the prevailing torque is highly improved,
even without the need of other frictional elements.
[0234] The upper free-ended top section 12A and the lower
free-ended top section 12B are connected to the bottom section 14
by a right section 18, and a left section 16, respectively.
[0235] The left section 16 comprises left snapping segments 20A and
20B (20 collectively), and the right section 18 comprises right
snapping segments 22A and 22B (22B not shown) (22
collectively).
[0236] The snapping segments 20A, 20B (collectively 20), 22A, and
22B (collectively 22) comprise anti-opening portions 20A', 20B'
(collectively 20'), 22A', and 22B' (collectively 22'),
respectively, which dramatically increase the strength by which two
or more objects, such as objects 46 and 60 for example, are held
together by the fasteners of this invention, since the anti-opening
portions 20A', 20B', 22A', and 22B' prevent the snapping segments
from spreading apart, as being secured within the slot 62 of the
object 60, such as a metal sheet for example. This extraordinary
beneficial effect of the presence of the anti-opening portions on
the snapping segments is also applicable to any folded sheet metal
fastener comprising a bottom section having a bottom engageable
continuous hole; a left section connected to the bottom and
comprising a left snapping segment; and a right section also
connected to the bottom and comprising a right snapping
segment.
[0237] The fastener of this embodiment may further comprise
underholding straps 81, as better shown in FIG. 14, which
underholding straps 81 are bended upwardly, and they better support
the fastener in the slot 62 (see FIG. 1G) on the metal sheet 60. A
stamped sheet metal version of the fastener 10 before folding is
better shown in FIG. 15. The dotted lines denote positions at which
the folding will occur to result in the shape of fastener 10 in
FIG. 14.
[0238] In a different embodiment of this invention, better shown in
FIGS. 16, 16A, and 16B, the snapping segments have an inwardly bent
portion 20" (see also FIG. 1F). This configuration allows higher
versatility in the thickness of the metal sheet on which the
fastener is secured and th4e dimensions of the slot. However, the
way in which fasteners with inwardly bent portions have been used
so far (lacking anti-sliding portions 21) present a very serious
problem. When a considerable pulling force is applied tending to
remove the fastener from the metal sheet, the snapping portions
close inwardly due to sliding of the portion 20" on the edge 68 and
70 of the metal sheet 60, resulting in separation of the fastener
10 from the slot 62 of the metal sheet 60. The instant invention
solves this problem very effectively by providing anti-sliding
portions 21, which prevent the sliding action over a certain point,
by engaging to the upper portion 58 of the metal sheet or other
object 60.
[0239] The anti-sliding portions may be linear extensions of the
snapping segment 20, as shown for example in FIG. 16A, or they may
be bent, as shown for example in FIG. 16B. The configuration shown
in FIG. 16B provides easier insertion of the fastener 10 into the
slot 62 of the metal sheet 60, which in many occasions is
critical.
[0240] The operation of this embodiment is substantially the same
as the operation of the other embodiments, with the difference that
the pulling force required to separate two parts secured by the
fastener is considerably higher due to the anti-sliding portions,
which portions effectively resist sliding over a certain point.
[0241] The fastener 10 may further comprise a guiding sector 33
between the bottom engageable continuous hole 26 and the lower top
engageable continuous hole 24B for directing the screw or bolt from
said bottom engageable continuous hole 26 to said lower top
engageable continuous hole 24B.
[0242] Preferably, the guiding sector 33 comprises an element
selected from guiding sub-sectors 35 leaning against each other, a
sub-sector having a non-engageable stamped hole 96B (FIG. 12B)
through which the screw or bolt can be guided, a sub-sector having
an engageable stamped hole 96A (FIG. 12A) through which the screw
or bolt can be guided, an engageable extrusion hole 98A (FIG. 13A)
through which the screw or bolt can be guided, a non-engageable
extrusion hole 98B (FIG. 13B) through which the screw or bolt can
be guided, and a combination thereof. Any other types of holes may
also be used as long as they can guide the screw or bolt or any
other suitable engaging member.
[0243] It is evident that if the hole 26 in any of the embodiments
of the instant invention is an extrusion hole, such as the ones
shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, then hole 26 itself can also serve as a
guide for the screw or bolt 48.
[0244] The guiding sub-sectors 33, 35 have preferably reinforcing
base 37 disposed between said sub-sectors 33, 35 and the bottom
section 14. This is very important for increasing the rigidity of
the fastener's structural strength, since the reinforcing base 37
forms an angle with the bottom section 14, which angle hinders said
bottom section 14 from bending.
[0245] The operation of this embodiment is substantially the same
as the operation of the previous embodiments with the difference
that the guiding sectors 33 direct the screw 48 very accurately,
and that the anti-opening portions 20A', 20B', 22A', and 22B'
dramatically increase the strength by which two or more objects,
such as objects 46 and 60 for example, are held together by the
fasteners of this embodiment.
[0246] In a different embodiment of the instant invention, the
guiding sector 33 may be eliminated completely by forming a bottom
hole 26, and by coordinating its dimensions with the dimensions of
the screw to be used, as explained hereinbelow.
[0247] An example of forming an engageable continuous hole
according to well known to the art techniques, is given in FIGS. 17
and 17A. A preliminary hole 83, having the shape depicted in FIG.
17 is initially formed. An impression is formed around the hole 83
in a manner that the periphery (partial periphery) 87 forms a helix
corresponding to the pitch of the type of screw, which screw is
going to be used with the engageable hole, thus forming the final
engageable continuous hole 83A.
[0248] More than one peripheries (partial peripheries) may be
formed for multi-thread screws or bolts.
[0249] Since the screws have size tolerances within certain limits,
the engageable holes of the state of the art are made wider than in
most cases needed, in order to accommodate substantially all screws
within said limits of size tolerance. Such an example is shown in
FIG. 18, which includes a cross section of the hole 83A across line
N-N, and wherein the periphery 87 of the engageable hole 83A is
substantially wider than the core of the screw 48, the screw 48
having a minor diameter d. Minor diameter is the diameter of the
core 48C of the screw 48. This has as a result free wobbling of the
screw within the engageable hole 83A, and therefore, alignment with
other holes is for all practical purposes very difficult, if not
impossible. This is the reason why auxiliary guiding mechanisms
have to be used for directing the screw toward a wanted target.
[0250] According to this embodiment of the instant invention, such
guiding mechanisms may be eliminated if a critical combination of a
screw and an engageable hole are used. This critical combination
requires that substantially the entirety of the periphery 87 of the
helix substantially contacts with the surface 48S of the core 48C
of the screw 48, as better shown in FIG. 19. The rigidity and
alignment characteristics of the screw 48 within the engageable
continuous hole 83A further increases, when in addition to the
above requirements, the width 87W of the periphery 87 approaches or
substantially reaches the width 48W of the core 48C between two
consecutive threads 48T of the screw 48, as better shown in FIG.
19A.
[0251] The operation of this embodiment is substantially the same
as the operation of the previous embodiments with the difference
that the guiding sectors are not needed.
[0252] In another embodiment of the present invention, better
illustrated in FIGS. 20, 20A, and 20B, the folded sheet metal
fastener 10 comprises an upper free-ended top section 12a having an
upper top engageable continuous hole 24a. The fastener 10 also
comprises a lower free-ended top section 12b having a lower top
engageable continuous hole 24b. The fastener 10 further comprises a
bottom section 14 having a bottom engageable continuous hole
26.
[0253] The top sections 12b and 12a are connected to the bottom
section 14 by side sections 16 and 18, respectively.
[0254] A front snapping segment 2 and a back snapping segment 4 are
connected to the lower free-ended top section 12b.
[0255] The front snapping segment 2 has a bent portion 2", while
the back segment 4 has a bent portion 4". The bent portions 2" and
4" comprise anti-sliding portions 2' and 4', respectively. Instead
of or in addition to the anti-sliding portions, the bent portions
may comprise anti-opening portions (not shown) as described for
example in the case illustrated in FIG. 14 (see for example
elements indicated by numerals 20B' and 22B'). An unfolded fastener
is shown in FIG. 21, wherein the anti-sliding portions 2' and 4'
have been replaced by the anti-opening sections 2'" and 4'".
[0256] The upper free-ended top section 12a comprises support bents
12s, which provide support to the lower free-ended top section 12b,
thus resulting in a considerably more robust structure.
[0257] Although in this example both snapping segments 2 and 4 are
connected to the lower free-ended top section, at least one of said
segments 2 and 4 may be connected to at least one of the upper
free-ended top section 12a and the lower free-ended top section
12b, substantially between the planes of the side sections 16 and
18.
[0258] The operation of this embodiment is substantially the same
as the operation of the previous embodiments with the difference
that the snapping segments are not located at the side sections,
but within the two side sections.
[0259] One case in which the snapping segments are connected to the
upper free-ended top section, according to another embodiment of
the present invention, is exemplified by a folded sheet metal
fastener, similar in many respects to the one shown in FIGS. 20,
20A and 20B, but which has a cross-section as shown in FIG. 22.
[0260] The folded sheet metal fastener 10 of this embodiment
comprises an upper free-ended top section 12a having an upper top
engageable continuous hole 24a. The fastener 10 also comprises a
lower free-ended top section 12b having a lower top engageable
continuous hole 24b. The fastener 10 further comprises a bottom
section 14 having a bottom engageable continuous hole 26.
[0261] The top sections 12b and 12a are connected to the bottom
section 14 by side sections (not shown) similar to the side cross
sections 16 an 18 shown in FIG. 20.
[0262] A front snapping segment 2 and a back snapping segment 4 are
connected to the upper free-ended top section 12b. The front
snapping segment 2 comprises a bent point 2a and a bent 2".
Similarly, the back snapping segment 4 comprises a bent point 4a
and a bent 4".
[0263] The lower free-ended top section 12b is connected to a side
anti-sliding extension 5a on one side and to a side anti-sliding
extension 6a on the other side. The side anti-sliding extension 5a
comprises bent corner 5b, a bent 5c, and an edge 5d. Similarly, the
side anti-sliding extension 6a comprises bent corner 6b, a bent 6c,
and an edge 6d. The bent corners 5b and 6b are preferably separated
by a distance smaller than the major diameter (the diameter of the
threads) of the screw or bolt for which the engageable continuous
holes 24a, 24b, and 26 are intended.
[0264] The bents 5c and 6c, and their edges 5d and 6d,
respectively, are disposed at such a positions so that they do not
hinder the folded sheet metal fastener to be inserted into a slot
(such as slot 62 in FIG. 1G, for example) when the screw or bolt
are not engaged within the fastener. In other words, they allow the
snapping segments 2 and 4 to close adequately, thereby allowing the
fastener 10 to be inserted into said slot.
[0265] In operation, the fastener is first inserted into a slot
(such as slot 62 in FIG. 1G, for example) on an object (such as
metal sheet 60 in FIG. 1G, for example). In the process of
insertion, the snapping segments 2 and 4 close initially to allow
the fastener to pass through the slot, and then they open again to
a certain degree, thus allowing the fastener to be supported on the
object having the slot. In sequence, a screw or bolt (such as screw
48 in FIG. 1G, for example) is inserted through one or more other
objects (such as objects 46 and 42 in FIG. 1G, for example), and
then is threaded through the engageable continuous holes 26, 24b,
and 24a, thereby supporting the other object(s) onto the object
having the slot. As the screw or bolt is headed from the engageable
continuous hole 26 toward the engageable continuous hole 24b,
passes through the region separating the bent corners 5b and 6b,
expands the side anti-sliding extensions 5a and 6a, brings the
edges 5d and 6d toward the snapping segments 2 and 4, and thus,
hinders or prohibits the snapping segments from being able to
close. This configuration provides an outstanding mechanism of
locking the objects together.
[0266] In still a different embodiment of the instant invention,
better illustrated in FIG. 23, the folded sheet metal fastener 10
comprises a single top section 12 having an engageable continuous
hole 24. It also comprises a bottom section 14 having an engageable
continuous hole 26.
[0267] The top section 12 and the bottom section 14 are connected
with a side section 16. An additional side section (not shown) may
be present on the opposite side, preferably integrally connected to
the top section.
[0268] The top section is further connected to a front snapping
segment 2 and a back snapping segment 4.
[0269] The operation of this embodiment is substantially the same
as in the case of the embodiment of the folded sheet metal fastener
illustrated in FIG. 20, with the difference that an additional
support is missing.
[0270] As aforementioned, the fasteners of the present invention
may comprise an elastic body.
[0271] In another preferred embodiment of the instant invention
better illustrated in FIGS. 24, 24A, and 24B, the elastic body 90
may be attached to or molded at least under the bottom section 14
of the sheet metal fastener 10. The elastic body 90 may have an
upper side 90A, a lower side 90B, and an edge 90C. The fastener may
comprise holders embedded into the elastic body 90, such as for
example, middle embedded holders 102, and side embedded holders
104.
[0272] The elastic body may also comprise sealing rims at least on
one of the upper side 90A and lower side 90B of said elastic body
90. An example of such sealing rims are sealing rims 106 and 108 on
the upper side 90A, and sealing rims 110 and 112 on the lower side
90B.
[0273] When the elastic body comprises sealing rims on both the
upper side 90A and the lower side 90B of the elastic body 90, it is
preferable that the sealing rims, for example rims 106 and 108, on
the upper side 90A of the elastic body 90 are arranged to be in
alternate positions with respect to the sealing rims, for example
rims 110 and 112, on the lower side 90B of the elastic body 90, as
better illustrated in FIG. 24B, which is a cross-sectional view
through line R-R in FIG. 24A.
[0274] Also, one of the sealing rims, such as for example rim 106,
on the top side 90A of the elastic body 90 is closest to the edge
90C of the elastic body 90 than any other sealing rim, such as for
example rims 110 and 112, at the lower side 90B of the elastic body
90.
[0275] The elastic body 90 may further comprises a screw sealing
portion 114 in the vicinity of the bottom engageable continuous
hole 26.
[0276] The operation of this embodiment is similar to the operation
of the previous embodiments, with the difference that the elastic
body 90 provides sealing properties to the objects that it
connects.
[0277] As aforementioned, the snapping segments of this invention
may have anti-opening and anti-sliding portions. The anti-sliding
portions may comprise an element selected from extension of the
snapping segment 20 as also aforementioned, or barbs 21' on the
bent 20", as exemplified in FIG. 25, or ridges or knurls 21" on the
bent 20", as exemplified in FIG. 25A, or a combination thereof.
[0278] It should be noted that this invention also includes
fasteners having an upper free ended section, a lower free ended
section, and a bottom section, wherein only the holes of the upper
free ended section and the bottom section are engageable continuous
holes. The lower free ended section may have any type of hole.
[0279] It should also be noted that this invention further includes
any fasteners having snapping segments 20 and comprising a bent 20"
having a portion selected from anti-opening portion, anti-sliding
portion and a combination thereof, the anti-sliding portion
comprising an element selected from extension of the snapping
segment, barbs on the bent, ridges on the bent, knurls on the bent,
and a combination thereof, as exemplified in FIGS. 16, 16A, 16B, 25
and 25A.
[0280] In the case that the screw 48 extends through the upper
complete engageable hole 24A, as exemplified in FIGS. 11A and 11B,
at least the part of the screw extending through may be covered by
a soft material, such as plastic or elastomer for example, to avoid
scratching the object into which the fastener is to be inserted. As
a matter of fact, any part of the fasteners of the present
invention may be covered by a soft material, such as plastic or
elastomer for example.
[0281] Reinforcing ribs, well known to the art, may be used on any
part of the fasteners of the present invention in order to decrease
the flexibility of said part. The same is true not only for flat
surfaces, but also for curved or corner surfaces.
[0282] One or more of the above embodiments may be exercised
simultaneously. For example, multiple engageable continuous hole
configurations may be formed providing extraordinary strength. Any
holes, engageable or not may be stamped holes (as provided for
example in "quick nuts", well known to the art) or extrusion holes
(which are also well known to the art and provide good alignment
characteristics for the screw or bolt 48, and which may be used for
this purpose), or any other type of hole. Further, any features
described in one embodiment may be used in any other embodiment.
For example, in any of the embodiments of this invention, at least
one of the snapping segments may comprise a portion selected from
anti-opening portion, anti-sliding portion, and a combination
thereof.
[0283] In many of the embodiments of the instant invention, the
existence of only continuous engagement holes are necessary, while
in other embodiments, arcs or other types of incomplete holes may
be used partially.
[0284] Dotted lines in the Figures indicate locations in which
bents are performed, unless the lines are characterized as defining
cross-sections.
[0285] The embodiments described hereinabove serve illustration
purposes only regarding this invention, which should only be bound
by the claims.
[0286] Any explanations given are speculative and should not
restrict the scope of the claims.
[0287] As aforementioned, vehicles comprising objects connected
with fasteners of the present invention do also belong to the
instant invention as described and claimed. Substantially any parts
of a vehicle which need fastening to each other may be fastened by
the fasteners of the present invention. Some examples of such parts
are headliners to the ceiling, roof-racks to the roof, dash-boards
to a frame, handles of different shorts to doors, ceiling, sides,
lights to a frame, etc.
* * * * *