U.S. patent application number 16/254725 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-23 for bushing assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Illinois Tool Works Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Illinois Tool Works Inc.. Invention is credited to Glenn G. Heavens, Jason D. Holt, Albert W. VanBoven.
Application Number | 20190154075 16/254725 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39492997 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-23 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190154075 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holt; Jason D. ; et
al. |
May 23, 2019 |
BUSHING ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A bushing includes a cylindrical main body having a leading end
and a trailing end, wherein a fastener passage is defined within
the main body, and a plurality of ribs outwardly extending from the
main body. The plurality of ribs are configured to securely
position the bushing with respect to an opening formed in a
component.
Inventors: |
Holt; Jason D.; (Lexington,
KY) ; VanBoven; Albert W.; (Barington, IL) ;
Heavens; Glenn G.; (Naugatuck, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Illinois Tool Works Inc. |
Glenview |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Glenview
IL
|
Family ID: |
39492997 |
Appl. No.: |
16/254725 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14200820 |
Mar 7, 2014 |
10228012 |
|
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16254725 |
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12517458 |
Jun 3, 2009 |
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PCT/US07/86013 |
Nov 30, 2007 |
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14200820 |
|
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60872834 |
Dec 5, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 5/02 20130101; F16B
41/002 20130101; Y10T 16/088 20150115; Y10T 16/05 20150115; F16B
43/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16B 43/00 20060101
F16B043/00; F16B 5/02 20060101 F16B005/02; F16B 41/00 20060101
F16B041/00 |
Claims
1-44. (canceled)
45. A bushing comprising: a cylindrical main body having a leading
end and a trailing end, wherein a fastener passage is defined
within the cylindrical main body; first outwardly extending members
extending along an outer surface of the cylindrical main body in a
longitudinal direction of the main body, wherein the first
outwardly extending members are at a first circumferential
alignment in relation to the cylindrical main body, wherein the
first outwardly extending members are proximate to the leading end
and distal from the trailing end; and second outwardly extending
members extending along the outer surface of the cylindrical main
body in the longitudinal direction of the main body, wherein the
second outwardly extending members are at a second circumferential
alignment in relation to the cylindrical main body that differs
from the first circumferential alignment, wherein the second
outwardly extending members are proximate to the trailing end and
distal from the leading end, wherein the second outwardly extending
members are longitudinally spaced apart from the first outwardly
extending members, and wherein ends of each of the first outwardly
extending members and the second outwardly extending members are
rounded and smooth.
46. An assembly, comprising: a first component including a hole; a
mating component that mates against the first component; and a
bushing including: a cylindrical main body having a leading end and
a trailing end, wherein a fastener passage is defined within the
cylindrical main body; first outwardly extending members extending
along an outer surface of the cylindrical main body in a
longitudinal direction of the main body; and second outwardly
extending members extending along the outer surface of the
cylindrical main body in the longitudinal direction of the main
body, the bushing is positioned in the hole of the first component
from a side opposite the mating component.
47. The assembly of claim 46, wherein the second outwardly
extending members are longitudinally spaced apart from the first
outwardly extending members.
48. The assembly of claim 46, wherein the first outwardly extending
members are proximate to the leading end and distal from the
trailing end, and wherein the second outwardly extending members
are proximate to the trailing end and distal from the leading
end.
49. The assembly of claim 46, wherein the first outwardly extending
members are at a first circumferential alignment in relation to the
cylindrical main body, and wherein the second outwardly extending
members are at a second circumferential alignment in relation to
the cylindrical main body that differs from the first
circumferential alignment.
50. The assembly of claim 46, wherein the first outwardly extending
members comprise a first set of four ribs equally spaced about the
outer surface of the cylindrical main body, and wherein the second
outwardly extending members comprise a second set of four ribs
equally spaced about the outer surface of the cylindrical main
body.
51. The assembly of claim 50, wherein each of the first set of four
ribs is spaced 90 degrees from a next closest of the first set of
four ribs, and wherein each of the second set of four ribs is
spaced 90 degrees from a next closest of the second set of four
ribs.
52. The assembly of claim 46, wherein ends of each of the first
outwardly extending members and the second outwardly extending
members are rounded and smooth.
53. The assembly of claim 46, wherein the bushing is anchored into
the first component at areas proximate to the first outwardly
extending members and the second outwardly extending members.
54. The assembly of claim 46, wherein the bushing is a monolithic
component.
55. The assembly of claim 46, wherein the cylindrical main body has
an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the
hole of the first component, and wherein a first extrapolated
circular circumference established by respective outward-most
surfaces of the first outwardly extending members and a second
extrapolated circular circumference established by respective
outward-most surfaces of the second outwardly extending members
have diameters that are greater than the inner diameter of the
hole.
56. The assembly of claim 46, wherein each of the first outwardly
extending members and the second outwardly extending comprises: a
first section extending outwardly and downwardly from the outer
surface of the cylindrical main body; a second section elongatedly
extending downwardly and axially from the first section; and a
third section extending downwardly and inwardly from the second
section.
57. The assembly of claim 46, wherein outermost portions of each of
the first outwardly extending members and the second outwardly
extending members comprises elongate smooth surfaces extending
parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bushing.
58. A bushing comprising: a cylindrical main body having a leading
end and a trailing end, wherein a fastener passage is defined
within the cylindrical main body; first outwardly extending members
extending along an outer surface of the cylindrical main body in a
longitudinal direction of the main body; and second outwardly
extending members extending along the outer surface of the
cylindrical main body in the longitudinal direction of the main
body.
59. The bushing of claim 58, wherein the second outwardly extending
members are longitudinally spaced apart from the first outwardly
extending members.
60. The bushing of claim 58, wherein the first outwardly extending
members are proximate to the leading end and distal from the
trailing end, and wherein the second outwardly extending members
are proximate to the trailing end and distal from the leading
end.
61. The bushing of claim 58, wherein the first outwardly extending
members are at a first circumferential alignment in relation to the
cylindrical main body, and wherein the second outwardly extending
members are at a second circumferential alignment in relation to
the cylindrical main body that differs from the first
circumferential alignment.
62. The bushing of claim 58, wherein the first outwardly extending
members comprise a first set of four ribs equally spaced about the
outer surface of the cylindrical main body, and wherein the second
outwardly extending members comprise a second set of four ribs
equally spaced about the outer surface of the cylindrical main
body.
63. The bushing of claim 62, wherein each of the first set of four
ribs is spaced 90 degrees from a next closest of the first set of
four ribs, and wherein each of the second set of four ribs is
spaced 90 degrees from a next closest of the second set of four
ribs.
64. The bushing of claim 58, wherein ends of each of the first
outwardly extending members and the second outwardly extending
members are rounded and smooth.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/517,458 filed Jun. 3, 2009, which is
National Phase of International Application Number PCT/US07/086013
filed Nov. 30, 2007 and claims priority benefits from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/872,834 filed Dec. 5, 2006,
the contents of all of these applications being incorporated herein
by reference herein in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a
bushing assembly, and more particularly to a bushing assembly
(which may be formed through drawn metal or other types of
fabrication) configured to securely retain a fastener, such as a
bolt.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In various applications, bushings are used when securing
components together. For example, a bushing may be used with a bolt
to secure a first component, such as a plastic housing cap, to a
second component, such as a work-piece to which the housing cap is
configured to be secured. Typically, the bushing is positioned
within a hole of the first component and a screw or bolt is passed
through the bushing to secure the first component to the second
component.
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a known bushing
10 being positioned within a component 12. The bushing 10 is
generally cylindrical and includes an inner passage 14 configured
to receive a fastener, such as a bolt or screw. A leading end 16 of
the bushing 10 is positioned with a hole 18 formed in the component
12. The leading end 16 of the bushing 10 includes straight walls
that are configured to be pressed into the component 12 and provide
an interference fit with interior walls 20 of the component 12 that
define the hole 16.
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the known
bushing 10 and bolt 22 being positioned within the component 12.
The bolt 22 is positioned within the inner passage 14 of the
bushing 10 such that a head 24 of the bolt 22 is supported by a
trailing end 26 of the bushing 10. Because the outer walls of the
bushing 10 interfere with the interior walls 20 of the component
12, frictional forces resist movement of the bushing 10 into the
hole 18. Thus, a relatively large amount of force may be needed to
secure the bushing 10 and bolt 22 in place with respect to the
component 12. During this securing process, the bushing 10 may
damage the interior walls 20 of the component 12. Moreover, the
force needed to secure the bushing 10 and bolt 22 in place stresses
the component 12 about the hole 18. If the component 12 is plastic,
the component 12 may crack, snap or otherwise break due to the
stress caused by the securing force.
[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of the leading end 16 of
the known bushing 10 abutting the interior walls 20 of the
component 12. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the outer diameter of the
leading end 16 of the bushing 10 is about the same size as, or
larger than, the diameter of the hole 18. During insertion of the
bushing 10 into the hole 18, the leading end 16 provides an edge
that may snag the interior walls 20, thereby causing more stress
and damage to the component 12. For example, the sharp leading end
16 may scrape, scratch, or otherwise dig into the interior walls
20, thereby making insertion of the busing 10 into the hole 18 more
difficult.
[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the known
bushing 10 fully secured within the component 12. As noted above,
the process of inserting the bushing 10 into the component 12
stresses the component 12. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, a
shaft 28 of the bolt 22 does not abut any portion of the bushing
10. Thus, the bolt 22 may shift with respect to bushing 10 before,
during and after the securing process. A bolt moving within the
bushing 10 may make alignment of the bushing 10 and bolt with
respect to components more difficult.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a bushing that
is easily positioned within a component. Embodiments of the present
invention provide a bushing that is safely and securely anchored
with respect to a component. Further, embodiments of the present
invention provide a bushing that is less susceptible to damaging
the component during an insertion process.
[0009] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a
bushing that includes a cylindrical main body having a leading end
and a trailing end, wherein a fastener passage is defined within
the main body, and a plurality of ribs outwardly extending from the
main body. The plurality of ribs are configured to securely
position the bushing with respect to an opening formed in a
component.
[0010] An outer surface of the leading end may be rounded in order
to prevent snagging, scraping or otherwise damaging the component.
One or both of the leading and/or trailing ends may be inwardly
flanged in order to retain a fastener. A plurality of fastener
engaging members, such as lobes, tabs, indentations, or the like,
may inwardly extend into the fastener passage proximate the
trailing end. The plurality of fastener engaging members may be
configured to abut a portion of a shaft of a retainer in order to
retain the fastener. The fastener may be configured to pivot about
an area where the plurality of fastener engaging members retain the
portion of the fastener.
[0011] The plurality of ribs may include a first series of ribs
located away from the leading end and a second set of ribs located
away from the trailing end. A diameter of the leading end is less
than a distance between two distally located ribs within the first
series of ribs, wherein the diameter of the leading end is
configured to allow for easy location and insertion with respect to
the opening formed in the component. The diameter of the leading
end may be less than a diameter of the opening of the
component.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a known bushing
being positioned within a component.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a known bushing
and bolt being positioned within a component.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of a leading end of a
known bushing abutting into interior walls of a component.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a known bushing
fully secured within a component.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a bushing according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a top plan view of a bushing according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a bushing assembly
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a
bushing assembly according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bushing being
positioned within a component according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a close-up view of a leading end of a
bushing within a component according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of a bushing assembly
positioned within a component according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a
bushing assembly securing components together according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of a bushing according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of a bushing according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 15 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a
bushing assembly according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 16 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a
bushing assembly according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of a bushing according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of a bushing according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 19 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a
bushing assembly according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 20 illustrates a top view of a bushing according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 21 illustrates a front view of a bushing according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various
ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and
"comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items
listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional
items and equivalents thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a bushing 30
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bushing 30
may be formed of hardened thin wall material, which is in contrast
to various conventional bushings that are formed from rolled thick
wall material or solid stock. Thus, the bushing 30 is lighter than
conventional bushings, while exhibiting similar strength.
[0035] The bushing 30 may be configured to be pushed into a molded
hole of a component, or injection molded in place. The bushing 30
includes a generally cylindrical main body 32 defining an interior
passage 34 that extends from a leading end 36 to a trailing end 38.
The bushing 30 is configured to be positioned within an opening,
hole, passage or the like a component, such as a plastic cap or the
like. A series of stepped ribs 40 and 41 outwardly extend from the
main body 32. As shown in FIG. 5, two series of ribs 40 are shown.
One series includes horizontally aligned ribs 40, while the other
series includes horizontally aligned ribs 41. The first series of
ribs 40 are positioned a distance away from the leading end 36
while the second series of ribs 41 are positioned a distance away
from the trailing end 38. More or less series or ribs than those
shown may be used.
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a top plan view of the bushing 30. The
bushing 30 includes a series of inwardly-directed lobes 42. The
lobes 42 extend inwardly from the main body 32 toward the interior
passage 34. As shown in FIG. 6, the bushing 30 may include three
lobes 42 equally spaced from one another. The lobes 42 are
configured to securely retain a shaft of a bolt within the interior
passage. The lobes 42 may be positioned at or proximate the leading
and trailing ends 36 and 38, respectively. More or less lobes 42
than those shown may be used. Optionally, the lobes 42 may
uniformly extend over the entire surface of the interior walls of
the bushing 30.
[0037] As also shown in FIG. 6, the bushing includes four ribs 41
(and 40, which are hidden from view in FIG. 6) equally spaced about
an outer surface of the main body 32. Each rib 41 (and 40) may be
spaced 90.degree. from the next closest rib 41. As shown in FIG. 6,
the diameter D.sub.1 spanning the distally located ribs 41 is
greater than the diameter D.sub.2 of the trailing end 38.
Alternatively, more or less ribs 41 (and 40) at varying spacing may
be used than those shown in FIG. 6.
[0038] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a bushing assembly 50
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bushing
assembly 50 includes a fastener 52, such as a screw or bolt,
positioned within the interior passage 34 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6)
of the bushing 30.
[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the
bushing assembly 50. The fastener 52 includes a head 54 integrally
formed with a shaft 56 including a threaded area 58. An annular
ring 59 outwardly extends from the shaft 56 above the threaded area
58. If the fastener 52 shifts upwardly with respect to the bushing
30, the annular ring 59 abuts against or into the lobes 42. As
such, the lobes 42 prevent the fastener 52 from ejecting from the
bushing 30 through the interaction with the annular ring 59. The
head 54 is supported by the trailing end 38.
[0040] The leading and trailing ends 36 and 38, respectively, are
inwardly flanged. The lobes 42 extend into the interior passage 34.
The lobes 42 of the inwardly-flanged trailing end 38 abut outer
surfaces of the shaft 56, thereby securely centering the fastener
52 in place with respect to the bushing 30, and, as noted above,
preventing the fastener 52 from ejecting from the bushing 30 by
engaging the annular ring 59 of the fastener 52 (if the fastener 52
shifts upward with respect to the bushing 30). Alternatively, the
lobes 42 of the inwardly-flanged leading end 36 may also abut outer
surfaces of the shaft 56. While only the leading and trailing ends
36 and 38, respectively, are shown to be inwardly-flanged in FIG.
8, other portions of the bushing 30 may also include
inwardly-directed lobes. For example, the lobes 42 may extend from
the leading end 36 to the trailing end 38 over the entire length of
the bushing 30.
[0041] The fastener 52 is effectively captured or otherwise
retained by the bushing 30 because the lobes 42 of the
inwardly-flanged trailing end 38 surround the outer surfaces of the
shaft 56 of the fastener 52. As shown in FIG. 3, the shaft 56 is
captured about the trailing end 38, but may be free with respect to
the leading end 36. As such, the fastener 52 may shift or pivot
about the interface of the shaft 56 and the trailing end 38 in the
directions of arc A. In this way, the bolt 52 remains securely
positioned within the bushing 30, yet the distal end of the
fastener 52 may shift during an alignment process with respect to a
component, such as a work-piece. Thus, the fastener 52 may be
easily located with respect to a hole of a component. Further, when
the fastener 52 is secured to the work-piece, the bushing 30
automatically centers the fastener 52 due to the fact that the
fastener 52 is centered and/or captured at the trailing end 38 of
the bushing 30. It has been found that while the fastener 52 may
shift or pivot during a hole or passage locating process, the
securing process automatically corrects any shift and centers the
fastener 52 due to the fact that the fastener 52 is surrounded by
the bushing 30 at the trailing end 38.
[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bushing 30
being positioned within a component 60 according to an embodiment
of the present invention. The component 60 defines an opening 62
into which the bushing 30 passes. As shown in FIG. 9, a small gap
63 exists between outer surfaces of the leading end 36 and interior
walls 64 that define the opening 62. Any plastic flash protruding
from the component 60 may be collected within the gap 63. Because
the diameter D.sub.2 of the leading end 40 is smaller than the
diameter D.sub.3 of the opening 62, the bushing 30 may be easily
located and initially positioned within the opening 62. The bushing
30 may be dropped into the opening 62 without the interior walls 64
interfering with the bushing 30. Little to no effort is used to
drop the bushing 30 into an initial position with respect to the
opening 62. This is in stark contrast to conventional bushings that
require a relatively large and constant insertion force. Once the
bushing 30 is initially positioned such that the ribs 40 abut a top
surface 66 of the component 60, an increased amount of force is
used to push the bushing 30 into the opening 62 in the direction of
arrow B. The ends 68 of the ribs 40 (and 41) are rounded and
smooth. Thus, the ribs 40 and 41 do not dig, scrape, damage or
overly stress the component 60 during the insertion process.
[0043] As the bushing 30 is pressed into the component 60 in the
direction of arrow B, the ribs 40 and 41 securely anchor into the
interior walls 64 of the component 60. The ribs 40 and 41 press
into the interior walls 64, thereby providing a secure fit between
the bushing 30 and the component 60. The bushing 30 is anchored
into the component 60 at areas proximate the ribs 40 and 41,
instead of an interference fit between the entirety of the bushing
30 and the interior walls 64. Thus, it has been found that the
bushing 30 causes little stress to the component 60. Overall, the
ribs 40 and 41 provide a low stress press fit with respect to the
component 60.
[0044] FIG. 10 illustrates a close-up view of the leading end 36 of
the bushing 30 within the component 60. As shown in FIG. 10, an
outer surface 70 of the leading end 36 of the bushing 30 is coined,
rolled, folded, or otherwise rounded. Thus, the leading end 36 is
not susceptible to digging into or snagging the interior wall 64 of
the component 60. Instead, if shifted into the interior wall 64,
the smooth, rounded outer surface 70 of the leading end 36 slides
over the interior wall 64.
[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of the bushing assembly 50
positioned within the component 60. The ribs 40 and 41 act to
securely center the bushing 30 within the component 60. That is,
while the leading end 36, which has a smaller diameter than the
opening formed in the component 60, may shift inside the component
60 during a locating process, the ribs 40 and 41 center and anchor
the bushing 30 within the component as the bushing 30 is urged into
the component 60.
[0046] As discussed above, the distal end 72 of the fastener 52 may
shift or pivot about the interface of the shaft 56 and the trailing
end 38 of the bushing 30. Thus, the process of locating the
fastener 52 with respect to a hole or opening of another component
is made easier.
[0047] The shape of the bushing 30 allows plastic of the component
60 to creep or otherwise slowly flow around the drawn ribs 40 and
41 after insertion. This assists in retaining the bushing 30 firmly
in position.
[0048] FIG. 12 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the
bushing assembly 50 securing components 60 and 80 together
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The component
80 includes an opening 82 into which the distal end 72 of the
fastener 52 is located and retained. During the locating process,
the distal end 72 may shift or pivot, as discussed above, in order
to make it easier to position the fastener 52 within the opening
82. As the fastener 52 is tightened, thereby securing the
components 60 and 80 together, the bushing assembly 50
automatically aligns and centers the fastener 52 with respect to
the components 60 and 80. That is, if the fastener 52 is shifted
during the locating process, the shift is corrected during the
securing process. Thus, if during the locating process, the
fastener 52 shifts 5.degree. along arc A, that shift is reversed as
the fastener 52 is tightened. For example, as the fastener 52 is
tightened, the leading end 36 abuts the top surface of the
component 80, thereby automatically aligning the fastener 52 within
the opening 82. If the leading end 36 is angled with respect to the
top surface of the component 80 during the locating process, the
leading end 36 automatically becomes flush with that top surface as
the threaded area 58 of the fastener 52 continues to threadably
engage reciprocal surfaces of the component 80 that surround the
opening 82.
[0049] FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of a bushing 90 according
to an embodiment of the present invention. The bushing 90 is
similar to the bushing 30 shown in FIG. 5, except that the trailing
end 92 is outwardly flanged, forming a wider base on which a
fastener may rest. Additionally, slots 94 are formed in the bushing
90 proximate the outwardly flanged training end 92. The cut
material is then canted inwardly and downwardly to form fastener
engaging members, such as canted tabs 96. Thus, less material is
used to form the fastener centering tabs 96 than the lobes 42
(shown in FIGS. 6 and 8).
[0050] FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the bushing 90. As shown
in FIG. 14, the inwardly canted fastener centering tabs 96 act to
center a fastener shaft within the central passage 97 of the
bushing 90. As noted above, the outwardly flanged trailing end 92
forms a wider base 98 for a fastener head to abut.
[0051] FIG. 15 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a
bushing assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present
invention. The bushing assembly 100 includes the bushing 90 and a
fastener 102 having a fastener head 104 integrally connected to a
shaft 106 having a threaded portion 108 and annular ring 110 above
the threaded portion 108. As shown in FIG. 15, the outwardly
flanged trailing end 92 provides the wide base 98 that supports the
head 104. The fastener centering tabs 96 are inwardly and
downwardly canted so as not to dig into the shaft 106. Moreover,
the fastener centering tabs 96 act to snag the annular ring 110, as
discussed above, if the fastener 102 upwardly shifts.
[0052] Additionally, the leading end flange 112 may be larger than
those described above. The enlarged leading end flange 112
increases bearing surface area with respect to the fastener and a
component into which the bushing 90 is positioned.
[0053] FIG. 16 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a
bushing assembly 120 according to an embodiment of the present
invention. The bushing assembly 120 includes a bushing 122 and a
fastener 124, similar to those described above. However, the
trailing end 126 of the bushing 122 includes a spring-biased flange
128 that adjusts when the component 130, bushing 122 and/or
fastener 124 thermally expand and/or when the fastener 124 is
over-torqued. For example, if the component 130 and/or bushing 122
expands, the spring-biased flange flexes accordingly to ensure that
the bushing 122 and the fastener 124 remain secured within the
component 130. Similarly, if the fastener 124 is over-torqued, the
spring-biased flange 126 may flatten out to accommodate the
over-torqued condition.
[0054] Additionally, instead of lobes or cut-out portions, the
bushing 122 may include fastener engaging members that are indented
portions 132. The indented portions 132 may be formed by crimping
or other such methods. The indented portions 132 act to center and
secure the fastener 124 similar to the lobes 42 (shown in FIGS. 6
and 8) and the fastener centering tabs 96 (shown in FIGS.
13-15).
[0055] FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of a bushing 140 according
to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 17, the
bushing 140 includes only one series of ribs 142, but may include
more than those shown. Additionally, the bushing 140 includes a
wide trailing end flange 144.
[0056] FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of the bushing 18. The
trailing end flange 144 is rolled over itself and then a tri-lobe
shape 146 is drawn on top. The rolled, drawn tri-lobe shape 146 is
an optional way of forming lobes or fastener-centering members that
center and capture a fastener (as discussed above).
[0057] FIG. 19 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a
bushing assembly 150 according to an embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 19, the trailing end flange is rolled
over itself and drawn to form a base for the fastener head 160 and
also the tri-lobe shape 146 that is configured to center the
fastener shaft 162 and latching onto the annular ring 164 if the
shaft 162 shifts upward.
[0058] FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate top and front views,
respectively, of a bushing 200 according to an embodiment of the
present invention. The bushing 200 is similar to the bushing 90
shown and described with respect to FIGS. 13-15, except that the
bushing 200 includes a split-column design that provides a higher
tolerance. That is, a gap 201 is formed in the column 202 of the
bushing 200. The gap 201 allows the column 202 to expand and
contract. When the bushing 200 is positioned around a component,
such as a fastener, the gap 201 allows the column 202 to radially
expand to fit around the component. Once the column 202 is
positioned around the component, the column flexes back. As shown
in FIG. 21, the gap 21 extends over the height (or length,
depending on the orientation) of the bushing 200.
[0059] Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a bushing
that is easily positioned within a component. The ribs of the
bushing securely anchor the bushing within the component.
Additionally, the bushing is not susceptible to damaging the
component during an insertion process. Further, the bushing
securely retains and centers a fastener therein.
[0060] While various spatial terms, such as upper, bottom, lower,
mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, and the like may used to
describe embodiments of the present invention, it is understood
that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations
shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated,
or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower
portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the
like.
[0061] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the
scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention
disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present
invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes
known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled
in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed
to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the
prior art.
[0062] Various features of the invention are set forth in the
following claims.
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