U.S. patent application number 16/802090 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-18 for fastener with protected decorative cap.
The applicant listed for this patent is McGard LLC. Invention is credited to David C. Meyer, John F. Mondo, Kyle M. Weis.
Application Number | 20200191191 16/802090 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53479695 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-18 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200191191 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weis; Kyle M. ; et
al. |
June 18, 2020 |
FASTENER WITH PROTECTED DECORATIVE CAP
Abstract
A fastener having a fastener body and a protected decorative cap
arranged on a head end of the fastener body in a manner that
protects the decorative cap from fastener torquing forces applied
to said head end that might otherwise damage, disfigure or loosen
the cap and that facilitates attachment of the decorative cap to
the fastener body.
Inventors: |
Weis; Kyle M.; (Tonawanda,
NY) ; Mondo; John F.; (Hamburg, NY) ; Meyer;
David C.; (Boston, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
McGard LLC |
Orchard Park |
NY |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
53479695 |
Appl. No.: |
16/802090 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15420835 |
Jan 31, 2017 |
10612579 |
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16802090 |
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14582367 |
Dec 24, 2014 |
9593707 |
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15420835 |
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61921249 |
Dec 27, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 23/0061 20130101;
B60B 2900/572 20130101; B60B 7/14 20130101; B60B 3/16 20130101;
F16B 37/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16B 37/14 20060101
F16B037/14; B60B 3/16 20060101 B60B003/16; B60B 7/14 20060101
B60B007/14 |
Claims
1. A fastener with a protected decorative cap comprising: a
fastener body orientated about a longitudinal axis and having a
tool-engaging portion to which a driving torque may be applied and
a threaded fastening portion configured and arranged to mate with a
corresponding threaded element; a decorative cap overlaying said
tool-engaging portion; said decorative cap comprising multiple open
spaces, a generally transversely-extending end face substantially
covering said end face of said tool-engaging portion, and a
connector protrusion extending from underside of said end face of
said decorative cap; said tool-engaging portion comprising multiple
generally longitudinally-extending tool-engaging ridges configured
to engage a fastener torquing tool, a generally
transversely-extending end face, and an opening in said end face of
said tool-engaging portion sized to receive said connector
protrusion; each of said tool-engaging ridges protruding radially
outward through at least one of said spaces in said decorative cap;
and said connector protrusion extending into said opening in said
end face of said tool-engaging portion.
2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein said connector protrusion and
said opening in said end face of said tool-engaging portion are
sized such that said decorative cap is attached to said
tool-engaging portion by engagement of said connector protrusion in
said opening of said end face of said tool-engaging portion.
3. The fastener of claim 1, wherein said decorative cap is attached
to said tool-engaging portion by a resin disposed between said
opening and said connector protrusion.
4. The fastener of claim 3, wherein said opening in said end face
of said tool-engaging portion is threaded and said resin is
disposed between said threaded opening and said connector
protrusion.
5.-19. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to fasteners, including lug
bolts, lug nuts and other coupling members, and more particularly,
to fasteners with decorative caps.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] By way of background, there are various fastener
applications wherein decorative features are desired. Such
applications include, but are not limited to, automotive wheel
fasteners such as lug bolts and lug nuts. To provide a decorative
effect, the exposed head portions of such fasteners are sometimes
fitted with a cap having an attractive surface finish, such as
chrome plating, PVD coating, etc.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A fastener having a fastener body (16, 616, 716, 801, 802,
803, 804, 805, 816, 916) and a protected decorative cap (20, 120,
220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) arranged on a head end (18, 818, 918)
of the fastener body in a manner that protects the decorative cap
from fastener torquing forces applied to the head end that might
otherwise damage, disfigure or loosen the cap and that facilitates
attachment of the decorative cap to the fastener body.
[0004] In example fastener embodiments disclosed herein, the
fastener includes a fastener body having a tool-engaging head (18,
818, 918) and a fastening portion (19, 119, 819, 919). The
tool-engaging head has a generally radially-extending end face (23,
223, 323, 923) and a generally-longitudinally extending sidewall
portion configured to engage a fastener torquing tool. A protected
decorative cap (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) is provided
on the tool-engaging head. The protected decorative cap is
protected from the fastener torquing tool by protective structure
(26, 626, 726) on the tool-engaging head. In particular fastener
embodiments disclosed herein, the sidewall portion of the fastener
body's tool-engaging head may comprise a set of generally
longitudinally-extending tool-engaging ridges (26, 626, 726), each
tool-engaging ridge protruding generally radially outwardly from a
ridge base to a ridge tip (28). The sidewall portion may further
comprise a set of generally longitudinally-extending
radially-recessed flutes (33) between the ridge tips. The protected
decorative cap may have a generally radially-extending end face
(41, 241, 341, 941) substantially covering the tool-engaging head
end face, and a set of generally longitudinally-extending fingers
(40, 140, 340, 440, 540) disposed in the flutes. The cap fingers
are separated by spaces (42, 342) through which the ridge tips
protrude, and are radially-recessed from the ridge tips so as to he
protected from the fastener torquing tool.
[0005] Thus, a fastener with a protected decorative cap is provided
comprising a fastener body (16, 616, 716, 801, 802, 803, 804, 805,
816, 916) orientated about a longitudinal axis (x-x) and having a
tool-engaging portion (18, 818, 918) to which a driving torque may
be applied and a threaded fastening portion (19, 119, 819, 919)
configured and arranged to mate with a corresponding threaded
element. A decorative cap (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920)
overlays the tool-engaging portion. The decorative cap comprising
multiple open spaces (42, 342) and the tool-engaging portion
comprising multiple generally longitudinally-extending
tool-engaging ridges (26, 626, 726) configured to engage a fastener
torquing tool (25, 125, 225), and each of the tool-engaging ridges
protruding radially outward through at least one of the spaces in
the decorative cap. Each of the longitudinally-extending
tool-engaging ridges may protrude generally radially outwardly to
an outer ridge line (28) and the tool-engaging portion may comprise
longitudinally-extending radially-recessed flutes (33) between the
adjacent ridge lines. The decorative cap may comprise multiple
longitudinally-extending cap fingers (40, 140, 340, 440, 540)
disposed in the flutes, the cap fingers may be separated by the
spaces through which the ridges protrude, and the cap fingers may
be radially-recessed from the ridge lines. The tool-engaging
portion may comprise a generally transversely-extending end face
(23, 223, 323, 923) and the decorative cap may comprise a generally
transversely-extending end face (41, 241, 341, 941) substantially
covering the end face of the tool-engaging portion. The decorative
cap may comprise a connector protrusion (245) extending from
underside (249) of the end face of the decorative cap, the end face
of the tool-engaging portion may comprise an opening (246) sized to
receive the connector protrusion, and the decorative cap may be
attached to the tool-engaging portion by engagement of the
connector protrusion in the opening of the end face of the
tool-engaging portion. The decorative cap may comprise a connector
protrusion (945) extending from underside (947) of the end face
(941) of the decorative cap, the end face (923) of the
tool-engaging portion (918) may comprise an opening (946) sized to
receive the connector protrusion, and the decorative cap may be
attached to the tool-engaging portion by a resin (949) disposed
between the opening and the connector protrusion. The opening in
the end face of the tool-engaging portion may be threaded (963) and
the resin may be disposed between the threaded opening and the
connector protrusion. The decorative cap (820) may comprise a
snap-fit element (845), the fastener body may comprise a groove
(846) or shoulder sized to engage the snap-fit clement, and the
decorative cap may be attached to the tool-engaging portion by
engagement of the snap-fit element with the groove or shoulder. The
snap-fit element may comprise an annular snap-fit ring (845), the
fastener body may comprise an annular groove or shoulder sized to
engage the annular snap-fit ring, and the decorative cap may be
attached to the tool-engaging portion by engagement of the annular
snap-fit ring with the annular groove or shoulder. The decorative
cap (820) may comprise a flange portion (848) that extends
generally longitudinally and radially outwardly from the cap
fingers (840) and engages a radially-enlarged medial portion (821)
of the fastener body, the flange portion (848) may comprise a
radially-inwardly extending annular snap-fit ring (845), the
radially-enlarged medial portion (821) of the fastener body may
comprise an annular groove (846) sized to receive the annular
snap-fit ring, and the decorative cap may be attached to the
tool-engaging portion by engagement of the snap-fit ring in the
annular groove. The decorative cap (320) may further comprise a
flange portion (348) that extends generally longitudinally and
radially outwardly from the cap fingers and engages a
radially-enlarged medial portion (21) of the fastener body. The
flutes may have an outer surface that is curved and the cap fingers
have a cross section profile that is curved on one or both of an
inside (52, 152) and an outside (53) surface of the cap fingers.
The cap fingers may have a cross section profile that is flat on
one or both of an inside (252) and an outside (153, 253) surface of
the cap fingers. The cap fingers may have free ends that are either
curved (43, 443) or flat (143, 543). The tool-engaging ridges (626,
726) may extend longitudinally beyond (627, 727) the end face of
the tool-engaging portion in order to protect the end face portion
(41) of the decorative cap from the torquing tool. The end portions
(727) of the tool-engaging ridges that extend longitudinally beyond
the end face of the tool-engaging portion may be crimped over the
end face (41) of the decorative cap. The fastener body may be
selected from a group consisting of vehicle lug nuts and vehicle
lug bolts. The tool-engaging portion may comprise six generally
longitudinally-extending tool-engaging ridges configured to engage
the fastener torquing tool and the decorative cap may comprise six
open spaces. The decorative cap may be decorative by virtue of
having a decorative color, material, coating, surface finish or
design thereon. The decorative cap may be decorative by virtue of
having a black plastic glossy surface finish. The decorative cap
may be attached to the tool-engaging portion by one or more of
adhesive bonding or mechanical fastening. The decorative cap
comprises a sticker.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one example embodiment
of a fastener that may be constructed in accordance with the
present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view the fastener embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the head end of the fastener
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken through the head of
the fastener embodiment of FIG. 1 and showing a socket wrench
socket engaging the head for torquing.
[0010] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken through the head of
the fastener embodiment of FIG. 1 and showing a first alternative
socket wrench socket engaging the head for torquing.
[0011] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken through the head of
the fastener embodiment of FIG. 1 and showing a second alternative
socket wrench socket engaging the head for torquing.
[0012] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an inset
portion of FIG. 4, taken within the indicated circle of FIG. 4.
[0013] FIG. 5A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an inset
portion of FIG. 4A, taken within the indicated circle of FIG.
4A.
[0014] FIG. 5B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an inset
portion of FIG. 4B, taken within the indicated circle of FIG.
4B.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the fastener
embodiment of FIG. 1 separately illustrating an example fastener
body and an example protected decorative cap.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the protected decorative cap
shown in FIG. 6.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the protected decorative
cap of FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the fastener body shown in FIG.
6.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the fastener body of
FIG. 6.
[0020] FIG. 11 is an exploded side elevation view showing the
protected decorative cap and the fastener body of FIG. 6 prior to
assembly.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the protected decorative
cap and the fastener body of FIG. 6 following assembly.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional centerline view of the
assembled fastener of FIG. 12.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a modified decorative
cap and the fastener body of FIG. 6 following assembly to provide a
second example fastener embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional centerline view of the
assembled fastener modification shown in FIG. 14.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a modified fastener
body for use with a modified protected decorative cap as shown in
FIG. 17 to provide a third example fastener embodiment that may be
constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a modified protected
decorative cap for use with the modified fastener body of FIG. 16
to provide the third example fastener embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a fourth example
embodiment of a fastener that may be constructed in accordance with
the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the fastener
embodiment of FIG. 18.
[0029] FIG. 20 is a top plan view reiterating the protected
decorative cap of the first example fastener embodiment of FIGS.
1-13, and illustrating that the cap fingers may have a curved
profile on their inside and outside surfaces.
[0030] FIG. 21 is a perspective view reiterating the protected
decorative cap of the first example fastener embodiment of FIGS.
1-13, and illustrating that the cap fingers may have both a curved
profile on their inside and outside surfaces, and a curved bottom
edge.
[0031] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional centerline view reiterating the
protected decorative cap of the first example fastener embodiment
of FIGS. 1-13, and illustrating that the cap fingers may have a
both a curved profile on their inside and outside surfaces, and a
curved bottom edge.
[0032] FIG. 23 is a top plan view showing a modified protected
decorative cap that may be constructed in accordance with the
present disclosure, and illustrating that the cap fingers may have
a flat profile on their outside surface and a curved profile on
their inside surface.
[0033] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the modified cap of
FIG. 21, and illustrating that the cap fingers may have a flat
profile on their outside surface, a curved profile on their inside
surface, and a curved bottom edge.
[0034] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional centerline view showing the
modified cap of FIG. 21, and illustrating that the cap fingers may
have a flat profile on their outside surface, a curved profile on
their inside surface, and a curved bottom edge.
[0035] FIG. 26 is a top plan view showing another modified
protected decorative cap that may be constructed in accordance with
the present disclosure, and illustrating that the cap fingers may
have a flat profile on their inside and outside surfaces.
[0036] FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the modified cap of
FIG. 24, and illustrating that the cap fingers may have both a flat
profile on their inside and outside surfaces, and a flat bottom
edge.
[0037] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional centerline view showing the
modified cap of FIG. 24, and illustrating that the cap fingers may
have both a flat profile on their inside and outside surfaces, and
a flat bottom edge.
[0038] FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a fifth example
embodiment of a fastener that may be constructed in accordance with
the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a sixth example
embodiment of a fastener that may be constructed in accordance with
the present embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 31 is a side elevation view reiterating the fastener of
FIG. 1, and illustrating that the fastener body is a nut-style
fastener body having a flat seat and a spin washer.
[0041] FIG. 32 is a side elevation view showing a seventh example
embodiment of a fastener that may be constructed in accordance with
the present disclosure, having a nut-style fastener body and a
solid cone seat.
[0042] FIG. 33 is a side elevation view showing an eighth example
embodiment of a fastener that may be constructed in accordance with
the present disclosure, having a nut-style fastener body and a
solid radius seat.
[0043] FIG. 34 is a side elevation view showing ninth embodiment of
a fastener that may be constructed in accordance with the present
disclosure, having a nut-style fastener body and a radius seat
washer.
[0044] FIG. 35 is a side elevation view showing a tenth embodiment
of a fastener that may be constructed in accordance with the
present disclosure, having a bolt-style fastener body and a solid
cone seat.
[0045] FIG. 36 is a side elevation view showing an eleventh
embodiment of a fastener that may be constructed in accordance with
the present disclosure, having a bolt-style fastener body and a
cone seat washer.
[0046] FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a twelfth embodiment
of a fastener that may be constructed in accordance with the
present disclosure, having a flat seat nut-style fastener body and
snap fit cap.
[0047] FIG. 38 is a side elevation view the fastener embodiment of
FIG. 37.
[0048] FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view taken through the head of
the fastener embodiment of FIG. 38.
[0049] FIG. 40 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the snap fit
portion of FIG. 39, taken within the indicated circle of FIG.
39.
[0050] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the fastener body shown in
FIG. 37.
[0051] FIG. 42 is a side elevation view of the fastener body shown
in FIG. 41.
[0052] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the cap shown in FIG.
37.
[0053] FIG. 44 is a side elevation view of the cap shown in FIG.
43.
[0054] FIG. 45 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the snap ring
shown in FIG. 44, taken within the indicated circle of FIG. 44.
[0055] FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing a thirteenth
embodiment of a fastener that may be constructed in accordance with
the present disclosure, having a cone seat nut-style fastener body
and resin fit cap.
[0056] FIG. 47 is a side elevation view the fastener embodiment of
FIG. 46.
[0057] FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view taken through the head of
the fastener embodiment of FIG. 47.
[0058] FIG. 49 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the resin fit
of FIG. 48, taken within the indicated circle of FIG. 48.
[0059] FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the fastener body shown in
FIG. 46.
[0060] FIG. 51 is a side elevation view of the fastener body shown
in FIG. 50.
[0061] FIG. 52 is a left side elevation view of the fastener body
shown in FIG. 51.
[0062] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the cap shown in FIG.
46.
[0063] FIG. 54 is a side elevation view of the cap shown in FIG.
53.
[0064] FIG. 55 is a right side elevation view of the cap shown in
FIG. 54.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0065] At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like
reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural
elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several
drawing figures, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be
further described or explained by the entire written specification,
of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless
otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g.,
cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.)
together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion
of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the
following description, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left",
"right", "up" and "down", as well as adjectival and adverbial
derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally", "rightwardly",
"upwardly", etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the
illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the
reader. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally
refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of
elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.
[0066] Turning now to the drawing figures, an improved fastener
with a protected decorative cap is provided, a first example
embodiment of which is general indicated at 15 in FIGS. 1-13. As
shown, fastener 15 includes fastener body 16 having tool-engaging
head 18 at a first end thereof and fastening portion 19 at a second
end thereof. Radially-enlarged medial portion 21 is optionally
provided between tool-engaging head 18 and fastening portion 19.
Although fastener body 16 is shown in the first example embodiment
as having a particular configuration, it will be appreciated that
other fastener embodiments could be constructed in which the
fastener body has different configurations. Examples include, but
are not limited to, the fastener embodiments shown in FIGS. 32-36
and described in more detail below.
[0067] Although not shown, fastening portion 19 of fastener body 16
may have threads for engaging a work piece (also not shown) on
which fastener 16 is to be mounted. For example, if the fastener is
a nut-style fastener (see the fastener embodiments of FIGS. 1-34),
the threads will be internally formed on a bore extending inside
the fastener body. If the fastener is a bolt-style fastener (see
the fastener embodiments of FIGS. 35-36), the threads will be
externally formed on the outside of a shank portion of the fastener
body.
[0068] Medial portion 21 of the fastener embodiment 15 shown in
FIGS. 1-13 is formed below the base of the tool-engaging head. In
the fastener embodiment 15 of FIGS. 1-13, and also in the example
embodiments shown in FIGS. 14-15, 16-17, 18-19 and 29-30, medial
portion 21 is shown as including a defined, radially-protruding
seat flange 22, but this is for purposes of illustration only, and
not by way of limitation. The fastener embodiments of FIGS. 32-36
illustrate alternative constructions wherein the fastener medial
portion has different configurations.
[0069] It should be understood that, for purposes of the present
disclosure, the medial portion is completely optional. For example,
although not shown, a bolt fastener embodiment could be constructed
that has an externally threaded shank extending from the bottom
face of the fastening end to the base of the tool-engaging head. In
that case, the fastener body would have a tool-engaging head and a
fastening portion, but no separately configured medial portion.
Alternatively, a nut fastener embodiment could be constructed in
which the tool-engaging head extends for the entire length of the
fastener, such that there is again no separately-defined medial
portion.
[0070] In the example embodiment 15 of FIGS. 1-13, tool-engaging
head 18 has a generally radially-extending end face 23 and a
generally-longitudinally extending sidewall portion 24 configured
to engage a fastener torquing tool. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate one
example fastener torquing tool embodied as a hexagonal socket 25
for a socket wrench. In all of the fastener embodiments of FIGS.
1-36, generally radially-extending end face 23 of tool-engaging
head 18 is illustrated as being generally flat. However, this is
for purposes of illustration only and not by way of limitation.
Other fastener embodiments could be easily constructed in which the
generally radially-extending end face has a non-planar
configuration, such as a dome-shape, a frustoconical shape, a
pyramid shape, etc.
[0071] With continuing reference now to FIGS. 1-13, sidewall
portion 24 of tool-engaging head 18 of the first fastener
embodiment 15 comprises a set of generally longitudinally-extending
tool-engaging ridges 26a-26f, with each tool-engaging ridge
protruding generally radially outwardly from a ridge base to a
ridge tip 28. The surface contour of each tool-engaging ridge may
comprise an suitable tool-engaging configuration. FIGS. 4/5, 4A/5A
and 4B/5B illustrate different torquing tools engaging the
tool-engaging head, namely, a six-point socket 25, a flank drive
socket 125, and a twelve-point socket 225. As can be seen, the
tool-engaging ridges 26a-26f may be formed with two sides of
generally concave curvature and a generally rounded apex portion.
However, this is for purposes of example only, and it will be
appreciated that other tool-engaging ridge configurations could
also be used. In the longitudinal direction, each tool-engaging
ridge has a first end 31a-31f that may be located proximate to the
end face 23 of the tool-engaging head 18, and a second end 32a-32f
that may merge with the structure that forms the base of the
tool-engaging head 18 and/or the fastener's medial portion 21.
Other fastener designs may also be envisioned in which the second
ends of the tool-engaging ridges do not merge into other structure
of the fastener body, and instead have a defined terminus, like the
first end. This effect could be achieved by reducing the nominal
cross-sectional size of the fastener body in the region where the
tool-engaging ridges terminate.
[0072] The sidewall portion 24 of the tool-engaging head 18 further
includes a set of generally longitudinally-extending
radially-recessed flutes 33a-33f between the ridge tips 28a-28f,
respectively. As used herein, the term "flute" is not intended to
signify any particular configuration, but merely that the
tool-engaging head 18 is recessed between the ridge tips 28a-28f to
provide areas that a fastener torquing tool 25 will not engage when
torquing the fastener. In these recessed areas between the ridge
tips 28a-28f, there will be a gap (however small) between the
torquing tool 25 and the tool engaging head 18 that receives
corresponding portions of the protected decorative cap 20, as
described in more detail below. The depth 34 of flutes 33a-33f is
dictated by the height or radius 50 of ridge tips 28a-28f of the
tool-engaging ridges 26a-26f, and may be selected according to
design requirements.
[0073] Each flute may have an open first end 35a-24f that is
located proximate to the end face 23 of the tool-engaging head 18,
and a second closed end 36a-36f that merges with the fastener
body's medial portion 21 at the base of the tool-engaging head 18.
In most of the embodiments disclosed herein (e.g. see FIG. 6), the
flutes are configured with a curved cross section profile along
their length. In these embodiments, the flutes are shown with the
closed second ends also being curved in accordance with their
diminishing depth at the second end termination location. However,
this is for purposes of example only, and not by way of limitation.
It will be appreciated that many other flute configurations could
also be used. For example, as will be described in more detail
below in connection with FIGS. 23-25 and 26-28, the flutes could
have a flat cross section profile along their length, and their
closed ends could be either curved or flat. Other fastener
embodiments may also be envisioned in which the second ends of the
flutes are open rather than closed. This could be achieved by
extending the flutes in the direction of the fastening end as far
as necessary to pass through any intervening material and create
the open second ends.
[0074] In each of FIGS. 1-36, the tool-engaging head 18 has a
generally hexagonal configuration (when viewed from the end face)
to match the hexagonal configuration of the torquing tool shown in
FIGS. 4/5, 4A/5A and 4B/5B. Each pair of adjacent tool-engaging
ridges 26a and 26b, 26b and 26c, 26c and 26d, 26d and 26e, and 26e
and 26f, and the flutes 33a-33f there between represents one "side"
39a-39f, 139a-139f or 239a-239f, respectively, of the tool-engaging
head's generally hexagonal configuration. In the illustrated
embodiments, there are six tool-engaging ridges 26a-26f and six
flutes 33a-33f. It will be appreciated that many other
tool-engaging head configurations could be used, including
generally square shapes, generally octagonal shapes, etc. Irregular
tool-engaging head configurations could also be used, such as
shapes wherein the "sides" are of different length and the
tool-engaging ridges are not equally spaced in order to provide a
security feature wherein only certain a specially-configured tool
can be used to torque the fastener.
[0075] It would also be permissible to provide fewer tool-engaging
ridges and flutes than there are "sides" of the tool-engaging head.
This is because the tool-engaging ridges 26a-26f and flutes 33a-33f
are only needed to protect a corresponding portion 40a-40f of the
protected decorative cap 20 that extends longitudinally over the
sidewall portion 24 of the tool-engaging head 18. As described in
more detail below, these longitudinal portions 40a-40f of the
protected decorative cap 20 are referred to as fingers. They extend
longitudinally from a generally radially-extending end face 26 of
the protected decorative cap 20. Although the fastener embodiment
of FIGS. 1-13 shows a protected decorative cap with six such
fingers 40a-40f, respectively, extending over the six "sides"
39a-39f of the tool-engaging head 18, this configuration is not
required. In other embodiments (not shown), there could be fewer
(e.g., one, two, three or more) fingers than there are "sides" of
the tool-engaging head. For example, a particular fastener
manufacturer might wish to emphasize the end face of the protected
decorative cap, and perhaps use only one or two fingers mainly to
help secure the cap. In that case, the tool-engaging head of the
fastener body would only need only one or two flutes and two or
three tool-engaging ridges, respectively. The other "sides" of the
tool-engaging head could be formed without flutes and tool-engaging
ridges, and could instead have conventional straight sides and
corners, as per a standard nut or bolt type fastener.
[0076] As summarized above, a protected decorative cap 20 is also
provided on the tool-engaging head 18. The protected decorative cap
20 has a generally radially-extending end face 41 substantially
covering the tool-engaging head end face 23, and a set of generally
longitudinally-extending fingers 40a-40f that are disposed in the
flutes 33a-33f, respectively. The fastener embodiments of FIGS.
1-36 each illustrate the generally radially-extending end face 41
of the protected decorative cap 20 as being generally flat.
However, as in the case of the end face 23 of the tool-engaging
head 18, this is for purposes of illustration only and not by way
of limitation. Other fastener embodiments could be easily
constructed in which the generally radially-extending end face of
the protected decorative cap has a non-planar configuration, such
as a dome-shape, a frustoconical shape, a pyramid shape, etc. This
may be the case even if the end face of the tool-engaging head is
flat, such that there is a gap underneath the end face of the
cap.
[0077] The cap fingers 40a-40f are separated by circumferential
spaces 42a-42f through which the ridge tips 28a-28f of the tool
engaging head 18 protrude, and lie within the flutes 33a-33f of the
tool engaging head 18 so as to be radially-recessed from the ridge
tips 28a-28f and thereby protected from the fastener torquing tool
25. This can be seen in FIGS. 4/5, 4A/5A and 4B/5B, which
illustrate how different fastener torquing tools of varying
configuration can engage the tool-engaging ridges 26a-26f at or
near the ridge tips 28a-28f without touching the protected
decorative cap 20. This arrangement protects the decorative cap 20
from large torquing forces that could loosen it or mar its
appearance.
[0078] Note that the fingers 40a-40f of the protected decorative
cap 20 need not be as long as illustrated in the illustrated
embodiment of FIGS. 1-13. They could be made as short as is desired
or as is required to help affix the protected decorative cap to the
fastener body if the fingers are used for attachment purposes. If
the cap fingers are shortened, the flutes of the tool-engaging head
could also be shortened. Alternatively, the flutes could be
relatively long while the cap fingers 140a and 140b are relatively
short and have squared ends 143a and 143d, such that the fingers
140a and 140b do not extend the full length of the flutes. This is
shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, which illustrate a second example
fastener embodiment 115.
[0079] As used herein, the term "decorative" refers to the fact
that the protected decorative cap 20 has a different surface
appearance than the fastener body 16 for the purpose of altering
(and preferably improving) the appearance of the fastener 15. The
protected decorative cap 20 can be made "decorative" in any
suitable fashion, such as by virtue of having a decorative color,
material, or a coating thereon. Stainless steel would be one
example of a material that imparts a decorative effect. Chrome
plating and PVD coating (Physical Vapor Deposition) are two
examples of coatings that may be used. Polymeric or other organic
coatings could also be used. Alternative decorative effects could
be provided by distinctive surface finishes, surface
configurations, surface relief patterns, or applied design
markings.
[0080] The protected decorative cap 20 can be attached to the
tool-engaging head 18 in various ways, such as by adhesive bonding,
mechanical fastening, or a combination of both techniques. For
example, in the fastener shown in FIGS. 1-13, adhesive bonding
could be used by applying a suitable adhesive between the opposing
surfaces of the tool-engaging head 18 and the protected decorative
cap 20.
[0081] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a third example fastener
embodiment 215 in which a modified protected decorative cap 220 is
mechanically fastened to a modified tool-engaging head 218 by way
of a connector 245 that extends from an underside surface 247 of
the protected decorative cap's end face 241 and engages a
connector-receiving opening 246 in the end face 223 of the
tool-engaging head 218. Adhesive bonding could also be used in
addition to such mechanical fastening.
[0082] FIGS. 18 and 19 show a fourth example fastener embodiment
315 in which another modified protected decorative cap 320 includes
a flange 348 that extends generally longitudinally and radially
outwardly from the cap fingers 340a - 340f and engages a
radially-protruding seat flange 22 of the medial portion 21 of the
fastener body 16. This provides additional surface area for
attaching the protected decorative cap 320 to the tool-engaging
head 318. In addition, the fastener's decorative effect is enhanced
by the protected decorative cap's larger size and the fact that it
now covers some or all of the fastener body's medial portion 21. In
this embodiment, the second ends of the cap fingers 340a-340f are
no longer free ends. They are interconnected by the flange portion
348 of the cap 320, which is generally ring-shaped in the
illustrations of FIGS. 18 and 19. It will also be seen that the
spaces 342a-342f between the cap fingers 340a-340f through which
the fastener body's tool-engaging ridges 26a-26f protrude are
closed ended slots.
[0083] As previously mentioned, the flutes on the tool-engaging
head, as well as the fingers on the protected decorative cap, may
have various configurations. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-13, the
flutes 33a-f and the cap fingers 40a-f have a curved cross section
profile. In particular, the cap fingers have a curved profile on
both their inside 52a-f and outside surfaces 53a-f. The free ends
43a-f of the cap fingers are also curved to match the curvature at
the closed end 35a-f of each flute 33a-f. This configuration of the
cap fingers is also shown in FIGS. 20-22.
[0084] FIGS. 23-25 illustrate an alternative cap configuration 420
in which the cap fingers 440a-f have a flat cross section profile
on their outside surface 153a-f and a curved profile on their
inside surface 152a-f. The free ends 443a-f of the cap fingers
440a-f (and the base ends of the flutes) are curved as in FIGS.
20-22.
[0085] FIGS. 26-28 illustrate another alternative configuration 520
in which the cap fingers 540a-f have a flat cross section profile
on both their inside 252a-f and outside surfaces 253a-f. In that
case, the flutes of the tool-engaging head may, if desired, also
have a flat cross section profile (not shown). FIGS. 26-28 further
illustrate that the ends 543a-f of the cap fingers 540a-f may also
be flat.
[0086] FIGS. 29 illustrates a fifth example fastener embodiment 615
in which the tool-engaging ridges 626a-f of fastener body 616 have
portions 627a-f that extend longitudinally beyond the tool-engaging
head end face and the end face 41 of the cap 20 in order to protect
the decorative cap 20 end 41 and the tool-engaging head end face
623 from incidental contact with the torquing tool and from damage
if the fastener is dropped, specifically a closed base end thereof,
such as the inside bottom wall of a socket.
[0087] FIG. 30 illustrates a sixth example fastener 715 wherein the
end portions 727a-f of the tool-engaging ridges 726a-f of fastener
body 716 extend longitudinally beyond the end face 41 of the cap 20
and the tool-engaging head end face and are also crimped over the
tool-engaging head face and the end face 41 of cap 20.
[0088] Both the fifth and sixth fastener embodiments would lend
themselves to fastener constructions in which the protected
decorative cap has only a radially-extending end face, and no
fingers. In that case, the longitudinal extensions 627a-f and
727a-f of the tool-engaging ridges would protect the cap end face
41, and no further cap protection structure would be necessary. In
particular, no flutes would be needed and the tool-engaging ridges
themselves could be quite short. The use of a protected cap having
no fingers also allows the use of other cap protective structures
besides tool-engaging ridges, such as a continuous or partially
continuous ridge around the perimeter of the end face of the tool
engaging head. The protected decorative cap with no fingers could
be protectively disposed inside this ridge. Before leaving the
subject of alternative cap protection arrangements, it should be
further noted that a protected cap comprising a plurality of
disconnected fingers and no interconnected end face could also be
used. In that case, the fingers would lie within the flutes of the
tool-engaging head, and the end face of head would be
uncovered.
[0089] As previously mentioned, and without limitation, a fastener
constructed in accordance with the present disclosure may be
embodied as a design selected from the group consisting of vehicle
lug nuts and lug bolts. For example, in FIG. 31, which reiterates
the first fastener embodiment of FIGS. 1-13, the fastener comprises
a nut-style fastener body 16 having a flat seat and a spin washer
54. In FIG. 32, a seventh example fastener embodiment comprises a
nut-style fastener body 801 having a solid cone scat 55. In FIG.
33, an eighth example fastener embodiment comprises a nut-style
fastener body 802 having a solid radius seat 56. In FIG. 34, a
ninth example fastener embodiment comprises a nut-style fastener
803 body having a radius seat washer 58. In FIG. 35, a tenth
example fastener embodiment comprises a bolt-style fastener body
804 having a bolt type fastener portion 119 having a solid cone
seat 59. In FIG. 36, an eleventh example fastener embodiment
comprises a bolt-style fastener body 805 having bolt type fastener
portion 119 having a cone seat washer 60.
[0090] FIGS. 37-45 show a twelfth example fastener embodiment 815
in which a modified protective decorative cap 820 is mechanically
fastened to a modified tool-engaging head 818 by way of snap ring
845 that engages a groove 846 in the fastener body 816.
[0091] As shown, fastener 815 includes a fastener body 816 having a
tool engaging head 818 at a first end thereof and a fastening
portion 819 at a second end thereof. Radially-enlarged medial
portion 821 is provided between tool engaging head 818 and
fastening portion 819. In this embodiment, radially-enlarged medial
portion 821 is a specially-configured generally cylindrical
structure elongated along axis x-x and having a specially
configured outer profile. In particular, and with reference to
FIGS. 39 and 40, medial portion 821 is a specially-configured
cylindrical member elongated along axis x-x, and is bounded by
leftwardly-facing annular vertical surface 60, leftwardly and
outwardly-facing frusto-conical surface 61, outwardly-facing
horizontal cylindrical surface 62, rightwardly-facing annular
vertical surface 63, outwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical
surface 64, leftwardly-facing annular vertical surface 65,
outwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface 66, and
rightwardly-facing annular vertical surface 67. Rightwardly-facing
annular vertical surface 63, outwardly-facing horizontal
cylindrical surface 64, and the inner portion of surface
leftwardly-facing annular vertical surface 65, generally define
groove 846.
[0092] As shown, similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 and
19, decorative cap 820 includes flange 848 that extends generally
longitudinally and radially outward from the cap fingers 840 and
includes a snap ring portion 845 that engages groove 846 in medial
portion 821 of fastener body 816. In particular, and with reference
to FIGS. 44 and 45, flange 848 and snap ring portion 845 of cap 820
is generally bounded by inwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical
surface 70, leftwardly and inwardly-facing concave surface 71,
rightwardly and inwardly-facing concave surface 72,
rightwardly-facing annular vertical surface 73, and
outwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface 74.
[0093] The inner diameter 90 of surfaces 71,72 is less than the
diameter 91 of the junction between surfaces 62 and 63. Thus,
surface 63 provides a shoulder against which surface 71 of snap
ring 845 of cap 820 bears. Flange element 848 is elastic such that
surfaces 71, 72 can flex outwardly and be slid to the right up
inclined surface 61 of medial portion 821 and over horizontal
cylindrical surface 62 to snap radially inward into groove 846 of
medial portion 821. The surfaces 71 and 72 of snap ring 845 are
thereby retained in annular groove 846 to hold cap 820 to fastener
body 816.
[0094] While in this embodiment snap ring 845 is a continuous
ring-like structure, it is contemplated that other configurations
may be used. For example, instead of a cylindrical flange 848 that
extends generally outward from the ends of cap fingers 840, each of
the cap fingers could have a separate flange portion with an
inwardly extending protrusion that is received and held within
groove 846. In addition, while groove 846 is shown in this
embodiment as a continuous annular groove, it is contemplated that
other surface profiles may be used to retain and engage the snap
fit element to attach the decorative cap to the fastener body 816.
For example, without limitation, circumferentially spaced notches
may be used with corresponding snap fit elements. As another
example, without limitation, a shoulder rather than a groove may be
used.
[0095] FIGS. 46-55 show a thirteenth example fastener embodiment
915. Similar to the third example of fastener embodiment 215 shown
in FIGS. 16 and 17, cap 920 includes a cylindrical connector 945
than extends from the inner surface 947 of the decorative cap's
end-face 941 into a connector-receiving opening 946 in the end face
923 of tool engaging head 918. As shown in FIGS. 48-49, connector
945 has a generally outwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface
960 and a generally inwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface
961. Opening 946 in tool engaging head 918 is defined by an
inwardly-facing facing threaded cylindrical surface 963. As shown,
the outer diameter 991 of outer surface 960 of connector 945 is
significantly less than the inner diameter 990 of threaded surface
963 of opening 946 in tool-engaging head 918. Thus, in this
embodiment, connector 945 extends freely into opening 946 such that
the inner surface 947 of cap 920 abuts end-face 923 of
tool-engaging head 918. To hold cap 920 in place, the space between
the connector 945 and the inner surface 963 of opening 946 in
tool-engaging head 918 is filled with a resin 949 that hardens to
securely hold cap 920 in place on tool-engaging head 918 of
fastener 915. The circumferential inner edge of connector 945 is
bulbous and includes an outwardly-extending annular protrusion
portion 965 that assists in engaging with resin 949. While in this
embodiment bulbous end 965 of connector 945 and threaded surface
963 assists in holding resin 949 in place and thereby securing cap
920 to fastener 915, it is contemplated that connector 945 may be
formed with alternative shapes and profiles and that similarly
opening 946 may not include threaded surface or may be of a shape
or configuration other than cylindrical.
[0096] Accordingly, an improved fastener having a protected
decorative cap has been disclosed. While various embodiments of the
fastener have been shown and described, it should be apparent that
many variations and alternative embodiments could be implemented in
accordance with the present disclosure. For example, virtually any
style of fastener body may be combined with any style of protected
decorative cap, so long as suitable provision is made for
protecting the decorative cap from torquing forces applied by a
fastener torquing tool that might otherwise damage, disfigure or
loosen the cap. It is understood, therefore, that the invention is
not to be in any way limited except in accordance with the scope of
the appended claims.
* * * * *