Fastener assembly

Abstract

A fastener coupler includes a first securing member configured to receive and retain a first fastener within a first inner cavity, wherein at least one passage is formed through the first securing member, and a setting indication material within at least a portion of the first inner cavity. The setting indication material is configured to extrude through the first passage when the first fastener is urged into the setting indication material in order to indicate that the first fastener is properly secured to the first securing member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view of a fastener coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a longitudinal elevational view of a fastener coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fastener coupler through line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an elevational view of a fastener assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an elevational view of a fastener assembly properly secured to a structure, while securely retaining a component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fastener coupler comprising: a first securing member having outer walls defining a first inner cavity, said first inner cavity configured to receive and retain a first fastener, wherein a first passage is formed through at least one of said outer walls into said first inner cavity; anda setting indication material within at least a portion of said first inner cavity, said setting indication material being configured to extrude through said first passage when the first fastener is urged into said setting indication material, wherein extrusion of said setting indication material through said first passage indicates that the first fastener is properly secured to said first securing member.

2. The fastener coupler of claim 1, further comprising a second securing member integrally connected to said first securing member, said second securing member having a second inner cavity, said second inner cavity configured to receive and retain a second fastener.

3. The fastener coupler of claim 2, further comprising a central web spanning between said first securing member and said second securing member, said central web separating said first inner cavity from said second inner cavity.

4. The fastener coupler of claim 2, further comprising additional setting indication material within said second inner cavity, wherein said second securing member has a second passage formed therethrough.

5. The fastener coupler of claim 2, wherein said second securing member comprises a rounded counter bore, wherein the second fastener is a screw having a head fixedly secured within said rounded counter bore.

6. The fastener coupler of claim 1, wherein said setting indication material is an adhesive resin.

7. The fastener coupler of claim 1, wherein said setting indication material is configured to move through said first passage in a direction that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said outer walls.

8. The fastener coupler of claim 1, wherein said setting indication material comprises different colored layers.

9. A fastener assembly comprising: a fastener coupler comprising a first securing member having first outer walls defining a first inner cavity, wherein a first passage is formed through at least one of said first outer walls into said first inner cavity;a first fastener configured to be secured within said first inner cavity; anda setting indication material within at least a portion of said first inner cavity, said setting indication material being configured to extrude through said first passage when said first fastener engages said setting indication material within said first inner cavity, wherein extrusion of said setting indication material through said first passage indicates that said first fastener is properly secured to said first securing member.

10. The fastener assembly of claim 9, further comprising a second securing member integrally connected to said first securing member, said second securing member having second outer walls integrally connected to said first outer walls, and a second inner cavity defined between said second outer walls.

11. The fastener assembly of claim 10, further comprising a second fastener secured within said second inner cavity.

12. The fastener assembly of claim 10, further comprising a central web spanning between said first securing member and said second securing member, said central web separating said first inner cavity from said second inner cavity.

13. The fastener assembly of claim 10, further comprising additional setting indication material within said second inner cavity, wherein said second securing member has a second passage formed therethrough.

14. The fastener assembly of claim 11, wherein said second securing member comprises a rounded counter bore, wherein said second fastener is a screw having a head fixedly secured within said rounded counter bore.

15. The fastener assembly of claim 9, wherein said setting indication material is an adhesive resin.

16. The fastener assembly of claim 9, wherein said setting indication material is configured to move through said first passage in a direction that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said first outer walls.

17. The fastener assembly of claim 9, wherein said first fastener is a threaded rod configured to securely retain a support member.

18. The fastener assembly of claim 9, wherein said setting indication material comprises different colored layers

19. A fastener coupler comprising: a first securing member configured to receive and retain a first fastener within a first inner cavity, wherein at least one passage is formed through said first securing member; anda setting indication material within at least a portion of said first inner cavity, said setting indication material being configured to extrude through said first passage when the first fastener is urged into said setting indication material in order to indicate that the first fastener is properly secured to said first securing member.

20. The fastener coupler of claim 19, further comprising: a second securing member integrally connected to said first securing member, said second securing member having a second inner cavity, said second inner cavity configured to receive and retain a second fastener; anda central web spanning between said first securing member and said second securing member, said central web separating said first inner cavity from said second inner cavity,wherein said setting indication material is an adhesive resin having different colored layers, said setting indication material being configured to move through said first passage in a direction that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said outer walls.