Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a fastener assembly, and, more particularly, to a two-piece stanchion nut fastener assembly that is configured to provide secure column support between two components.
Various objects and devices include components that are securely fastened to one another. For example, in a vehicle, instrument panels, sunroofs, headlights, door panels, etc. include numerous structures and sub-structures that are secured to one another. Often, clearance gaps exist between the components. As one example, a gap may be formed between a door panel and a frame of the vehicle. Insulation, wiring, and the like may be located within the gap. Accordingly, certain fasteners are used to securely fasten the door panel to the frame such that the gap is maintained therebetween.
Cold-headed, multi-piece fastener assemblies are used to provide such fastening. Typically, these conventional fasteners exhibit a relatively large profile and utilize an internal or external cold-headed thread. As such, in order to securely fasten components together, the components themselves, such as panels, typically require embossments in order to accommodate the fastener assemblies.
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a fastener assembly configured to provide secure column support between two components. The fastener assembly includes a base having at least one first cam member, and a connector nut having at least one second cam member. The connector nut is configured to rotatably move between closed and extended positions by way of the at least one second cam member rotatably sliding with respect to (over or within, for example) the at least one first cam member.
The base may include a central opening. The connector nut may include a central column extending through the central opening. The central column, or stem, may include an internal threaded surface configured to receive a threaded end of a fastener, such as a bolt or screw. The connector nut rotatably moves between the closed and extended positions when the threaded end threadably engages the internal threaded surface.
The at least one first cam member may include a first recessed end integrally connected to a first peak through a first radially-curved ramp. The at least one second cam member may include a second recessed end integrally connected to a second peak through a second radially-curved ramp. Blunted ends of the first and second peaks may abut one another in the closed position. Further, a tip of one of the first and second peaks may be supported by another tip of the other of the first and second peaks in a fully-extended position.
The radially curved ramps may abut one another in the closed position. The radially curved ramps may be separated from one another in a fully-extended position.
The base may be separate and distinct from the connector nut. The base may be formed of a first material, such as aluminum, and the connector nut may be formed of a second material, such as steel.
In certain embodiments of the present invention, the at least one second cam member fits within a chamber defined by the at least first cam member.
The at least one first cam member may include two opposing first cam members, while the at least one second cam member may include two opposing second cam members. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the two opposing first cam members have different heights, and the two opposing second cam members have different heights.
In certain embodiments, the at least one second cam member includes a cam collar configured to fit over the at least one second cam member in the closed position.
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a fastener that includes a base having first and second opposing cam members extending from a base main body about a central opening, and a connector nut having third and fourth opposing cam members extending from a nut main body. The connector nut is configured to rotatably move between closed and extended positions by way of the third and fourth opposing cam members rotatably sliding with respect to (for example, over or within) the first and second opposing cam members.
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.
Each cam member 20 extends through an approximately 180° arc around a planar inner rim 24 surrounding the central opening 22. Each cam member 20 includes a recessed end 26 that connects to a peak 28 through a radially-curved ramp 30. The curved ramp 30 has a generally constant radius with respect to the center of the base 12 from the recessed end 26 to the peak. As shown in
A central column 52 upwardly extends from a center of the connector nut 14. The central column 52 connects to a flared distal end 54. The central column 52 is tubular having a central passage 56. Internal surfaces 58 of the column 52 are threaded. The central column 52 is configured to receive and retain a fastener, such as a bolt or screw.
Referring to
While the base 12 and the connector nut 14 are shown and described as generally circular, various other shapes and sizes may be used. Additionally, more or less cam members may be used.
The cam members 20 of the base 12 cooperate with the cam members 40 of the connector nut 14 to move the fastener assembly 10 between closed and extended positions, as discussed below.
In order to selectively manipulate the fastener assembly between closed and extended positions, a fastener, such as a screw or bolt, is positioned within the central passage 56 of the connector nut 14 and rotatably engaged, as discussed below.
A fastener 66 is positioned within an opening 68 formed through the panel 60. The opening 68 is aligned with the opening 64 such that a threaded end 70 of the fastener 66 is aligned with the central passage 56 of the central column 52.
In order to provide a secure, bracing connection between the panels 60 and 62, the fastener is rotatably engaged in the direction of arc A. As the fastener is so engaged, the threaded end 70 moves into the central passage 56 of the connector nut 14 in the direction of arrow B. As the threaded end 70 engages the threaded internal threads 58 of the connector nut 14, the connector nut 14 rotates in response with respect to the base 12, which is fixed to the panel 62. As the connector nut 14 rotates, it responsively moves toward the panel 60 in the direction of arrow B′. During this motion, the cam members 20 and 40 slide over one another as explained with respect to
As shown in
Referring to
The cam members 92, 94, 86, and 88 cooperate for selectively moving the fastener assembly 80 between closed and extended positions, similar to that described with respect to
The connector nut 104 includes a cam collar 110 having a high peak 112 and a low peak 114. The high peak 112 seats on the cam member 106 in the closed position, while the low peak 114 seats on the cam member 108.
In contrast to the embodiment shown in
The different heights of the cam members 106 and 108 and peaks 112 and 114 may ensure that the connector nut 104 does not over-rotate with respect to the base 102. For example, the lower peak 114 may be blocked from further rotation by the higher cam member 106.
Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a fastener assembly that may securely fasten one component to another component. Because the fastener assemblies provide a two-piece camming configuration, the fastener assemblies exhibit a lower profile than conventional one piece fastener assemblies. Further, the two-piece camming configuration allows for custom fits within varying sized-gaps. That is, the connector nut may be secured between panels with respect to the base over varying distances, depending on the size of the gap between panels. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention may replace a variety of single piece fasteners having different heights. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention may replace two piece fasteners that include a column-like female receptacle and a conventional bolt-like fastener. Similar to single piece designs, such a configuration exhibits a relatively high profile, compared to embodiments of the present invention, which may be closed in a compact position.
The base and connector nut may be formed of stamped metal. Indeed, unlike conventional fasteners, the base and connector may be formed of different metals in order to provide different connection qualities. For example, the base may be formed of a metal, such as aluminum, that is suitable for welding to the panel, while the connector nut may be formed of a stronger metal, such as steel.
Embodiments of the present invention inherently have a lower profile shape as compared to previous designs. Accordingly, operators do not need stamped embossments on mating sheets in order to secure the sheets together. Moreover, it has been found that embodiments of the present invention are capable of carrying higher loads because of the robust cam surfaces.
While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front 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.
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.
Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
This application relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/149,401 entitled “Stanchion Nut Fastener,” filed Feb. 3, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/US10/20183 | 1/6/2010 | WO | 00 | 8/2/2011 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61149401 | Feb 2009 | US |