The present disclosure relates generally to fasteners and specifically to a fastener which can engage threaded openings.
Fasteners, such as screws or temporary rivets, are frequently used in manufacturing to align and hold workpieces, such as metal panels, together. However, repeatedly inserting and removing threaded fasteners by rotating them within threaded openings can degrade the threads both on the fastener and within the opening. Conventional non-rotational fasteners often require openings to be sized to the fastener and may not be compatible with all types of openings. Repeated rotation of the fasteners can fatigue the material of the workpieces and, in more extreme examples, can cause ergonomic injuries due to repetitive motions.
A fastener for engaging a threaded opening includes first and second shaft elements, an internal alignment shaft, a releasable constriction mechanism, a releasable expansion mechanism, and a cap. The first shaft element extends along a shaft axis from a first cap end to a first shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element extends along the shaft axis from a second cap end to a second shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element is disposed alongside and parallel the first shaft element. The internal alignment shaft extends along the shaft axis and is surrounded by a central cavity. The first shaft element and the second shaft element are oriented about the central cavity and the central cavity is defined by a first internal surface of the first shaft element and a second internal surface of the second shaft element. The releasable constriction mechanism is configured to constrict about the first shaft element and the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft. The releasable expansion mechanism is configured to allow the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move laterally outward away from the internal alignment shaft. The cap is configured to move axially along the shaft axis, and is configured to engage the first cap end of the first shaft element and the second cap end of the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move axially relative to the internal alignment shaft. At least a portion of at least one of the first shaft end and the second shaft end comprises external threads.
As further discussed herein, a fastener for engaging a threaded opening includes first and second shaft elements, an internal alignment shaft, at least one radial spring, at least one compression spring, a cap, and a housing. The first shaft element extends along a shaft axis from a first cap end to a first threaded end and has a partially cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the first threaded end comprises external threads. The second shaft element extends along the shaft axis from a second cap end to a second threaded end and has a partially cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the second threaded end comprises external threads. The second shaft element is disposed alongside and parallel the first shaft element. The internal alignment shaft extends along the shaft axis and is surrounded by a central cavity. The first shaft element and the second shaft element are oriented about the central cavity and the central cavity is defined by a first internal surface of the first shaft element and a second internal surface of the second shaft element. The at least one radial spring is configured to constrict about the first shaft element and the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft. The at least one compression spring is configured to allow the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move laterally outward away from the internal alignment shaft. The cap is configured to move axially along the shaft axis, and is configured to engage the first cap end of the first shaft element and the second cap end of the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move axially relative to the internal alignment shaft. The housing surrounds the first cap end and the second cap end, extends along the shaft axis to the first threaded end and the second threaded end, and is configured to receive the cap.
As also discussed herein, a method of fastening a first workpiece to a second workpiece includes depressing a cap of a fastener, thereby engaging a first cap end of a first shaft element of the fastener and a second cap end of a second shaft element of the fastener. The first shaft element extends from the first cap end to a first shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element extends from the second cap end to a second shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape, and is disposed alongside and parallel the first shaft element. At least a portion of at least one of the first shaft end and the second shaft end comprise external threads. The first shaft element and the second shaft element move along tapered sections of an internal alignment shaft of the fastener. The tapered sections guide the movement of the first shaft element and the second shaft element both laterally and axially relative to the internal alignment shaft with respect to a shaft axis along which the first shaft element, the second shaft element, and the internal alignment shaft extend. A releasable constriction mechanism constricts the first shaft element and the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft, guided by the tapered sections of the internal alignment shaft. The first shaft end and the second shaft end are inserted through a first opening of the first workpiece and into a second opening of the second workpiece which is situated adjacent to the first opening. The cap is released, thereby disengaging the first cap end and the second cap end. A releasable expansion mechanism allows the first shaft element to move laterally apart from the second shaft element guided by the tapered sections of the internal alignment shaft. The at least a portion of at least one of the first shaft end and the second shaft end comprising external threads engages threads within the second opening.
The present summary is provided only by way of example, and not limitation. Other aspects of the present disclosure will be appreciated in view of the entirety of the present disclosure, including the entire text, claims, and accompanying figures.
While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the invention. The figures may not be drawn to scale, and applications and embodiments of the present invention may include features and components not specifically shown in the drawings.
A fastener is presented herein that can engage female threads without requiring rotation to be inserted into a threaded opening, preventing wear on the threads. The fastener includes two or more threaded shaft elements which can be compressed for insertion into the opening, and then allowed to expand to fit the opening and engage the threads. The fastener also includes an internal alignment shaft with tapered sections which guide the movement of the threaded shaft elements relative to the internal alignment shaft.
Cap 12 can have an approximate cylindrical shape and can be substantially hollow. In the example shown in
Cap 12 can be configured to move axially along shaft axis X-X, and can be configured to engage first cap end 36 and second cap end 38. Housing 14 can be configured to receive cap 12 through cap opening 34. Cap 12 and housing 14 can be configured to be actuated by hand and/or with tools such as pliers. In particular, cap 12 and housing 14 can be configured to be actuated by a deco-style plier which can interface with housing lip 58 and closed end 28 of cap 12 to depress cap 12 into housing 14. Tapered sections 46 of internal alignment shaft 16 guide the lateral movement of first shaft element 24 and second shaft element 26 relative to central body 42 of internal alignment shaft 16. Radial springs 20 can be configured to constrict about first shaft element 24 and second shaft element 26 such that first shaft element 24 and second shaft element 26 move laterally inward toward central body 42 of internal alignment shaft 16. Compression spring 22 can be configured to allow first shaft element 24 and second shaft element 26 to move laterally outward away from central body 42 of internal alignment shaft 16.
First shaft element 24 and second shaft element 26 can be oriented relative to each other such that second shaft element 26 is disposed alongside and parallel first shaft element 24. In some examples, first shaft element 24 and second shaft element 26 can be approximately the same size and/or can be approximately hemicylindrical in shape. In other examples, first shaft element 24 and second shaft element 26 can be asymmetric, such that first shaft element 24 is larger or smaller than second shaft element 26 and/or makes up a greater or lesser percentage of threaded shaft section 18 than second shaft element 26. In some examples, first shaft element 24 and/or second shaft element 26 can have a uniform partially cylindrical cross section along the length of first shaft element 24 and/or second shaft element 26. In other examples, a portion of first shaft element 24 and/or second shaft element 26 has a partially cylindrical cross section (for example, at first shaft end 50 and/or second shaft end 52), and another portion of first shaft element 24 and/or second shaft element 26 has a non-partially cylindrical cross section (such as a concave, flattened, and/or truncated shape).
As described in more detail below with respect to
Similar to cap 12, cap 112 can have an approximate cylindrical shape and can be substantially hollow. In the example shown in
Cap 112 can be configured to move axially along shaft axis X′-X′, and can be configured to engage first cap end 136 and second cap end 138. Housing 114 can be configured to receive cap 112 through cap opening 134. Cap 112 and housing 114 can be configured to be actuated by hand and/or with tools such as pliers. In particular, cap 112 and housing 114 can be configured to be actuated by a deco-style plier which can interface with housing lip 158 and closed end 128 of cap 112 to depress cap 112 into housing 114. Tapered sections 146 of internal alignment shaft 116 guide the lateral movement of first shaft element 124 and second shaft element 126 relative to central body 142 of internal alignment shaft 116. Radial springs 120 can be configured to constrict about first shaft element 124 and second shaft element 126 such that first shaft element 124 and second shaft element 126 move laterally inward toward central body 142 of internal alignment shaft 116. Compression spring 122 can be configured to allow first shaft element 124 and second shaft element 126 to move laterally outward away from central body 142 of internal alignment shaft 116. In this manner, fastener 110 can operate in substantially the same manner as fastener 10 (described above with respect to
In step 202, cap 112 is depressed as shown in
In step 204, first shaft element 124 and second shaft element 126 move along tapered section 146 of internal alignment shaft 116, as shown in
In step 206, releasable constriction mechanism 120 constricts first shaft element 124 and second shaft element 126 as shown in
In step 208, first threaded end 150 of first shaft element 124 and second threaded end 152 of second shaft element 126 are inserted through first opening 104 of first workpiece 102 and subsequently into second opening 108 of second workpiece 106, as shown in
In step 210, cap 112 is released, as shown in
In step 212, releasable expansion mechanism 122 allows first shaft element 124 and second shaft element 126 to move laterally apart from each other, as shown in
In step 214, first threaded end 150 and second threaded end 152 engage threads 164 within second opening 108. This allows fastener 110 to be secured within first opening 104 and second opening 108, thereby fastening first workpiece 102 to second workpiece 106. Steps 212 and 214 can occur approximately simultaneously. First opening 104 can, in some examples, also include threads. In some examples, step 214 can include locking fastener 110 with a locking mechanism (such as locking mechanisms 428, 522 shown in
Method 200 can, in some examples, include additional steps. For example, method 200 can include locking fastener 110 as described above in step 214, depressing cap 112 to disengage threads 164 within second opening 108, and/or removing fastener 110 from first opening 104 and second opening 108 after disengaging threads 164 within second opening 108.
Fastener 310 can function in substantially the same manner as fasteners 10, 110 described above in reference to
Fastener 410 can function in substantially the same manner as fasteners 10, 110 described above in reference to
In the example shown in
Fastener 510 can function in substantially the same manner as fasteners 10, 110, 410 described above in reference to
In some examples, fasteners 10, 110, 310, 410, 510 can include one or more threaded shaft elements and/or one or more unthreaded shaft elements. The unthreaded shaft elements can be situated between threaded shaft elements in a repeating or non-repeating pattern. The shaft elements can all be the same size (for example, three shaft elements each making up approximately one third of a cylinder) or can have varying sizes relative to the other shaft elements.
A fastener as described herein provides numerous advantages. A fastener with a uniformly expanding diameter along the length of its shaft ends does not require the opening to be designed for the fastener (for example, if the fastener is being used temporarily). This fastener design is thereby compatible with various openings, such as threaded blind holes, threaded through holes, countersink holes, counterbore holes, and spot face holes. Additionally, this fastener design can be used with locking threaded inserts (such as Heli-Coil® or Keensert® inserts) without wearing out the locking feature. A fastener which does not require rotation to be inserted into a threaded opening prevents wear on the threads of both the opening and the fastener, and maintains alignments of the workpieces. Finally, this fastener can be actuated in various ways to provide greater adaptability during use.
The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible embodiments of the present invention.
A fastener for engaging a threaded opening includes first and second shaft elements, an internal alignment shaft, a releasable constriction mechanism, a releasable expansion mechanism, and a cap. The first shaft element extends along a shaft axis from a first cap end to a first shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element extends along the shaft axis from a second cap end to a second shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element is disposed alongside and parallel the first shaft element. The internal alignment shaft extends along the shaft axis and is surrounded by a central cavity. The first shaft element and the second shaft element are oriented about the central cavity and the central cavity is defined by a first internal surface of the first shaft element and a second internal surface of the second shaft element. The releasable constriction mechanism is configured to constrict about the first shaft element and the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft. The releasable expansion mechanism is configured to allow the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move laterally outward away from the internal alignment shaft. The cap is configured to move axially along the shaft axis, and is configured to engage the first cap end of the first shaft element and the second cap end of the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move axially relative to the internal alignment shaft. At least a portion of at least one of the first shaft end and the second shaft end comprises external threads.
The fastener of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
A fastener for engaging a threaded opening according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, among other possible things, includes first and second shaft elements, an internal alignment shaft, a releasable constriction mechanism, a releasable expansion mechanism, and a cap. The first shaft element extends along a shaft axis from a first cap end to a first shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element extends along the shaft axis from a second cap end to a second shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element is disposed alongside and parallel the first shaft element. The internal alignment shaft extends along the shaft axis and is surrounded by a central cavity. The first shaft element and the second shaft element are oriented about the central cavity and the central cavity is defined by a first internal surface of the first shaft element and a second internal surface of the second shaft element. The releasable constriction mechanism is configured to constrict about the first shaft element and the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft. The releasable expansion mechanism is configured to allow the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move laterally outward away from the internal alignment shaft. The cap is configured to move axially along the shaft axis, and is configured to engage the first cap end of the first shaft element and the second cap end of the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move axially relative to the internal alignment shaft. At least a portion of at least one of the first shaft end and the second shaft end comprises external threads.
A further embodiment of the foregoing fastener, wherein the internal alignment shaft comprises two tapered sections oriented along a central body of the internal alignment shaft and which guide the lateral movement of the first shaft element and the second shaft element relative to the internal alignment shaft.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing fasteners, wherein the two tapered sections are approximately conical in shape.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing fasteners, wherein the internal alignment shaft further comprises a cross bar oriented perpendicular to the central body and which is configured to axially and laterally engage the first shaft element and the second shaft element via a first slot in the first shaft element and a second slot in the second shaft element.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing fasteners, further comprising a housing which surrounds the first cap end and the second cap end, extends along the shaft axis to the first shaft end and the second shaft end, and is configured to receive the cap.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing fasteners, wherein the cap and the housing are configured to be actuated with pliers.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing fasteners, wherein the first shaft end comprises a threaded section and the second shaft end comprises an unthreaded section.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing fasteners, further comprising a locking mechanism.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing fasteners, wherein the locking mechanism comprises one of: a thumbscrew and a hex nut.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing fasteners, wherein the releasable constriction mechanism comprises one or more radial springs situated radially outward from the first shaft element and the second shaft element with respect to the shaft axis, and the releasable expansion mechanism comprises one or more compression springs situated radially outward from the one or more radial springs with respect to the shaft axis.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing fasteners, wherein the fastener is configured to be hand actuated.
A fastener for engaging a threaded opening includes first and second shaft elements, an internal alignment shaft, at least one radial spring, at least one compression spring, a cap, and a housing. The first shaft element extends along a shaft axis from a first cap end to a first threaded end and has a partially cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the first threaded end comprises external threads. The second shaft element extends along the shaft axis from a second cap end to a second threaded end and has a partially cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the second threaded end comprises external threads. The second shaft element is disposed alongside and parallel the first shaft element. The internal alignment shaft extends along the shaft axis and is surrounded by a central cavity. The first shaft element and the second shaft element are oriented about the central cavity and the central cavity is defined by a first internal surface of the first shaft element and a second internal surface of the second shaft element. The at least one radial spring is configured to constrict about the first shaft element and the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft. The at least one compression spring is configured to allow the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move laterally outward away from the internal alignment shaft. The cap is configured to move axially along the shaft axis, and is configured to engage the first cap end of the first shaft element and the second cap end of the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move axially relative to the internal alignment shaft. The housing surrounds the first cap end and the second cap end, extends along the shaft axis to the first threaded end and the second threaded end, and is configured to receive the cap.
The fastener of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
A fastener for engaging a threaded opening according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, among other possible things, includes first and second shaft elements, an internal alignment shaft, at least one radial spring, at least one compression spring, a cap, and a housing. The first shaft element extends along a shaft axis from a first cap end to a first threaded end and has a partially cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the first threaded end comprises external threads. The second shaft element extends along the shaft axis from a second cap end to a second threaded end and has a partially cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the second threaded end comprises external threads. The second shaft element is disposed alongside and parallel the first shaft element. The internal alignment shaft extends along the shaft axis and is surrounded by a central cavity. The first shaft element and the second shaft element are oriented about the central cavity and the central cavity is defined by a first internal surface of the first shaft element and a second internal surface of the second shaft element. The at least one radial spring is configured to constrict about the first shaft element and the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft. The at least one compression spring is configured to allow the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move laterally outward away from the internal alignment shaft. The cap is configured to move axially along the shaft axis, and is configured to engage the first cap end of the first shaft element and the second cap end of the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move axially relative to the internal alignment shaft. The housing surrounds the first cap end and the second cap end, extends along the shaft axis to the first threaded end and the second threaded end, and is configured to receive the cap.
A method of fastening a first workpiece to a second workpiece includes depressing a cap of a fastener, thereby engaging a first cap end of a first shaft element of the fastener and a second cap end of a second shaft element of the fastener. The first shaft element extends from the first cap end to a first shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element extends from the second cap end to a second shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape, and is disposed alongside and parallel the first shaft element. At least a portion of at least one of the first shaft end and the second shaft end comprise external threads. The first shaft element and the second shaft element move along tapered sections of an internal alignment shaft of the fastener. The tapered sections guide the movement of the first shaft element and the second shaft element both laterally and axially relative to the internal alignment shaft with respect to a shaft axis along which the first shaft element, the second shaft element, and the internal alignment shaft extend. A releasable constriction mechanism constricts the first shaft element and the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft, guided by the tapered sections of the internal alignment shaft. The first shaft end and the second shaft end are inserted through a first opening of the first workpiece and into a second opening of the second workpiece which is situated adjacent to the first opening. The cap is released, thereby disengaging the first cap end and the second cap end. A releasable expansion mechanism allows the first shaft element to move laterally apart from the second shaft element guided by the tapered sections of the internal alignment shaft. The at least a portion of at least one of the first shaft end and the second shaft end comprising external threads engages threads within the second opening.
The method of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
A method of fastening a first workpiece to a second workpiece according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, among other possible things, includes depressing a cap of a fastener, thereby engaging a first cap end of a first shaft element of the fastener and a second cap end of a second shaft element of the fastener. The first shaft element extends from the first cap end to a first shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element extends from the second cap end to a second shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape, and is disposed alongside and parallel the first shaft element. At least a portion of at least one of the first shaft end and the second shaft end comprise external threads. The first shaft element and the second shaft element move along tapered sections of an internal alignment shaft of the fastener. The tapered sections guide the movement of the first shaft element and the second shaft element both laterally and axially relative to the internal alignment shaft with respect to a shaft axis along which the first shaft element, the second shaft element, and the internal alignment shaft extend. A releasable constriction mechanism constricts the first shaft element and the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft, guided by the tapered sections of the internal alignment shaft. The first shaft end and the second shaft end are inserted through a first opening of the first workpiece and into a second opening of the second workpiece which is situated adjacent to the first opening. The cap is released, thereby disengaging the first cap end and the second cap end. A releasable expansion mechanism allows the first shaft element to move laterally apart from the second shaft element guided by the tapered sections of the internal alignment shaft. The at least a portion of at least one of the first shaft end and the second shaft end comprising external threads engages threads within the second opening.
A further embodiment of the foregoing method, further comprising locking the fastener within the first opening and the second opening with a locking mechanism.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein the locking mechanism is a hex nut and locking the fastener comprises tightening the locking mechanism with a threaded cap opening disposed in the cap such that the locking mechanism abuts the internal alignment shaft.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein tightening the locking mechanism comprises hand-tightening the locking mechanism.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein depressing the cap of the fastener comprises depressing the cap with a deco-style plier.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein depressing the cap of the fastener comprises hand-depressing the cap.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, further comprising depressing the cap of the fastener to disengage the threads within the second opening.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, further comprising removing the fastener from the first opening and the second opening.
While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/427,328 filed Nov. 22, 2022 for “FASTENER FOR ENGAGING THREADED OPENINGS” by B. Carper and E. P. Huelsmann.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63427328 | Nov 2022 | US |