This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63,214,622 entitled, “Multifunctional Fastener,” filed Jun. 24, 2021, and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The present application relates generally to screws, bolts and like mechanical fasteners, and more particularly, to a multifunctional fastener which is easy to install and combines a screw, and at least one of a washer and at least one wing.
Fasteners such as screws, bolts, nails, anchors, and the like are commonly used to secure objects to a support or the ground. Conventional fasteners may be permanently or temporarily installed. In the building industry, screws and bolts are frequently used to secure materials to a support. The type of fastener used in a particular application is typically dependent on the type of materials being fastened together. Accordingly, various types of fasteners which are suitable for a particular application have been designed to simplify labor and time during construction.
Homeowners typically hang pictures, shelves, plants, and other decorations or furniture items on their interior walls. Picture hangers typically use a nail and a holding bracket which supports the hanger and includes an opening for passage of the nail. However, the nail can be easily pulled from the wall, particularly if heavy pictures are supported by the hanger. Larger fastening devices may be unsightly and oversized for the application at hand.
Screws are one of the most common types of fasteners. A conventional screw may include a head from which an elongated shaft or shank extends. A thread extends in a helicoidal configuration along the exterior of the shank. The distance between each run of the thread on the same side of the shank is known as the “pitch”. Furthermore, the thread may vary in height, width, and shape. In different types of screws, the shank may be fully threaded or partially threaded.
The head of the screw enables the shank to be rotated by engagement of a torque-applying tool such as a screwdriver, wrench, or electric drill screwdriver with the head. The head is typically larger than the shank of the screw to prevent the screw from being driven deeper than the length of the shank into the fastened material. The thread provides an inclined plane which imparts a wedging action to the shank to force the shank of the screw through the fastened material and into the support.
Most screws have right-hand threads and are tightened by clockwise rotation and loosened by counterclockwise rotation of the screw. Screws with left-hand threads may be used in cases in which a secured load may otherwise tend to loosen a right-hand fastener. For example, in applications in which the screw will be subject to counterclockwise torque that would otherwise loosen a screw having a right-hand thread, a screw with a left-hand thread would be necessary. thread.
Various types of screws have been developed for different types of materials such as wood, sheet metal, plastic, and drywall. For example, a drywall screw may have a body of constant diameter and threads configured to cut into the dry wall and the fixture to which the drywall is mounted. Some types of screws are self-tapping, meaning that as the screw is rotated, the screw thread cuts an internal thread into the material that helps pull the fastened material against the support and prevents the screw from pulling out. Carriage bolts have a domed head and are not designed to be driven. Set screws typically have a head which is smaller than the outer diameter of the shank. J-bolts have a J-shaped head that is not designed to be driven but rather is usually sunk into concrete allowing it to be used as an anchor bolt.
A drawback which is commonly encountered using conventional screws, bolts and like fasteners is that the fasteners may be unstable and inadequate to support heavy loads. In addition, conventional fasteners may also loosen over time. Some types of conventional fasteners may be difficult to install, particularly for those who lack the skills or tools required for installation. Furthermore, the screws may need to be installed with a washer and/or an anchor, which may render installation more difficult and cumbersome.
Accordingly, there is need for a multifunctional fastener which is easy to install and solves at least one of the aforementioned problems.
The present invention is directed to a multifunctional fastener which is easy to install and combines a screw, and at least one of a washer and a wing assembly. The multifunctional fastener may include a fastener head. A threaded portion may be arranged in a longitudinal direction and distally of the fastener head. The fastener washer may be disposed between the fastener head and the threaded portion, and may extend radially outward of the fastener head. The wing assembly may include at least one fastener wing extending outward from the fastener head, and preferably radially outward of the fastener washer. A torque-applying tool connector may be provided in the fastener head. The torque-applying tool connector may be configured for engagement with a torque-applying tool to facilitate rotation of the threaded portion via the fastener head.
In a second aspect, the multifunctional fastener may be fabricated in different sizes.
In another aspect, the multifunctional fastener may be fabricated of different materials.
In a second aspect, the fastener head may include a proximal surface and a sidewall extending distally from the proximal surface.
In another aspect, the torque-applying tool connector may extend into the proximal surface of the fastener head.
In another aspect, the torque-applying tool connector may include at least one blade slot.
In another aspect, the torque-applying tool connector may be configured to accommodate a flat blade on the screwdriver.
In another aspect, the torque-applying tool connector may be configured to accommodate a Phillips head blade on the screwdriver.
In another aspect, the torque-applying tool connector may protrude from the proximal surface of the fastener head.
In another aspect, the sidewall of the fastener head may be cylindrical.
In another aspect, the wing assembly may include a collar disposed over the fastener head, and the fastener wings may extend outwardly from the collar.
In another aspect, the fastener wings of the wing assembly may be disposed in substantially 180-degree relationship to each other on opposite sides of the multifunctional fastener.
In another aspect, the collar of the wing assembly may be fabricated in one piece with the sidewall of the fastener head.
In another aspect, the collar of the wing assembly may be attached to the sidewall of the fastener head using welding and/or other attachment technique.
In another aspect, the collar of the wing assembly may have a proximal edge proximate the proximal surface of the fastener head, a distal edge spaced-apart and parallel to the proximal edge of the collar and an outer surface extending from the proximal edge of the collar to the distal edge of the collar.
In another aspect, each fastener wing of the wing assembly may extend outwardly from the outer surface of the collar.
In another aspect, each fastener wing of the wing assembly may span the distance from the proximal edge to the distal edge of the collar.
In another aspect, each fastener wing of the wing assembly may include an inner edge extending along the junction between the outer surface of the collar and the fastener wing, and an outer edge parallel and spaced-apart to the inner edge of the fastener wing.
In another aspect, each fastener wing of the wing assembly may include a proximal edge and a distal edge extending from the inner edge of the fastener wing to the outer edge of the fastener wing in parallel, spaced-apart relationship to each other.
In another aspect, the fastener wing may include a pair of opposite side surfaces extending from and between the inner edge of the fastener wing, the outer edge of the fastener wing, the proximal edge of the fastener wing and the distal edge of the fastener wing.
In another aspect, the proximal edge and the distal edge of each fastener wing may be substantially flush with the proximal edge and the distal edge, respectively, of the collar.
In another aspect, the fastener washer may include a proximal surface at the distal edge of the collar, a distal surface spaced-apart and parallel to the proximal surface of the fastener washer, and an outer edge extending from the proximal surface of the fastener washer to the distal surface of the fastener washer.
In another aspect, each fastener wing of the wing assembly may extend radially outward beyond the outer edge of the fastener washer. The outer edge of the fastener washer may be disposed farther radially outwardly than the sidewall of the fastener head.
In another aspect, the fastener washer may have a width or diameter which is greater than a width or diameter of the fastener head.
In another aspect, the threaded portion may include a shank which extends from the distal surface of the fastener washer and a fastener thread extending from the shank.
In another aspect, the shank may have a proximal end at the distal surface of the fastener washer, a distal end opposite the proximal end of the shank, and the fastener thread may extend from the shank at least partially between the proximal end and the distal end of the shank.
In another aspect, the distal end of the shank may be pointed.
In another aspect, the fastener thread may extend along at least part of the distance between the proximal end and the distal end of the shank.
In another aspect, the fastener thread may extend substantially the entire distance from the proximal end to the distal end of the shank.
In another aspect, the fastener thread may be tapered V-threads.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.
The preferred embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
The present application is directed toward a multifunctional fastener which is easy to install and combines a screw, and at least one of a washer and a wing assembly.
Referring initially to
The multifunctional fastener 100 may be fabricated in different sizes depending on the application. The multifunctional fastener 100 may be fabricated of different materials such as metal, plastic and/or composite materials, for example and without limitation.
In some embodiments, the toque-applying tool connector 112 may take the form of a female connector or cavity formed into the fastener head 102, for inserting a torque-applying tool (e.g., a screwdriver shaft) thereinto and applying a torque to the fastener head 102. For example, the fastener head 102 of the multifunctional fastener 100 may include a proximal surface 104, arranged longitudinally opposite to the threaded portion 160, and the torque-applying tool connector 112 may extend into the proximal surface 104 of the fastener head 102. In some embodiments, the torque-applying tool connector 112 may have intersecting blade slots configured to accommodate a Phillips head blade on the screwdriver.
The fastener 100 may further include a sidewall 108 which may extend distally from the proximal surface 104 of the fastener head 102. In some embodiments, the sidewall 108 of the fastener head 102 may be cylindrical. In other embodiments, the sidewall 108 may have a square, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal shape.
The fastener wings 134 of the wing assembly 120 may extend outwardly with respect to the sidewall 108 of the fastener head 102. In some embodiments, the wing assembly 120 may include a collar 122. The collar 122 of the wing assembly 120 may be disposed over the fastener head 102. The fastener wings 134 may be affixed to and extend outwardly from the collar 122. The fastener wings 134 may be disposed in substantially 180-degree relationship to each other on opposite sides of the collar 122.
In some embodiments, the collar 122 of the wing assembly 120 may be fabricated in one piece with the sidewall 108 of the fastener head 102. In some embodiments, the collar 122 of the wing assembly 120 may be attached to the sidewall 108 of the fastener head 102 using welding and/or other attachment technique. The collar 122 of the wing assembly 120 may have a proximal edge 124 proximate the proximal surface 104 of the fastener head and a distal edge 126 longitudinally spaced-apart and optionally parallel to the proximal edge 124. An outer surface 128 of the collar 122 may extend from the proximal edge 124 to the distal edge 126.
Each fastener wing 134 of the wing assembly 120 may extend outwardly from the outer surface 128 of the collar 122. In some embodiments, each fastener wing 134 of the wing assembly 120 may span the distance from the proximal edge 124 to the distal edge 126 of the collar 122. Though not shown, in some embodiments, each fastener wing 134 may span the distance of the fastener washer 150 to the proximal surface 104 of the fastener head 102, to further increase the size of the fastener wing 134.
With reference to
Each fastener wing 134 of the wing assembly 120 may further include a proximal edge 140 and a distal edge 142. The proximal edge 140 and the distal edge 142 may extend from the inner edge 136 to the outer edge 138. In some embodiments, the proximal edge 140 and the distal edge 142 may be arranged in parallel, spaced-apart relationship to each other; however, alternative geometries are contemplated, such as having the proximal edge 140 slightly tapered or oblique. In some embodiments, the proximal edge 140 and the distal edge 142 of each fastener wing 134 may be substantially flush with the proximal edge 124 and the distal edge 126, respectively, of the collar 122.
A pair of opposite wing sides or side surfaces 144 may be bound by the inner edge 136, the outer edge 138, the proximal edge 140 and the distal edge 142 of each fastener wing 134. In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, the opposite side surfaces 144 may be generally flat and parallel to one another; however, alternative embodiments are contemplated, such as having one or both side surfaces 144 include a non-flat geometry, such as to increase ergonomics, and/or a non-smooth texture or ruggedness, such as for said one or both side surfaces 144, to provide a gripping surface with decreased slip to the user.
With reference to
As best shown in
With continued reference to
The threaded portion 160 of the multifunctional fastener 100 may include an elongated shank 168, which may be arranged in a proximal-to-distal, longitudinal direction of the multifunctional fastener 100. The shank 168 may extend from the distal surface 154 of the fastener washer 150. A fastener thread 162 may extend from the shank 168. In a non-limiting example, the fastener thread may be a V-thread.
The shank 168 may have a proximal end 164 and a distal end 166 opposite the proximal end 164. As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the distal end 166 of the shank 168 may be pointed, as illustrated. In other embodiments, the distal end 166 may be blunt or present any other applicable shape. For example, the distal end 166 may be self-tapping or self-threading.
In some embodiments, the fastener thread 162 of the threaded portion 160 may extend along at least part of the distance between the proximal end 164 and the distal end 166 of the shank 168. In some embodiments, the fastener thread 162 may extend along substantially the entire distance from the proximal end 164 to the distal end 166 of the shank 168.
The pair of opposite wing sides or side surfaces 144 are bound by the inner edge 136, the outer edge 138, the proximal edge 140 and the distal edge 142 of each fastener wing 134. In some embodiments, such shown in
In another embodiment, shown in
The fastener threads 162 form a helical structure around the shank 168. In some embodiments, the fastener thread 162 may extend along substantially the entire distance from the proximal end 164 to the distal end 166 of the shank 168 as shown in
In some embodiments, the fastener thread 162 may be a V-thread with differing pitches or threads per axial distance. For example, the fastener thread 162 in
In the embodiments in
The fastening hook 900 may include a proximal surface 906 and a distal surface (not shown), generally opposite and spaced-apart with one another. In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, the distal surface of the fastening hook 900 is parallel to the proximal surface 906 and relatively flat. A first outer edge 910 and a second outer edge 912 extends from the proximal surface 906 to the distal surface of the fastening hook 900. The first outer edge 910 and the second outer edge 912 may be parallel or may angle with respect to each other to decrease a width of the proximal surface 906 at the distal edge 904 from that of the proximate edge 902. The sidewall 108 and the collar 122 extend distally from the proximal surface 906 at the proximate edge 902 of the fastening hook.
The hooking end 908 bends or curves distally outward and/or upwards from the proximal surface 906 to form the hook at the distal edge 904. An angle 920 measured between the hooking end 908 and the proximal surface 906 is preferably 90 degrees or less.
In some embodiments, the fastening hook 900 may be fabricated in one piece with the washer 150 and the sidewall 108 of the fastener head 102. In some embodiments, the fastening hook 900 may be fabricated in one piece with the collar 122 of the wing assembly 120. In some embodiments, the fastening hook 900 may be fixedly attached to the sidewall 108 of the fastener head 102 or the collar 122 of the wing assembly 120 using a ring collar formed in the proximate edge 902 that fits around the sidewall 108 or the collar 122. In other embodiments, the fastening hook 900 may be attached to the sidewall 108 of the fastener head 102 or the collar 122 of the wing assembly 120 using welding and/or other attachment technique.
As shown in
In another embodiment, the collar 122 of the wing assembly 120 is detachable from the sidewall 108 of the fastener head 102. The wing assembly 120 may include threads on the inner wall of the collar 122 that attaches to threads on the sidewall 108 of the fastener head 102 so that the wing assembly 120 may be twisted or screwed onto the fastener head 102. In another embodiment, the collar 122 is fabricated from an elastic material that stretches to encircle the sidewall 108 of the fastener head 102. The wing assembly 120 may be removed by stretching or extending the elastic collar 122 from the fastener head 102.
In an illustrative application of the multifunctional fastener of the present disclosure, a supply of the multifunctional fasteners 100 may be placed in a storage container (not illustrated) such as, but not limited to, a toolbox or kit. In some applications, the multifunctional fasteners 100 may be organized according to size, configuration and/or material of construction according to the preferences and tastes of a user (not illustrated). Each multifunctional fastener 100 may be suitably configured to attach or secure a material to be fastened to a support for the material.
In some applications, the user of the multifunctional fastener 100 may first drill a fastener opening (not illustrated) in the material to be fastened and in the support to which the material will be fastened. The threaded portion 160 may be inserted through the fastener opening in the material and threaded into the registered fastener opening in the support. In some applications, this may be accomplished by manual or digital application of a torque to the side surfaces 144 on the fastener wings 134 of the wing assembly 120, such as in the clockwise direction. The shank 168 and the fastener threads 168 of the threaded portion 160 may be rotated via the fastener head 102 and the fastener washer 150 until the distal surface 154 of the fastener washer 150 engages the outer surface of the fastened material.
In some applications, it may be necessary to apply a screwdriver or other torque-applying tool (not illustrated) to the fastener head 102 to rotate the threaded portion 160. The screwdriver blade on the screwdriver may be inserted in the torque-applying tool connector 112. The screwdriver may be rotated in the clockwise (or counterclockwise) direction to correspondingly rotate the multifunctional fastener 100, and thus the threaded portion 160, and drive the shank 168 and the fastener threads 162 into the fastener opening.
In some applications, it may be necessary for the multifunctional fastener 100 to be removed from the fastener openings in the fastened material and the support. The threaded portion 160 may be rotated, in the counterclockwise direction, by manual or digital application of a counterclockwise torque to the fastener wings 134 of the wing assembly 120. Alternatively, the screwdriver or other torque-applying tool may be used to rotate the multifunctional fastener 100 by engagement of the tool with the torque-applying tool connector 112.
Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63214622 | Jun 2021 | US |