FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a self-locking panel nut fastener. In particular, the present invention relates to a nut for being received within an opening in a panel that self-locks and upon receiving a threaded screw or bolt enhances the locking relationship with the panel.
BACKGROUND
There are many situations in which it would be desirable to adhere equipment or panels to a panel that has openings located inwardly of the edges of the panel. A desirable means for accomplishing this would be the provision of a nut that could be readily positioned within the opening and self-lock on receiving a securing bolt or screw therein. This is especially desirable in those situations in which access is substantially confined to one side of the panel and where there is no easy means of tightening or otherwise securing or adjusting the nut position from the opposite side of the panel. These situations are frequently encountered, for example, in modern automotive vehicles.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,588 provides a fastener clip adapted for use with an associated fastener including a head portion having an aperture through which the fastener extends. Included in the fastener clip are a pair of integral, spaced apart legs extending from each side of the head portion. Each leg includes first and second portions with the second portion being bent back upon the first portion in a position spaced outwardly thereof. A finger portion is located at a free end of the second portion and extends inwardly toward and through an aperture in the first portion. When a tension load is imposed on the clip, connecting zones between the first and second portions of each leg are deflected toward each other to apply a clamping force to a fastener extending there between. A limitation with this fastener clip is that it is not configured for use with panel openings having uneven edges (e.g., burred edges, flanged edges).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,384 provides a release fastener with a first element providing a retention mechanism for engaging and retaining a stud of the fastener. A second element having a pair of flexible elongate components is spaced from the first by a bight portion and has a pair of transverse tabs disposed adjacent to the bight portion. These are adapted to engage one face of a support, in an aperture of which the receptacle is mounted. In use, the bight portion engages the other face. A third element is disposed at the opposite end of the second element from the bight portion and has a flexible barb portion arranged to flex on insertion of the receptacle in the aperture and to engage the other face after insertion in order to retain the receptacle in the aperture. A limitation with this release fastener is that upon insertion of a stud, the retention force is weak, and a general loosening of the device occurs over time.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,019 provides a nut for mounting into an opening located in the central part of a panel including a sleeve and resilient locking trips and panel edge securing means extending from opposite sides of the nut. When the nut is positioned within the opening the locking strips obstruct removal from the opening. On a bolt being fully received within the sleeve both the strips and edge securing means contactingly engage the panel. A limitation with this nut is that installation of the nut requires a high amount of insertion force.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,734 provides a pushnut fastener having a substantially planar base portion from which a cylindrical sleeve is drawn and internally threaded. A pair of angled leg portions extending from opposing lateral edges of the base portion, each including a laterally extending tab partially extending into a space formed between said leg portions for engaging threads of a mating male fastener. The leg portions are preferably defined by inner and outer leg sections, each outer leg section including an inwardly angled section which engages the edges of a mounting hole of a panel into which the pushnut is seated during assembly. A limitation with this fastener clip is that it is not configured for use with panel openings having uneven edges (e.g., burred edges, flanged edges).
What are needed are push-in nut fasteners configured for use with uneven panel opening edges. Additionally, what are needed are push-in nut fasteners with improved insertion ergonomics. Additionally, what are needed are improved push-in nut fasteners that do not loosen over time.
SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a self-locking panel nut fastener. In particular, the present invention relates to a nut for being received within an opening in a panel which self-locks and upon receiving a threaded screw or bolt enhances the locking relationship with the panel.
In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a push-in nut fastener, comprising a planar surface with proximal and distal ends; a sleeve extending from the planar surface; a cantilever integral with the planar surface and extending away from the planar surface distal end in a plane that is approximately parallel to and below the planar surface; and a retention arm integral with the planar surface and extending from the planar surface proximal end so that the retention arm is positioned at least partially beneath the sleeve.
In further embodiments, the sleeve comprises internal threads that receive a threaded fastener. In preferred embodiments, the sleeve is approximately perpendicular to the planar surface. In other embodiments, the push-in nut fastener is formed from sheet metal. In preferred embodiments, the sheet metal is spring steel. In further embodiments, the cantilever extends beyond the distal end of the planar surface. In even further embodiments, the retention arm is deflectable by a threaded fastener inserted into the sleeve.
In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a push-in nut fastener for insertion into a panel opening within a panel having upper and lower surfaces, the push-in nut comprising a planar surface having proximal and distal ends; a sleeve extending outwardly from the planar surface; a cantilever integral with and extending away from the planar surface distal end in a plane that is approximately parallel to and beneath the planar surface so that when the push-in nut fastener is inserted into the panel opening the cantilever engages the bottom surface of the panel and the planar surface engages the upper surface of the panel; and a retention arm integral with and extending away from the planar surface proximal end at an angle so that the retention arm is positioned at least partially beneath the sleeve so that when the push-in nut is inserted into the panel opening the retention arm engages the lower surface of the panel to secure the proximal end of the push-in nut fastener in the panel.
In further embodiments, the push-in nut is formed from sheet metal. In further embodiments, the sheet metal is spring steel. In yet further embodiments, the sleeve is approximately perpendicular to the planar surface. In preferred embodiments, the sleeve comprises internal threads that receive a threaded fastener. In further embodiments, the cantilever provides a leverage force against the lower surface of the panel upon insertion of the push-in nut fastener into the panel opening. In even further embodiments, the cantilever is curvilinear. In other preferred embodiments, the retention arm extends toward the planar surface distal end. In further embodiments, the retention arm is deflectable by a threaded fastener inserted into the sleeve. In yet further embodiments, deflection of the retention arm increases the angle between the planar surface and the retention arm.
In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a push-in nut fastener for insertion into a panel opening within a panel having upper and lower surfaces, the push-in nut comprising a planar surface with proximal and distal ends, wherein the planar surface contacts the upper surface of the panel to prevent the push-in nut fastener from being displaced through the panel opening; a sleeve extending outwardly from the planar surface, wherein the sleeve comprises internal threads to secure the threaded fastener; a cantilever integral with and extending away from the planar surface in a plane that is approximately parallel to and below the planar surface so that the cantilever extends beyond the planar surface distal end; and a retention arm integral with and extending away from the planar surface proximal end at an angle to a position at least partially below the sleeve, wherein upon insertion of the push-in nut fastener into the panel opening the planar surface engages the upper surface of the panel and the cantilever engages the bottom surface of the panel and thereby providing leverage for insertion of the proximal end of the push-in nut fastener and the retention arm into the panel opening so that the retention arm engages the lower surface of the panel and wherein the retention arm is deflectable by a threaded fastener inserted into the sleeve so that the retention arm exerts pressure against the threaded fastener and the lower surface of the panel.
FIGURE DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 illustrates a side overhead view of a push-in nut fastener embodiment.
FIG. 2 illustrates an overhead view of a panel.
FIG. 3 illustrates a side overhead view of a push-in nut fastener embodiment secured within a panel.
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional side view of a push-in nut fastener embodiment.
FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a threaded fastener in a push-in nut fastener embodiment secured within a panel.
FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional side view of a push-in nut fastener embodiment.
FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a threaded fastener in a push-in nut fastener embodiment secured within a panel.
FIG. 8 illustrates an overhead view of a push-in nut fastener embodiment.
FIG. 9 illustrates a side overhead view of a push-in nut fastener embodiment.
FIG. 10 illustrates an overhead view of a push-in nut fastener embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following discussion relates to a push-in nut fastener in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. The push-in nut fasteners of the present invention have numerous advantages over previous prior art devices including, but not limited to, an ability to cover a larger panel thickness range in comparison to typical designs, improved installation ergonomics, and improved use with burred or flanged panel opening edges. FIGS. 1-10 illustrate various preferred embodiments of the push-in nut fasteners of the present invention. Two different embodiments are illustrated (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 9). Common elements of these different embodiments have been named and numbered identically where appropriate. The present invention is not limited to these particular embodiments.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, the push-in nut fastener 100 comprises a planar surface 120, a sleeve 130, a cantilever 140, and a retention arm 150. The push-in nut fastener 100 is not limited to a particular material composition (e.g., steel, wood, plastic, or mixture thereof). In preferred embodiments, the material composition of the push-in nut 100 is sheet metal (e.g., steel). In particularly preferred embodiments, the composition of the push-in nut 100 is spring steel.
As described above, the push-in nut fasteners of the present invention can be inserted into an opening in a panel. FIG. 2 generally presents such a panel 160. The panel 160 has a panel opening 170 therein which has a panel opening proximal end 180 and a panel opening distal end 190. The panel 160 has a panel upper surface 200 and a panel lower surface 210. Additionally, the panel 160 and panel opening 170 are located in a panel plane 220 coextensive with the panel 160.
Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 9, in some preferred embodiments, the push-in nut fastener 100 comprises a planar surface 120. The planar surface 120 comprises a planar surface distal end 230 and a planar surface proximal end 240. The planar surface 120 is not limited to a particular shape (e.g., rectangular, square, circular). In preferred embodiments, the planar surface 120 is square or rectangle shaped. The planar surface 120 is not limited to particular size dimensions. For ease of description in relation to the other elements of the push-in nut fastener 100, the planar surface 120 can be considered to be within a planar surface plane 250.
In further preferred embodiments, the push-in nut fastener 100 comprises a sleeve 130. The sleeve 130 has a sleeve opening 260. The sleeve opening 260 is not limited to a particular positioning within the push-in nut fastener 100. In preferred embodiments, the sleeve opening 260 extends through the planar surface 120. In preferred embodiments, the sleeve 130 is positioned at the center of the planar surface 120. In further preferred embodiments, the sleeve opening 260 extends through the bottom of the planar surface 120. The sleeve 130 is not limited to particular size dimensions. In preferred embodiments, the sleeve 130 is either drawn or roll-formed. The sleeve 130 has a sleeve axis 270. In preferred embodiments, the sleeve axis 270 is in substantially perpendicular alignment with the planar surface plane 250. FIGS. 4 and 6 present a cross sectional side view of the push-in nut fastener 100 and illustrates that the sleeve axis 270 is in substantially perpendicular alignment with the planar surface plane 250.
Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 9, in still further preferred embodiments, the push-in nut fastener 100 comprises a cantilever 140 extending from the planar surface 120. The cantilever 140 is not limited to a particular positioning on the push-in nut fastener 100. In preferred embodiments, the cantilever 140 is positioned at the planar surface distal end 230 of the push-in nut fastener 100.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the cantilever 140 comprises a cantilever downwardly extending member 280, and a cantilever horizontal member 290 extending from the cantilever downwardly extending member 280. The cantilever downwardly extending member 280 extends downward from the planar surface distal end 230 at a predetermined angle (e.g., 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 120 degrees). In preferred embodiments, the cantilever downwardly extending member 280 extends downward from the planar surface distal end 230 at approximately a 90 degree angle. The cantilever downwardly extending member 280 is not limited to particular size dimensions.
The cantilever 140 further comprises a cantilever downwardly extending member plane 300. In preferred embodiments, the cantilever downwardly extending member plane 300 is in approximately perpendicular alignment with the planar surface plane 250. The cantilever horizontal member 290 extends from the cantilever downwardly extending member 280 at a predetermined angle (e.g., 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 120 degrees). In preferred embodiments, the cantilever horizontal member 290 extends from the cantilever downwardly extending member 280 at approximately a 90 degree angle. In preferred embodiments, the cantilever horizontal member 290 extends from the cantilever downwardly extending member 280 in a proximal to distal direction. In other preferred embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the cantilever horizontal member 290 extends from the cantilever downwardly extending member 280 at approximately a 45 degree angle. In such preferred embodiments, the cantilever horizontal member 290 extends from the cantilever downwardly extending member 280 in a proximal to distal direction.
Referring to FIG. 4, in particularly preferred embodiments, the length of the cantilever horizontal member 290 extends beyond the length of the planar surface distal end 230. In such embodiments, the cantilever horizontal member 290 is not limited to a particular distance of extension beyond the planar surface distal end 230. The cantilever horizontal member 290 is not limited to particular size dimensions. As shown in FIG. 4, in some preferred embodiments, the cantilever horizontal member 290 is linear. As shown in FIG. 6, in some preferred embodiments, the cantilever horizontal member 290 is curvilinear. In such embodiments, a cantilever horizontal member 290 shaped in a curvilinear fashion secures panel openings 170 with protruding rims (discussed in more detail below).
Referring to FIG. 4, the cantilever 140 further comprises a horizontal member plane 310. In some preferred embodiments, the cantilever horizontal member plane 310 is in approximately parallel alignment with the planar surface plane 250, and in approximately perpendicular alignment with the cantilever downwardly extending member plane 300. As shown in FIG. 6, in other preferred embodiments, the cantilever horizontal member plane 310 is in approximately a 45 degree angle alignment with the planar surface plane 250, and in approximately a 45 degree angle alignment with the cantilever downwardly extending member plane 300.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 9, the push-in nut fastener 100 comprises a retention arm 150. The retention arm 150 comprises a retention arm proximal flap 320 with a retention arm proximal flap distal end 330, a retention arm distal flap 340 with a retention arm distal flap distal end 350, and a retention arm tail 360 with a retention arm tail distal end 370. The retention arm 150 further comprises a retention arm plane 400.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the retention arm proximal flap 320 extends downward from the planar surface proximal end 240 at a predetermined angle (e.g., 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 120 degrees). In preferred embodiments, the retention arm proximal flap 320 extends downward from the planar surface proximal end 240 at approximately a 45 degree angle. In preferred embodiments, the direction of retention arm proximal flap 320 extension is from the planar surface proximal end 240 toward the proximal surface distal end 230. The retention arm proximal flap 320 is not limited to particular size dimensions. As shown in FIG. 1, in some preferred embodiments, the retention arm proximal flap 320 has a retention arm proximal flap opening 380. In such preferred embodiments, the retention arm tail 360 is positioned within the retention arm proximal flap opening 380 (discussed in more detail below). Referring to FIG. 4, in particularly preferred embodiments, the retention arm proximal flap 320 extends beneath the sleeve 130. FIG. 8 provides an overhead perspective of the retention arm proximal flap 320 extending beneath the sleeve 130.
Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 4, the retention arm distal flap 340 extends from the retention arm proximal flap distal end 330 at a predetermined angle (e.g., 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 120 degrees). In preferred embodiments, the retention arm distal flap 290 extends from the retention arm proximal flap distal end 330 at approximately a 20 degree angle. The direction of retention arm distal flap 340 extension is toward the planar surface proximal end 240. The retention arm distal flap 290 is not limited to particular size dimensions. FIG. 4 provides a cross section side view of a push-in nut fastener with a retention arm proximal distal flap 340 extending from the retention arm proximal flap distal end 330 at approximately a 20 degree angle.
The retention arm tail 360 extends from the retention arm distal flap distal end 350 at a predetermined angle (e.g., 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 120 degrees). The retention arm tail 360 is not limited to particular size dimensions. As shown in FIG. 1, in some preferred embodiments, the retention arm tail 360 extends from the retention arm distal flap distal end 350 at approximately a 45 degree angle. In such preferred embodiments, the retention arm tail 360 extends through the retention arm proximal flap opening 380. Referring to FIG. 5, upon insertion of a threaded fastener 110 into a push-in nut fastener 100 secured within a panel opening 170, the retention arm tail 360 extending through the proximal flap opening 380 is in contact with the panel lower surface 180. Contacting the panel lower surface 180 with the retention arm tail 360 increases the securing of the push-in nut fastener 100 with the panel 160 (discussed in more detail below).
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, in other preferred embodiments, the retention arm tail 360 extends from the retention arm distal flap distal end 350 at approximately a 90 degree angle in a direction toward the planar surface 120. In some preferred embodiments, the retention arm tail 360 comprises a retention arm tail flap 390 extending from the retention arm tail distal end 370 at a predetermined angle (e.g., 0 degrees, 10 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 120 degrees). In preferred embodiments, the retention arm tail flap 390 extends from the retention arm tail distal end 370 at a 90 degree angle. FIG. 10 illustrates an overhead perspective of the retention arm tail flap 390. The retention arm tail flap 390 is not limited to particular size dimensions.
FIG. 3 illustrates the push-in nut fastener 100 secured to the panel 160. In particular, the push-in nut fastener 100 is insertable into the panel opening 170 with the sleeve 130, cantilever 140, and retention arm 150 fitting within the panel opening 170 and the planar surface 120 located above the panel opening 170 and panel plane 220. Upon insertion of a push-in nut fastener 100 into the panel opening 170, the sleeve axis 270 is in substantially perpendicular alignment with the planar surface plane 250 and the panel plane 220. The planar surface 120 of the push-in nut fastener 100 serves as a platform for securing the push-in nut fastener 100 with the panel 160. In preferred embodiments, the size dimensions of the planar surface 120 are large enough to prevent the push-in nut fastener 100 from being trans-located through the panel opening 170. In such embodiments, the planar surface distal end 230 and planar surface proximal end 240 overlap the panel opening proximal end 180 and panel opening distal end 190 thereby preventing the push-in nut fastener 100 from being trans-located through the panel opening 170. Additionally, upon insertion of the push-in nut fastener 100 into a panel opening 170, the planar surface plane 250 is in substantially parallel alignment with the panel plane 220.
FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the push-in nut fastener 100 secured in a panel opening 170. A threaded fastener 110 is secured within a sleeve 130 that extends from the push-in nut fastener 100. Threaded fasteners 110 refer to hardware agents comprising a threaded face and a head. Examples include, but are not limited to, threaded workpieces, nuts, screws, set screws, grub screws, threaded bolts, and the like. The sleeve 130 is not limited to securing a particular type of threaded fastener (e.g., threaded workpieces, nuts, screws, set screws, grub screws, threaded bolts). In preferred embodiments, a threaded fastener 110 is screwed down through the sleeve opening 260. In some preferred embodiments, upon insertion of a threaded fastener 110 into a push-in nut fastener 100 secured within a panel opening 170, the cantilever horizontal member plane 310 is in approximately parallel alignment with the planar surface plane 250 and the panel plane 220, and in approximately perpendicular alignment with the cantilever downwardly extending member plane 300.
Referring again to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, a linear cantilever horizontal member 290 secures push-in nut fasteners 100 with the edge of a panel opening 170. In such preferred embodiments, the panel 160 fits between the cantilever horizontal member 290 and the planar surface distal end 230. Upon insertion of a threaded fastener 110 within a push-in nut fastener 100 secured within a panel 160, the cantilever downwardly extending member plane 300 is in approximately perpendicular alignment with the planar surface plane 250 and the panel plane 220.
In some preferred embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the retention arm 150 provides a deflection force as a threaded fastener 110 is inserted into a push-in nut fastener 100 secured in a panel opening 170. In particular, a threaded fastener 110 advancing through the sleeve 130 contacts the distal end of the retention arm 150 causing the retention arm 150 to deflect away from the threaded fastener 110. Deflection of the retention arm 150 causes an increase in the angle between the planar surface proximal end 240 and the retention aim 150. Additionally, deflection of the retention arm 150 causes the retention arm tail 360 to contact the panel lower surface 180. In particular, as the retention arm 150 is deflected away from the threaded fastener 110, the retention arm tail 360 contacts the panel opening proximal end 180 with a constant tension. As such, deflection of the retention arm 150 results in an increased securing of the push-in nut fastener 100 with the panel 160. The constant contact tension between the retention arm 150 and the panel opening proximal end 180 prevents loosening of the fit between the push-in nut fastener 100 and the panel 160 over time. As shown in FIG. 5, the retention arm proximal distal flap 340 extends from the retention arm proximal flap distal end 330 at approximately a 20 degree angle. Upon insertion of the push-in nut fastener 100 with the panel opening 170, the retention arm plane 400 is located beneath the planar surface plane 250 and the panel plane 220. In particular, the retention arm plane 400 is in an approximately diagonal alignment (e.g., 45 degree angle) with the planar surface plane 250 and the panel plane 220.
Referring again to FIG. 5, the cantilever 140 provides a leverage force as the push-in nut fastener 100 is inserted into a panel opening 170. In particular, insertion of the push-in nut fastener 100 into the panel opening 170 requires placement of the planar surface 120 over the panel opening 170 and placement of the cantilever 140 underneath the panel opening distal end 190. As the push-in nut fastener 100 is inserted into the panel opening 170, the retention arm 140 is lowered through panel opening proximal end 180 (as discussed in more detail below). The cantilever 140 provides a leverage force against the panel lower surface 164 as the push-in nut fastener 100 is inserted into the panel opening 170.
Referring to FIG. 7, in other preferred embodiments the curvilinear cantilever horizontal member 290 secures push-in nut fasteners 100 in panel openings 170 with protruding rim (e.g., uneven panel opening edges, burred edges, flanged edges). In such preferred embodiments, the protruding rim of a panel opening 170 fits against the cantilever downwardly extending member 280 and against the distal end of the cantilever horizontal member 290. As such, the curvilinear shaped cantilever horizontal member 290 accommodates panel openings 170 with protruding rims. Upon insertion of a threaded fastener 110 in a push-in nut fastener 100 secured within a panel opening 170, the cantilever horizontal plane 310 is in approximately a 45 degree angle alignment with the planar surface plane 250 and the panel plane 220, and in approximately a 45 degree angle alignment with the cantilever downwardly extending member plane 300.
Still referring to FIG. 7, upon insertion of a threaded fastener 110 into a push-in nut fastener 100 secured within a panel opening 170, the retention arm tail flap 390 is in contact with the panel lower surface 180. Contacting the panel lower surface 180 with the retention arm tail flap 390 increases the securing of the push-in nut fastener 100 with the panel 160. Additionally, contacting the panel lower surface 180 with the retention arm tail flap 390 permits push-in nut fasteners 100 to be secured with panel openings 170 with protruding rims.
The retention arm 150 provides a deflection force as a threaded fastener 110 is inserted into a push-in nut fastener 100 secured in a panel opening 170. In particular, a threaded fastener 110 advancing through the sleeve 130 contacts the distal end of the retention arm 150 causing the retention arm 150 to deflect away from the threaded fastener 110. Deflection of the retention arm 150 causes an increase in the angle between the planar surface proximal end 240 and the retention arm 150. Additionally, deflection of the retention arm 150 causes the retention arm tail flap 390 to contact the panel lower surface 180. In particular, as the retention arm 150 is deflected away from the threaded fastener 110, the retention arm tail flap 390 contacts the panel opening proximal end 180 with a constant tension. As such, deflection of the retention arm 150 results in an increased securing of the push-in nut fastener 100 with the panel 160. The constant contact tension between the retention arm 150 and the panel opening proximal end 180 prevents loosening of the fit between the push-in nut fastener 100 and the panel 160 over time. Additionally, securing the retention arm 150 with the retention arm tail flap 390, as opposed to the retention arm tail 360, provides a gap between the retention arm proximal flap 320 and the retention arm tail 360. The protruding rim of a panel opening 170 fits within the gap between the retention arm proximal flap 320 and the retention arm tail 360. As such, in preferred embodiments, the push-in nut fastener 100 is secured within panel openings 170 with protruding rims.
All publications and patents mentioned in the above specification are herein incorporated by reference. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention that are obvious to those skilled in the relevant fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
Patent Application
20050220563
