Patent Application
20090114652
The present invention relates generally to threaded connection elements and, more particularly, to threaded connectors including a proximal base adapted to reside below a surface of a support wall structure and a threaded distal end adapted to project away from the support wall structure for attachment to a removable engagement member.
Fluid containment units such as oil pans, chemical storage reservoirs and the like may form part of a fluid distribution circuit. Such containment units may incorporate entrance and/or exit ports to permit fluid to be introduced and expelled as required. In some instances, it may be desirable to use a connection element at the entrance and/or exit port to establish a fluid connection between the containment unit and an exterior member such as a filter or the like. Such connection elements may be required to withstand multiple cycles of engagement and disengagement with the filters or other engagement members as they are replaced over time. Thus, the connection unit may benefit from relatively substantial structural stability. Conversely, the containment unit itself may not be required to exhibit substantial structural strength. Thus, the use of relatively thin-walled materials of construction may be desirable to reduce weight.
Due to the different strength requirements for the connection element and the fluid containment unit, forming the connection element as an integral portion of the fluid containment unit may not be desirable. Likewise, attachment by welding or similar connection techniques may not be suitable for polymer containment units and/or thin-walled units and may be difficult to reverse in the event that the connection element becomes damaged.
The present invention provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a threaded connection element adapted to reside in secure embedded relation within a wall structure of a fluid containment unit. The connection element includes a proximal portion adapted to engaging a thickness dimension of the wall structure and a distal threaded portion adapted to project away from the wall structure for attachment to an engagement structure.
According to one exemplary feature, a proximal portion of the connection element includes a knurled ring segment including an irregular surface adapted to engage the thickness dimension of the wall structure.
According to another exemplary feature, a proximal portion of the connection element includes a knurled ring segment adapted to engage the thickness dimension of the wall structure and a flange structure disposed at a position rearward of the knurled ring segment adapted for seated relation against an underside of the wall structure.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features throughout the various views.
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 of 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 equivalence thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.
Referring to
By way of example only, insert molding may be used to achieve the desired orientation of the connection element 10 within the wall segment 32 to achieve secure engagement. Such insert molding may be carried out by first forming the connection element 10 and thereafter molding the wall segment 32 around a portion of the knurled ring segment 12 and the collar segment 14 such that a portion of the material forming the wall segment 32 extends into the depressions between the raised surfaces around the knurled ring segment 16. A portion of the material forming the wall segment 32 may also extend in overlying relation to at least a portion of the radial shoulder 16 and/or behind a rear surface of the knurled ring segment 12 to further aid in locking the connection element 10 in place. In performing such insert molding, any suitable material of construction may be used to form the wall segment 32. By way of example only, and not limitation, exemplary materials for forming the wall segment 32 may include plastics, composites and metals such as aluminum and the like.
As will be appreciated, the connection element 10 is also adapted for press-fit insertion into position within the wall segment 32. In such a practice, the connection element may be pressed into a preformed opening extending across the wall segment 32. The pressure between the wall segment 32 and the knurled ring segment 12 thereafter prevents rotation of the connection element 10. Such a press-fit arrangement may be particularly well suited for use in wall segments formed from materials of relatively high resiliency including plastics, resilient metals and the like.
The connection element 110 illustrated in
As illustrated in
As with the earlier described embodiment, the connection element 110 is adapted for insert molding at a desired position within the wall segment 132 to achieve a secure construction. Such insert molding may be carried out by first forming the connection element 110 and thereafter molding the wall segment 132 around a portion of the knurled ring segment 112 and the collar segment 114 such that a portion of the material forming the wall segment 132 extends into the depressions between the raised surfaces around the knurled ring segment 116. A portion of the material forming the wall segment 132 may also extend in overlying relation to at least a portion of the radial shoulder 116 and behind a rear surface of the knurled ring segment 112 in overlying relation to the forward facing flange shoulder 144 to further aid in locking the connection element 110 in place. In performing such insert molding, any suitable material of construction may be used to form the wall segment 132. By way of example only, and not limitation, exemplary materials for forming the wall segment 132 may include plastics, composites and metals such as aluminum and the like.
As will be appreciated, the connection element 110 is also adapted for press-fit insertion into position within the wall segment 132. In such a practice, the connection element may be pressed into a pre-formed opening located at the interior surface 146 and extending across the wall segment 132. Insertion is terminated when the flange member reaches the blocking position with the flange shoulder pressed against the interior surface 146. The pressure between the wall segment 132 and the knurled ring segment 112 thereafter prevents rotation of the connection element 110. Such a press-fit arrangement may be particularly well suited for use in wall segments formed from materials of relatively high resiliency including plastics, resilient metals 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 Non-Provisional Application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/986,084 filed Nov. 7, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60986084 | Nov 2007 | US |
