Captive panel screw
US4509890A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 1981 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16B41/002
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A unitary, non-metallic captive panel screw adapted to be inserted in a suitable orifice defined in a workpiece includes a head and an outwardly projecting, multi-section shaft. A shaft spacer section has a diameter less than the diameter of the head, and extends a predetermined length from the head, terminating in a spaced-apart shoulder portion. A relief section of the shaft extends axially outwardly from the spacer section, and is substantially smaller both in diameter and length than the spacer section. A terminal threaded section having a diameter smaller than either the relief section or the spacer section is adapted to threadably receive a suitable nut whereby to secure a mechanical component in spaced relation relative to a workpiece. An integral, generally frustro-conical snap-fit flange section divides the terminal threaded section from the relief section, and includes a plurality of radially spaced-apart wedge shaped members extending radially outwardly from the axis of the screw. The wedge members are adapted to yieldably deform rearwardly toward the relief section in response to installation pressure, and to snugly snap back into restraining engagement with the workpie…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.