Captive screw

US6761521B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Southco, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Edward A. McCormack · Chadds Ford, US
• Thomas J. Ellis · Scottsdale, US
• Danin Sewalt · Chester, US
• Harry L. Dickerson · Newtown Square, US
• Michael Menta · Chester, US
• Kyle Sareyka · Mullica Hill, US
• Richard Lewis · Loveland, US
• Thomas V. Aukzemas · Wilmington, US
• James Wanstall · Kennett Square, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 14, 2001
• Grant date: Jul 13, 2004
• Expiry date: Dec 14, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S411/999
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A captive screw including a screw and a ferrule is disclosed. One end of the ferrule is adapted for engagement to a hole in a panel to be secured by the captive screw. The screw has an annular flange that is captured within the bore of the ferrule. The screw has a shaft with a threaded portion. The threaded portion of the screw shaft can be made to extend from the ferrule to varying amounts as the screw is moved relative to the ferrule between extended and retracted positions. An optional spring may be provided in the ferrule to bias the screw toward the retracted position.