Dowel fastener and joints including same
US6991397B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/5786
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved dowel fastener for compressive insertion within a recess, bore or aperture in each of two joint members of wood, metal, plastic or combinations thereof to frictionally retain one joint member to the other. The dowel fastener includes a flexible, resilient, tubular body having a preferably spiral slot extending from end to end and at least one and preferably two spaced tabs at positions along the slot. The tabs each extend from one slot edge across the slot toward the opposing slot edge and engage the inside surface of the tubular body adjacent the opposing slot edge. The body provides a cylindrical exterior gripping surface for engagement with the sides of the joint apertures and is sufficiently flexible for compression from its normal, uncompressed diameter for insertion in a smaller fastening aperture. The resiliency of the tubular body and the engagement of the tabs with the inside surface of the body resist compression for secure frictional engagement by the body exterior with the sides of the fastening apertures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.