Fixture with integral stops
US7294385B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 2003 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/28
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved fixture is provided for securely mounting attachments to an underlying substrate. The fixture includes an outer support member, an inner retainer, a biasing means for biasing the inner retainer relative to the outer support member, and stops for controlling movement between the retainer and support member. The outer support member includes a central bore for receiving the inner retainer which holds an attachment, such as a threaded fastener. In use, the fixture is temporarily secured to a substrate with the inner retainer positioned so that the attachment does not engage the underlying substrate. Thereafter, the inner retainer is forced towards the substrate to a second position wherein the attachment engages the substrate. The fixture's stops project radially outward from the inner retainer and are sized and configured so as to engage the outer support member in the second position so as to prevent inadvertent excessive movement of the inner retainer towards the substrate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.