Encapsulated fastener and method and tooling for manufacturing same
US9422968B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 2013 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49948
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An encapsulated fastener includes a nut having a face with a concave gap adapted to receive a bolt. The nut is encapsulated by an encapsulation including an extension, which includes a tube adapted for receiving a portion of the bolt and a flange adapted for engaging a face of the nut. The encapsulation extension is placed on the nut in an overmolding tool, wherein an encapsulation base is injection molded over a portion of the encapsulation extension. The encapsulation base encapsulates the nut and extends into the nut concave gap forming a base foot and washer protrusion. The nut is encapsulated except for its bore which is sealed off during the overmolding process by a spring-mounted mandrel. Alternative embodiments of the invention include tubes with different configurations for contacting the bolt whereby the tube or cylinder is reinforced. A method and tooling for manufacturing the encapsulated fastener are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.