Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Jeremy R D Tuttle

Jason D Holt

Glenn G Heavens

Robert R Schaser

John D Bisset

Ronald C Owens, Ii

Chad Michael Clark

James D Jones

Albert W Van Boven

Troy S Field

Eric B Jipp

A fastener-retaining system () is configured to securely couple a fastener () to a substrate (). The fastener-retaining system () includes a compression-limiting bushing () including a tube defining a central passage (), and a retainer () positioned within the central passage. The retainer () includes a first portion that securely connects to the bushing, and a second portion that is configured to securely connect to a portion of the fastener.

Fastener-retaining system and method

A connection assembly adapted for receipt of a male connection member at the interior of a grommet. The connection assembly includes a grommet of hollow construction including a first collar and a second non-circular collar disposed in spaced-apart relation from the first collar. An axial bore extends entirely through the grommet. A sleeve insert including a hollow stem extends into the axial bore so as to at least partially line the axial bore. A complementary retaining panel includes a substantially non-circular access opening adapted to receive the second collar in pass-through relation and to block the first collar against insertion. Upon rotation, the grommet is blocked against withdrawal through the access opening and the retaining panel is held securely in place.

Twist-in-place grommet connection assembly

A fastener assembly is configured to secure to a component. The fastener assembly may include a fastener having a shaft integrally connected to an engagement head, and an anchoring bushing that retains the fastener. The anchoring bushing may include a main body defining a fastener passage that retains the shaft, and at least one anchoring member extending from a portion of the main body. The anchoring member(s) is configured to securely anchor into at least a portion of the component.

Anchoring fastener assembly

An annular two-phase spring has a plurality of first waves providing a first spring rate and a plurality of second waves providing a second spring rate. The two-phase spring can be used for installing a fuel injector in a fuel injector bore to improve sound performance.

Two-phase spring

A dual-phase spring assembly configured for use with a fuel injector system includes a metal main body and a rubber ring. The main body includes a base integrally connected to a circumferential wall having a radially-canted lip. The base defines a central opening. The radially-canted lip angles away from a center of the main body. The rubber ring secures over the base and to an internal surface of the circumferential wall. The rubber ring covers a ledge of the base, while the radially-canted lip is exposed. The rubber ring is configured to directly abut at least a first portion of the fuel injector system, and the radially-canted lip is configured to directly abut a second portion of the fuel injector system.

Dual-phase spring assembly for use with fuel injector system

A hollow fastening nut assembly including an upper head adapted to engage a wrench or other tightening tool and an integral co-axial, internally threaded lower section of reduced diameter adapted for insertion into an access opening in a fastened component. The lower section acts as a compression limiter. An optional annular disc spring may be disposed about the internally threaded lower section for engagement with the rear surface of the fastened component. A locking structure may be disposed at the exterior surface of the internally threaded lower section to engage the interior of the access opening to lock the nut assembly in place.

Compression limiting nut

A fastener assembly includes a bushing having a flange configured to be urged toward a work-piece, and an isolation spring configured to be positioned between the flange and the work-piece. The isolation spring includes a metal core integrally formed with a rubber coating.

Growing community of inventors

Dearborn, MI, United States of America

Jeremy R D Tuttle