Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Illinoks Tool Works Inc.

Mark Edward Gonciarz

Richard J Ernst

John P Grimm

Donald J Broomfield

Cheryl L Panasik

Mark D Latz

Jay A Meisenger

A fastener configured to couple a first substrate to a second substrate may include a head, a shank, and a tip. The shank may have a generally constant diameter between the head and tip, and the shank may include an unthreaded portion proximate the head, a threaded portion proximate the tip, and a reverse threaded portion therebetween. The threaded portion may include a plurality of right handed threads that continue onto the tip, and the reverse threaded portion includes a plurality of left handed threads. The unthreaded portion may have an axial length greater than an axial length of the reverse threaded portion. In addition, the fastener may include one or both of a cut extending radially inward toward the fastener axis proximate the tip and serrations on at least one of the plurality of right handed threads.

Fastener

A substrate-mountable holder system, comprising a base having a hook, a first front surface and a second front surface with a groove therebetween, wherein the groove includes a rearward facing face having a step. The system also includes a second portion for operatively engaging the first portion, the second portion including a tongue component positionable within the groove, wherein the tongue component includes a forward facing face having a step. The base also may include at least one notch extending inward from the rear surface, the notch having a first surface at a first depth relative to a rear surface of the base and a second surface at a second, deeper depth relative to the rear surface, and the cover may have at least one ear for releasably engaging the at least one notch.

Wall mountable holder system

A self-tapping fastener, which has been especially constructed for use in connection with the insertion and installation thereof into stucco, gypsum, wallboard, or other hard board substrates, wherein the forward end portion of the shank portion of the self-tapping fastener is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed flat sections which effectively form at least one pair of diametrically opposed tapping threads so as to effectively perform the thread tapping process despite exhibiting some abrasion of the forwardmost threads. In addition, the flat sections also effectively define recessed pockets for accommodating any dust, particles, debris, or the like, which will be generated during the thread tapping process.

Fastener for stucco or hard board substrates

A substrate-mountable holder system, comprising: a first portion comprising a base having first and second front surfaces, a rear surface, a top and a bottom, a hook extending from proximate the bottom, a lobe extending rearwardly from a rear surface proximate the top, a pad extending rearwardly from the rear surface, an opening for receiving an anchor extending through the base, the opening between the lobe and the pad; and a second portion for operatively engaging the first portion; wherein the first and second portions each include at least one, and preferably a plurality of, interfacing protrusions and indentations for engaging the second portion with the first portion. Each of the protrusions and indentations on the first and second portions may be proximate the bottom of their respective portions. The system further may include a self-drilling drywall anchor having a bore, and a fastener for operatively engaging the first portion and the bore.

A fastener mountable to a rigid substrate such as a fiber cement panel and also mountable to the panel and an underlying support, such as a metal or wooden stud. The fastener may include a drilling portion having a reaming portion for reaming out the material within the panel, a fastening portion for engaging the panel and, if encountered, the underlying support, and a tapered portion between the drilling and fastening portions. The drilling portion may have a length generally equal to, or slightly longer than, a length of the panel so that reaming out of the panel may be completed before engagement of the fastener threads with the interior of the panel begins.

Self-drilling fastener

A substrate-mountable holder system comprising: a first portion, a cover, an anchor and at least one fastener, the first portion having a hook extending therefrom and at least one opening for receiving the fastener(s), a cover configured to engage the first portion and hide the fastener(s). The first portion may include a lobe proximate the top of the rear surface and a pad spaced from the lobe, the opening between the lobe and pad, for controlling deformation of the first portion. The first and second portions also may have a plurality of releasably engaging detents to lock the second portion in place, and the bottom of the second portion may angle rearward so as to bear against the substrate when the second portion is installed. Moreover, the first portion may include a barb on the lobe and/or one or more tangs extending from a recess in the rear surface of the first portion to embed in the substrate and inhibit rotation of the holder system.

A substrate-mountable holder system comprising: a first portion, a cover, an anchor and at least one fastener, the first portion having a hook extending therefrom and at least one opening for receiving the fastener(s), a cover configured to engage the first portion and hide the fastener(s). The first portion may include a lobe proximate the top of the rear surface to bias the bottom of the first portion toward the substrate to aid in more stable mounting of the first portion and further may include a tang projecting rearwardly from proximate the bottom for engagement with the substrate or a second fastener spaced proximate the first fastener to inhibit rotation of the system when installed. In addition, the first portion and the cover may have various features to fasten the cover securely to the first portion and provide the appearance of a unitary structure.

A self-drilling anchor for use in a friable material or a semi-rigid material comprises a body having an axis, an axial bore adapted to receive a fastener, a proximal end, a drilling end, a proximal portion adjacent the proximal end having high threading having a crest diameter for engaging the friable or semi-rigid material, and a drilling portion adjacent the drilling end, an additional thread proximate the proximal end, the additional thread continuing between turns of the high threading, and a head at the proximal end having an outer diameter that is smaller than the crest diameter. The anchor additional thread is configured to engage either the friable material or, additionally, to firmly engage the semi-rigid material.

Growing community of inventors

South Elgin, IL, United States of America

Mark Edward Gonciarz