Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Ronald C Owens, Ii

Jason D Holt

Jeremy R D Tuttle

John D Bisset

Chad Michael Clark

Glenn G Heavens

Daniel A Dechant

Troy S Field

Eric B Jipp

Jason Paradis

Sean M O'Reilly

A compensating fastener assembly is configured to secure a fastener to a surface element. The compensating fastener assembly includes a compression limiter having a cylindrical main body and a flange, the cylindrical main body defining a channel and a longitudinal axis. The compensating fastener assembly further includes a spring defining a central passage. The central passage of the spring is configured to receive the main body of the compression limiter such that a first end of the spring is configured to be disposed adjacent the flange of the compression limiter.

Compensating fastener assembly

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 compression limiting fastening system incorporating a spring element and cooperating compression limiting sleeve adapted for substantially coaxial receipt of a fastening element through a fastened component so as to apply a relatively light load to an outer surface of the fastened component during the fastening operation. Once fastened down, the compression limiting sleeve supports the fastening load while the spring element applies a relatively light opposing load to the fastened component.

Light load compression limiting fastening system

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.

Growing community of inventors

Lexington, KY, United States of America

Ronald C Owens, Ii