The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 21, 1995
Filed:
Sep. 12, 1994
Kathleen A Sullivan, Kankakee, IL (US);
Brian R Peek, Mokena, IL (US);
Illinois Tool Works Inc., Glenview, IL (US);
Abstract
A spiral flex tree fastener, for use in securing a component to a panel by insertion into a hole provided therein, has a head, and a shank extending axially therefrom and ending in a conical rounded point. The head, shank, and point share a common axis, the head naturally being of greater diameter than the shank and point. The point has a maximum diameter substantially equal to the hole into which the fastener may be inserted. The shank is flattened, has two sides and a flange running axially along each of the two sides. The shank has a diagonally measured width equivalent to the maximum diameter of the point and merges smoothly thereinto, and the flanges ensure that the fastener remains centered in the appropriately sized hole into which it may be inserted. On each side of the shank are a plurality of flexible fins set at an oblique angle with respect to the axis of the fastener. A portion of each fin extends radially outward from the axis of the shank beyond the radial extent of the conical rounded point. The fins flex against the walls of the appropriately sized hole, securing the fastener therein, and are shaped to make its nondestructive withdrawal, if desired or necessary, possible but more difficult to effect than its original insertion.