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:
Feb. 20, 2007
Filed:
Sep. 13, 2004
David C. Griffin, Florence, SC (US);
Thomas D. Kelly, Florence, SC (US);
David C. Griffin, Florence, SC (US);
Thomas D. Kelly, Florence, SC (US);
The Esab Group, Inc., Florence, SC (US);
Abstract
A fastening arrangement comprising a thread-forming lobular screw and a member defining a non-tapped pilot hole therein. The screw has a shaft and a head joined to a proximal end of the shaft, the shaft defining a plurality N of lobes circumferentially spaced about a central longitudinal axis of the shaft, a thread being formed on an outer surface of the shaft. The pilot hole comprises a central portion of a diameter intermediate the minor and major diameters of the screw thread, and a plurality N of circumferentially spaced cutouts extending radially out from the central portion. A plurality of longitudinally extending edges parallel to the axis of the screw are defined at junctures between the cutouts and central portion of the pilot hole. The screw thread forms a thread in the member beginning at the longitudinal edges of the pilot hole.