NUT FOR SELF-TAPPING SHEET METAL SCREWS

• US 20100196118A1
• Filed: 09/03/2008
• Published: 08/05/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Chiang Heng Wong
• Original Assignee: Chiang Heng Wong
• Inventors: Wong, Chiang Heng
• Application Number:
  US12/677,635
• Publication Number:
  US 20100196118A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 411/259
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2200/83 Use of a magnetic material
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2200/95 with markings, colours, indicators or the like
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 37/005 into which threads are cut during screwing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

A nut for use with self-tapping screws (3) utilized in sheet metal work which comprises an elongated hexagonal-shaped body (1) with a straight through centre core (4) and has a flanged rear end (7) that is beveled (9) at the edge of the bore to assist in seating and proper alignment.

Claims

1. A nut for use with a self-tapping screw utilized in sheet metal work which nut comprises:

an elongated hexagonal-shaped body with a straight and through centre core;

the shape and size of the elongated hexagonal-shaped body is complementary to a hexagonal head of a self-tapping screw that is to be coupled to the nut;

a length that equal to or greater than a thread length of the self-tapping screw, and equal to or less than a length of a self-tapping shank of the self-tapping screw so that the self-tapping screw can be fully received in the nut in such a way the self-tapping screw will form a female thread lining in an inner wall of the nut and thereby provide a tightening effect between the nut and the screw;

the centre core has a bore diameter equal to or less than a diameter of the screw thread of the self tapping screw, and greater than a diameter of a screw tip of the self-tapping screw, so that during a process in which the self-tapping screw is driven into the nut only threading of the nut occurs and drilling of the nut does not occur;

a flange rear end that functions as a washer and provides a grip; and

a beveled portion formed at the flanged rear end which assists in seating and proper alignment of the nut.

2. A nut as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nut is made of aluminum.

3. a nut as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nut it has a ferrous metal cap attached to a head end of the elongated hexagonal-shaped body.

4. (canceled)

5. A method of fastening a self-tapping screw used in sheet metal work which method comprises:

providing a self-tapping screw;

providing a nut that includes;

an elongated hexagonal-shaped body with a straight and through centre core that is complementary shaped to a hexagonal head of the self-tapping screw;

a length that is equal to or greater than a thread length of the self-tapping screw, and equal to or less that a length of a self-tapping shank of the self-tapping screw; and

the centre core has a bore diameter that is equal to or less than a diameter of the screw thread of the self-tapping screw, and equal to or less than a diameter of a screw tip of the self-tapping screw; and

driving the self-tapping screw into the nut so that threading of the nut occurs and drilling of the nut does not occur.

6. The method of fastening a self-tapping screw according to claim 5, further comprising providing a flange on a rear end of the nut which acts as a washer and enables a better grip

7. The method of fastening a self-tapping screw according to claim 6, further comprising providing a beveled portion at the flanged rear end of the nut to assist in seating and proper alignment of the nut.