Fastening device

• US 4,200,027 A
• Filed: 08/22/1977
• Issued: 04/29/1980
• Est. Priority Date: 08/22/1977
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Eaton Corp. (Wisconsin) (Eaton Corporation PLC.)
• Original Assignee: Eaton Corp. (Wisconsin) (Eaton Corporation PLC.)
• Inventors: Oehlke, Donald N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mitchell, James C.
• Application Number:
  US05/826,296
• Time in Patent Office: 981 Days
• Field of Search: 85/32 V, 85/36, 151/41.74, 151/41.75
• US Class Current: 411/437
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 37/041 Releasable devices F16B37/044, F16B37/045 take precedence

Abstract

An improved, one-piece, sheet metal fastener for threadably receiving and lockingly engaging an externally threaded fastener at relatively low clamping forces is provided. The improved fastener comprises a generally arcuate leg having members for engaging external threads formed therein. The arcuate leg, in the non-deformed position thereof, defines an arc section having a radius and a chord, the ratio of said radius to said chord being in the range of 1:1.4 to 1:1.8 and preferably in the range of 1:1.5 to 1:1.7.

Claims

1. An improved one-piece self-retaining sheet metal fastener for substantially fixed mounting to a panel having an aperture therethrough and for receiving and retaining a rotationally tightened externally threaded fastener, said sheet metal fastener of a generally cross sectionally "U" shape comprising a first leg and a second leg joined by a bight portion, one of said legs comprising an arcuate leg having a plurality of tongues formed therefrom, said tongues inclined at an angle generally equal to the pitch of said externally threaded fastener to be received, said tongues adapted to lockingly engage said externally threaded fastener and to resist rotation clockwise and counterclockwise thereof when said arcuate leg is resiliently deformed by tightening of the externally threaded fastener, the improvement comprising:

said arcuate leg defining an arc in the non-deformed position thereof, the ratio of the radius of the arc to the chord of the arc being in the range of 1;

1.4 to 1;

1.8.

2. The improved fastener of claim 1 wherein said ratio is in the range of 1:

1.5 to 1;

1.7.