Thread protecting device
First Claim
1. A thread protecting device for covering and protecting threads on a spare tire carrier bolt, the bolt extending through an aperture on a vehicle frame, the device comprising:
- a U-shaped clip having spaced apart upper and lower legs defining a channel therebetween, a web interconnecting the legs, each leg having a hole therein, the clip being adapted to receive a portion of the frame between the legs aligning with the aperture in the frame;
a hollow cylindrical cap mounted on the clip and being axially aligned with the holes in the legs, the cap having a closed upper end, an open lower end; and
a sidewall extending between the upper and lower ends; and
thread means including a plug mounted in the lower end of the cap for threadably receiving the bolt threads such that the threads of the bolt are enclosed within the cap for protection from water, dirt and other debris on a road surface.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The thread protecting device of the present invention includes a U-shaped clip with a hollow cylindrical cap mounted thereon. The clip includes spaced apart upper and lower legs defining a channel therebetween for receipt of a portion of a vehicle frame. The cap includes a threaded plug in the lower end thereof and a closed upper end. A carrier bolt for a spare tire carrier is adapted to extend through a hole in the legs of the clip, an aperture in the frame, and the threaded lower end of the cap such that the threads are enclosed within the cap. A grease fitting is provided on the cap so that grease can be injected into the cap for lubricating the threads.
35 Citations
10 Claims
-
1. A thread protecting device for covering and protecting threads on a spare tire carrier bolt, the bolt extending through an aperture on a vehicle frame, the device comprising:
-
a U-shaped clip having spaced apart upper and lower legs defining a channel therebetween, a web interconnecting the legs, each leg having a hole therein, the clip being adapted to receive a portion of the frame between the legs aligning with the aperture in the frame; a hollow cylindrical cap mounted on the clip and being axially aligned with the holes in the legs, the cap having a closed upper end, an open lower end; and
a sidewall extending between the upper and lower ends; andthread means including a plug mounted in the lower end of the cap for threadably receiving the bolt threads such that the threads of the bolt are enclosed within the cap for protection from water, dirt and other debris on a road surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. The device of clip 1 wherein the thread means includes said plug threaded partially into the hole in the upper leg of the clip and threaded partially into the lower end of the cap such that the cap is securely mounted on the clip.
-
9. A thread protecting device comprising:
-
enclosure means having a first open end, a second closed end, and a sidewall extending therebetween; plug means connected to the enclosure means at the first end and designed to threadably receive the bolt; mounting means coupled to the enclosure means for positioning the enclosure means on a body and substantially preventing rotation of the enclosure means relative to the bolt wherein the enclosure means is adapted to threadably receive the plug means. - View Dependent Claims (10)
-
Specification