Non-rotatable fastener assembly and associated methods
AssigneeYKK Corporation of America
InventorsChuck G. LeCompte, Jonathan H. Sharp
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cap and washer fastener assembly includes a cap with an upper surface and a lower surface with a post extending from the lower surface. The assembly also includes a washer with an upper surface, a lower surface, and a hole. The assembly includes an assembled configuration wherein the post of the cap is inserted into the hole of the washer and a portion of the post is permanently deformed within the cavity. In the assembled configuration, a substrate layer is disposed between the cap and the washer. The cap and washer are configured so they are prevented from rotating relative to one another and relative to the substrate when in the assembled configuration.
Claims20
A cap and washer fastener assembly comprising:
- a cap with an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein a post extends from the lower surface;
- and
- a washer with an upper surface, a lower surface, and a hole extending through the upper surface and the lower surface, wherein:
- the upper surface of the washer comprises an outer portion;
- the lower surface of the washer comprises a cavity that is coaxial with the hole;
- the cap and washer fastener assembly comprises an assembled configuration wherein:
- (a) the post of the cap is inserted into the hole of the washer and a portion of the post is permanently deformed within the cavity;
- and
- (b) a substrate layer is disposed between the cap and the washer such that the lower surface of the cap interfaces with the substrate layer and the upper surface of the washer interfaces with the substrate layer;
- the outer portion comprises a plurality of serrations that increase friction with the substrate layer when the cap and washer fastener assembly is in the assembled configuration;
- the hole comprises a plurality of radial protrusions that extend in a radial direction toward a central axis of the hole;
- and
- the cavity comprises a plurality of projections adjacent the hole that extend in a projection direction that is approximately parallel to an axial direction of the hole.
A fastener comprising:
- a washer with an upper surface, a lower surface, and a hole extending through the upper surface and the lower surface, wherein:
- the upper surface of the washer comprises a center hub that is coaxial with the hole;
- the lower surface of the washer comprises a cavity that is coaxial with the hole;
- the fastener comprises an assembled configuration wherein the washer interfaces with a substrate layer such that the upper surface of the washer interfaces with the substrate layer;
- and
- the washer comprises:
- a plurality of projections disposed within the cavity adjacent the hole and extending parallel to an axial direction of the hole.
A fastener comprising:
- a washer with an upper surface, a lower surface, and a hole extending through the upper surface and the lower surface, wherein:
- the lower surface of the washer comprises a cavity that is coaxial with the hole;
- the fastener comprises an assembled configuration wherein the washer is disposed adjacent to a substrate layer;
- the hole comprises a plurality of radial protrusions that extend in a radial direction toward a central axis of the hole;
- and
- the cavity comprises a plurality of projections disposed adjacent the hole extending in a projection direction that is approximately parallel to an axial direction of the hole.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.