Fastener with center for limiting engagement
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsSarah K. Czaplewski, Lee N. Helgeson, Jonathan L. Kaus, Pamela L. Lembke
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus that disengages a tool and indicates undesired contact. More specifically, the embodiments of the disclosure relate to a fastener that limits over insertion, indicates over insertion, and limits undesired contact of that fastener with a surface. Further, the apparatus can limit damage to an underlying component such as a circuit board. The apparatus has a shank having a cavity extending through the shank. Additionally, the shank has a recess for installation by a tool. A slider is positioned within the shank wherein the slider can limit engagement with the recess and indicate a condition.
Claims20
An apparatus comprising:
- a shank having a proximal end and an oppositely disposed distal end, the shank comprising an interior non-threaded surface defining a shank cavity within the shank, the shank cavity extending through the shank from the proximal end to the distal end;
- a slider, having a first and second end, positioned within the shank cavity, wherein the slider comprises a non-threaded surface slidingly engaged with the shank interior non-threaded surface;
- the proximal end of the shank having a recess;
- and
- wherein a position of the slider with respect to the shank cavity limits engagement with the recess.
A system for comprising:
- a shank having a proximal end and an oppositely disposed distal end;
- the proximal end of the shank having a recess;
- a shank cavity extending through the shank from the proximal end to the distal end, the shank cavity including a non-threaded surface;
- and
- a slider, having a first and second end, positioned within the shank cavity, wherein the slider comprises a non-threaded surface slidingly engaged with the shank cavity non-threaded surface, wherein a position of the slider with respect to the shank cavity limits engagement with the recess.
A method comprising:
- providing a shank having a proximal end and an oppositely disposed distal end, the proximal end of the shank having a recess, and a shank cavity extending through the shank from the proximal end to the distal end, the shank cavity including a non-threaded surface;
- positioning a slider within the shank cavity with respect to a position of the fastener, the slider having a first and second end, positioned within the shank cavity wherein the slider comprises a non-threaded surface slidingly engaged with the shank cavity non-threaded surface;
- and
- as a position of the slider changes with respect to the shank cavity, the slider limiting engagement with the recess.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.