# US 10,309,441 B2 · Fastener and fastener assembly having improved vibrational and tightening characteristics > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,309,441 B2 - Document ID: US10309441B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/729,539 - Filed: 2017-10-10 - Published: 2018-02-01 - Granted: 2019-06-04 - Earliest claimed: 2012-03-14 - Assignees: Duraforce Holdings, LLC - Applicants: Duraforce Holdings, LLC - Inventors: Pierre A. Dionne - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10309441B2 ## CPC - F16B 39/24: by means of washers, spring washers, or resilient plates that lock against the object (locking to the screw-thread F16B39/14 {, F16B39/34}, F16B39/36) - F16B 5/0241: {with the possibility for the connection to absorb deformation, e.g. thermal or vibrational} - F16B 35/06: Specially-shaped heads (special shape in order to rotate the bolt F16B23/00 {; separate hook adaptors for bolts F16B43/025}) - F16B 39/26: with spring washers fastened to the nut or bolt-head - F16B 43/004: {with a radial cut in order to improve elasticity of the washer (F16B43/005 takes precedence)} - F16B: DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING (couplings for transmitting rotation F16D) ## Abstract A fastener assembly is provided. The fastener assembly includes an insert having a radial circumference. An annulus extends from the insert and defines an annular end distal from the insert. The annulus further defines a radial cutout section along a length thereof for providing a flex point. The annulus is configured for being radially compressed by a blind hole of a working surface upon tightening of a nut. A nut is positioned adjacent the insert on an end distal the annulus, and a threaded bolt extends from the nut and through the annulus, wherein the bolt is configured to be accepted by the blind hole. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A fastener assembly comprising: a fastener head having a circumference and further defining an elongate threaded shank extending therefrom; an annulus in contact with the fastener head and extending from the fastener head and defining an annular end distal from the fastener head, wherein the annulus defines a cutout section along a length thereof for providing a flex point, wherein the annulus is configured for being radially compressed by a hole defined in a working surface upon tightening rotation of the fastener head when the annulus has been received within the hole. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the annulus end defines a shoulder that catches on an internally circumferentially extending rim of the blind hole. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the annulus is free of threads on an inner facing surface thereof. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the hole defines a taper for applying progressively increasing compression of the annulus end. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the annulus defines a taper from the fastener head to the annulus end. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the annulus defines a first taper from the fastener head towards the annulus end and a second taper extending from the first taper to the annulus end. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the annulus and fastener head are coaxially aligned. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the annulus consists of two cutout sections positioned opposite of each other. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein an outwardly facing surface of the annulus contains textures or grooves for engaging the blind hole. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The fastener assembly of claim 1, further including a nut positioned adjacent the fastener head on an end distal the annulus, and a threaded bolt extending from the nut and through the annulus, wherein the bolt is configured to be accepted by the blind hole. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The fastener assembly of claim 10, wherein the annulus end defines a shoulder that catches on an internally circumferentially extending rim of the hole. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The fastener assembly of claim 10, wherein the annulus is free of threads on an inner facing surface thereof. ### Claim 13 (depends on 10) The fastener assembly of claim 10, wherein the hole defines a taper for applying progressively increasing compression of the annulus end. ### Claim 14 (depends on 10) The fastener assembly of claim 10, wherein the annulus defines a taper from the fastener head to the annulus end. ### Claim 15 (depends on 10) The fastener assembly of claim 10, wherein the annulus defines a first taper from the fastener head towards the annulus end and a second taper extending from the first taper to the annulus end. ### Claim 16 (depends on 10) The fastener assembly of claim 10, wherein the annulus and fastener head are coaxially aligned. ### Claim 17 (depends on 10) The fastener assembly of claim 10, wherein the annulus consists of two cutout sections positioned opposite of each other. ### Claim 18 (depends on 10) The fastener assembly of claim 10, wherein an outwardly facing surface of the annulus contains textures or grooves for engaging the blind hole.