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US 12,742,470 B2Granted
Zipnut systems
OwnerGordon Stoutinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus, the zipnut an alternative solution for a nut on a bolt. The main advantage is that it can fit many sizes of bolts where common nuts must be exact for each bolt. The device contours to the bolt as it is being pushed/threaded through.
Claims20
A zipnut system comprising:
- a zipnut with a flexible circular plate having:
- an outer-circumference;
- an inner-circumference;
- a top-surface;
- a bottom-surface;
- and
- a thickness;
- wherein said circular plate is defined by said outer-circumference offset from said inner-circumference, said top-surface integral with said bottom-surface via said thickness;
- wherein said top-surface is planar in a non-use condition and deforms accordingly to an extent engaged in an in-use condition;
- wherein said flexible circular plate comprises at least four channels extending from said inner-circumference;
- wherein said bottom-surface comprises female-threads extending between each of said at least four channels, said female-threads oriented at 90 degrees to each adjacent said female-threads, separated by a respective said channel;
- wherein said female-threads are configured to engage with male-threads on a fastener and progressively deform said flexible circular plate as said male-threads rotatingly-advance in relation to said female-threads;
- and
- wherein said zipnut functions to removably secure said fastener to an extent desired.
11 more elements
A zipnut system comprising:
- a zipnut with a flexible circular plate having:
- an outer-circumference;
- an inner-circumference;
- a top-surface;
- a bottom-surface;
- and
- a thickness;
- wherein said circular plate is defined by said outer-circumference offset from said inner-circumference, said top-surface integral with said bottom-surface via said thickness;
- wherein said top-surface is planar in a non-use condition and deforms accordingly to an extent engaged in an in-use condition;
- wherein said flexible circular plate comprises at least four channels extending from said inner-circumference;
- wherein said bottom-surface comprises female-threads extending between each of said at least four channels, said female-threads oriented at 90 degrees to each adjacent said female-threads, separated by a respective said channel;
- wherein said female-threads are configured to engage with male-threads on a fastener and progressively deform said flexible circular plate as said male-threads rotatingly-advance in relation to said female-threads;
- wherein said at least four channels form an X-shape;
- wherein each of said at least four channels and said inner-circumference comprise a combined negative volume;
- wherein said female-threads comprise fins;
- wherein said outer-circumference comprises a serrated edge;
- wherein said serrated edge comprises a gripping means for gripping engagement to manipulate said zipnut as desired for tightening and loosening actions;
- wherein each of said at least four channels are narrower adjacent the inner-circumference than as they approach the outer-circumference;
- wherein said zipnut comprises a flexible vane;
- wherein said flexible vane is arcuate to allow for maximum flexibility;
- wherein said flexibility is relational to deformation;
- wherein said deformation comprises biasing in compression;
- wherein said biasing is at a friction-fit tolerance to maintain a positive grip between said zipnut and said fastener;
- wherein said zipnut is able to move exclusively in relation to said fastener and alternately said zipnut is able to move in relation to said fastener to attach said fastener to an object;
- wherein said serrated edge comprises vertical grooves along said outer-circumference;
- wherein said vertical grooves are inset into and limited via said thickness;
- and
- wherein said zipnut functions to removably secure said fastener to an extent desired.
25 more elements
A method of using a zipnut system comprising the steps of:
- providing a zipnut system having a zipnut with a flexible circular plate having:
- an outer-circumference;
- an inner-circumference;
- a top-surface;
- a bottom-surface;
- and
- a thickness;
- wherein said circular plate is defined by said outer-circumference offset from said inner-circumference, said top-surface integral with said bottom-surface via said thickness;
- wherein said top-surface is planar in a non-use condition and deforms accordingly to an extent engaged in an in-use condition;
- wherein said flexible circular plate comprises at least four channels extending from said inner-circumference;
- wherein said bottom-surface comprises female-threads extending between each of said at least four channels, said female-threads oriented at 90 degrees to each adjacent said female-threads, separated by a respective said channel;
- wherein said female-threads are configured to engage with male-threads on a fastener and progressively deform said flexible circular plate as said male-threads rotatingly-advance in relation to said female-threads;
- and
- wherein said zipnut functions to removably secure said fastener to an extent desired;
- and threadingly engage said fastener with said zipnut to cause a deformation of said zipnut.
12 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.