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US 2026/0071640 A1Published application
Fastener with adjustable locking insert
OwnerNed C Bowers, Russell Ortnerinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fastener assembly for securing together two components such as two panels. The assembly includes an externally threaded insert that is rotatably adjustable within an internally threaded receptacle on a nut plate. A toolless locking mechanism of the assembly includes a retainer clip that interfaces with a rotatable actuator on the receptacle to move a tab end of clip in and out of engagement with the insert to unlock the insert for rotation in the receptacle or lock the insert to prevent rotation thereof in the receptacle.
Claims24
A fastener assembly, comprising:
- a nut plate;
- an internally threaded cylindrical receptacle supported on the nut plate, wherein the receptacle includes a first end facing a surface of the nut plate and a second end opposite the first end, and a slot through the receptacle between the first end and the second end;
- an externally threaded insert disposed within the receptacle and axially adjustable therein, wherein the insert, comprises,
- a first end facing the nut plate and a second end opposite the first end;
- a boring through the insert including through the first end and second end of the insert;
- a pair of diametrically opposed cam and locking surfaces from the second end terminating toward the first end and spaced from the first end, for receiving and engaging a cross pin of a stud;
- at least one channel extending from the first end to the second of the insert and through the external threading on the insert, and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the insert;
- and,
- an actuator disposed adjacent to an external surface of the receptable and rotatable thereon, and the actuator comprises;
- a cylindrical body disposed over the receptacle having a first end facing the nut plate and a second end opposite the first end;
- and
- an opening through a side of the actuator body between the first end and the second end of the actuator, and the opening includes a first edge and second opposite edge;
- a retainer clip having a curved section extending at least partially circumferentially about an external surface of the actuator body and an end extending radially inward relative to the actuator through the opening of the actuator, the slot of the receptacle and into the channel of the insert for an insert locked position, wherein the retainer clip applies a spring-loaded compressive force against the body of the actuator;
- and,
- wherein the actuator is rotatable about the receptacle in a first direction to move the first end of the retainer clip out of the channel of the insert to an unlocked position.
12 more elements
A fastener assembly, comprising:
- a nut plate;
- an internally threaded cylindrical receptacle supported on the nut plate, wherein the receptacle includes a first end facing a surface of the nut plate and a second end opposite the first end, and a slot through the receptacle between the first end and the second end;
- an externally threaded insert disposed within the receptacle and axially adjustable therein, wherein the insert, comprises,
- a first end facing the nut plate and a second end opposite the first end;
- a boring through the insert including through the first end and second end of the insert;
- a pair of diametrically opposed cam and locking surfaces from the end terminating toward the first end and spaced from the first end, for receiving and engaging a cross pin of a stud;
- at least one channel extending from the first end to the second of the insert and through the external threading on the insert, and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the insert;
- and,
- an actuator disposed around an external surface of the receptable and rotatable thereon, and the actuator comprises;
- a cylindrical body disposed over the receptacle having a first end facing the nut plate and a second end opposite the first end;
- and
- an opening through a side of the actuator body between the first end and the second end of the actuator, and the opening includes a first edge and second opposite edge;
- a retainer clip having a curved section extending at least partially circumferentially about an outside surface of the actuator body and an end extending radially inward relative to the actuator through the opening of the actuator, the slot of the receptacle and into the channel of the insert for an insert locked position, wherein the retainer clip applies a spring-loaded compressive force against the body of the actuator;
- and,
- wherein a radius of the retainer clip and a radius of the actuator vary relative to on another along corresponding sections adjacent the opening of the actuator and upon rotation of the actuator on the receptacle in a first direction to move the end of the retainer clip out of the channel of the insert to an unlocked position.
12 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.