US20070217862A1 - Fastening device and method for attaching an object to a support structure - Google Patents
Fastening device and method for attaching an object to a support structure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070217862A1 US20070217862A1 US11/803,275 US80327507A US2007217862A1 US 20070217862 A1 US20070217862 A1 US 20070217862A1 US 80327507 A US80327507 A US 80327507A US 2007217862 A1 US2007217862 A1 US 2007217862A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- support structure
- locking member
- aperture
- engagement element
- locking
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
- F16B5/06—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
- F16B5/0607—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other
- F16B5/0621—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship
- F16B5/0664—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship at least one of the sheets or plates having integrally formed or integrally connected snap-in-features
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/005—Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles, e.g. dismountable auxiliary seats
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B21/00—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings
- F16B21/02—Releasable fastening devices locking by rotation
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
- F16B5/06—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/18—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening using cams, levers, eccentrics, or toggles
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2200/00—Constructional details of connections not covered for in other groups of this subclass
- F16B2200/20—Connections with hook-like parts gripping behind a blind side of an element to be connected
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10S403/08—Radially acting cam or eccentric
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/59—Manually releaseable latch type
- Y10T403/591—Manually releaseable latch type having operating mechanism
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/70—Interfitted members
- Y10T403/7062—Clamped members
- Y10T403/7064—Clamped members by wedge or cam
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/70—Interfitted members
- Y10T403/7062—Clamped members
- Y10T403/7064—Clamped members by wedge or cam
- Y10T403/7066—Clamped members by wedge or cam having actuator
- Y10T403/7071—Lever actuator
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/76—Joints and connections having a cam, wedge, or tapered portion
Definitions
- FIG. 8 shows a locking member according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 12 shows the principle of using a common means of engagement 56 for a plurality of fastening means 10 .
- the support structure 40 is a wall member of a box beam 41 . Accordingly, the means of engagement 56 will extend, enclosed in the interior of the box beam, for engagement into each transverse hole of the plurality of fastening means 10 .
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Connection Of Plates (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
- Snaps, Bayonet Connections, Set Pins, And Snap Rings (AREA)
- Insertion Pins And Rivets (AREA)
- Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
- Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
- Flanged Joints, Insulating Joints, And Other Joints (AREA)
- Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
- Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
Abstract
A fastening device for attaching an object to a support structure, comprising at least one locking member on the object or the support structure and adapted for insertion in an aperture running through the support structure or the object. A transverse hole in the locking member which, at the time of fitting the object, is adapted to be partly masked by the material surrounding the aperture. An engagement device having a cross-section with a varying distance between its center point and its periphery is inserted in the unmasked portion of the transverse hole running through the locking member and is turned thereafter from one position to another position to bring about a clamping action between the object and the support structure. Also a method for attaching an object to a support structure using the above device.
Description
- This is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/496,204, filed May 19, 2004 in the name of Kenneth Soder and entitled FASTENING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING AN OBJECT TO A SUPPORT STRUCTURE, which is the 35 U.S.C. §371 national phase of PCT/SE02/02445, filed Dec. 23, 2002, which claims priority of Swedish Application No. 0104393-4, filed Dec. 27, 2001. The U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/496,204 is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The PCT International Application was published in the English language.
- The present invention relates to a fastening device for attaching an object to a support structure, comprising at least one locking member arranged on the object or on the support structure, which locking member is for insertion in an aperture running through the support structure and/or the object, and a method for attaching an object to a support structure.
- The fitting of components in, for example, the vehicle industry commonly involves the use of threaded connections, e.g. for fitting seats and the like in vehicles. Such threaded connections are often situated so as not to be readily accessible, thereby entailing unnecessarily heavy and expensive fastening devices. With conventional threaded connections at locations where access is difficult, it is in practice impossible to achieve good ergonomics for fitters, who often have to work in positions which are very unfavourable from the stress point of view.
- Examples of various devices of the kind indicated in principle in the introduction are referred to in EP 0 151 263, DE 1 805 210, DE 26 08 884 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,212,559, but none of the devices according to those documents solve the problem of accessibility in cases where access to the fastening location is difficult.
- The present invention is intended to solve the problem associated with the state of the art. More specifically, the invention relates to a fastening device for attaching an object to a support structure. The device comprises a locking member arranged on the object or on the support structure, which locking member is for insertion in an aperture running through the support structure or through the object. The locking member has running through it a transverse hole which is adapted, when the object is being fitted, to be partly masked by the material surrounding the aforesaid aperture, while a means of engagement having a cross-section which exhibits a varying distance between its centrepoint and its periphery is arranged to be inserted in the unmasked portion of the transverse hole in the locking member and thereafter to be turned from an inactive position to an active position whereby it brings about a clamping action between the object and the support structure.
- The invention further relates to a method for attaching an object to a support structure, comprising the following steps:
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- arranging on the object or on the support structure a locking member which has running through it a transverse hole;
- inserting the locking member in an aperture which runs through the support structure or through the object, whereby the material surrounding said aperture partly masks said hole;
- introducing a means of engagement having a cross-section which exhibits a varying distance between its centrepoint and its periphery into the unmasked portion of the transverse hole running through the locking member;
- turning the means of engagement from an inactive position to an active position whereby it brings about a clamping action between the object and the support structure.
- The cross-sectional dimensions of the means of engagement are adapted so that the largest dimension of said means exceeds the largest distance between the inside of the hole and the surface of the material which partly masks the hole.
- The means of engagement may exhibit a chamfered circular cross-section to enable said means to be introduced into the partly masked hole and to bring about thereafter the desired clamping action between the object and the support structure.
- According to an alternative version, the means of engagement may exhibit an elliptical cross-section.
- The means of engagement may preferably be provided with a shank which is angled, e.g. L-shaped, whereby the fastening device can, by means of the angled shank, be manoeuvred at a distance from the actual fastening point. When the means of engagement is in its active position, the angled shank may with advantage be locked in position to prevent inadvertent release of the connection between the object and the support structure. In one embodiment, the active position of the means of engagement is not stable but is subject to a turning moment urging the means of engagement to revert to its inactive position. In this case the means of engagement may act as a torsion spring which can by preloading be locked in the active position by a locking device or the like which is preferably arranged on the support structure or on the object. The shell surface of the means of engagement which is intended to engage with the support structure or with the object may also be provided with friction-enhancing means for holding the means of engagement in its active position by friction grip and thereby counteracting any turning moment which tends to urge the means of engagement to revert to its inactive position.
- In an alternative embodiment, the cross-section of the means of engagement is so designed that a stable active position of the means of engagement can be reached, e.g. by designing the means of engagement with a circular cross-section which exhibits first and second chamfers, the second of which is smaller than the first. The first chamfer allows the means of engagement to be introduced into the unmasked portion of the hole running through the locking member in its inactive position. Turning the means of engagement results in a clamping action and in the assumption of a stable active position when the smaller second chamfer is in the same position as that which the first chamfer was in when the means of engagement was introduced. In this situation the means of engagement is thus self-locking in its active position and there is no need for any external locking device. In such cases the means of engagement can be provided with a straight shank which exhibits at its outer end engagement surfaces such as recesses or an internal hexagon for cooperation with a tightening tool.
- According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the locking member is welded firmly to the object or to the support structure.
- According to an alternative embodiment, the device comprises a separate fastening means whereby the locking member takes the form of a head of the fastening means, and the fastening means is intended to be anchored to the object before the latter is fitted to the end of said fastening means which points away from the head. The fastening means may preferably be provided with a threaded portion at its end which points away from the head, in which case the fastening means is intended to be screwed firmly into the object or into the support structure. Alternatively, the fastening means may be provided with an insert portion intended to be accommodated in an opening in the object or in the support structure and to be anchored therein by means of a snap-in function.
- In a further conceivable embodiment, the locking member may take the form of an integrated protruding portion of the object or of the support structure, e.g. a protruding flange created by bending the material of the object.
- To make it easier to insert the locking member in the corresponding aperture, the locking member may preferably be conical or otherwise chamfered at its free end in order thereby to provide guidance as it enters the aperture.
- In one embodiment of the invention, the support structure or the object exhibits recesses, e.g. in the form of stiffening corrugations, which form a hollow in the surface against which the means of engagement is arranged to exert the clamping action. The recess thus provides guidance for the means of engagement as the latter is introduced into the unmasked portion of the transverse hole running through the locking member.
- To ensure that the transverse hole running through the locking member is fitted in the desired position for inserting the means of engagement, the locking member may preferably have a cross-sectional shape such that it comes to rest in a controlled position in the corresponding aperture in the support structure. The member and the corresponding aperture in the support structure may for example have a rectangular cross-section.
- According to a particular embodiment, a number of locking members which each have a transverse hole running through them are arranged in a substantially straight line on the object or on the support structure. The locking members are inserted in apertures which run through the support structure or through the object, and the material surrounding said apertures partly masks the respective hole in each locking member. Introducing an elongate means of engagement having a cross-section which exhibits a varying distance between its centrepoint and its periphery in the unmasked portion of the transverse hole running through each locking member arranged along the substantially straight line, followed by turning the means of engagement from an inactive position to an active position, brings about a connection between the object and the support structure at a multiplicity of points by means of a single manual action. The length of the means of engagement is adapted according to the number of locking members. The length of the latter is dimensioned so that the means of engagement reaches through the holes in all the locking members.
- According to a still further embodiment, the fastening means is made from a sheet material. Preferably, the locking member is formed by a loop of the sheet material.
- Applications according to the present invention are described below with reference to the attached drawings, without thereby limiting the scope of protection.
- FIGS. 1A-E depict a fastening device according to the invention, whereby a separate fastening device is fitted in an object, is inserted in an aperture running through a support structure and is locked firmly by a means of engagement.
- FIGS. 2A-B depict firm locking by friction of the means of engagement.
-
FIG. 3 depicts the means of engagement in stable inactive and active positions respectively in a case where the cross-section of the means of engagement is circular with two chamfers of different sizes situated adjacent to one another. -
FIG. 4 depicts the means of engagement in stable inactive and active positions respectively in a case where the cross-section of the means of engagement is circular with two chamfers of different sizes situated diametrically opposite one another. -
FIG. 5 depicts the means of engagement in stable inactive and active positions respectively in a case where the cross-section has been rounded to facilitate change of position between active and inactive positions. -
FIG. 6 depicts the means of engagement locked firmly in the active position by a locking device. -
FIG. 7 shows a locking member according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 8 shows a locking member according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 9 shows a fastening means according to the invention made from a sheet material. -
FIG. 10 shows a fastening means according toFIG. 9 having its locking means inserted through apertures of a pair of objects to be clamped together. -
FIG. 11 shows the fastening means according toFIG. 9 having a means of engagement inserted into and locked in the locking member. -
FIG. 12 is a view with parts broken away showing a plurality of fastening devices using a common means of engagement. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , the present invention relates to a fastening device for attaching anobject 30, e.g. a vehicle seat or a refrigerator for a vehicle cab, to asupport structure 40 such as, for example, a bottom plate of a vehicle. The device comprises a locking pin or lockingmember 14 in the form of a head of a fastening means 10. The fastening means 10 is intended to be anchored to theobject 30 by a threadedportion 12 in a corresponding threadedaperture 32 in theobject 30. - According to one alternative embodiment, the locking
pin 14 is instead welded firmly to the object, thereby obviating the assembly step of screwing the fastening means 10 in as described above. - According to a further alternative embodiment, the locking
pin 14 is fixed in the object by being introduced into an unthreaded hole corresponding to the threadedaperture 32 and by being secured by press fit. - The locking
pin 14 has running through it atransverse hole 20. Fitting theobject 30 to thesupport structure 40 involves inserting the lockingpin 14 into anaperture 42 which runs through the support structure. The movement of the lockingpin 14 into theaperture 42 is limited preferably by the surface of theobject 30 coming into contact with the surface of the support structure which faces towards the object. To provide thelocking pin 14 with guidance as it enters theaperture 42 and thereby to facilitate assembly, the lockingpin 14 exhibits achamfer 18 at its free end. When the lockingpin 14 has been inserted through theaperture 42, thetransverse hole 20 will be partly masked by the thickness of the material of thesupport structure 40, and the unmasked portion of thehole 20 will form an opening with the shape of a truncated circle. The device further comprises a lockingelement 50 incorporating a means ofengagement 56 intended to be introduced into the unmasked portion of thehole 20, and the means ofengagement 56 of the lockingelement 50 exhibits a cross-section which is adapted to being able to be introduced freely into the unmasked portion of thehole 20. This cross-section exhibits a varying distance between its centrepoint and its periphery and may, as depicted inFIGS. 1D and 1E , be circular with achamfer 58. The dimensions of the cross-section are adapted so the latter's shell surface abuts against the inside of thehole 20 along the whole periphery of the cross-section except the chamfer, which provides space for the thickness of the material of thesupport structure 40. Rotating the means ofengagement 56 will thus result in the shell surface bringing about a clamping action against thesurface 44 of the support structure. At the time of insertion of the means ofengagement 56 in thehole 20, the chamfer is intended to be facing towards thesupport structure 40. When the chamfer is in this position, the means of engagement is thus in its inactive position and brings about no clamping action between theobject 30 and the support structure 40 (seeFIG. 2A ). Turning the means ofengagement 56 as depicted inFIG. 2B will cause said means of engagement to move to an active position in which the periphery of the cross-section brings about a clamping action between theobject 30 and thesupport structure 40 and thereby creates a firm connection between them. - As depicted in
FIGS. 1D and 1E andFIG. 6 , the lockingelement 50 is preferably provided with anangled shank 52 which makes the means of engagement easier to manoeuvre.FIG. 6 shows how the means of engagement is held securely in its active position by the angled shank being fixed by alocking device 46 arranged integrally with the support structure in the form of a protruding flap of the material. - The shell surface of the means of
engagement 56 is preferably provided with friction-enhancingmeans 60, as depicted in detail inFIG. 2B , to counter inadvertent dislodging of the means of engagement from its active position. -
FIGS. 3-5 depict alternative embodiments of the cross-section of the means ofengagement 56. These cross-sections exhibit two chamfers, one of which is smaller than the other. A stable active position for the means of engagement can thus be provided in the manner described below. The means ofengagement 56 is inserted in thehole 20 with the larger chamfer facing towards thesupport structure 40 in the same manner as described above. Thereafter the means of engagement is turned until the smaller chamfer assumes the previous position of the larger chamfer, thereby causing a clamping action in a stable position. The dimensions of the cross-sections depicted inFIGS. 3-5 are adapted so that their shell surfaces abut against the inside of thehole 20 at at least two diametrically opposite points in the hole. -
FIG. 5 depicts a cross-section with a rounded transition between the chamfers and the circular shell surface with the object of facilitating the change of position of the means of engagement between active and inactive positions. -
FIG. 6 depicts a preferred embodiment of the invention whereby thesupport structure 40 exhibits a stiffeningcorrugation 48 which forms a hollow on the side of the support structure which faces away from theobject 30. The corrugation thus provides guidance for the lockingelement 50 at the time of inserting the means ofengagement 56 into the unmasked portion of thetransverse hole 20 running through the locking pin. - According to an alternative embodiment, the positions of the object and of the support structure may be exchanged so that the
reference notation 40 inFIG. 1 denotes instead the object to be fitted and thereference notation 30 denotes the support structure. In this case the lockingpin 14 is arranged on thesupport structure 40 and is inserted in anaperture 42 running through the object. Otherwise the function of the invention is the same as described above. In a manner corresponding to that described above, the object may exhibit a stiffeningcorrugation 48 which forms a hollow on the side of the object which faces away from the support structure as inFIG. 6 . - According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a number of locking pins 14 are arranged in a substantially straight line in such a way that the partly
masked holes 20 are accessible simultaneously to a single means ofengagement 56. A connection between the object and the support structure can thus be created at a multiplicity of points by a single turning of the means of engagement. - To achieve the desired locking action, a series of different non-circular cross-sections of the means of engagement are of course also possible. The invention is thus not to be regarded as limited by the embodiments described above, which are to be regarded as merely examples. One skilled in the art will find many embodiments within the scope of the claims.
- It is of course also the case that although the locking
pin 14 is depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2 with a substantially circular or conical shell surface, the geometrical structure of the locking pin may be varied within the scope of the invention. Another embodiment of the lockingpin 14 is shown inFIG. 7 , where the lockingpin 14 is a straight block having a square cross section and chamferededges 60 to facilitate guidance of the locking pin as it enters an aperture/through-hole 61. Although the locking pins in the first described embodiments are securely fixed to theobject 30 or to thesupport structure 40 by threads, press fits or weld seams, it is within the scope of the invention to arrange the locking pins in such a way as to allow a limited movement relative to theobject 30 or to thesupport structure 40, i.e. providing a “floating” connection between the lockingpin 14 and the object/support structure. A way to provide this is by letting the aperture/through-hole 61 have a cross-section which is somewhat larger than the corresponding cross-section of the lockingpin 14 and by designing the lockingpin 14 with a secondtransverse hole 62 running through it. Thelarger aperture 61 also facilitates assembly. The secondtransverse hole 62 is adapted to accommodate a second locking element (not shown inFIG. 7 , but inFIG. 8 ), e.g. a circular cylindrical locking dowel for retaining the lockingpin 14 in the hole. In this case theobject 30/support structure 40 must of course incorporate some means, such as holes, recesses or some fastening means, for allowing the second locking element to be introduced through the second transverse hole and thereby to connect the locking pin to the object/the support structure, see e.g. Yet another embodiment for securing the locking pins to theobject 30 or to thesupport structure 40 through a locking device is shown iFIG. 8 , where the locking pin comprises a flange or at least oneshoulder portion 70 extending out from the other parts of the locking pin in a direction transverse to the longitudinal centre line of the locking pin for providing astop surface 71 adapted to be in contact with acontact surface 72 of the object/support structure. The contact between thestop surface 71 and thecontact surface 72 prevents the locking pin from falling out of theaperture 61 in one direction. In order to prevent the locking pin from disengaging the object or the support structure, e.g. falling out of theaperture 61 in an opposite direction to the one prevented by thestop surface 71, the lockingdevice 73 is adapted to bear on asecond contact surface 74 of the locking pin substantially opposite thestop surface 71. InFIG. 8 thesecond contact surface 74 is shaped as a semi-circular recess adapted to fit the circular cylindrical envelope surface of thelocking device 73 and thereby providing an improved holding of the locking pin against the object/support structure. The lockingdevice 73 may be resilient in order to provide a floating connection between the locking pin and the object/support structure. The means for holding thelocking device 73 in position is hereopenings 75 in the object/support structure through which openings thelocking device 73 is inserted in order to enable the floating connection/fastening of the locking pin against the object/support structure. Such a floating connection creates the possibility of significantly larger manufacturing and assembly tolerances than with entirely fixed locking pins. - In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 the fastening means 10 is made from sheet material such as sheet metal which is shaped and bent to the shown three-dimensional configuration comprising a locking
member 14 and anenlarged engagement portion 11. The ends of the material strips forming theenlarged portion 11 are preferably welded together (not shown). As is apparent fromFIG. 10 , in this embodiment the bent sheet material of lockingmember 14 is shaped as a loop defining thetransverse hole 20 adapted to receive the means of engagement 56 (FIG. 11 ). Theenlarged engagement portion 11 functions as a bolt head when the lockingmember 14 is inserted through theobjects -
FIG. 12 shows the principle of using a common means ofengagement 56 for a plurality of fastening means 10. In this case thesupport structure 40 is a wall member of abox beam 41. Accordingly, the means ofengagement 56 will extend, enclosed in the interior of the box beam, for engagement into each transverse hole of the plurality of fastening means 10.
Claims (4)
1. A fastening device for attaching an object to a support structure, comprising
at least one locking member arranged on the object or on the support structure, an aperture which runs at least partly through the other of the support structure or through the object, the locking member being adapted for insertion in the aperture;
the locking member having a transverse hole running through the locking member, the locking member being so shaped with respect to the object and the support and the aperture being so shaped and so located on the locking member that the transverse hole at the time of insertion of the locking member in the aperture is partly masked by material surrounding the aperture;
an engagement element having a cross-section with a respective varying distance between its center point and its periphery at first and second locations around its periphery, the engagement element is arranged to be inserted in an unmasked portion of the transverse hole in the locking member and to be turned thereafter in the hole from an inactive position at insertion of the engagement element with the first location positioned toward the surface of the one of the object and the support structure having the aperture through it and to an active position with the second location positioned to engage the surface of the one of the object and the support structure having the aperture in it, the second location having such distance from the center point of the engagement element that the engagement element brings about a clamping action between the object and the support structure when the second location engages the surface,
said fastening device further comprising a plurality of the locking members arranged in a substantially straight line on the support structure or on the object, the engagement element being elongated in order to cooperate with all of the locking members and to move between the active and inactive positions at all of the locking members.
2. A fastening device for attaching an object to a support structure, comprising
at least one locking member arranged on the object or on the support structure, an aperture which runs at least partly through the other of the support structure or through the object, the locking member being adapted for insertion in the aperture;
the locking member having a transverse hole running through the locking member, the locking member being so shaped with respect to the object and the support and the aperture being so shaped and so located on the locking member that the transverse hole at the time of insertion of the locking member in the aperture is partly masked by material surrounding the aperture;
an engagement element having a cross-section with a respective varying distance between its center point and its periphery at first and second locations around its periphery, the engagement element is arranged to be inserted in an unmasked portion of the transverse hole in the locking member and to be turned thereafter in the hole from an inactive position at insertion of the engagement element with the first location positioned toward the surface of the one of the object and the support structure having the aperture through it and to an active position with the second location positioned to engage the surface of the one of the object and the support structure having the aperture in it, the second location having such distance from the center point of the engagement element that the engagement element brings about a clamping action between the object and the support structure when the second location engages the surface,
wherein the locking member comprises a fastening device made from sheet material.
3. A fastening device according to claim 2 , wherein the locking member is formed by a loop of the sheet material.
4. A method for attaching an object to a support structure, comprising the steps of:
arranging at least one locking member on the object or on the support structure, wherein the locking member is formed with a transverse hole running through the locking member,
inserting the locking member in an aperture which runs through the support structure or through the object, the insertion being to an extent such that material of the support structure or the object which surrounds the aperture in the support structure or the object partly masks the hole in the locking member;
introducing an engagement element having a cross-section with a varying distance between its center point and its periphery in an unmasked portion of the transverse hole running through the locking member;
turning the engagement element from an inactive position to an active position to bring about a clamping action between the object and the support structure;
arranging a plurality of locking members which each have a transverse hole running through it in a substantially straight line on the object or on the support structure;
inserting the plurality of the locking members in respective apertures running through the support structure or through the object, to a respective extent such that the material of the support structure or the object surrounding the apertures in the support structure or the object partly masks the holes in the respective locking members;
introducing an elongate engagement element having a cross-section which exhibits a varying distance between its center point and its periphery into an unmasked portion of the transverse hole running through each locking member arranged along the straight line; and
turning the engagement element from an inactive position to an active position whereby the engagement element brings about a clamping action between the object and the support structure at each locking member;
thereby creating by single turning action a connection at a number of points along a straight line on the object or the support structure.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/803,275 US20070217862A1 (en) | 2001-12-27 | 2007-05-14 | Fastening device and method for attaching an object to a support structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SE0104393A SE519212C2 (en) | 2001-12-27 | 2001-12-27 | Fastening device and method for connecting an object to a support structure |
SE0104393-4 | 2001-12-27 | ||
US10/496,204 US7354217B2 (en) | 2001-12-27 | 2002-12-23 | Fastening device and method for attaching an object to a support structure |
PCT/SE2002/002445 WO2003056191A1 (en) | 2001-12-27 | 2002-12-23 | Fastening device and method for attaching an object to a support structure |
US11/803,275 US20070217862A1 (en) | 2001-12-27 | 2007-05-14 | Fastening device and method for attaching an object to a support structure |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/SE2002/002445 Division WO2003056191A1 (en) | 2001-12-27 | 2002-12-23 | Fastening device and method for attaching an object to a support structure |
US10/496,204 Division US7354217B2 (en) | 2001-12-27 | 2002-12-23 | Fastening device and method for attaching an object to a support structure |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070217862A1 true US20070217862A1 (en) | 2007-09-20 |
Family
ID=20286489
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/496,204 Expired - Fee Related US7354217B2 (en) | 2001-12-27 | 2002-12-23 | Fastening device and method for attaching an object to a support structure |
US11/803,275 Abandoned US20070217862A1 (en) | 2001-12-27 | 2007-05-14 | Fastening device and method for attaching an object to a support structure |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/496,204 Expired - Fee Related US7354217B2 (en) | 2001-12-27 | 2002-12-23 | Fastening device and method for attaching an object to a support structure |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7354217B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1468193B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4198061B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100926350B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE323839T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2002359219A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR0212745B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60210820T2 (en) |
SE (1) | SE519212C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003056191A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR200458783Y1 (en) * | 2009-10-07 | 2012-03-12 | 김선호 | Display plate connecting device |
US20110194890A1 (en) * | 2010-02-11 | 2011-08-11 | Chien-Kuo Chang | Quick fastening assembly |
EP2564078A1 (en) * | 2010-04-28 | 2013-03-06 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Component connection and method for connecting components |
DE102010042803B4 (en) * | 2010-10-22 | 2020-09-24 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Component connection |
DE102011080483B4 (en) * | 2011-08-05 | 2015-07-09 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Process for the production of a component or a multi-component composite component |
CN111976844B (en) * | 2020-08-20 | 2022-07-01 | 东风柳州汽车有限公司 | Vehicle body floor assembly, middle-row seat mounting structure and vehicle |
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- 2002-12-23 EP EP02793741A patent/EP1468193B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-12-23 AT AT02793741T patent/ATE323839T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-12-23 WO PCT/SE2002/002445 patent/WO2003056191A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2002-12-23 AU AU2002359219A patent/AU2002359219A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-12-23 BR BRPI0212745-8A patent/BR0212745B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-12-23 DE DE60210820T patent/DE60210820T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
BR0212745B1 (en) | 2012-06-26 |
KR20040066101A (en) | 2004-07-23 |
US20040258468A1 (en) | 2004-12-23 |
AU2002359219A1 (en) | 2003-07-15 |
JP2005513386A (en) | 2005-05-12 |
KR100926350B1 (en) | 2009-11-11 |
EP1468193B1 (en) | 2006-04-19 |
ATE323839T1 (en) | 2006-05-15 |
US7354217B2 (en) | 2008-04-08 |
SE0104393L (en) | 2003-01-28 |
DE60210820D1 (en) | 2006-05-24 |
EP1468193A1 (en) | 2004-10-20 |
SE519212C2 (en) | 2003-01-28 |
SE0104393D0 (en) | 2001-12-27 |
BR0212745A (en) | 2004-10-05 |
JP4198061B2 (en) | 2008-12-17 |
WO2003056191A1 (en) | 2003-07-10 |
DE60210820T2 (en) | 2006-10-12 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |