Decorative Security Wheel Fastener
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 315,434, filed March 1, 2022, and is a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT / US2023 / 010127, filed January 4, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a security wheel fastener. [Background technology]
[0003] Automotive wheels are sometimes stolen for resale or to jack up value. To prevent wheel theft, locking fasteners can be used in place of standard wheel fasteners to "lock" the wheel to the vehicle and prevent removal of the fasteners. These locking fasteners may be less attractive because they have a different appearance than other decorative wheel fasteners on the same wheel. One example of a decorative security fastener is described in International Application No. PCT / US20 / 66090 by Southwood et al. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In one embodiment, a security fastener assembly is provided having a cap and a fastener body. The cap has a standard tool support surface and a retention portion. The fastener body has a threaded portion for securing the fastener assembly to a vehicle. The fastener body has a stem opposite the threaded portion for receiving the cap and a retention structure formed adjacent the stem for cooperating with the retention portion of the cap. The fastener body has a keyed security drive structure that interfaces with a corresponding keyed tool. The threaded portion of the fastener body does not rotate when engaged and rotated with the tool support surface of the cap. The fastener is rotatable and removable by the keyed security feature.
[0005] According to another embodiment, a security fastener assembly is provided with a cap shaped with a standard tool support surface and a lower retention portion. The fastener body includes a threaded portion for securing the fastener assembly to a corresponding threaded segment of a vehicle, an angled stem opposite the threaded portion and defining a distal end, an undercut formed below the angled stem with a smaller radius than the base of the angled stem, whereby cold working causes the lower retention portion of the cap to deform into the undercut to retain the cap on the fastener body, and a keyed security drive feature formed between the threaded portion and the angled stem and not obscured by the cap for engagement by a corresponding security tool. Rotation of the cap does not rotate the threaded portion of the fastener body, and the fastener body is removable from the corresponding threaded portion with the keyed security feature.
[0006] In another embodiment, the fastener body includes a bolt having an externally threaded portion.
[0007] In another embodiment, the fastener body includes a nut with an opening having an internally threaded portion.
[0008] In another embodiment, the angled stem includes at least a portion of a conical surface.
[0009] In another embodiment, the lower retainer is crimped to deform the lower retainer into the undercut continuously along at least a portion of a circumference of the undercut.
[0010] In another embodiment, a cold working process forms a plurality of retention locations and deforms the lower retention portion into the undercut at each of the plurality of retention locations.
[0011] In another embodiment, the security fastener assembly includes a corresponding security tool having a cavity for receiving the cap and flange of the fastener body and having a corresponding keyed security element for engaging with a keyed security drive structure of the fastener body.
[0012] According to another embodiment, a security fastener assembly is provided with a cap having a decorative support surface and a lower retention portion. The security fastener also includes a fastener body, which includes a threaded portion for securing the fastener assembly to a corresponding threaded feature of a vehicle, a stem opposite the threaded portion for receiving the cap, the stem having a security projection defining a distal end, an undercut formed adjacent the stem for cooperating with the lower retention portion of the cap, the lower retention portion of the cap being secured within the undercut to retain the cap on the fastener body, and a keyed security drive structure formed between the threaded portion and the stem portion, the fastener body being removable with the keyed security structure. The threaded portion of the fastener body does not rotate when the decorative support surface of the cap is engaged and rotated.
[0013] In another embodiment, a security fastener assembly is provided in which the cap is secured with a cold working process that deforms the lower retainer into the undercut.
[0014] In another embodiment, the cold working process applies a radially inward force to deform the lower retainer into the undercut such that the inner surface of the cap faces the outer surface of the undercut.
[0015] In another embodiment, the cold working process creates a crimp location that deforms the lower retainer into the undercut continuously along at least a portion of the circumference of the undercut.
[0016] In another embodiment, the crimp location extends continuously around the majority of the circumference of the undercut.
[0017] In another embodiment, the undercut may include an angled groove having an asymmetric cross-section.
[0018] In another embodiment, the security protrusion may include a conical surface.
[0019] In another embodiment, the security protrusion may include a circular cylinder with a circular inner opening.
[0020] In another embodiment, the circular cylinder has a plurality of flat portions spaced circumferentially by circular cylindrical portions, and the inner surface of the cap contacts the security protrusion only along these circular cylindrical portions.
[0021] In another embodiment, the circular cylinder has a thin wall with a thickness less than the radial depth of the undercut.The security fastener assembly may include a washer secured to the fastener body.
[0022] According to another embodiment, a method of forming a fastener is provided. The method includes providing a fastener body having a threaded portion and a stem projection defining a distal end opposite the threaded portion, with an undercut formed below the stem projection to form a keyed security drive structure between the threaded portion and the stem portion for engagement by a corresponding security drive tool. A cap is also provided having a standard tool support surface and a lower retaining portion. The cap is placed over the fastener body over the stem projection. The method also includes cold working the cap to deform the lower retaining portion into the undercut, thereby retaining the cap to the fastener body.
[0023] In another embodiment of the method, cold working can include applying a radially inward force with a tool to deform the lower retainer into the undercut such that an inner surface of the cap faces an outer surface of the undercut.
[0024] In another embodiment of the method, the cold working may include swaging the lower retaining portion into the undercut continuously along at least a portion of a circumference of the undercut. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an ornamental security fastener assembly having an ornamental cap and a fastener body according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the security fastener assembly of FIG. 1 shown in cross-section in an installation position and shown in use with an installation tool. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the fastener body of the security fastener assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an ornamental security fastener assembly having an ornamental cap and a fastener body according to another embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a decorative security fastener according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of the fastener body of the security fastener assembly of FIG. 5 shown with the cap removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a close-up view of a cap and retention structure of a fastener body according to various embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a close-up view of a cap and retention structure of a fastener body according to various embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a close-up view of a cap and retention structure of a fastener body according to various embodiments. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a fastener body with the cap removed, according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top view of a fastener assembly including the fastener body of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a top view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 11 with the cap installed. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a fastener body with the cap removed, according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the fastener body of FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view of a fastener assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 17] 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a fastener assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a top view of the fastener assembly of FIG. [Figure 20] 20 is a side view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 19. FIG. [Figure 21] 21 is a side cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 20. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Although detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein as necessary, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, which may be embodied in various alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of specific components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the present invention in various ways.
[0027] This application is directed to a security wheel fastener that has the same styling, tension and friction performance as existing wheel fasteners.
[0028] Available security fasteners may not match the style, size, shape or fit of the existing wheel fasteners. Available security fasteners may also not meet the tension or friction requirements of the existing wheel fasteners.
[0029] The decorative security fastener prevents theft of automobile wheels by functioning as a security fastener without sacrificing the styling or performance of the original wheel fastener.
[0030] Figure 1 is a side view of an ornamental security fastener assembly 10 shown in cross-section in an installed position and in use with an installation tool 20. Figures 2-3 show side and top views of ornamental security fastener 10 having ornamental cap 12 and fastener body 14 in more detail.
[0031] The decorative security fastener 10 includes a threaded portion 16 that may be internally or externally threaded. As shown, the decorative security fastener 10 may be a bolt having external threads. The decorative wheel fastener may also be formed as a nut having internal threads. The decorative wheel fastener 10 may conform to the styling and performance of a standard wheel fastener. For example, the decorative security fastener assembly 10 includes a decorative fastener cap 12 coupled to a security fastener body 14. The fastener cap 12 has a wrench face 22 that is in common with the wrench faces of other wheel fasteners on the vehicle. As shown, the decorative fastener cap 12 may have a hex wrench face 22. The cap 12 may have six wrench faces oriented in a hexagon. However, the cap 12 may have a different polygonal shape with a different number of wrench faces and may use any suitable shape, configuration, or standard of tool wrench faces. For example, a fastener cap having a three-point tool wrench face, such as that of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 487,805 to Larry Wilson et al., or a hybrid wrench face, such as that of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 872,386 to Steven Tomaszewski et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, may be used.
[0032] The threaded portion 16 of the fastener body 14 has a standard thread specification that provides a standard torque specification, but although the decorative cap 12 looks the same as a standard fastener, when a standard tool is engaged with the cap, the cap 12 spins idle and exerts no threads or clamping force.
[0033] The decorative security fastener is installed and removed using a special matching tool 20 that engages the keyed security drive structure 30. A matching keyed security tool 20 is required to remove the fastener body 14 from the wheel W, as the drive structure 30 cannot be grasped with a standard tool to apply sufficient torque to remove the fastener body 14. As shown, the keyed security drive structure 30 may be formed as a plurality of security notches formed on the flange 24 of the fastener body and formed along the periphery of the flange 24. The plurality of notches 30 may have any suitable shape, number, and spacing along the flange 24. Alternatively, the keyed security drive structure 30 may be formed as a uniquely shaped recess in the upper surface 32 of the flange 24 or other portion of the fastener body 14. The security drive structure 30 may have different undulating, serpentine, irregular or uniquely shaped recesses, or a plurality of recesses that cannot be grasped with a standard tool to transmit sufficient torque to remove the fastener body 14 from the vehicle. The security drive structure 30 can be positioned at various locations on the fastener body 14 in combination with the decorative cap 12, as described in International Application PCT / US20 / 66090, filed December 18, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application Docket No. 62 / 950,096, filed December 18, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.
[0034] The fastener body 14 may have a tapered, spherical, or conical seat 26 formed between the flange 24 and the threaded portion 16. The seat 26 may be defined by a washer in combination with the fastener body. When the threads are fully seated at the standard torque level, the seat 26 compresses and tensions with a corresponding surface, preventing the bolt from loosening, thereby keeping the fastener 10 securely seated. The fastener body may have a coating or multiple coatings that provide corrosion resistance and provide a desired coefficient of friction. For example, the fastener body may have a coating as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 716,979, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0035] The cap 12 has a decorative wrench face that fits the size and style of existing wheel fasteners. The cap 12 rotates separately from the fastener and does not remove the fastener or affect tension in the joint. The cap can be secured to the fastener body after the fastener body is coated, so that the cap is uncoated or coated separately from the fastener body. For example, the cap 12 may be formed of stainless steel and polished, requiring no additional coating. The cap 12 may also have a decorative coating, such as a black coating as described in International Patent Application PCT / US22 / 22811 by MacLean Fogg Company, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0036] As shown, the decorative cap 12 may have a decorative hexagonal shape to have the same styling as a standard hex fastener. The cap 12 is formed of a metal, such as stainless steel. Forming the cap 12 out of metal provides the same aesthetics and durability as a standard fastener. The cap 12 may also have a decorative finish and may have bright colors, black, DLC color variations, logos and / or branding etched and / or annealed onto the exposed surfaces. The decorative cap 12 can match the style of an existing wheel fastener that can be customized with a variety of finishes, colors, logos and branding.
[0037] The decorative cap 12 is placed over the stem 40 of the fastener body 14. The stem 40 defines a security protrusion shaped such that, when the cap is removed, a standard tool or extraction tool cannot grip or engage the security protrusion to apply torque to remove the fastener from the wheel. The shape of the security protrusion of the stem 40 can have several different configurations. As shown in Figures 5-6, the stem 40 is circular and forms a cylindrical protrusion extending from the flange 24 of the fastener body 14. The stem 40 can be approximately the same size as the inside dimensions of the decorative cap 12, which is polygonal in shape. The inside shape of the cap 12 is different from the outside shape of the stem 40. The different shapes reduce the contact surface between the cap 12 and the stem 40, allowing the cap to rotate relative to the fastener body 14. The fastener stem 40 is fitted with a polygonal cap such that the cap 12 rotates when a torque less than that required to loosen the fastener is applied.
[0038] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an ornamental security fastener as shown in Figures 1 to 4 according to one embodiment. Figure 6 is a top view of the fastener body of the security fastener assembly of Figure 5 shown with the cap removed.
[0039] The decorative cap 12 can be attached to the fastener body 14 by a variety of attachment methods that displace a lower retention portion 42 of the cap 12 into a retention structure 44 of the fastener body 14. The retention structure 44 retains the cap 12 on the fastener body 14 while allowing the cap 12 to rotate relative to the fastener body 14. As shown in detail in Figures 7-9, the retention structure 44 has a smaller diameter and width than the stem 40 of the fastener body 14, forming, for example, a groove or undercut.
[0040] As shown in Figures 7-8, the decorative cap 12 can be attached to the retaining structure 44 by a variety of attachment methods, such as swaging, crimping, staking, rolling, metal working tools, machine tools, etc., that displace the lower portion of the cap into the retaining structure 44 of the fastener body 14. Depending on how the cap is formed, the feature of the cap attachment method can be a separate manufacturing step or can be part of the fastener forming process. For example, a retaining structure 44 adjacent to or formed as part of the stem of the fastener allows for displacement of the cap by swaging, crimping, staking, roll forming, or other metal cold working to secure the cap to the fastener.
[0041] The decorative cap 12 may be attached to the fastener body 64 in a variety of attachment methods that displace the lower retaining portion 42 of the cap 12 into the retaining structure 44 of the fastener body 64. The attachment method or manufacturing process may use a compressive force to deform the cap 12 along the lower retaining portion 42. The manufacturing process may involve swaging, laminating, crimping, roll forming, or other cold working or forging processes to form or deform the lower retaining portion 42 into an undercut or groove to form an attachment joint that retains the cap 12 to the fastener body 14. The attachment joint may allow the cap 12 to rotate relative to the fastener body 14. As shown in detail in FIG. 4, the decorative cap 12 may be attached to the retaining structure 44 by crimping the cap 12 to the retaining structure 44 on the fastener body 64 along each of the flats 72. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the cap 12 is crimped to the fastener body 64 at three locations adjacent each of the flats 72 of the stem 70. The crimping process includes applying a radial force to the cap 12. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the cap 12 is crimped at up to three crimp locations 80, although any number of crimp locations may be provided.
[0042] The cap 12 may be retained to the fastener body 10 by crimping or forming the cap to the fastener body continuously around the circumference of the undercut retention structure 44. Depending on the method of forming the cap, the feature of the cap attachment method may be a separate manufacturing step or may be part of the fastener molding process. As shown in FIG. 7, the cap 12 may be a straight cap with crimping, pegging, roll forming, crimping, or other suitable attachment method to the cap. As shown in FIG. 8, the lower retention portion 42 of the decorative cap 12 may have an extended shoulder 46 that extends toward the security drive structure.
[0043] Some methods of forming the cap allow a shoulder of the cap to engage the retaining structure 44 on the fastener body 14 during assembly of the cap without requiring crimping, swaging, rolling, metalworking tools, and machine tools to displace a portion of the cap. As shown in FIG. 9, a cuff portion 48 of the cap 12 may be formed that engages the retaining structure 44 on the fastener body 14 with an interference fit, such as a snap fit or snap lock. For example, the lower retaining portion 42 of the cap 12 may engage the retaining structure 44 of the fastener body 12 with an interference fit. The cuff portion 48 may be formed with the cap 12 and may not require a separate step to attach the cap 12 to the fastener body 14, such as crimping, crimping, staking, rolling, metalworking tools, and machine tools to displace a portion of the cap.
[0044] The retention structure 44 on the fastener body 14 also functions as a breakaway feature that disengages the stem 40 from the fastener body 14 if excessive force is applied. Once the stem 40 is disengaged, a thief cannot remove the fastener even if they gouge out the turn cap and attempt to use a simple fastener removal tool. The installation and removal tool 20 can be designed to avoid damaging the wheel surface. The tool has a cavity to receive the cap 12 and flange 24 of the fastener body 14, as shown in FIG. 1. The tool 20 has a corresponding keyed security element for engaging the keyed security drive 30 of the fastener body 14. For example, the corresponding keyed security element can be a pin or protrusion that engages a groove in the flange 24 of the fastener body 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the tool 20 abuts the flange 24 but does not contact the wheel. The clearance of the tool 20 with the wheel can be, for example, 1 mm.
[0045] 10-12 illustrate an ornamental security fastener assembly 60 having a fastener body 64 according to another embodiment. The security fastener 60 may utilize an ornamental cap 12 as described above. The ornamental security fastener 60 includes a threaded portion 16 having internal or external threads. As shown, the ornamental security fastener 60 may be a bolt having external threads. The ornamental wheel fastener may also be formed as a nut having internal threads. The ornamental wheel fastener 60 conforms to the style and performance of standard wheel fasteners and includes an ornamental fastener cap 12 coupled to a security fastener body 64.
[0046] The decorative cap 12 is placed on a stem 70 that forms a protrusion above the fastener body 64. As shown in Figures 10-12, the stem 70 may have a flat portion 72 and an arc segment 74. The arc segment 74 may be abutted against a flat side of the cap 12, such as a hexagonal side, as shown in Figure 12. The flat portion 72 may reduce material or weight, providing material cost savings as well as a lighter fastener. Because the interior shape of the cap 12 contacts the stem 70 only along the arc segment 74, the cap 12 rotates freely with little friction and will rotate when a torque less than that required to loosen the fastener is applied.
[0047] The threaded portion 16 of the fastener body 64 has a standard thread specification that provides a standard torque specification, but although the decorative cap 12 looks the same as a standard fastener, when a standard tool is engaged with the cap, the cap 12 spins idle and exerts no threads or clamping force.
[0048] 13-14 show an alternative embodiment of an ornamental security fastener assembly 100 having a fastener body 104. The security fastener 100 may utilize an ornamental cap 12, as described above.
[0049] The decorative cap 12 is placed over a stem 110 of the fastener body 104. As shown in Figures 13-14, the stem 110 may have a thin sidewall 112. When the stem 110 is subjected to a torque less than the fastener separation crumbling load, the stem 110 may bend or deform.
[0050] 15-17 show decorative security fastener assemblies including a fastener body and a stem according to other embodiments. As shown, the stem may be tapered or pointed at its distal end. The protrusion formed by the stem is of insufficient length and too short to be grasped by an extractor or removal tool. Additionally, the distal end lacks a surface that can be easily engaged by an unscrewing tool, such as an easy-out tool. The protrusion may be a domed surface, a conical surface, or any other shaped surface that slopes radially outward from the distal end.
[0051] In FIG. 15, the fastener assembly 160 includes a fastener body 164 having a stem 170 with a protrusion having a pointed distal end 174 with a beveled surface that is conical. This security fastener 160 may utilize the decorative cap 12 as described above. The decorative cap 12 is placed on the stem 170 of the fastener body 164. The lower retainer 64 is deformed inwardly into an asymmetrical undercut 176 with an angled groove. As shown, the undercut 176 extends diagonally from the base of the conical surface. The undercut 176 is formed below the conical stem and has a smaller radius and / or diameter than the base of the stem 170.
[0052] 16-17 show a fastener assembly 190 having a fastener body 194 with a protruding stem 192 having a pointed distal end 196 with a conical surface. The undercut 198 is defined by a groove that is approximately axially symmetrical. The undercut 198 may be elevated to define a larger groove between the stem 170 and the flange 24. For example, the undercut 198 may measure 2-4 mm or more. The security fastener 190 may use a decorative cap 12 as described above. The undercut 198 allows the cap 12 to be deformed inwardly by crimping the cap 12 over a majority of the circumference of the undercut 198.
[0053] The decorative wheel fastener may also be formed as an internally threaded nut, as shown in Figures 18-21. As shown in Figure 18, the fastener assembly 260 includes a fastener body 264 formed as a nut body having internal threads 266. Similar to Figures 15-17, the nut fastener body 264 of Figures 18-21 includes a stem 270 defined by a projection having a distal end 274 with a conical surface 272. The nut fastener body 264 may have an opening 268 extending through the distal end. Thus, the conical surface 276 is truncated by the opening 268. The stem 270 may have a beveled or pointed distal end surface 274. The projection formed by the stem 270 is of insufficient length and too short to be grasped by an extractor or removal tool. Additionally, the distal end does not have a surface that can be easily engaged by an unscrewing tool, such as an easy-out tool. The protrusions may be rounded or domed surfaces, conical surfaces, or other shaped surfaces that slope radially outwardly.
[0054] This security fastener 260 may utilize a decorative cap 12 as described above. The decorative cap 12 is placed over the stem 270 of the fastener body 264 and covers the opening 268. The lower retaining portion 64 of the cap 12 is deformed inwardly to form an undercut 276. As shown, the undercut 276 may be a groove having a dimension of 2-4 mm or more. The undercut 276 may be an angled groove or an asymmetric groove extending diagonally from the base of the conical surface. The undercut 276 is formed below the conical stem 270 and has a smaller radius and / or diameter than the base of the stem 270.
[0055] FIG. 22 illustrates a fastener assembly 200 according to another embodiment. The fastener assembly includes a fastener body 304 having a stem 302. The stem 302 may have a protrusion forming a distal end that is cylindrical, conical, or of any other suitable shape. The security fastener 300 also includes a washer 310. The washer 310 is disposed between the flange 24 and the threaded portion 16 and defines the seating surface 26. The washer 310 abuts the flange 24 and is compressed and tensioned by a corresponding surface of the wheel, preventing the bolt from loosening, thereby keeping the fastener assembly 200 securely seated. The washer 310 may rotate on the fastener body 304. As described above, the fastener body 304 includes a keyed security feature 30 formed along the flange 24. The security fastener assembly 300 may employ a decorative cap 12 that may be cold worked and deformed to be retained on the fastener body 304 with a retention structure 44, such as an undercut, as described above.
[0056] Although exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the present invention. Rather, the terms used herein are terms of description rather than limitation, and it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, features of various embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the present invention.
Claims
1. In a security fastener assembly, a cap formed with a standard tool support surface and a lower retention portion; A fastener body, a threaded portion for securing the fastener assembly to a corresponding threaded section of a vehicle; an angled stem defining a distal end opposite the threaded portion, the cap concealing the conical stem; and an undercut formed below the angled stem and having a smaller radius than a base of the angled stem, wherein a lower retaining portion of the cap is deformed into the undercut in a cold working process to maintain the cap on the fastener body; a fastener body having a keyed security drive structure formed between the threaded portion and the angled stem, the keyed security drive structure not concealed by the cap, for engagement by a corresponding security tool; A security fastener assembly characterized in that the threaded portion of the fastener body does not rotate when the cap is rotated, and the fastener body can be removed from the corresponding threaded portion using the keyed security structure.
2. 2. A security fastener assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lower retaining portion is deformed into the undercut continuously along at least a portion of the circumference of the undercut.
3. A security fastener assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the lower retaining portion is deformed within the undercut so that the inner surface of the cap faces the outer surface of the undercut.
4. The security fastener assembly of claim 1 , wherein the undercut comprises an angled groove having an asymmetric cross-section.
5. 2. The security fastener assembly of claim 1, further comprising a corresponding security tool having a cavity that receives the cap and a flange of the fastener body, the security tool having a corresponding keyed security element that engages with a keyed security drive structure of the fastener body.
6. The security fastener assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fastener body comprises a bolt having an externally threaded portion.
7. 2. The security fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener body comprises a nut having an opening with an internally threaded portion.
8. 2. The security fastener assembly according to claim 1, wherein the angled stem defines at least a portion of a conical surface.
9. A security fastener assembly according to claim 6, further comprising a washer secured to the fastener body.
10. 1. A method of forming a fastener, comprising: providing a fastener body having a threaded portion and a security protrusion defining a distal end opposite the threaded portion, the security protrusion having an undercut formed below it and a keyed security drive structure formed between the threaded portion and the security protrusion for engagement by a corresponding security drive tool; providing a cap having a standard tool support surface and a lower retention portion; placing the cap on the fastener body so as to cover the security protrusion; and cold working the cap to deform the lower retention portion into the undercut, thereby retaining the cap to the fastener body.
11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the cold working step includes applying a radially inward force with a tool to deform the lower retainer into the undercut such that an inner surface of the cap faces an outer surface of the undercut.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the cold working step includes deforming the lower retainer into the undercut continuously along at least a portion of a circumference of the undercut.
13. The method of claim 10 , wherein the cold working step includes deforming the lower retaining portion into the undercut at each of a plurality of retaining locations.
14. A security fastener assembly, a cap formed with a decorative support surface and a lower retaining portion; A fastener body, a threaded portion for securing the fastener assembly to corresponding threaded structure on a vehicle; a stem opposite the threaded portion and concealed by the cap, the stem having a security protrusion defining a distal end; an undercut formed adjacent the stem to cooperate with a lower retaining portion of the cap, the lower retaining portion of the cap being secured within the undercut to retain the cap on the fastener body; and a keyed security drive structure formed between the threaded portion and the stem, wherein the fastener body is removable with the keyed security structure, and the threaded portion of the fastener body does not rotate when engaged with and rotated by a decorative support surface of the cap; and and a fastener body having a fastener body.
15. A security fastener assembly as described in claim 14, wherein the lower retaining portion is deformed continuously within the undercut along at least a portion of the circumference of the undercut.
16. A security fastener assembly as described in claim 14, wherein the lower retaining portion is deformed into the undercut so that the inner surface of the cap faces the outer surface of the undercut.
17. A security fastener assembly as described in claim 14, wherein the security protrusion is spaced inward from the inner surface of the cap.
18. A security fastener assembly as described in claim 17, wherein the security protrusion includes a conical surface extending inward toward the distal end, the distal end being spaced from the top of the cap to define a cavity within the cap.