Fasteners for engaging threaded openings

Abstract

The fastener for engaging the threaded opening includes two shaft elements extending from the cap end to the shaft end and having a partially cylindrical shape, an internal alignment shaft surrounded by a central cavity, a releasable tightening mechanism, a releasable expansion mechanism, and a cap engageable with the cap end of the shaft elements so that the shaft elements move relative to the internal alignment shaft. At least a portion of at least one shaft end includes external threads. The shaft elements are oriented around the central cavity, which is defined by the interior surface of the shaft elements. The releasable tightening mechanism can tighten around the shaft elements so that the shaft elements move inward toward the internal alignment shaft. The releasable expansion mechanism can move the shaft elements away from the internal alignment shaft.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 18 / 203,362, entitled "FASTENER FOR ENGAGING THREADED OPENINGS," filed May 30, 2023, by B. Carper and E.P. Huelsmann, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 63 / 427,328, entitled "FASTENER FOR ENGAGING THREADED OPENINGS," filed November 22, 2022, by B. Carper and E.P. Huelsmann. [Background technology]

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to fasteners, and more particularly to fasteners that are engageable in threaded openings.

[0003] Fasteners such as screws and false rivets are frequently used in manufacturing to align and hold workpieces, such as metal panels, together. However, repeatedly inserting and removing a threaded fastener by rotating it within a threaded opening can degrade both the threads on the fastener and the threads within the opening. Traditional non-rotating fasteners often require the opening to be sized to fit the fastener and may not be compatible with all types of openings. Repeated rotation of a fastener can fatigue the workpiece material and, in more extreme cases, can cause repetitive motion ergonomic injuries. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The fastener that engages the threaded opening includes first and second shaft elements, an internal alignment shaft, a releasable tightening mechanism, a releasable expansion mechanism, and a cap. The first shaft element extends along the shaft axis from the first cap end to the first shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element extends along the shaft axis from the second cap end to the second shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element is arranged side-by-side and parallel to the first shaft element. The internal alignment shaft extends along the shaft axis and is surrounded by a central cavity. The first shaft element and the second shaft element are oriented around the central cavity, which is defined by a first inner surface of the first shaft element and a second inner surface of the second shaft element. The releasable tightening mechanism is configured to tighten around the first shaft element and the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft. The releasable expansion mechanism is configured to allow the first and second shaft elements to move laterally outward away from the internal alignment shaft. The cap is configured to move axially along the shaft axis and to engage the first cap end of the first shaft element and the second cap end of the second shaft element to allow the first and second shaft elements to move axially relative to the internal alignment shaft. At least a portion of at least one of the first and second shaft ends includes external threads.

[0005] As further described herein, a fastener for engaging a threaded opening includes first and second shaft elements, an internal alignment shaft, at least one radial spring, at least one compression spring, a cap, and a housing. The first shaft element extends along a shaft axis from a first cap end to a first threaded end and has a partially cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the first threaded end has external threads. The second shaft element extends along the shaft axis from a second cap end to a second threaded end and has a partially cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the second threaded end has external threads. The second shaft element is arranged side-by-side and parallel to the first shaft element. The internal alignment shaft extends along the shaft axis and is surrounded by a central cavity. The first shaft element and the second shaft element are oriented around the central cavity, the central cavity being defined by a first inner surface of the first shaft element and a second inner surface of the second shaft element. The at least one radial spring is configured to tighten around the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft. The at least one compression spring is configured to allow the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move laterally outward away from the internal alignment shaft. The cap is configured to move axially along the shaft axis and engages the first cap end of the first shaft element and the second cap end of the second shaft element to move axially relative to the internal alignment shaft. The housing surrounds the first cap end and the second cap end, extends along the shaft axis to the first threaded end and the second threaded end, and is configured to house the cap.

[0006] As also discussed herein, a method for fastening a first workpiece to a second workpiece includes depressing a cap of a fastener, thereby engaging a first cap end of a first shaft element of the fastener with a second cap end of a second shaft element of the fastener. The first shaft element extends from the first cap end to the first shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element extends from the second cap end to the second shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape and is disposed alongside and parallel to the first shaft element. At least a portion of at least one of the first shaft end and the second shaft end includes external threads. The first shaft element and the second shaft element move along a tapered portion of an internal alignment shaft of the fastener. The tapered portion guides lateral and axial movement of the first shaft element and the second shaft element relative to the internal alignment shaft, relative to a shaft axis along which the first shaft element, the second shaft element, and the internal alignment shaft extend. The releasable clamping mechanism clamps the first and second shaft elements, allowing the first and second shaft elements to move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft while guided by the tapered portion of the internal alignment shaft. The first and second shaft ends pass through a first opening in the first workpiece and are inserted into a second opening in a second workpiece positioned adjacent to the first opening. The cap is released, thereby disengaging the first and second cap ends. The releasable expansion mechanism allows the first shaft element to move laterally away from the second shaft element while guided by the tapered portion of the internal alignment shaft. At least a portion of at least one of the first and second shaft ends, which has external threads, engages with threads in the second opening.

[0007] This Summary of the Invention is provided by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Other aspects of the present disclosure will be understood in light of the entire disclosure, including the entire text, claims, and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the fastener of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1B is a plan view of the fastener of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1B is a side view of the fastener of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1E] 1C is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 1A taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1C. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fastener adjacent a threaded opening. [Figure 2B] 2B is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 2A with the cap depressed. [Figure 2C] 2C is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 2B inserted into a threaded opening. [Figure 2D] 2D is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 2C with the cap released. [Figure 3] Shows how to use a fastener to fasten two workpieces together. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fastener having a threaded shaft element and an unthreaded shaft element. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fastener equipped with an open lock mechanism. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 5A with the locking mechanism locked. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5B is a plan view of the fastener of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a component of a fastener including a locking mechanism and a grip housing. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a component of a fastener including a locking mechanism and a grip housing. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a plan view of the components of FIGS. 6A-6B. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6B is a side view of the assembled components of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6E] FIG. 6C is a side view of the assembled components of FIG. 6B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] While the above-identified figures illustrate one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, other embodiments are contemplated, as noted in the description. In all cases, the present disclosure presents the invention by way of representation, not limitation. It will be understood that those skilled in the art can devise numerous other modifications and embodiments that fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the present invention. The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the application and embodiments of the present invention may include features and components not specifically shown in the drawings.

[0010] Presented herein is a fastener that can engage with internal threads without requiring rotation during insertion into a threaded opening, preventing thread wear. The fastener includes two or more threaded shaft elements that can be compressed for insertion into the opening and then expanded to fit into the opening and engage the threads. The fastener also includes an internal alignment shaft with a tapered portion that guides movement of the threaded shaft elements relative to the internal alignment shaft.

[0011] FIG. 1A is an exploded view of fastener 10. Fastener 10 includes cap 12, housing 14, internal alignment shaft 16, threaded shaft portion 18, radial spring 20, and compression spring 22. Threaded shaft portion 18 includes first shaft element 24 and second shaft element 26. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of fastener 10. FIG. 1C is a plan view of fastener 10. FIG. 1D is a side view of fastener 10. FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of fastener 10 taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1C. FIGS. 1A-1E will be described simultaneously.

[0012] The cap 12 may have a generally cylindrical shape and be substantially hollow. In the example shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the cap 12 extends from a closed end 28 to an open end 30 and includes a cap lip 32 at or adjacent to the open end 30, such that the diameter of the open end 30 (shown in FIG. 1E) is larger than the diameter of a cap opening 34 formed in the housing 14 through which the closed end 28 passes. The housing 14 may surround a first cap end 36 of the first shaft element 24 and a second cap end 38 of the second shaft element 26 and may be generally cylindrical in shape and substantially hollow. The housing 14 may extend from the cap 12 to the threaded shaft portion 18 along a shaft axis XX (shown in FIG. 1E) and may define a cap opening 34 and a shaft opening 40. The central body 42 of the internal alignment shaft 16 extends along the shaft axis XX and is surrounded by a central cavity 44 (shown in FIG. 1E). A central cavity 44 separates the first shaft element 24 and the second shaft element 26 from the central body 42. In the example shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the internal alignment shaft 16 includes a tapered portion 46 oriented along the central body 42. The tapered portion 46 may be generally conical in shape. The internal alignment shaft 16 may further include a crossbar 48, which may be oriented perpendicular to the central body 42. The threaded shaft portion 18 includes a first shaft element 24 extending along a shaft axis XX from the first cap end 36 to a first shaft end 50, and a second shaft element 26 extending along the shaft axis XX from the second cap end 38 to a second shaft end 52. Both the first shaft element 24 and the second shaft element 26 are generally partially cylindrical in shape. At least a portion of at least one of the first shaft end 50 and the second shaft end 52 includes external threads. In some examples, a portion of the first shaft end 50 and / or the second shaft end 52 includes an unthreaded (i.e., smooth) outer surface. The first shaft element 24 and the second shaft element 26 are oriented around a central cavity 44, which is defined by a first inner surface 54 of the first shaft element 24 and a second inner surface 56 of the second shaft element 26.The radial spring 20 is disposed radially outward from the first shaft element 24 and the second shaft element 26 relative to the shaft axis XX. The compression spring 22 is disposed radially outward from the radial spring 20 relative to the shaft axis XX.

[0013] The cap 12 can be configured to move axially along the shaft axis XX and can be configured to engage the first cap end 36 and the second cap end 38. The housing 14 can be configured to receive the cap 12 through the cap opening 34. The cap 12 and housing 14 can be configured to be actuated manually and / or with a tool, such as pliers. In particular, the cap 12 and housing 14 can be configured to be actuated with Cleco-style pliers that can interface with the housing lip 58 and the closed end 28 of the cap 12 to force the cap 12 down into the housing 14. The tapered portion 46 of the internal alignment shaft 16 guides lateral movement of the first shaft element 24 and the second shaft element 26 relative to the central body 42 of the internal alignment shaft 16. The radial spring 20 can be configured to tighten around the first shaft element 24 and the second shaft element 26 to move laterally inward toward the central body 42 of the internal alignment shaft 16. The compression spring 22 can be configured to allow the first shaft element 24 and the second shaft element 26 to move laterally outwardly away from the central body 42 of the internal alignment shaft 16 .

[0014] The first shaft element 24 and the second shaft element 26 can be oriented relative to one another such that the second shaft element 26 is positioned parallel to and alongside the first shaft element 24. In some examples, the first shaft element 24 and the second shaft element 26 can be approximately the same size and / or approximately semi-cylindrical in shape. In other examples, the first shaft element 24 and the second shaft element 26 can be asymmetric, such that the first shaft element 24 is larger or smaller than the second shaft element 26 and / or occupies a larger or smaller proportion of the threaded shaft portion 18 than the second shaft element 26. In some examples, the first shaft element 24 and / or the second shaft element 26 can have a uniform partially cylindrical cross-section along the length of the first shaft element 24 and / or the second shaft element 26. In other examples, a portion of the first shaft element 24 and / or the second shaft element 26 has a partially cylindrical cross-section (e.g., the first shaft end 50 and / or the second shaft end 52), and another portion of the first shaft element 24 and / or the second shaft element 26 has a cross-section that is not partially cylindrical (e.g., concave, flat, and / or truncated).

[0015] As described in more detail below with respect to Figures 2A-3, fasteners such as fastener 10 can be used to fasten two or more workpieces together by engaging threaded openings. Fastener 10 can be used as a temporary fastener for measurement / fitting purposes and can be reused without significant degradation of the threads on both the surface of fastener 10 and the openings in the workpieces. More generally, fastener 10 can be engaged and disengaged from threads without significant impairment of future usability, such as when reinstalled or installed in a new location.

[0016] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a fastening system 100. The fastening system 100 includes a first workpiece 102 with a first opening 104, a second workpiece 106 with a second opening 108, and a fastener 110. The fastener 110 includes a cap 112, a housing 114, an internal alignment shaft 116, a threaded shaft portion 118, a releasable tightening mechanism 120, and a releasable expansion mechanism 122. The threaded shaft portion 118 includes a first shaft element 124 and a second shaft element 126. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the fastening system 100 with the cap 112 of the fastener 110 depressed. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the fastening system 100 with the fastener 110 inserted through the first opening 104 and into the second opening 108. FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the fastening system 100 with the cap 112 released. FIG. 3 illustrates a method 200 for fastening two workpieces together using a fastener (such as fasteners 10 and 110). Method 200 includes steps 202-206 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2B), step 208 (shown in FIG. 2B), step 210 (shown in FIG. 2C), and steps 212-214 (shown in FIG. 2D). FIG. 3 is described below in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-2D. While method 200 is described below with respect to fastener 110, it will be understood that method 200 can be similarly performed with fasteners such as fasteners 10, 310, 410, and 510. With respect to fastener 310, threaded end 322 engages threads in an opening, as described further below.

[0017] Similar to cap 12, cap 112 may have a generally cylindrical shape and be substantially hollow. In the example shown in FIGS. 2A-2D , cap 112 extends from a closed end 128 to an open end 130 and includes a cap lip 132 at or adjacent to open end 130 such that the diameter of open end 130 is larger than the diameter of a cap opening 134 formed in housing 114 through which closed end 128 passes. Housing 114 may surround first cap end 136 of first shaft element 124 and second cap end 138 of second shaft element 126 and may be generally cylindrical in shape and substantially hollow. Housing 114 may extend from cap 112 to threaded shaft portion 118 along shaft axis X'-X' and may define cap opening 134 and shaft opening 140. The central body 142 of the internal alignment shaft 116 extends along a shaft axis X'-X' and is surrounded by a central cavity 144. The central cavity 144 separates the first shaft element 124 and the second shaft element 126 from the central body 142. In the example shown in FIGS. 2A-2D , the internal alignment shaft 116 includes a tapered portion 146 oriented along the central body 142. The tapered portion 146 may be generally conical in shape. The internal alignment shaft 116 may further include a crossbar 148 that may be oriented perpendicular to the central body 142. The threaded shaft portion 118 includes the first shaft element 124 extending along the shaft axis X'-X' from the first cap end 136 to a first threaded end 150 and the second shaft element 126 extending along the shaft axis X'-X' from the second cap end 138 to a second threaded end 152. Both the first shaft element 124 and the second shaft element 126 have a generally partially cylindrical shape. In the example shown in Figures 2A-2D, at least a portion of both the first threaded end 150 and the second threaded end 152 include external threads. The first shaft element 124 and the second shaft element 126 are oriented around a central cavity 144, which is defined by a first inner surface 154 of the first shaft element 124 and a second inner surface 156 of the second shaft element 126.The releasable tightening mechanism 120 is disposed radially outward from the first shaft element 124 and the second shaft element 126 relative to the shaft axis X'-X'. The releasable expansion mechanism 122 is disposed radially outward from the releasable tightening mechanism 120 relative to the shaft axis X'-X'. In some examples, the releasable tightening mechanism 120 can be one or more radial springs (such as the radial spring 20 shown in FIGS. 1A-1E), and the releasable expansion mechanism 122 can be one or more compression springs (such as the compression spring 22 shown in FIGS. 1A-1E).

[0018] The cap 112 can be configured for axial movement along the shaft axis X'-X' and can be configured to engage the first cap end 136 and the second cap end 138. The housing 114 can be configured to receive the cap 112 through the cap opening 134. The cap 112 and housing 114 can be configured to be actuated manually and / or with a tool, such as pliers. In particular, the cap 112 and housing 114 can be configured to be actuated with Cleco-style pliers that can interface with the housing lip 158 and the closed end 128 of the cap 112 to force the cap 112 down into the housing 114. The tapered portion 146 of the internal alignment shaft 116 guides lateral movement of the first shaft element 124 and the second shaft element 126 relative to the central body 142 of the internal alignment shaft 116. The radial spring 120 can be configured to tighten around the first and second shaft elements 124, 126 such that the first and second shaft elements 124, 126 move laterally inward toward the central body 142 of the internal alignment shaft 116. The compression spring 122 can be configured to allow the first and second shaft elements 124, 126 to move laterally outward, away from the central body 142 of the internal alignment shaft 116. In this manner, the fastener 110 can operate in substantially the same manner as the fastener 10 (described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1E).

[0019] 2A-2B, the cap 112 is depressed. Depressing the cap 112 moves the cap 112 along the shaft axis X'-X'. As the cap 112 is depressed, it encounters and engages the first cap end 136 of the first shaft element 124 and the second cap end 138 of the second shaft element 126. Depressing the cap 112 can be performed directly by a user (e.g., by manually depressing the cap using a part of the user's hand, such as one or more fingers) or can be performed using a tool such as a Cleco-style pliers.

[0020] 2A-2B, the first shaft element 124 and the second shaft element 126 move along the tapered portion 146 of the internal alignment shaft 116. The tapered portion 146 guides both lateral and axial movement of the first shaft element 124 and the second shaft element 126 relative to the internal alignment shaft 116, about the shaft axis X'-X'.

[0021] In step 206, the releasable clamping mechanism 120 clamps the first shaft element 124 and the second shaft element 126, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. This clamping causes the first shaft element 124 and the second shaft element 126 to move laterally inward (i.e., laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft 116 extending along the shaft axis X'-X'). As previously described in step 204, the tapered portion 146 guides the movement of the first shaft element 124 and the second shaft element 126. Steps 204 and 206 can occur substantially simultaneously. The releasable clamping mechanism 120 can be one or more radial springs, such as radial spring 20 (shown in FIGS. 1A-1E).

[0022] In step 208, as shown in FIG. 2B , the first threaded end 150 of the first shaft element 124 and the second threaded end 152 of the second shaft element 126 are inserted through the first opening 104 of the first workpiece 102 and subsequently into the second opening 108 of the second workpiece 106. The first opening 104 is aligned with the second opening 108 such that the first opening 104 and the second opening 108 are oriented along a common axis, which may be aligned with the shaft axis X′-X′. As the first shaft element 124 and the second shaft element 126 move laterally inward in steps 204-206, the major diameter D extending from the first outer surface 160 of the first threaded end 150 to the second outer surface 162 of the second threaded end 152 decreases, allowing the first threaded end 150 and the second threaded end 152 to be inserted through the first opening 104 and into the second opening 108. The major diameter D increases or decreases at a uniform rate across the first shaft element 124 and the second shaft element 126.

[0023] 2C-2D, the cap 112 is released. Releasing the cap 112 moves the cap 112 along the shaft axis X'-X' in a direction opposite to the direction in which the cap 112 was depressed in step 202. Releasing the cap 112 disengages the first cap end 136 of the first shaft element 124 and the second cap end 138 of the second shaft element 126. Releasing the cap 112 can be accomplished by the user directly releasing pressure on the cap 112 or by releasing the tool used to depress the cap 112.

[0024] In step 212, the releasable expansion mechanism 122 allows the first shaft element 124 and the second shaft element 126 to move laterally away from each other, as shown in Figure 2D. As previously described in steps 204-206, the profile of the tapered portion 146 guides the lateral outward movement of the first shaft element 124 and the second shaft element 126. The releasable expansion mechanism 122 can be one or more compression springs, such as compression spring 22 (shown in Figures 1A-1E).

[0025] In step 214, the first threaded end 150 and the second threaded end 152 engage the threads 164 in the second opening 108. This secures the fastener 110 within the first opening 104 and the second opening 108, thereby fastening the first workpiece 102 to the second workpiece 106. Steps 212 and 214 can occur substantially simultaneously. The first opening 104, in some examples, also includes threads. In some examples, step 214 can include locking the fastener 110 with a locking mechanism (such as locking mechanisms 428, 522 shown in FIGS. 5A-6E). The locking mechanism can include, for example, a thumb screw or a hex nut. Locking the fastener can be achieved by tightening the locking mechanism in a threaded cap opening disposed within the cap so that the locking mechanism abuts against an internal alignment shaft. Tightening the locking mechanism can be done by hand.

[0026] Method 200 may include additional steps in some examples. For example, method 200 may include locking fastener 110 as described above in step 214, depressing cap 112 to disengage threads 164 in second opening 108, and / or removing fastener 110 from first opening 104 and second opening 108 after disengaging threads 164 in second opening 108.

[0027] 4 is a perspective view of fastener 310. Fastener 310 includes cap 312, housing 314, a threaded shaft portion including threaded shaft element 316 and unthreaded shaft element 318, a closed end 320 of cap 312, a threaded end 322 of threaded shaft element 316, an unthreaded end 324 of unthreaded shaft element 318, and a housing lip 326 of housing 314. Fastener 310 may also include an internal alignment shaft with one or more tapered portions (such as internal alignment shaft 16 shown in FIG. 1A), one or more radial springs (such as radial spring 20 shown in FIG. 1A), one or more compression springs (such as compression spring 22 shown in FIG. 1A), and additional threaded or unthreaded shaft elements.

[0028] The fastener 310 can function substantially similarly to the fasteners 10, 110 described above with reference to Figures 1A-2D. The unthreaded shaft element 318 can be a component generally similar in shape to the threaded shaft element 316. The unthreaded shaft element 318 moves similarly to the threaded shaft element 316 (and similarly to the first and second shaft elements 124, 126 described above with reference to Figures 1A-2D) due to the interaction between the cap 312, the unthreaded shaft element 318, and the internal alignment shaft tapered portion(s) (not shown in Figure 4). The unthreaded end 324 of the unthreaded shaft element 318 can contact the threads in the opening, but does not engage the threads.

[0029] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of fastener 410. Fastener 410 includes cap 412, housing 414, internal alignment shaft 416, threaded shaft portion 418, releasable tightening mechanism 420, releasable expansion mechanism 422, first and second shaft elements 424 and 426 within threaded shaft portion 418, locking mechanism 428, and threaded cap opening 430 within cap 412. Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of fastener 410 with locking mechanism 428 locked. Figure 5C is a plan view of fastener 410. Figures 5A to 5C will be described simultaneously below.

[0030] The fastener 410 can function in substantially the same manner as the fasteners 10, 110 described above with reference to Figures 1A-2D with respect to fastening workpieces (e.g., the cap 412, the housing 414, the internal alignment shaft 416, the threaded shaft portion 418, the releasable tightening mechanism 420, the releasable expansion mechanism 422, the first shaft element 424, and the second shaft element 426 operate in substantially the same manner as the corresponding components in the fasteners 10, 110).

[0031] In the example shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the locking mechanism 428 is a hex nut that is rotatably insertable through the cap 412 and into the fastener 410 via a threaded cap opening 430. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the threaded cap opening 430 is centrally located in the cap 412. The locking mechanism 428 can be rotated by a user (manually or automatically, by hand or with an appropriate tool) through the cap 412, thereby moving the locking mechanism 428 axially along axis X″-X″. When the locking mechanism 428 is positioned as shown in FIG. 5A, the fastener 410 is unlocked, allowing the cap 412 to be depressed and released. When the locking mechanism 428 is positioned as shown in FIG. 5B (with the end 432 of the locking mechanism 428 directly abutting the end 434 of the internal alignment shaft 416), the fastener 410 is locked and the cap 412 will remain depressed until the locking mechanism 428 is sufficiently loosened. In this manner, the locking mechanism 428 is captured within the cap 412 and applies a torque to the internal alignment shaft 416, preventing it from being depressed or actuated (and therefore preventing the fastener 410 from moving within the threaded opening). In some instances, the locking mechanism may replace the cap, or the locking mechanism and cap may be incorporated into a single component. In these instances, tightening the locking mechanism may both depress the cap (or cap replacement) and lock the fastener.

[0032] 6A-6B are perspective views of a fastener 510 separated into components. The fastener 510 includes a cap 512, a housing 514, an internal alignment shaft 516, a first shaft element 518, a second shaft element 520, a locking mechanism 522, a first housing component 524, and a second housing component 526. The fastener 310 may also include one or more radial springs (such as the radial spring 20 shown in FIG. 1A) and one or more compression springs (such as the compression spring 22 shown in FIG. 1A). FIG. 6C is a plan view of the components of the fastener 510. FIGS. 6D-6E are side views of the assembled fastener 510. FIGS. 6A-6E will be discussed simultaneously below.

[0033] The fastener 510 can function in substantially the same manner as the fasteners 10, 110, 410 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-2D and 5A-5C with respect to fastening workpieces (e.g., the cap 512, housing 514, internal alignment shaft 516, first shaft element 518, and second shaft element 520 operate in substantially the same manner as the corresponding components in the fasteners 10, 110, 410). Additionally, the locking mechanism 522 can function in substantially the same manner as the locking mechanism 428 (described above with reference to FIGS. 5A-5C). In the examples shown in FIGS. 6A-6E, the locking mechanism 522 can be used in place of the cap 512. In these examples, tightening the locking mechanism 522 can depress the internal alignment shaft 516 and lock the fastener 510. When assembled, the first housing component 524 and the second housing component 526 can form the housing 514. The first housing component 524 and the second housing component 526 may be coupled by bolts, snaps, or other suitable connections.

[0034] In some examples, the fastener 10, 110, 310, 410, 510 can include one or more threaded shaft elements and / or one or more unthreaded shaft elements. The unthreaded shaft elements can be arranged between the threaded shaft elements in a repeating or non-repeating pattern. The shaft elements can all be the same size (e.g., three shaft elements each making up approximately one-third of a cylinder) or can be different sizes relative to the other shaft elements.

[0035] The fasteners described herein offer numerous advantages. A fastener with a uniformly expanding diameter along the length of the shaft end eliminates the need to design an opening for the fastener (e.g., when the fastener is used temporarily). This allows the fastener design to be compatible with a variety of openings, including blind threaded holes, threaded through holes, countersunk holes, counterbore holes, and shallow counterbore holes. Furthermore, the fastener design can be used with locking thread inserts (e.g., Heli-Coil® and Keensert® inserts) without wearing out the locking feature. A fastener that does not require rotation to insert into a threaded opening prevents wear on both the opening and fastener threads and maintains workpiece alignment. Finally, the fastener can be actuated in a variety of ways, providing high adaptability during use.

[0036] Discussion of Possible Embodiments The following is a non-exclusive description of possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] The fastener that engages the threaded opening includes first and second shaft elements, an internal alignment shaft, a releasable tightening mechanism, a releasable expansion mechanism, and a cap. The first shaft element extends along the shaft axis from the first cap end to the first shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element extends along the shaft axis from the second cap end to the second shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element is arranged side-by-side and parallel to the first shaft element. The internal alignment shaft extends along the shaft axis and is surrounded by a central cavity. The first shaft element and the second shaft element are oriented around the central cavity, which is defined by a first inner surface of the first shaft element and a second inner surface of the second shaft element. The releasable tightening mechanism is configured to tighten around the first shaft element and the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft. The releasable expansion mechanism is configured to allow the first and second shaft elements to move laterally outward away from the internal alignment shaft. The cap is configured to move axially along the shaft axis and to engage the first cap end of the first shaft element and the second cap end of the second shaft element to allow the first and second shaft elements to move axially relative to the internal alignment shaft. At least a portion of at least one of the first and second shaft ends includes external threads.

[0038] The fastener of the preceding paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components in addition and / or alternatively.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a fastener for engaging a threaded opening includes, among other things, first and second shaft elements, an internal alignment shaft, a releasable tightening mechanism, a releasable expansion mechanism, and a cap. The first shaft element extends along a shaft axis from the first cap end to the first shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element extends along the shaft axis from the second cap end to the second shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element is disposed side-by-side and parallel to the first shaft element. The internal alignment shaft extends along the shaft axis and is surrounded by a central cavity. The first shaft element and the second shaft element are oriented around the central cavity, the central cavity being defined by a first inner surface of the first shaft element and a second inner surface of the second shaft element. The releasable tightening mechanism is configured to tighten around the first shaft element and the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft. The releasable expansion mechanism is configured to allow the first and second shaft elements to move laterally outward away from the internal alignment shaft. The cap is configured to move axially along the shaft axis and to engage the first cap end of the first shaft element and the second cap end of the second shaft element to allow the first and second shaft elements to move axially relative to the internal alignment shaft. At least a portion of at least one of the first and second shaft ends includes external threads.

[0040] In a further embodiment of the aforementioned fastener, the internal alignment shaft comprises two tapered sections oriented along a central body of the internal alignment shaft, the tapered sections guiding lateral movement of the first shaft element and the second shaft element relative to the internal alignment shaft.

[0041] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing fasteners, the two tapered portions are generally conical.

[0042] In a further embodiment of any of the aforementioned fasteners, the internal alignment shaft further comprises a crossbar oriented perpendicular to the central body, the crossbar configured to axially and laterally engage the first shaft element and the second shaft element via the first slot in the first shaft element and the second slot in the second shaft element.

[0043] A further embodiment of any of the aforementioned fasteners further comprises a housing surrounding the first cap end and the second cap end and extending along the shaft axis to the first shaft end and the second shaft end, the housing configured to house the caps.

[0044] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing fasteners, the cap and housing are configured to be actuated with pliers.

[0045] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing fasteners, the first shaft end comprises a threaded portion and the second shaft end comprises an unthreaded portion.

[0046] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing fasteners further comprises a locking mechanism.

[0047] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing fasteners, the locking mechanism comprises one of a thumb screw and a hex nut.

[0048] In a further embodiment of any of the aforementioned fasteners, the releasable tightening mechanism comprises one or more radial springs positioned radially outward from the first shaft element and the second shaft element relative to the shaft axis, and the releasable expansion mechanism comprises one or more compression springs positioned radially outward from the one or more radial springs relative to the shaft axis.

[0049] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing fasteners, the fastener is configured for manual actuation.

[0050] The fastener that engages the threaded opening includes first and second shaft elements, an internal alignment shaft, at least one radial spring, at least one compression spring, a cap, and a housing. The first shaft element extends along the shaft axis from the first cap end to the first threaded end and has a partially cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the first threaded end has external threads. The second shaft element extends along the shaft axis from the second cap end to the second threaded end and has a partially cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the second threaded end has external threads. The second shaft element is arranged side-by-side and parallel to the first shaft element. The internal alignment shaft extends along the shaft axis and is surrounded by a central cavity. The first shaft element and the second shaft element are oriented around the central cavity, the central cavity being defined by a first inner surface of the first shaft element and a second inner surface of the second shaft element. The at least one radial spring is configured to tighten around the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft. The at least one compression spring is configured to allow the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move laterally outward away from the internal alignment shaft. The cap is configured to move axially along the shaft axis and engages the first cap end of the first shaft element and the second cap end of the second shaft element to move axially relative to the internal alignment shaft. The housing surrounds the first cap end and the second cap end, extends along the shaft axis to the first threaded end and the second threaded end, and is configured to house the cap.

[0051] The fastener of the preceding paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components in addition and / or alternatively.

[0052] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a fastener for engaging a threaded opening includes, among other components, first and second shaft elements, an internal alignment shaft, at least one radial spring, at least one compression spring, a cap, and a housing. The first shaft element extends along a shaft axis from a first cap end to a first threaded end and has a partially cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the first threaded end includes external threads. The second shaft element extends along the shaft axis from a second cap end to a second threaded end and has a partially cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the second threaded end includes external threads. The second shaft element is disposed side-by-side and parallel to the first shaft element. The internal alignment shaft extends along the shaft axis and is surrounded by a central cavity. The first shaft element and the second shaft element are oriented around the central cavity, the central cavity being defined by a first inner surface of the first shaft element and a second inner surface of the second shaft element. The at least one radial spring is configured to tighten around the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft. The at least one compression spring is configured to allow the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move laterally outward away from the internal alignment shaft. The cap is configured to move axially along the shaft axis and engages the first cap end of the first shaft element and the second cap end of the second shaft element to move axially relative to the internal alignment shaft. The housing surrounds the first cap end and the second cap end, extends along the shaft axis to the first threaded end and the second threaded end, and is configured to house the cap.

[0053] A method for fastening a first workpiece to a second workpiece includes depressing a cap of a fastener, thereby engaging a first cap end of a first shaft element of the fastener with a second cap end of a second shaft element of the fastener. The first shaft element extends from the first cap end to the first shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element extends from the second cap end to the second shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape and is disposed alongside and parallel to the first shaft element. At least a portion of at least one of the first shaft end and the second shaft end includes external threads. The first shaft element and the second shaft element move along a tapered portion of an internal alignment shaft of the fastener. The tapered portion guides lateral and axial movement of the first shaft element and the second shaft element relative to the internal alignment shaft, relative to a shaft axis along which the first shaft element, the second shaft element, and the internal alignment shaft extend. The releasable clamping mechanism clamps the first and second shaft elements, allowing the first and second shaft elements to move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft while guided by the tapered portion of the internal alignment shaft. The first and second shaft ends pass through a first opening in the first workpiece and are inserted into a second opening in a second workpiece positioned adjacent to the first opening. The cap is released, thereby disengaging the first and second cap ends. The releasable expansion mechanism allows the first shaft element to move laterally away from the second shaft element while guided by the tapered portion of the internal alignment shaft. At least a portion of at least one of the first and second shaft ends, which has external threads, engages with threads in the second opening.

[0054] The method of the preceding paragraph may optionally include, in addition and / or in the alternative, any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components.

[0055] A method for fastening a first workpiece to a second workpiece according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes, among other things, depressing a cap of a fastener to thereby engage a first cap end of a first shaft element of the fastener with a second cap end of a second shaft element of the fastener. The first shaft element extends from the first cap end to the first shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape. The second shaft element extends from the second cap end to the second shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape and is disposed alongside and parallel to the first shaft element. At least a portion of at least one of the first shaft end and the second shaft end includes external threads. The first shaft element and the second shaft element move along a tapered portion of an internal alignment shaft of the fastener. The tapered portion guides lateral and axial movement of the first shaft element and the second shaft element relative to the internal alignment shaft, relative to a shaft axis along which the first shaft element, the second shaft element, and the internal alignment shaft extend. The releasable clamping mechanism clamps the first and second shaft elements, allowing the first and second shaft elements to move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft while guided by the tapered portion of the internal alignment shaft. The first and second shaft ends pass through a first opening in the first workpiece and are inserted into a second opening in a second workpiece positioned adjacent to the first opening. The cap is released, thereby disengaging the first and second cap ends. The releasable expansion mechanism allows the first shaft element to move laterally away from the second shaft element while guided by the tapered portion of the internal alignment shaft. At least a portion of at least one of the first and second shaft ends, which has external threads, engages with threads in the second opening.

[0056] A further embodiment of the above method further includes locking the fasteners within the first opening and the second opening with a locking mechanism.

[0057] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the locking mechanism is a hex nut, and locking the fastener includes tightening the locking mechanism in a threaded cap opening disposed within the cap such that the locking mechanism abuts the internal alignment shaft.

[0058] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, tightening the locking mechanism comprises hand-tightening the locking mechanism.

[0059] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, depressing the cap of the fastener includes depressing the cap with a Cleco-style pliers.

[0060] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, depressing the cap of the fastener includes manually depressing the cap.

[0061] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods further includes depressing a cap of the fastener to disengage the threads in the second opening.

[0062] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods further includes removing the fastener from the first opening and the second opening.

[0063] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiment(s), those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but rather that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A fastener for engaging a threaded opening, comprising: a first shaft element extending along the shaft axis from the first cap end to the first shaft end and having a partially cylindrical shape; a second shaft element having a partially cylindrical shape, the second shaft element extending along the shaft axis from the second cap end to the second shaft end, the second shaft element being disposed alongside and parallel to the first shaft element; an internal alignment shaft extending along the shaft axis and surrounded by a central cavity, the first shaft element and the second shaft element being oriented around the central cavity, the central cavity being defined by a first inner surface of the first shaft element and a second inner surface of the second shaft element; a releasable clamping mechanism configured to clamp around the first shaft element and the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft; a releasable expansion mechanism configured to allow the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move laterally outward away from the internal alignment shaft; a cap configured to move axially along the shaft axis and further configured to engage the first cap end of the first shaft element and the second cap end of the second shaft element to allow the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move axially relative to the internal alignment shaft; and Equipped with At least a portion of at least one of the first shaft end and the second shaft end includes external threads. fastener.

2. 2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the internal alignment shaft comprises two tapered sections oriented along a central body of the internal alignment shaft, the tapered sections guiding lateral movement of the first shaft element and the second shaft element relative to the internal alignment shaft.

3. 3. The fastener of claim 2, wherein said two tapered portions are generally conical in shape.

4. 3. The fastener of claim 2, wherein the internal alignment shaft further comprises a crossbar oriented perpendicular to the central body, the crossbar configured to axially and laterally engage the first and second shaft elements through a first slot in the first shaft element and a second slot in the second shaft element.

5. 2. The fastener of claim 1, further comprising a housing surrounding the first cap end and the second cap end, extending along the shaft axis to the first shaft end and the second shaft end, and configured to house the caps.

6. The fastener of claim 5 , wherein said cap and said housing are configured to be actuated by pliers.

7. The fastener of claim 1 , wherein said first shaft end comprises a threaded portion and said second shaft end comprises an unthreaded portion.

8. The fastener of claim 1 further comprising a locking mechanism.

9. The fastener of claim 8 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises one of a thumb screw and a hex nut.

10. 2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the releasable tightening mechanism comprises one or more radial springs positioned radially outward from the first shaft element and the second shaft element relative to the shaft axis, and the releasable expansion mechanism comprises one or more compression springs positioned radially outward from the one or more radial springs relative to the shaft axis.

11. The fastener of claim 10 , wherein the fastener is configured for manual actuation.

12. 1. A fastener for engaging a threaded opening, comprising: a first shaft element having a partially cylindrical shape extending along a shaft axis from a first cap end to a first threaded end, at least a portion of the first threaded end including external threads; a second shaft element having a partially cylindrical shape and extending along the shaft axis from a second cap end to a second threaded end, at least a portion of the second threaded end including external threads, the second shaft element being disposed alongside and parallel to the first shaft element; an internal alignment shaft extending along the shaft axis and surrounded by a central cavity, the first shaft element and the second shaft element being oriented around the central cavity, the central cavity being defined by a first inner surface of the first shaft element and a second inner surface of the second shaft element; at least one radial spring configured to tighten around the first shaft element and the second shaft element such that the first shaft element and the second shaft element move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft; at least one compression spring configured to allow the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move laterally outwardly away from the internal alignment shaft; a cap configured to move axially along the shaft axis and further configured to engage the first cap end of the first shaft element and the second cap end of the second shaft element to allow the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move axially relative to the internal alignment shaft; and a housing surrounding the first cap end and the second cap end and extending along the shaft axis to the first threaded end and the second threaded end, the housing configured to receive the cap; A zipper.

13. 1. A method of fastening a first workpiece to a second workpiece, comprising: depressing a cap of the fastener, thereby engaging a first cap end of a first shaft element of the fastener with a second cap end of a second shaft element of the fastener; the first shaft element extends from the first cap end to a first shaft end and has a partially cylindrical shape; the second shaft element extends from the second cap end to a second shaft end, has a partially cylindrical shape, and is disposed alongside and parallel to the first shaft element; At least a portion of at least one of the first shaft end and the second shaft end includes external threads. said depressing; moving the first shaft element and the second shaft element along a tapered portion of an internal alignment shaft of the fastener, the tapered portion guiding the movement of the first shaft element and the second shaft element in both a lateral direction and an axial direction relative to the internal alignment shaft, with respect to a shaft axis along which the first shaft element, the second shaft element, and the internal alignment shaft extend; clamping the first shaft element and the second shaft element with a releasable clamping mechanism, causing the first shaft element and the second shaft element to move laterally inward toward the internal alignment shaft while being guided by the tapered portion of the internal alignment shaft; inserting the first shaft end and the second shaft end through a first opening in the first workpiece and into a second opening in the second workpiece disposed adjacent to the first opening; Releasing the cap, thereby disengaging the first cap end and the second cap end; a releasable expansion mechanism allowing the first shaft element to move laterally away from the second shaft element while being guided by the tapered portion of the internal alignment shaft; engaging threads in the second opening with at least a portion of at least one of the first shaft end and the second shaft end, the shaft end including external threads; A method comprising:

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising locking the fasteners within the first and second openings with a locking mechanism.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the locking mechanism is a hex nut, and locking the fastener comprises tightening the locking mechanism in a threaded cap opening disposed within the cap such that the locking mechanism abuts the internal alignment shaft.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein tightening the locking mechanism comprises hand-tightening the locking mechanism.

17. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein depressing the cap of the fastener includes depressing the cap with a Cleco style pliers.

18. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein depressing the cap of the fastener comprises manually depressing the cap.

19. The method of claim 13 further comprising depressing the cap of the fastener to disengage the threads in the second opening.

20. The method of claim 13 further comprising removing the fastener from the first opening and the second opening.

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