Expanded – threaded – driven – headed – tool-deformed – or locked-thr – Headed fastener element with nut – washer – securing means or cap – Metallic resilient securing means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-19
2001-01-16
Saether, Flemming (Department: 3627)
Expanded, threaded, driven, headed, tool-deformed, or locked-thr
Headed fastener element with nut, washer, securing means or cap
Metallic resilient securing means
C411S107000, C411S999000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06174118
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The disclosures herein relate generally to fastener retainers and more particularly to a replaceable fastener device for retaining a threaded fastener which has been separated from a threaded receiver.
Threaded fasteners have many uses including the interconnection of parts such as cable housings and the like. One such housing is a fiber optic cable splice closure, including a cover member, and a base member, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,979. In this application, bolts extend through the cover member and engage a threaded receiver in the base member in order to secure the cover to the base. When the cover is to be removed, the bolts are disengaged from their threaded receivers. Once disengaged, the bolts are subject to falling out of the cover. As a result, when the cover is to be re-attached to the base, one or more of the bolts may not be within reach and must be retrieved. This is especially difficult in the case of a pole mounted closure because the cover may be mounted several feet above the ground surface, making retrieval of the bolts both difficult and time consuming.
Many retainer devices have been developed for the purpose of retaining a bolt or other fastener device, when that device is disengaged from its respective threaded receiver. Some of these devices are not suitable for use in cable splice closures either because they are not sturdy and do not have a suitable life expectancy, or cannot withstand the effects of environmental elements, or in the event of failure, are not replaceable.
Therefore, what is needed is a fastener retention device which is sturdy enough to be reliable and have extended life expectancy, which is replaceable in the event of damage or failure, and which is suitable for use in an outdoor environment substantially unaffected by environmental elements.
SUMMARY
One embodiment accordingly, provides a replaceable fastening retainer for retaining a fastener in a housing, permitting the fastener to move axially within the retainer and permitting the fastener and retainer to move relative to the housing for alignment purposes. To this end, a fastener retention device includes a housing having a retainer aperture formed therein and tab retainers adjacent the aperture. A resilient retainer is movably mounted in the aperture. The retainer includes a body having fastener gripping members for engaging and retaining the fastener.
A principal advantage of this embodiment is that the retainer snaps into a retainer housing and is removable and replaceable. In addition, the retainer is sturdy and resistant to damage from environmental elements. Furthermore, the retainer engaged with a fastener in the retainer housing is movable within the housing to permit the fastener to be aligned with a fastener receiver.
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Knox George J.
Markos Lazlo
Rebers Kenneth D.
Sanders, Jr. Franklin S.
3M Innovative Properties
Ball Alan
Fortkort John A.
Saether Flemming
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