Expanded – threaded – driven – headed – tool-deformed – or locked-thr – Headed fastener element with nut – washer – securing means or cap – Cap over the head
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-10
2001-12-11
Saether, Flemming (Department: 3627)
Expanded, threaded, driven, headed, tool-deformed, or locked-thr
Headed fastener element with nut, washer, securing means or cap
Cap over the head
C411S372500, C411S910000, C403S011000, C403S315000, C464S052000, C074S012000, C074S60600R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06328514
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for preventing disconnection of couplings, and more particularly to preventing disconnection of an odometer cable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is often desirable for business concerns that rent automobiles and charge “by the mile” to know how many miles a rented automobile has traveled. This is typically done by noting the odometer reading at the beginning and end of a trip. However, disconnection of the odometer cable from either the transmission end or the odometer end permits driving of the automobile without indication on the odometer.
In order to prevent disconnection of the odometer cable, locks and security devices have been devised. Prior disconnection prevention devices are often complex and very difficult to install or remove. Removal often requires destroying the device using a saw or the like. Other prior disconnection devices, on the other hand, are easily removable by readily available tools.
A need exists for an odometer cable disconnection prevention device that is simple in design and easy to install and remove with the proper, non-readily available tools.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for preventing disconnection of a coupling. The device includes a main body portion having defined therein a fastener chamber and an opening in communication with the fastener chamber. The opening is located above the fastener chamber.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for preventing disconnection of a coupling that includes a main body portion, a pair of tines and a pair of webs. The main body portion has a surface in which is defined a cut-out portion. The main body portion also has a top section and a bottom section. Within the main body portion are defined a fastener chamber and an opening. The fastener chamber is adapted to receive an internally threaded head of a threaded fastener. The opening is located above the fastener chamber and coaxial therewith, and has an upper portion and a lower portion that communicates the upper portion with the fastener chamber. The upper portion has a larger diameter than the lower portion. The pair of tines extend in fixed spatial relation laterally from the bottom section of the main body portion. The pair of webs each extend from the main body portion to one of the pair of tines.
In acordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for preventing disconnection of a coupling. The device includes a main body portion, a pair of tines and a pair of webs. The main body portion has defined therein a fastener chamber adapted to receive an internally threaded head of a threaded fastener, and an opening located above and in communication with the fastener chamber and coaxial therewith. The opening is adapted to receive a shank of a threaded fastener. The pair of tines extends in fixed spatial relation laterally from the main body portion. The pair of webs each extend from the main body portion to one of the pair of tines.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preventing disconnection of a coupling, such as an odometer coupling. The system includes a device for preventing disconnection of a coupling as described herein, a first threaded fastener having a head and a shank, and a second threaded fastener having an internally threaded head. The fastener chamber receives the internally threaded head of the second threaded fastener, the upper portion of the opening receives the head of the first threaded fastener, and the shank of the first threaded fastener extends through the lower portion of the opening and is threadedly received by the internally threaded head of the second threaded fastener.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of preventing disconnection of a coupling having a retention member, the retention member having defined therein an opening. The method includes the steps of providing a device as described herein; extending a first threaded fastener, having an internally threaded head, through the opening of the retention member and threadedly engaging the first threaded fastener with a threaded opening coaxial with the opening of the retention member; and engaging a second threaded fastener within the opening in the device and within the internally threaded head of the first threaded fastener.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
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Jeffer Mangels Butler & Marmaro LLP
Saether Flemming
U-Haul International Inc.
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