Push pin fastener

Details Push pin fastener Push pin fastener

2000-05-10

2001-08-14

Wilson, Neill (Department: 3627)

Expanded, threaded, driven, headed, tool-deformed, or locked-thr

Having separate expander means

Including sleeve and distinct tapered expander

C411S060100, C411S072000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06273656

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to fasteners. More particularly, the present invention relates to a push pin fastener having an expandable body portion.
2. Discussion
Rivet fasteners exist in many shapes and sizes as is well known in the art. Rivets are typically used to join two or more objects by providing two retaining ends connected by a shaft which provides a clamp load connecting the respective objects. Rivets generally do not provide a significant amount of axial retention. Rather the retention ability of a rivet is supplied from the clamp force generated by the rivet ends.
A Christmas tree type fastener is also well known in the art. A Christmas tree fastener provides a series of fins capable of different levels of axial retention and grip abilities. The fins of a Christmas tree type fastener typically flex inward during application and retract outward once inserted, thereby creating an axial force which holds the respective members together. The amount of axial force a Christmas tree type fastener provides is predetermined by the fin characteristics. Once a Christmas tree type fastener is fully inserted, the fins cannot be influenced to increase the axial force and gripping ability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a fastener which combines the clamp load abilities of a blind rivet with the retention grip range of a Christmas tree type fastener.
It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a fastener having a body portion containing a series of annular fins and a pin portion to be inserted through an aperture of the body portion thereby extending the fins and providing increased retention.
It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide a fastener simple in structure, inexpensive to manufacture and durable to use.
In one form, the present invention provides a fastener including an upper retaining portion, a body and a pin. The upper retaining portion has an aperture. The body has first and second side portions. The first and second side portions have first and second ends. The first ends of the first and second side portions are coupled to a surface of the upper retaining portion on opposite sides of the aperture and extending in a direction away from the surface of the upper retaining portion. The first and second side portions having a plurality of branch portions coupled to an outer surface of the respective first and second side portions. The pin has a top and an insertion portion. The insertion portion is adapted to be inserted through the aperture of the upper retaining portion, thereby expanding the body in outward directions.


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patent: 5921510 (1999-07-01), Benoit et al.
patent: 5929382 (1999-07-01), Moore et al.

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