US4376606A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Load-distributing washer for plastic members
Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
•
Filing: 1980-09-19
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Granted: 1983-03-15
•
Expires: 2000-09-19
Abstract
Abstract A specially designed washer for attaching a plastic member to a metal substrate. The washer has a generally polygonal configuration with a metal-substrate-engaging member which projects through the plastic from an off-center location. This member provides some dissipation of the clamp load through a metal-to-metal contact path through the plastic and also acts as a pivot point for the washer to transfer another component outwardly from the aperture in the plastic and distribute it over a wide surface area to reduce plastic creep and eliminate loosening of the joint. A crowning of the washer body dissipates additional clamp loading from the resulting spring forces.
Inventors
- 👤 Francis C. Peterson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 02:39
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16B; F16B43/00; F16B39/00; F16B39/22; F16B39/24; F16B2043/008; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/75
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
A device for clamping a resilient plastic member which has a plurality of bolt-receiving apertures to a metal substrate, said device comprising a resiliently deformable, generally polygonally shaped washer, a hole extending through the washer which has a diameter that is at least equal to that of the bolt, an extending collar portion surrounding at least a portion of the hole and projecting generally axially of the washer, said collar portion being received in at least part of one of the bolt-receiving apertures of the plastic member, a metal-substrate-engaging member located adjacent said hole, said metal-substrate-engaging member providing metal-to-metal clamp loading through the plastic member and being non-centrally located so as to act as a pivot for the washer whereby a large portion of the washer body is brought into engagement with the plastic member to distribute the clamping load over a broad surface to thereby substantially reduce joint loosening caused by plastic creep.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
154 words
A device for clamping a resilient plastic member which has a plurality of bolt-receiving apertures to a metal substrate, said device comprising a resiliently deformable, generally polygonally shaped washer, a hole extending through the washer which has a diameter that is at least equal to that of the bolt, an extending collar portion surrounding at least a portion of the hole and projecting generally axially of the washer, said collar portion being received in at least part of one of the bolt-receiving apertures of the plastic member, a metal-substrate-engaging member located adjacent said hole, said metal-substrate-engaging member providing metal-to-metal clamp loading through the plastic member and being non-centrally located so as to act as a pivot for the washer whereby a large portion of the washer body is brought into engagement with the plastic member to distribute the clamping load over a broad surface to thereby substantially reduce joint loosening caused by plastic creep.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the metal-substrate-engaging member comprises a lug which is integrally formed with the washer and projects through a second aperture in the plastic member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 2 wherein the integral metal-substrate-engaging member is located at an apex of the polygonal washer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the metal-substrate-engaging member comprises a separate pin which is force fit into a second aperture in the wheel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 4 wherein a flange of the washer engages said pin to transmit the pivotal forces to the washer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the collar portion has a length which is substantially equal to the thickness of the plastic member.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-03-14 | 1986-09-13 | 1987-03-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-03-14 | 1990-09-13 | 1991-03-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-03-14 | 1994-09-13 | 1995-03-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |