US4616535A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tamper-proof threaded fastenings
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1985-07-11
•
Granted: 1986-10-14
•
Expires: 2005-07-11
Abstract
Abstract The fastening device has a head portion with a uniform cross section, the uniform cross section having a plurality of non-uniform indentations. A matching socket wrench is provided having an internal cross section matching the exterior cross section of the fastening for tightening or loosening the fastening. The invention is particularly useful for preventing unauthorized removal of automobile wheels.
Inventors
- 👤 Ezio R. Chiavon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 01:33
CPC Classifications
B; B25; B25B; B25B13/00; B25B13/48; B25B13/485; F; F16; F16B; F16B23/00; F16B23/0061; F16B41/00; F16B41/002; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S411/00; Y10S411/91
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
An anti-theft fastening device for securing an automobile wheel to a vehicle, said fastening device including a head portion defining a predetermined configuration on the outer periphery thereof adapted to complement the configuration of a tool for removing said head portion from an automobile wheel, and a cap removable mounted over said head portion to conceal said predetermined configuration defined on said head portion, the combined weight of said head portion and said cap being substantially equal in weight to the weight of conventional lug nuts mounted to said automobile wheel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
An anti-theft fastening device for securing an automobile wheel to a vehicle, said fastening device including a head portion defining a predetermined configuration on the outer periphery thereof adapted to complement the configuration of a tool for removing said head portion from an automobile wheel, and a cap removable mounted over said head portion to conceal said predetermined configuration defined on said head portion, the combined weight of said head portion and said cap being substantially equal in weight to the weight of conventional lug nuts mounted to said automobile wheel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cap is designed to resemble the configuration of said conventional lug nuts mounted to said automobile wheel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein screw threads are defined on at least part of the outer periphery of said head portion and on at least part of the inner surface of said cap for screwing said cap over said head portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said predetermined configuration on said head portion is defined by a plurality of indentations.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A fastening device as claimed in claim 4 wherein an odd number of at least three of said indentations are provided.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A fastening device as claimed in claim 5 wherein said indentations are non-uniform from one set of fastening devices to another.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A fastening device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said non-uniform indentations are non-uniform in the sense that the circumferential spacing of said indentations is non-uniform.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A fastening device as claimed in claims 6 wherein said non-uniform indentations are non-uniform in size.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
A fastening device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said non-uniform indentations are non-uniform in number.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
A fastening device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said non-uniform indentations are non-uniform in shape.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
A fastening device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said non-uniform indentations are non-uniform both in spacing and in size.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
A fastening device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said non-uniform indentations are non-uniform both in spacing and shape.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
A fastening device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said non-uniform indentations are comprised of grooves.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
A fastening device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said grooves have a substantially V-shaped cross section.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
A fastening device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said grooves have an arcuate cross section.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
45 words
A fastening device as claimed in claim 6 in combination with a socket wrench for engagement over the head of said fastening device and having radially inwardly extending protrusions arranged and adapted for engagement within said indentations in said head portion of said fastening device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
A fastening device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cap is metallic.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
13 words
A fastening device as claimed in claim 17 wherein said cap is aluminum.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
A fastening device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bottom of said head portion defines a radial flange having a larger diameter than that of said cap.
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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) | 1989-10-13 | 1990-04-14 | 1990-10-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-10-13 | 1994-04-14 | 1994-10-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-10-13 | 1998-04-14 | 1998-10-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |