CA2685346A1 - Positive pressure fastening aid - Google Patents
Positive pressure fastening aid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2685346A1 CA2685346A1 CA 2685346 CA2685346A CA2685346A1 CA 2685346 A1 CA2685346 A1 CA 2685346A1 CA 2685346 CA2685346 CA 2685346 CA 2685346 A CA2685346 A CA 2685346A CA 2685346 A1 CA2685346 A1 CA 2685346A1
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- Prior art keywords
- anchor member
- projections
- drive
- fastener
- housing
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B31/00—Hand tools for applying fasteners
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B23/00—Details of, or accessories for, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers
- B25B23/02—Arrangements for handling screws or nuts
- B25B23/08—Arrangements for handling screws or nuts for holding or positioning screw or nut prior to or during its rotation
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Dowels (AREA)
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a device for installing a fastener in an anchor member, comprising a housing with a first end region and a second end region. The second end region is adapted to receive therethrough an elongate drive member for driving the fastener. The elongate drive member has a drive head for operably communicating with the fastener. The second end region has a plurality of gripping projections extending outwardly from the second end region for reversibly gripping the anchor member. The drive member is slidably mounted in the housing for travel between a drive head extended position and a drive head receded position relative to the gripping projections. A biasing member is located within the housing for biasing the drive member end toward the drive member end receded position.
Description
POSITIVE PRESSURE FASTENING AID
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
10001 The present invention relates to devices and methods for installing a fastener with an anchor member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Particularly in the automotive industry, 100021 y as well as other industries, it is often necessary to install an anchor member onto a work piece. This is commonly done, for instance, to mount a trim strip on a side panel of the vehicle. The anchor member, also known as a grommet, traditionally is installed in a first step into an aperture located in the side panel, followed by installing a bracket on the grommet. This is done by aligning a passageway in the bracket with the grommet. A fastener is then installed through the passageway in the bracket and received into the grommet.
(0003] The grommet is installed manually or with the aid of a specialized tool and then the fastener is installed using a separate tool, making the procedure relatively awkward and inconsistent. Furthermore, the grommet is prone to what is known as "outflow" wherein, following the initial installation of the grornmet, it can partially recede from its target position before the installation of a fastener, resulting in a poor fit of the bracket against the surface when the fastener is installed in a further step. It is therefore desirable to obviate or mitigate these disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE GENERAL INVENTIVE CONCEPT
100041 In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a device for installing a fastener in an anchor member. The device comprises a housing which has a first end region and a second end region. The second end region is adapted to receive therethrough an elongate drive member for driving the fastener.
The elongate drive member has a drive head for operably communicating with the fastener. The second end region has a plurality of gripping projections extending outwardly from the second end region for reversibly gripping the anchor member. The drive member is slidably mounted in the housing for travel between a drive head extended position and a drive head receded position relative to the gripping projections. A biasing member is located within the housing for biasing the drive member end toward the drive member end receded position.
100051 In some exemplary embodiments, the housing includes a central opening in the second end region and between the gripping projections. A sleeve is positioned centrally in the housing and includes a passageway. The passageway and central opening are aligned to receive the drive member therethrough.
100061 In some exemplary embodiments, the housing includes a pair of side wall portions. The sleeve is positioned by a pair of lateral support portions, with each extending inwardly from a corresponding side wall portion. In one example, the lateral support portions include set screws.
100071 Some exemplary embodiments further comprise a first flange portion coupled to the sleeve to engage the biasing member. The biasing member may be a coil spring acting between the first end region and the flange portion.
100081 In some exemplary embodiments, the projections include fingers extending beyond opposite sides of the central opening. The fingers may have remote end regions with engagement formations thereon to engage corresponding opposite sides of the anchor member. The fingers may include outer surface regions and be configured for the outer surface regions to engage corresponding inner surface regions on a bracket to be installed with the anchor member on the target surface. In this case, the outer surface regions may be planar and generally parallel.
[00091 In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a coupling assembly comprising a bracket portion mountable on a target surface. The bracket portion includes a central passage for alignment with an aperture on the target surface. The central passage is arranged to receive an anchor member therein. The bracket includes a cavity bounded by a pair of inner surface regions. The central passage is located at an inner boundary of the cavity. A mounting tool is also provided with a pair of projections with a corresponding pair of distal end regions configured to engage the anchor member. The mounting tool includes a drive portion with a drive head to receive a fastener thereon. The mounting tool is arranged to extend along the cavity with the projections locating the anchor member in an operative position adjacent the passage.
1000101 In some embodiments, the drive tool is configured to position a threaded fastener in a central hole in the anchor member, to mount the anchor member and the bracket on the target surface.
[000111 In still another exemplified embodiment, there is provided a method for securing an article against a work piece surface comprising:
a) providing an article with a central passage for alignment with an aperture on the target surface;
b) providing a tool with a housing, a drive member with a drive head end, and with the drive head extending through the housing; a pair of projections on opposite sides along a travel path of the drive head, the projections being configured to engage the article in regions peripheral to the central passage;
c) locating a fastener on the drive head;
d) aligning an anchor member with the article and the aperture;
e) delivering the projections into the passage to a preassembly position in which the projections engage the article , with the article against the target surface and aligned with the aperture; and f) displacing the drive head to deliver the fastener through the anchor member and the aperture to secure the article on the target surface.
[000121 In some exemplary embodiments, step e) includes:
g) engaging the anchor member with the projections.
[00013] In some exemplary embodiments, step e) includes, after step g), h) delivering the anchor member into the passage.
(00014( In some exemplary embodiments, step e) includes:
i) installing the anchor member in the aperture or in the article adjacent the aperture; and j) aligning the projections in the preassembly position with the anchor member.
1000151 In some exemplary embodiments, the article is a bracket.
1000161 In yet another exemplary embodiment, there is provided an automotive vehicle made according to the methods described herein.
(00017( In yet another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a device for inserting an anchor member into an aperture on a target surface and maintaining the anchor member in a desired position during installation of a fastener. The anchor member is adapted for receiving the fastener therein. The device comprises a housing which has a first end region and a second end region. The second end region is adapted to receive therethrough an elongate drive member for driving the fastener. The elongate drive member has a drive head for operably communicating with the fastener. The second end region has a plurality of gripping projections extending outwardly from the second end region for reversibly gripping the anchor member. The drive member is slidably mounted in the housing for travel between a drive head extended position and a drive head receded position relative to the gripping projections. A biasing member is located within the housing for biasing the drive member end toward the drive member end receded position.
1000181 In still another exemplified embodiment, there is provided a method for securing a mounting bracket against a work piece surface comprising:
-providing a bracket with a central passage for alignment with an aperture on the target surface;
- providing an anchor member to be aligned with the bracket and the aperture;
- providing a tool with a housing, a drive member with a drive head end, and with the drive head extending through the housing; a pair of projections on opposite sides along a-travel path of the drive head, the projections being configured to engage the bracket in regions peripheral to the central passage;
- locating a fastener on the drive head;
- delivering the anchor member and projections and anchor member into the passage to a preassembly position in which the anchor member is engaged with the projections and the bracket, with the bracket against the target surface and aligned with the aperture; and - displacing the drive head to deliver the fastener through the anchor member and the aperture to secure the anchor member and bracket on the target surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[000191 Several embodiments of the present invention will be provided, by way of examples only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
[000201 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device for inserting an anchor member;
[000211 Figures 2a to 2g are operational side views of the device of figure 1 in a first operation;
1000221 Figures 3a to 3f are operational side views of the device of figure 1 in a second operation;
[000231 Figures 4a to 4c are operational side views of the device of figure 1 in a first operation;
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[000241 It should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and "mounted," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical, other configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention. However, other alternative mechanical or other configurations are possible which are considered to be within the teachings of the instant disclosure.
1000251 Referring to the figures, there is provided a device 10 for inserting an anchor member 12 (figure 2a) into an aperture 14 on a target surface 16 and maintaining the anchor member 12 in a desired position during installation of a fastener 17 (figure 2e). The anchor member 12, as will be described, is adapted for receiving the fastener 17 therein and, in one example, is provided as a grommet 12. In this case, the target surface 16 may be provided on an automotive vehicle or other product.
1000261 The device 10 has a housing 18 with a first end region 20 and a second end region 22. The second end region 22 is adapted to receive therethrough, an elongate drive member 24 for driving the fastener 17.
The elongate drive member 24 has a drive head 26 for operably communicating with the fastener 17. A
plurality of gripping projections 28 extend outwardly from the second end region 22 for reversibly gripping the grommet 12. The drive member 24 is slidably mounted in the housing 18 for travel between a drive head extended position, as shown in figure 2g, and a drive head receded position, as shown in figure 2d, relative to the gripping projections 28. A biasing member 30 is also located within the housing I8 for biasing the drive head 24 toward the drive head receded position.
[00027) The housing 18 includes a central opening 32 in the second end region 22 and between the gripping projections 28. A sleeve 34 is positioned centrally in the housing 18 and includes a passageway, which is aligned with the central opening 32 to receive the drive member 24 therethrough.
[00028) The housing 18 includes a pair of side wall portions 18a and the sleeve 34 is positioned by way a pair of lateral support portions 38, each extending inwardly from a corresponding side wall portion 18a. In this case, the lateral support portions are provided in the form of set screws 38 held within corresponding passages in the side wall portion 18a.
1000291 The biasing member 30, in this case, is a coil spring 30 which is positioned between the first end region 20 and a flange portion 40 coupled to the sleeve 34, thus enabling the spring 30 to act between the first end region 20 and the flange portion 40.
1000301 The projections 28 are provided, in this case, in the form of fingers 28 which extend beyond opposite sides of the central opening 32. The fingers 28 have remote end regions 28a with engagement formations thereon to engage corresponding opposite sides of the anchor member 12. The engagement formations, in this case, are in the form of stepped corners 42, with an outer spacing between them which approximates the outer diameter of the anchor members 12. Other engagement formations may be employed, according to the shape and/or configuration of the grommet.
1000311 The fingers 28 include outer surface regions 44 and are configured for the outer surface regions 44 to engage corresponding inner surface regions 46a on a bracket 46 (as shown in figures 2a and 2b) to be installed with the anchor member 12 on the target surface 16. In this case, the outer surface regions 44 are planar and generally parallel.
1000321 The device 10 may be employed in different ways to deliver the anchor member 12 in an operative position against a target surface 16, for example on a vehicle chassis, or other work piece. First, a fastener 17 may be installed on the drive head 26 as shown in figure 2e. The anchor member 12 and the projections 28 may then be delivered into a passage 48 on the bracket 46 and placed in a preassembly position in which the anchor member 12 is engaged with the stepped corners 42 and the bracket 46, with the bracket 46 against the target surface 16 and aligned with the aperture 14. The drive head 26 may then be displaced to deliver the fastener 17 through the anchor member 12 and the aperture 14 to secure the anchor member 12 and bracket 46 on the target surface 16.
1000331 One variation of this method is shown in figures 2a to 2g. In this case, the anchor member 12 is located first in the aperture 14 on the target surface 16 as shown in figures 2a to 2c. Next, a fastener 17 is positioned on the drive head 26 as shown in figure 2e and the projections 28 are oriented to fit in the passage 48 until contact is made between the stepped corners 42 and the outer periphery of the anchor member 12. The engagement between the projections 28 and the inner surface regions 46a of the passages thus provide alignment for the fastener 17 and the anchor member 12. Further, the stepped corners 42 allow for alignment of the anchor member 12 and the bracket 46. With the alignment of the fastener 17, the anchor member 12 and the bracket 46, the drive head 26 may be driven by a drive tool to deliver the fastener 17 through the anchor member 12 and into the aperture 14. The device 10 may then be removed.
1000341 Another variation is shown in figures 3a to 3f. In this case, the anchor member 12 is located below the bracket 46 and already in the aperture 14 on the target surface 16.
A fastener 17 is positioned on the drive head 26 and the projections 28 are oriented to fit in the passage 48 of the bracket 46 until contact is made between the stepped comers 42 and an inner boundary wall 46b on the bracket 46, thus aligning for the fastener 17 with the bracket 46. The bracket 46 may then be aligned with the aperture 14. With the alignment of the fastener 17, the anchor member 12 and the bracket 46, the drive head 26 may be driven by a drive tool to deliver the fastener 17 through the anchor member 12 and into the aperture 14. The device may then be removed.
100035] Still another variation is shown in figures 4a to 4c. In this case, a fastener 17 is positioned on the drive head 26 and the anchor member 12 is located in the stepped corners 42 of the projections 28. Next, projections 28 are oriented to fit in the passage 48 until contact is made with the inner boundary wall of the bracket 46. With the alignment of the fastener 17, the anchor member 12 and the bracket 46, the drive head 26 may be driven by a drive tool to deliver the fastener 17 through the anchor member 12 and into the aperture 14. The device 10 may then be removed.
1000361 Thus, in one example, the device 10 provides a positive pressure fastening aid enabling a fastener and a clip bracket to be installed simultaneously. The device may be attached to any fastener installation tool's drive (such as those with square, hex or other configurations). The device is made to either hold an object stationary while installing a fastener or to lock a clip or bracket into place while installing a fastener.
When the device is held to attain an object without pressure, the fastener will not engage the object. Once pressure is induced, the fastener will engage the object depending on the amount of pressure exerted. The amount of pressure may be adjusted within the body of the device.
HON.-PPFA/CDA 8 1000371 Thus, in one example, the device 10 provides an effective tool for employing a grommet or other anchor member, together with a fastener, to install a bracket or other article on a target surface of a work piece, such as an automotive vehicle, by utilizing interactions between gripping projections and the anchor member, the gripping projections and the article, along with the drive head and the fastener.
1000381 While the device 10 is described hereinabove for use in mounting a bracket to a target surface, the device may be used for installing articles other than brackets.
1000391 Those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof of parts noted herein. While the positive pressure fastening aid device 10 has been described for what are presently considered the exemplary embodiments, the invention is not so limited. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
10001 The present invention relates to devices and methods for installing a fastener with an anchor member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Particularly in the automotive industry, 100021 y as well as other industries, it is often necessary to install an anchor member onto a work piece. This is commonly done, for instance, to mount a trim strip on a side panel of the vehicle. The anchor member, also known as a grommet, traditionally is installed in a first step into an aperture located in the side panel, followed by installing a bracket on the grommet. This is done by aligning a passageway in the bracket with the grommet. A fastener is then installed through the passageway in the bracket and received into the grommet.
(0003] The grommet is installed manually or with the aid of a specialized tool and then the fastener is installed using a separate tool, making the procedure relatively awkward and inconsistent. Furthermore, the grommet is prone to what is known as "outflow" wherein, following the initial installation of the grornmet, it can partially recede from its target position before the installation of a fastener, resulting in a poor fit of the bracket against the surface when the fastener is installed in a further step. It is therefore desirable to obviate or mitigate these disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE GENERAL INVENTIVE CONCEPT
100041 In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a device for installing a fastener in an anchor member. The device comprises a housing which has a first end region and a second end region. The second end region is adapted to receive therethrough an elongate drive member for driving the fastener.
The elongate drive member has a drive head for operably communicating with the fastener. The second end region has a plurality of gripping projections extending outwardly from the second end region for reversibly gripping the anchor member. The drive member is slidably mounted in the housing for travel between a drive head extended position and a drive head receded position relative to the gripping projections. A biasing member is located within the housing for biasing the drive member end toward the drive member end receded position.
100051 In some exemplary embodiments, the housing includes a central opening in the second end region and between the gripping projections. A sleeve is positioned centrally in the housing and includes a passageway. The passageway and central opening are aligned to receive the drive member therethrough.
100061 In some exemplary embodiments, the housing includes a pair of side wall portions. The sleeve is positioned by a pair of lateral support portions, with each extending inwardly from a corresponding side wall portion. In one example, the lateral support portions include set screws.
100071 Some exemplary embodiments further comprise a first flange portion coupled to the sleeve to engage the biasing member. The biasing member may be a coil spring acting between the first end region and the flange portion.
100081 In some exemplary embodiments, the projections include fingers extending beyond opposite sides of the central opening. The fingers may have remote end regions with engagement formations thereon to engage corresponding opposite sides of the anchor member. The fingers may include outer surface regions and be configured for the outer surface regions to engage corresponding inner surface regions on a bracket to be installed with the anchor member on the target surface. In this case, the outer surface regions may be planar and generally parallel.
[00091 In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a coupling assembly comprising a bracket portion mountable on a target surface. The bracket portion includes a central passage for alignment with an aperture on the target surface. The central passage is arranged to receive an anchor member therein. The bracket includes a cavity bounded by a pair of inner surface regions. The central passage is located at an inner boundary of the cavity. A mounting tool is also provided with a pair of projections with a corresponding pair of distal end regions configured to engage the anchor member. The mounting tool includes a drive portion with a drive head to receive a fastener thereon. The mounting tool is arranged to extend along the cavity with the projections locating the anchor member in an operative position adjacent the passage.
1000101 In some embodiments, the drive tool is configured to position a threaded fastener in a central hole in the anchor member, to mount the anchor member and the bracket on the target surface.
[000111 In still another exemplified embodiment, there is provided a method for securing an article against a work piece surface comprising:
a) providing an article with a central passage for alignment with an aperture on the target surface;
b) providing a tool with a housing, a drive member with a drive head end, and with the drive head extending through the housing; a pair of projections on opposite sides along a travel path of the drive head, the projections being configured to engage the article in regions peripheral to the central passage;
c) locating a fastener on the drive head;
d) aligning an anchor member with the article and the aperture;
e) delivering the projections into the passage to a preassembly position in which the projections engage the article , with the article against the target surface and aligned with the aperture; and f) displacing the drive head to deliver the fastener through the anchor member and the aperture to secure the article on the target surface.
[000121 In some exemplary embodiments, step e) includes:
g) engaging the anchor member with the projections.
[00013] In some exemplary embodiments, step e) includes, after step g), h) delivering the anchor member into the passage.
(00014( In some exemplary embodiments, step e) includes:
i) installing the anchor member in the aperture or in the article adjacent the aperture; and j) aligning the projections in the preassembly position with the anchor member.
1000151 In some exemplary embodiments, the article is a bracket.
1000161 In yet another exemplary embodiment, there is provided an automotive vehicle made according to the methods described herein.
(00017( In yet another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a device for inserting an anchor member into an aperture on a target surface and maintaining the anchor member in a desired position during installation of a fastener. The anchor member is adapted for receiving the fastener therein. The device comprises a housing which has a first end region and a second end region. The second end region is adapted to receive therethrough an elongate drive member for driving the fastener. The elongate drive member has a drive head for operably communicating with the fastener. The second end region has a plurality of gripping projections extending outwardly from the second end region for reversibly gripping the anchor member. The drive member is slidably mounted in the housing for travel between a drive head extended position and a drive head receded position relative to the gripping projections. A biasing member is located within the housing for biasing the drive member end toward the drive member end receded position.
1000181 In still another exemplified embodiment, there is provided a method for securing a mounting bracket against a work piece surface comprising:
-providing a bracket with a central passage for alignment with an aperture on the target surface;
- providing an anchor member to be aligned with the bracket and the aperture;
- providing a tool with a housing, a drive member with a drive head end, and with the drive head extending through the housing; a pair of projections on opposite sides along a-travel path of the drive head, the projections being configured to engage the bracket in regions peripheral to the central passage;
- locating a fastener on the drive head;
- delivering the anchor member and projections and anchor member into the passage to a preassembly position in which the anchor member is engaged with the projections and the bracket, with the bracket against the target surface and aligned with the aperture; and - displacing the drive head to deliver the fastener through the anchor member and the aperture to secure the anchor member and bracket on the target surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[000191 Several embodiments of the present invention will be provided, by way of examples only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
[000201 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device for inserting an anchor member;
[000211 Figures 2a to 2g are operational side views of the device of figure 1 in a first operation;
1000221 Figures 3a to 3f are operational side views of the device of figure 1 in a second operation;
[000231 Figures 4a to 4c are operational side views of the device of figure 1 in a first operation;
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[000241 It should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and "mounted," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical, other configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention. However, other alternative mechanical or other configurations are possible which are considered to be within the teachings of the instant disclosure.
1000251 Referring to the figures, there is provided a device 10 for inserting an anchor member 12 (figure 2a) into an aperture 14 on a target surface 16 and maintaining the anchor member 12 in a desired position during installation of a fastener 17 (figure 2e). The anchor member 12, as will be described, is adapted for receiving the fastener 17 therein and, in one example, is provided as a grommet 12. In this case, the target surface 16 may be provided on an automotive vehicle or other product.
1000261 The device 10 has a housing 18 with a first end region 20 and a second end region 22. The second end region 22 is adapted to receive therethrough, an elongate drive member 24 for driving the fastener 17.
The elongate drive member 24 has a drive head 26 for operably communicating with the fastener 17. A
plurality of gripping projections 28 extend outwardly from the second end region 22 for reversibly gripping the grommet 12. The drive member 24 is slidably mounted in the housing 18 for travel between a drive head extended position, as shown in figure 2g, and a drive head receded position, as shown in figure 2d, relative to the gripping projections 28. A biasing member 30 is also located within the housing I8 for biasing the drive head 24 toward the drive head receded position.
[00027) The housing 18 includes a central opening 32 in the second end region 22 and between the gripping projections 28. A sleeve 34 is positioned centrally in the housing 18 and includes a passageway, which is aligned with the central opening 32 to receive the drive member 24 therethrough.
[00028) The housing 18 includes a pair of side wall portions 18a and the sleeve 34 is positioned by way a pair of lateral support portions 38, each extending inwardly from a corresponding side wall portion 18a. In this case, the lateral support portions are provided in the form of set screws 38 held within corresponding passages in the side wall portion 18a.
1000291 The biasing member 30, in this case, is a coil spring 30 which is positioned between the first end region 20 and a flange portion 40 coupled to the sleeve 34, thus enabling the spring 30 to act between the first end region 20 and the flange portion 40.
1000301 The projections 28 are provided, in this case, in the form of fingers 28 which extend beyond opposite sides of the central opening 32. The fingers 28 have remote end regions 28a with engagement formations thereon to engage corresponding opposite sides of the anchor member 12. The engagement formations, in this case, are in the form of stepped corners 42, with an outer spacing between them which approximates the outer diameter of the anchor members 12. Other engagement formations may be employed, according to the shape and/or configuration of the grommet.
1000311 The fingers 28 include outer surface regions 44 and are configured for the outer surface regions 44 to engage corresponding inner surface regions 46a on a bracket 46 (as shown in figures 2a and 2b) to be installed with the anchor member 12 on the target surface 16. In this case, the outer surface regions 44 are planar and generally parallel.
1000321 The device 10 may be employed in different ways to deliver the anchor member 12 in an operative position against a target surface 16, for example on a vehicle chassis, or other work piece. First, a fastener 17 may be installed on the drive head 26 as shown in figure 2e. The anchor member 12 and the projections 28 may then be delivered into a passage 48 on the bracket 46 and placed in a preassembly position in which the anchor member 12 is engaged with the stepped corners 42 and the bracket 46, with the bracket 46 against the target surface 16 and aligned with the aperture 14. The drive head 26 may then be displaced to deliver the fastener 17 through the anchor member 12 and the aperture 14 to secure the anchor member 12 and bracket 46 on the target surface 16.
1000331 One variation of this method is shown in figures 2a to 2g. In this case, the anchor member 12 is located first in the aperture 14 on the target surface 16 as shown in figures 2a to 2c. Next, a fastener 17 is positioned on the drive head 26 as shown in figure 2e and the projections 28 are oriented to fit in the passage 48 until contact is made between the stepped corners 42 and the outer periphery of the anchor member 12. The engagement between the projections 28 and the inner surface regions 46a of the passages thus provide alignment for the fastener 17 and the anchor member 12. Further, the stepped corners 42 allow for alignment of the anchor member 12 and the bracket 46. With the alignment of the fastener 17, the anchor member 12 and the bracket 46, the drive head 26 may be driven by a drive tool to deliver the fastener 17 through the anchor member 12 and into the aperture 14. The device 10 may then be removed.
1000341 Another variation is shown in figures 3a to 3f. In this case, the anchor member 12 is located below the bracket 46 and already in the aperture 14 on the target surface 16.
A fastener 17 is positioned on the drive head 26 and the projections 28 are oriented to fit in the passage 48 of the bracket 46 until contact is made between the stepped comers 42 and an inner boundary wall 46b on the bracket 46, thus aligning for the fastener 17 with the bracket 46. The bracket 46 may then be aligned with the aperture 14. With the alignment of the fastener 17, the anchor member 12 and the bracket 46, the drive head 26 may be driven by a drive tool to deliver the fastener 17 through the anchor member 12 and into the aperture 14. The device may then be removed.
100035] Still another variation is shown in figures 4a to 4c. In this case, a fastener 17 is positioned on the drive head 26 and the anchor member 12 is located in the stepped corners 42 of the projections 28. Next, projections 28 are oriented to fit in the passage 48 until contact is made with the inner boundary wall of the bracket 46. With the alignment of the fastener 17, the anchor member 12 and the bracket 46, the drive head 26 may be driven by a drive tool to deliver the fastener 17 through the anchor member 12 and into the aperture 14. The device 10 may then be removed.
1000361 Thus, in one example, the device 10 provides a positive pressure fastening aid enabling a fastener and a clip bracket to be installed simultaneously. The device may be attached to any fastener installation tool's drive (such as those with square, hex or other configurations). The device is made to either hold an object stationary while installing a fastener or to lock a clip or bracket into place while installing a fastener.
When the device is held to attain an object without pressure, the fastener will not engage the object. Once pressure is induced, the fastener will engage the object depending on the amount of pressure exerted. The amount of pressure may be adjusted within the body of the device.
HON.-PPFA/CDA 8 1000371 Thus, in one example, the device 10 provides an effective tool for employing a grommet or other anchor member, together with a fastener, to install a bracket or other article on a target surface of a work piece, such as an automotive vehicle, by utilizing interactions between gripping projections and the anchor member, the gripping projections and the article, along with the drive head and the fastener.
1000381 While the device 10 is described hereinabove for use in mounting a bracket to a target surface, the device may be used for installing articles other than brackets.
1000391 Those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof of parts noted herein. While the positive pressure fastening aid device 10 has been described for what are presently considered the exemplary embodiments, the invention is not so limited. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
Claims (21)
1. A device for installing a fastener in an anchor member comprising: a housing; the housing having a first end region and a second end region, the second end region adapted to receive therethrough an elongate drive member for driving the fastener; the elongate drive member having a drive head for operably communicating with the fastener; the second end region having a plurality of gripping projections extending outwardly from the second end region for reversibly gripping the anchor member; the drive member slidably mounted in the housing for travel between a drive head extended position and a drive head receded position relative to the gripping projections; and a biasing member located within the housing for biasing the drive member end toward the drive member end receded position.
2. A device as defined in claim 1, the housing including a central opening in the second end region and between the gripping projections, a sleeve positioned centrally in the housing, the sleeve including a passageway, the passageway and central opening being aligned to receive the drive member therethrough.
3. A device as defined in claim 2, the housing including a pair of side wall portions, the sleeve being positioned by a pair of lateral support portions, each extending inwardly from a corresponding side wall portion.
4. A device as defined in claim 3, the lateral support portions including set screws.
5. A device as defined in claim 4, further comprising a first flange portion coupled to the sleeve to engage the biasing member.
6. A device as defined in claim 5, the biasing member including a coil spring.
7. A device as defined in claim 6, the coil spring acting between the first end region and the flange portion.
8. A device as defined in claim 1, the projections including fingers extending beyond opposite sides of the central opening.
9. A device as defined in claim 8, the fingers having remote end regions with engagement formations thereon to engage corresponding opposite sides of the anchor member.
10. A device as defined in claim 9, the fingers including outer surface regions, the figures being configured for the outer surface regions to engage corresponding inner surface regions on a bracket to be installed with the anchor member on a target surface.
11. A device as defined in claim 10, the outer surface regions being planar and generally parallel.
12. A coupling assembly comprising a bracket portion mountable on a target surface, the bracket portion including a central passage for alignment with an aperture on the target surface, the central passage arranged to receive an anchor member therein, the bracket including a cavity bounded by a pair of inner surface regions, the central passage being located at an inner boundary of the cavity, a mounting tool including a pair of projections with a corresponding pair of distal end regions configured to engage the anchor member, the mounting tool including a drive portion with a drive head to receive a fastener thereon, the mounting tool arranged to extend along the cavity with the projections locating the anchor member in an operative position adjacent the passage.
13. An assembly as defined in claim 12, the drive tool configured to position a threaded fastener in a central hole in the anchor member, to mount the anchor member and the bracket on the target surface.
14. A method for securing an article against a work piece surface comprising:
a) providing an article with a central passage for alignment with an aperture on the target surface;
b) providing a tool with a housing, a drive member with a drive head end, and with the drive head extending through the housing; a pair of projections on opposite sides along a travel path of the drive head, the projections being configured to engage the article in regions peripheral to the central passage;
c) locating a fastener on the drive head;
d) aligning an anchor member with the article and the aperture;
e) delivering the projections into the passage to a preassembly position in which the projections engage the article, with the article against the target surface and aligned with the aperture; and f) displacing the drive head to deliver the fastener through the anchor member and the aperture to secure the article on the target surface.
a) providing an article with a central passage for alignment with an aperture on the target surface;
b) providing a tool with a housing, a drive member with a drive head end, and with the drive head extending through the housing; a pair of projections on opposite sides along a travel path of the drive head, the projections being configured to engage the article in regions peripheral to the central passage;
c) locating a fastener on the drive head;
d) aligning an anchor member with the article and the aperture;
e) delivering the projections into the passage to a preassembly position in which the projections engage the article, with the article against the target surface and aligned with the aperture; and f) displacing the drive head to deliver the fastener through the anchor member and the aperture to secure the article on the target surface.
15. A method as defined in claim 14, wherein step e) includes:
g) engaging the anchor member with the projections.
g) engaging the anchor member with the projections.
16. A method as defined in claim 15, wherein step e) includes, after step g), k) delivering the anchor member into the passage.
17. A method as defined in claim 15, wherein step e) includes l) installing the anchor member in the aperture or in the article adjacent the aperture; and m) aligning the projections in the preassembly position with the anchor member.
18. A method as defined in claim 14, wherein the article is a bracket.
19. An automotive vehicle made according to the method of claim 14.
20. A device for inserting an anchor member into an aperture on a target surface and maintaining the anchor member in a desired position during installation of a fastener; the anchor member adapted for receiving the fastener therein; the device comprising: a housing; the housing having a first end region and a second end region, the second end region adapted to receive therethrough an elongate drive member for driving the fastener; the elongate drive member having a drive head for operably communicating with the fastener; the second end region having a plurality of gripping projections extending outwardly from the second end region for reversibly gripping the anchor member; the drive member slidably mounted in the housing for travel between a drive head extended position and a drive head receded position relative to the gripping projections; and a biasing member located within the housing for biasing the drive member end toward the drive member end receded position.
21. A method for securing a mounting bracket against a work piece surface comprising:
-providing a bracket with a central passage for alignment with an aperture on the target surface;
- providing an anchor member to be aligned with the bracket and the aperture;
- providing a tool with a housing, a drive member with a drive head end, and with the drive head extending through the housing; a pair of projections on opposite sides along a travel path of the drive head, the projections being configured to engage the bracket in regions peripheral to the central passage;
- locating a fastener on the drive head;
- delivering the anchor member and projections and anchor member into the passage to a preassembly position in which the anchor member is engaged with the projections and the bracket, with the bracket against the target surface and aligned with the aperture; and - displacing the drive head to deliver the fastener through the anchor member and the aperture to secure the anchor member and bracket on the target surface.
-providing a bracket with a central passage for alignment with an aperture on the target surface;
- providing an anchor member to be aligned with the bracket and the aperture;
- providing a tool with a housing, a drive member with a drive head end, and with the drive head extending through the housing; a pair of projections on opposite sides along a travel path of the drive head, the projections being configured to engage the bracket in regions peripheral to the central passage;
- locating a fastener on the drive head;
- delivering the anchor member and projections and anchor member into the passage to a preassembly position in which the anchor member is engaged with the projections and the bracket, with the bracket against the target surface and aligned with the aperture; and - displacing the drive head to deliver the fastener through the anchor member and the aperture to secure the anchor member and bracket on the target surface.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2685346A CA2685346C (en) | 2009-10-16 | 2009-10-16 | Positive pressure fastening aid |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2685346A CA2685346C (en) | 2009-10-16 | 2009-10-16 | Positive pressure fastening aid |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2685346A1 true CA2685346A1 (en) | 2011-04-16 |
| CA2685346C CA2685346C (en) | 2013-04-02 |
Family
ID=43875611
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2685346A Expired - Fee Related CA2685346C (en) | 2009-10-16 | 2009-10-16 | Positive pressure fastening aid |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2685346C (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2988025A1 (en) * | 2012-03-13 | 2013-09-20 | Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa | Device for assisting screwing of screw to fix trimming panel on sheet lining of side door of car, has tubular guide, and fixing unit that is utilized for fixing part at another part in zone in temporary and detachable manner |
| US20190099869A1 (en) * | 2017-09-29 | 2019-04-04 | Newpark Mats & Integrated Services Llc | System, apparatus and methods for manipulating a ground cover attachment pin |
-
2009
- 2009-10-16 CA CA2685346A patent/CA2685346C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2988025A1 (en) * | 2012-03-13 | 2013-09-20 | Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa | Device for assisting screwing of screw to fix trimming panel on sheet lining of side door of car, has tubular guide, and fixing unit that is utilized for fixing part at another part in zone in temporary and detachable manner |
| US20190099869A1 (en) * | 2017-09-29 | 2019-04-04 | Newpark Mats & Integrated Services Llc | System, apparatus and methods for manipulating a ground cover attachment pin |
| US10639775B2 (en) * | 2017-09-29 | 2020-05-05 | Newpark Mats & Integrated Services Llc | Systems, apparatus and methods for manipulating a ground cover attachment pin |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2685346C (en) | 2013-04-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20161017 |