Patent ID: 6494655
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: F16B

Abstract:
A self-tapping screw for joining thin workpieces having a direction of extension along an axial direction and an axis of rotation extending along the axial direction and a head, the workpieces including a first workpiece adjacent to the head and a second workpiece overlying the first workpiece remote from the head, the second workpiece defining a thin anchor material remote from the head, the screw comprising:a tapered root portion adjacent to the head, the head extending outwardly, about a perimeter thereof, from the axis of rotation further tan a maximum extension of the tapered root portion from the axis of rotation so as to to overlie the first workpiece with the tapered root portion extending axially through the first workpiece; a screw body extending in the axial direction; a plurality of threads having a set thread profile disposed along the screw body and along the tapered root portion such that a constant radial distance from the axis of rotation to a crest of each of the threads is maintained along both the tapered root portion and at least a portion of the screw body adjacent to the tapered root portion, so that, when the screw body extends axially through the second workpiece the threads engage the second workpiece so as to cause the second workpiece to apply compressive forces against the first workpiece and the head.