Patent ID: 6039525
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: F16B,Y10S

Abstract:
A captivated fastener assembly comprising:a fastener having a head and a threaded shank having a given outer diameter;a workpiece having an internal bore of a given diameter; andan annular retainer having a ring portion and a plurality of radially inwardly extending arches, the ring portion having an outer diameter which is greater than the inner diameter of the workpiece bore, the arches defining an inner diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the fastener shank, and the retainer having an outer wall shaped essentially complementary to the shape of the bore to provide a substantially continuous mating surface between the outer wall of the retainer and the inner bore of the workpiece; andthe retainer being press fit within the bore of the workpiece, the shaft of the fastener extending through the retainer, the arches engaging the threaded shank sufficiently to captivate the fastener within the workpiece while allowing axial movement of the fastener shank within the retainer to accommodate external forces on the fastener without disengaging the retainer from the workpiece.