Patent ID: 6059503
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: F16B,Y10S

Abstract:
A captivated fastener assembly comprising:a fastener having a head and a shank, the shank of the fastener having a given length and a threaded portion in which the outer tips of the threads define a given outer diameter, the shank of the fastener further including an unthreaded portion between the threaded portion and the head of the fastener, the unthreaded portion having a given diameter which is less than the diameter of the threaded portion;a workpiece having a straight-walled internal bore of a given constant diameter extending through the entire workpiece; anda convoluted polymeric annular retainer having an outer diameter defined by plural ear portions and an inner diameter defined by plural arches, the outer diameter being greater than the inner diameter of the workpiece bore, the inner diameter of the retainer being less than the diameter of the fastener threaded portion; andthe retainer being press fit within the bore of the workpiece, the shank of the fastener extending through the retainer such that the threaded portion is located below the retainer, wherein the fastener can slide axially relative to the workpiece along the extent of the unthreaded fastener portion, with the fastener being captivated within the workpiece due to the engagement of the fastener threads with the retainer, and said arches and said ear portions being configured to provide sufficient adhesion between the retainer and the straight-walled bore to minimize occurrences of the retainer being forced out of the workpiece when the fastener experiences impact loads of the type normally incurred during shipment.