Abstract:
A double-ended stud and attachment tool is provided, comprising a double-ended stud having a shank adapted for attachment to a mounting surface, a threaded end adopted for receipt of a securement device, and a collar located therebetween; and an attachment tool with a first end for releasable securement to the threaded end of said stud, a second end adapted for securement to a tool.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a double-ended mounting stud and tool. In particular, to a double-ended stud and attachment tool comprising a double-ended stud having a shank adapted for attachment to a mounting surface, a threaded end adopted for receipt of a securement device, and a collar located therebetween; and an attachment tool with a first end for releasable securement to the threaded end of said stud, a second end adapted for securement to a tool. 
         [0003]    2. Background. 
         [0004]    Double-ended fasteners such as mounting studs are well known in the art. They are used as a connecting means in a wide variety of applications, including to allow for fastening articles to cement walls, to wood surfaces, to plastic surfaces, and the like. The normal function of mounting studs is to provide the ability to fasten something to a surface that otherwise is not easily adapted for use of a traditional bolt, screw, or nail. This may be the case because the surface is too thick to allow for drilling a hole through the entire thickness of the surface, or for aesthetic purpose a hole with a bolt end protruding therefrom is not desirable or possible. 
         [0005]    Typically mounting studs are comprised of a first end or shank, sometimes threadable, which mounts to a generally planer surface of some type. A second end extends co-axially away from the first end and normally comprises threads. The second end is adapted for receipt of a nut or other threaded locking device. A collar separates the two ends and serves to limit the threading movement of one or both threaded ends, and to strengthen securing device integrity. In this manner articles can be attached to the planer surface by threaded connection. 
         [0006]    One particular application that utilizes double-ended studs is in the mounting of lights to vehicle surfaces and/or trailers. For example, brake lights for trailers are often made with a hard resilient plastic backing/casing. The light is bolted to the trailer. This requires the use of a double-ended mounting stud because it is difficult and costly to fabricate a light with a stud protruding as this articles are normally molded, and the electronics and aesthetic of the lens prevent drilling a hole through the thickness of the article. 
         [0007]    Prior art mounting studs often have a ribbed shank that is designed for receipt within a mounting hole or slot located in the back of the light. The shank is slightly oversized and fits snugly into the hole such that the ribs will hold the stud in place after pressing it into place, however, it is very difficult and sometimes destructive to finished products to press bolds in this way. A collar limits the movement of the shank. A threaded co-axial end protrudes from the back of the light and can receive a bolt or nut that ultimately secures the light to the trailer. 
         [0008]    Once installed the stud generally produces satisfactory results, however, the process of installation is difficult. It takes a great deal of force to insert the shank into the light, or article to be mounted, and generally this has to be done manually. There is no effective generally purpose of specific tool for this purpose. Also, use of ribs requires an oversized shank, which increases the force required to insert the stud, and the ribs are not the most effective gripping means. Additionally, the force required can sometime crack or damage the surface of the article that the shank is inserted into. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, there is a need for an improved double-ended mounting stud that substantially eliminates the problems of prior art devices. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    An object of the present invention is to provide an improved double-ended mounting stud. 
         [0011]    These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the following specification, drawings, and claims. 
         [0012]    The present invention intends to overcome the difficulties encountered heretofore. To that end, a double-ended stud and attachment tool is provided, comprising a double-ended stud having a shank adapted for attachment to a mounting surface, a threaded end adopted for receipt of a securement device, and a collar located therebetween; and an attachment tool with a first end for releasable securement to the threaded end of said stud, a second end adapted for securement to a tool. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a back view of a lighting product and a side view of a prior art double-ended mounting stud. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a double-ended mounting stud and attachment tool. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the stud secured to the tool. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    In the Figures, a prior art double-ended mounting stud and a double-ended mounting stud and attachment tool of the present invention are shown. In particular,  FIG. 1  shows a backside of a lighting product  10  and a prior art double-ended mounting stud  12 . The double-ended mounting stud  12  is comprised of a ribbed shank  14 , a collar  16 , and threaded end  18 . The configuration and operation is as described hereinabove. The shank  14  of the stud  12  inserts into one of a number of holes  20  located in the back of the lighting product  10 . Thereby enabling mounting the lighting product  10  to some structure by securing a nut/bolt to the threaded end  18  of the stud  12 . 
         [0017]    Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that foregoing example is illustrative and that the invention is not limited thereto. The present invention is applicable to any application that utilizes a double-ended mounting stud. 
         [0018]      FIG. 2  shows a double-ended mounting stud  22  of the present invention comprised of a threaded mounting shank  24 , a collar  26 , and a threaded end  28 . Also shown is an attachment tool  30 . The tool  30  has a first end  32  designed for threaded engagement with the threaded end  28  of the stud  22 , and a second co-axial end  34  opposite thereto. The second end  34  has a six-sided head  36  adapted for securing to a ratchet tool (not shown), such as a drill, for driving the threaded mounting shank  24  into one of the holes  20  of the lighting product  10 . 
         [0019]    In this manner, the first end  32  of the tool  30  is hollow to fit over the threaded end  28  of the stud  22 . The first end  32  of the tool  30  includes a wide non-threaded section  38  and tapered threaded section  40  such that only the top threads of the threaded end  28  of the stud  22  furthest from the collar  26  engage with the threads located inside of the tapered portion  40  of the interior of the first end  32  of the tool  30 . Preferably, the tool  30  threads onto the stud  22  with two or three rotations of the tool  30  (see  FIG. 3 ). The reduced number of threads used to secure the tool  30  to the stud  22  also ensures that the tool  30  can be easily removed from the stud  22  after the stud is threaded into place. The tension of the threads holding the tool  30  and stud  22  is much less than the thread tension holding the stud  22  into the hole  20 . In this, manner the tool  30  can be quickly attached and removed from the stud  22 . 
         [0020]    In operation the stud  22  is threaded onto the tool  30  and then the threaded shank  24  of the stud  22  is inserted into one of the holes  20 . The ratchet tool can be attached to the head  36  of the tool  30  for rapid insertion of the stud  22 , and removal of the tool  30 . Additionally, the use of threads on the shank  24  allows for a better grip and fit of the stud  22  within the holes  20 . After insertion, the ratchet tool is reversed and the tool  30  is removed and can be reused. 
         [0021]    The problems of the prior art are substantially eliminated through the combined use of the stud  22  and tool  30 . The combination allows for easy insertion of the stud  22 . The use of limited threaded engagement of the threaded end  28  of the stud  22  and the first end  32  of the tool  30  allows for easy removal and attachment of the tool  30 . Furthermore, the threaded shank  24  of the stud  22  provides a better grip without the application of the forces that might damage the article into which the stud  22  is being inserted. 
         [0022]    The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present inventions. The foregoing embodiments and the methods described herein may vary based on the ability, experience, and preference of those skilled in the art. Merely listing the steps of the method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of the method. The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the invention, and the invention is not limited thereto, except insofar as the claims are so limited. Those skilled in the art that have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.