Fastener with protected decorative cap

A fastener having a fastener body and a protected decorative cap arranged on a head end of the fastener body in a manner that protects the decorative cap from fastener torquing forces applied to said head end that might otherwise damage, disfigure or loosen the cap and that facilitates attachment of the decorative cap to the fastener body.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to fasteners, including lug bolts, lug nuts and other coupling members, and more particularly, to fasteners with decorative caps.

BACKGROUND ART

By way of background, there are various fastener applications wherein decorative features are desired. Such applications include, but are not limited to, automotive wheel fasteners such as lug bolts and lug nuts. To provide a decorative effect, the exposed head portions of such fasteners are sometimes fitted with a cap having an attractive surface finish, such as chrome plating, PVD coating, etc.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A fastener having a fastener body (16,616,716,801,802,803,804,805,816,916) and a protected decorative cap (20,120,220,320,420,520,820,920) arranged on a head end (18,818,918) of the fastener body in a manner that protects the decorative cap from fastener torquing forces applied to the head end that might otherwise damage, disfigure or loosen the cap and that facilitates attachment of the decorative cap to the fastener body.

In example fastener embodiments disclosed herein, the fastener includes a fastener body having a tool-engaging head (18,818,918) and a fastening portion (19,119,819,919). The tool-engaging head has a generally radially-extending end face (23,223,323,923) and a generally-longitudinally extending sidewall portion configured to engage a fastener torquing tool. A protected decorative cap (20,120,220,320,420,520,820,920) is provided on the tool-engaging head. The protected decorative cap is protected from the fastener torquing tool by protective structure (26,626,726) on the tool-engaging head. In particular fastener embodiments disclosed herein, the sidewall portion of the fastener body's tool-engaging head may comprise a set of generally longitudinally-extending tool-engaging ridges (26,626,726), each tool-engaging ridge protruding generally radially outwardly from a ridge base to a ridge tip (28). The sidewall portion may further comprise a set of generally longitudinally-extending radially-recessed flutes (33) between the ridge tips. The protected decorative cap may have a generally radially-extending end face (41,241,341,941) substantially covering the tool-engaging head end face, and a set of generally longitudinally-extending fingers (40,140,340,440,540) disposed in the flutes. The cap fingers are separated by spaces (42,342) through which the ridge tips protrude, and are radially-recessed from the ridge tips so as to be protected from the fastener torquing tool.

Thus, a fastener with a protected decorative cap is provided comprising a fastener body (16,616,716,801,802,803,804,805,816,916) orientated about a longitudinal axis (x-x) and having a tool-engaging portion (18,818,918) to which a driving torque may be applied and a threaded fastening portion (19,119,819,919) configured and arranged to mate with a corresponding threaded element. A decorative cap (20,120,220,320,420,520,820,920) overlays the tool-engaging portion. The decorative cap comprising multiple open spaces (42,342) and the tool-engaging portion comprising multiple generally longitudinally-extending tool-engaging ridges (26,626,726) configured to engage a fastener torquing tool (25,125,225), and each of the tool-engaging ridges protruding radially outward through at least one of the spaces in the decorative cap. Each of the longitudinally-extending tool-engaging ridges may protrude generally radially outwardly to an outer ridge line (28) and the tool-engaging portion may comprise longitudinally-extending radially-recessed flutes (33) between the adjacent ridge lines. The decorative cap may comprise multiple longitudinally-extending cap fingers (40,140,340,440,540) disposed in the flutes, the cap fingers may be separated by the spaces through which the ridges protrude, and the cap fingers may be radially-recessed from the ridge lines. The tool-engaging portion may comprise a generally transversely-extending end face (23,223,323,923) and the decorative cap may comprise a generally transversely-extending end face (41,241,341,941) substantially covering the end face of the tool-engaging portion. The decorative cap may comprise a connector protrusion (245) extending from underside (249) of the end face of the decorative cap, the end face of the tool-engaging portion may comprise an opening (246) sized to receive the connector protrusion, and the decorative cap may be attached to the tool-engaging portion by engagement of the connector protrusion in the opening of the end face of the tool-engaging portion. The decorative cap may comprise a connector protrusion (945) extending from underside (947) of the end face (941) of the decorative cap, the end face (923) of the tool-engaging portion (918) may comprise an opening (946) sized to receive the connector protrusion, and the decorative cap may be attached to the tool-engaging portion by a resin (949) disposed between the opening and the connector protrusion. The opening in the end face of the tool-engaging portion may be threaded (963) and the resin may be disposed between the threaded opening and the connector protrusion. The decorative cap (820) may comprise a snap-fit element (845), the fastener body may comprise a groove (846) or shoulder sized to engage the snap-fit element, and the decorative cap may be attached to the tool-engaging portion by engagement of the snap-fit element with the groove or shoulder. The snap-fit element may comprise an annular snap-fit ring (845), the fastener body may comprise an annular groove or shoulder sized to engage the annular snap-fit ring, and the decorative cap may be attached to the tool-engaging portion by engagement of the annular snap-fit ring with the annular groove or shoulder. The decorative cap (820) may comprise a flange portion (848) that extends generally longitudinally and radially outwardly from the cap fingers (840) and engages a radially-enlarged medial portion (821) of the fastener body, the flange portion (848) may comprise a radially-inwardly extending annular snap-fit ring (845), the radially-enlarged medial portion (821) of the fastener body may comprise an annular groove (846) sized to receive the annular snap-fit ring, and the decorative cap may be attached to the tool-engaging portion by engagement of the snap-fit ring in the annular groove. The decorative cap (320) may further comprise a flange portion (348) that extends generally longitudinally and radially outwardly from the cap fingers and engages a radially-enlarged medial portion (21) of the fastener body. The flutes may have an outer surface that is curved and the cap fingers have a cross section profile that is curved on one or both of an inside (52,152) and an outside (53) surface of the cap fingers. The cap fingers may have a cross section profile that is flat on one or both of an inside (252) and an outside (153,253) surface of the cap fingers. The cap fingers may have free ends that are either curved (43,443) or flat (143,543). The tool-engaging ridges (626,726) may extend longitudinally beyond (627,727) the end face of the tool-engaging portion in order to protect the end face portion (41) of the decorative cap from the torquing tool. The end portions (727) of the tool-engaging ridges that extend longitudinally beyond the end face of the tool-engaging portion may be crimped over the end face (41) of the decorative cap. The fastener body may be selected from a group consisting of vehicle lug nuts and vehicle lug bolts. The tool-engaging portion may comprise six generally longitudinally-extending tool-engaging ridges configured to engage the fastener torquing tool and the decorative cap may comprise six open spaces. The decorative cap may be decorative by virtue of having a decorative color, material, coating, surface finish or design thereon. The decorative cap may be decorative by virtue of having a black plastic glossy surface finish. The decorative cap may be attached to the tool-engaging portion by one or more of adhesive bonding or mechanical fastening. The decorative cap comprises a sticker.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawing figures, an improved fastener with a protected decorative cap is provided, a first example embodiment of which is general indicated at15inFIGS. 1-13. As shown, fastener15includes fastener body16having tool-engaging head18at a first end thereof and fastening portion19at a second end thereof. Radially-enlarged medial portion21is optionally provided between tool-engaging head18and fastening portion19. Although fastener body16is shown in the first example embodiment as having a particular configuration, it will be appreciated that other fastener embodiments could be constructed in which the fastener body has different configurations. Examples include, but are not limited to, the fastener embodiments shown inFIGS. 32-36and described in more detail below.

Although not shown, fastening portion19of fastener body16may have threads for engaging a work piece (also not shown) on which fastener16is to be mounted. For example, if the fastener is a nut-style fastener (see the fastener embodiments ofFIGS. 1-34), the threads will be internally formed on a bore extending inside the fastener body. If the fastener is a bolt-style fastener (see the fastener embodiments ofFIGS. 35-36), the threads will be externally formed on the outside of a shank portion of the fastener body.

Medial portion21of the fastener embodiment15shown inFIGS. 1-13is formed below the base of the tool-engaging head. In the fastener embodiment15ofFIGS. 1-13, and also in the example embodiments shown inFIGS. 14-15, 16-17, 18-19 and 29-30, medial portion21is shown as including a defined, radially-protruding seat flange22, but this is for purposes of illustration only, and not by way of limitation. The fastener embodiments ofFIGS. 32-36illustrate alternative constructions wherein the fastener medial portion has different configurations.

It should be understood that, for purposes of the present disclosure, the medial portion is completely optional. For example, although not shown, a bolt fastener embodiment could be constructed that has an externally threaded shank extending from the bottom face of the fastening end to the base of the tool-engaging head. In that case, the fastener body would have a tool-engaging head and a fastening portion, but no separately configured medial portion. Alternatively, a nut fastener embodiment could be constructed in which the tool-engaging head extends for the entire length of the fastener, such that there is again no separately-defined medial portion.

In the example embodiment15ofFIGS. 1-13, tool-engaging head18has a generally radially-extending end face23and a generally-longitudinally extending sidewall portion24configured to engage a fastener torquing tool.FIGS. 4 and 5illustrate one example fastener torquing tool embodied as a hexagonal socket25for a socket wrench. In all of the fastener embodiments ofFIGS. 1-36, generally radially-extending end face23of tool-engaging head18is illustrated as being generally flat. However, this is for purposes of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Other fastener embodiments could be easily constructed in which the generally radially-extending end face has a non-planar configuration, such as a dome-shape, a frustoconical shape, a pyramid shape, etc.

With continuing reference now toFIGS. 1-13, sidewall portion24of tool-engaging head18of the first fastener embodiment15comprises a set of generally longitudinally-extending tool-engaging ridges26a-26f,with each tool-engaging ridge protruding generally radially outwardly from a ridge base to a ridge tip28. The surface contour of each tool-engaging ridge may comprise an suitable tool-engaging configuration.FIGS. 4/5,4A/5A and4B/5B illustrate different torquing tools engaging the tool-engaging head, namely, a six-point socket25, a flank drive socket125, and a twelve-point socket225. As can be seen, the tool-engaging ridges26a-26fmay be formed with two sides of generally concave curvature and a generally rounded apex portion. However, this is for purposes of example only, and it will be appreciated that other tool-engaging ridge configurations could also be used. In the longitudinal direction, each tool-engaging ridge has a first end31a-31fthat may be located proximate to the end face23of the tool-engaging head18, and a second end32a-32fthat may merge with the structure that forms the base of the tool-engaging head18and/or the fastener's medial portion21. Other fastener designs may also be envisioned in which the second ends of the tool-engaging ridges do not merge into other structure of the fastener body, and instead have a defined terminus, like the first end. This effect could be achieved by reducing the nominal cross-sectional size of the fastener body in the region where the tool-engaging ridges terminate.

The sidewall portion24of the tool-engaging head18further includes a set of generally longitudinally-extending radially-recessed flutes33a-33fbetween the ridge tips28a-28f,respectively. As used herein, the term “flute” is not intended to signify any particular configuration, but merely that the tool-engaging head18is recessed between the ridge tips28a-28fto provide areas that a fastener torquing tool25will not engage when torquing the fastener. In these recessed areas between the ridge tips28a-28f,there will be a gap (however small) between the torquing tool25and the tool engaging head18that receives corresponding portions of the protected decorative cap20, as described in more detail below. The depth34of flutes33a-33fis dictated by the height or radius 50 of ridge tips28a-28fof the tool-engaging ridges26a-26f,and may be selected according to design requirements.

Each flute may have an open first end35a-24fthat is located proximate to the end face23of the tool-engaging head18, and a second closed end36a-36fthat merges with the fastener body's medial portion21at the base of the tool-engaging head18. In most of the embodiments disclosed herein (e.g. seeFIG. 6), the flutes are configured with a curved cross section profile along their length. In these embodiments, the flutes are shown with the closed second ends also being curved in accordance with their diminishing depth at the second end termination location. However, this is for purposes of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be appreciated that many other flute configurations could also be used. For example, as will be described in more detail below in connection withFIGS. 23-25 and 26-28, the flutes could have a flat cross section profile along their length, and their closed ends could be either curved or flat. Other fastener embodiments may also be envisioned in which the second ends of the flutes are open rather than closed. This could be achieved by extending the flutes in the direction of the fastening end as far as necessary to pass through any intervening material and create the open second ends.

In each ofFIGS. 1-36, the tool-engaging head18has a generally hexagonal configuration (when viewed from the end face) to match the hexagonal configuration of the torquing tool shown inFIGS. 4/5,4A/5A and4B/5B. Each pair of adjacent tool-engaging ridges26aand26b,26band26c,26cand26d,26dand26e,and26eand26f,and the flutes33a-33fthere between represents one “side”39a-39f,139a-139for239a-239f,respectively, of the tool-engaging head's generally hexagonal configuration. In the illustrated embodiments, there are six tool-engaging ridges26a-26fand six flutes33a-33f.It will be appreciated that many other tool-engaging head configurations could be used, including generally square shapes, generally octagonal shapes, etc. Irregular tool-engaging head configurations could also be used, such as shapes wherein the “sides” are of different length and the tool-engaging ridges are not equally spaced in order to provide a security feature wherein only certain a specially-configured tool can be used to torque the fastener.

It would also be permissible to provide fewer tool-engaging ridges and flutes than there are “sides” of the tool-engaging head. This is because the tool-engaging ridges26a-26fand flutes33a-33fare only needed to protect a corresponding portion40a-40fof the protected decorative cap20that extends longitudinally over the sidewall portion24of the tool-engaging head18. As described in more detail below, these longitudinal portions40a-40fof the protected decorative cap20are referred to as fingers. They extend longitudinally from a generally radially-extending end face26of the protected decorative cap20. Although the fastener embodiment ofFIGS. 1-13shows a protected decorative cap with six such fingers40a-40f,respectively, extending over the six “sides”39a-39fof the tool-engaging head18, this configuration is not required. In other embodiments (not shown), there could be fewer (e.g., one, two, three or more) fingers than there are “sides” of the tool-engaging head. For example, a particular fastener manufacturer might wish to emphasize the end face of the protected decorative cap, and perhaps use only one or two fingers mainly to help secure the cap. In that case, the tool-engaging head of the fastener body would only need only one or two flutes and two or three tool-engaging ridges, respectively. The other “sides” of the tool-engaging head could be formed without flutes and tool-engaging ridges, and could instead have conventional straight sides and corners, as per a standard nut or bolt type fastener.

As summarized above, a protected decorative cap20is also provided on the tool-engaging head18. The protected decorative cap20has a generally radially-extending end face41substantially covering the tool-engaging head end face23, and a set of generally longitudinally-extending fingers40a-40fthat are disposed in the flutes33a-33f,respectively. The fastener embodiments ofFIGS. 1-36each illustrate the generally radially-extending end face41of the protected decorative cap20as being generally flat. However, as in the case of the end face23of the tool-engaging head18, this is for purposes of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Other fastener embodiments could be easily constructed in which the generally radially-extending end face of the protected decorative cap has a non-planar configuration, such as a dome-shape, a frustoconical shape, a pyramid shape, etc. This may be the case even if the end face of the tool-engaging head is flat, such that there is a gap underneath the end face of the cap.

The cap fingers40a-40fare separated by circumferential spaces42a-42fthrough which the ridge tips28a-28fof the tool engaging head18protrude, and lie within the flutes33a-33fof the tool engaging head18so as to be radially-recessed from the ridge tips28a-28fand thereby protected from the fastener torquing tool25. This can be seen inFIGS. 4/5,4A/5A and4B/5B, which illustrate how different fastener torquing tools of varying configuration can engage the tool-engaging ridges26a-26fat or near the ridge tips28a-28fwithout touching the protected decorative cap20. This arrangement protects the decorative cap20from large torquing forces that could loosen it or mar its appearance.

Note that the fingers40a-40fof the protected decorative cap20need not be as long as illustrated in the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 1-13. They could be made as short as is desired or as is required to help affix the protected decorative cap to the fastener body if the fingers are used for attachment purposes. If the cap fingers are shortened, the flutes of the tool-engaging head could also be shortened. Alternatively, the flutes could be relatively long while the cap fingers140aand140bare relatively short and have squared ends143aand143d,such that the fingers140aand140bdo not extend the full length of the flutes. This is shown inFIGS. 14 and 15, which illustrate a second example fastener embodiment115.

As used herein, the term “decorative” refers to the fact that the protected decorative cap20has a different surface appearance than the fastener body16for the purpose of altering (and preferably improving) the appearance of the fastener15. The protected decorative cap20can be made “decorative” in any suitable fashion, such as by virtue of having a decorative color, material, or a coating thereon. Stainless steel would be one example of a material that imparts a decorative effect. Chrome plating and PVD coating (Physical Vapor Deposition) are two examples of coatings that may be used. Polymeric or other organic coatings could also be used. Alternative decorative effects could be provided by distinctive surface finishes, surface configurations, surface relief patterns, or applied design markings.

The protected decorative cap20can be attached to the tool-engaging head18in various ways, such as by adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, or a combination of both techniques. For example, in the fastener shown inFIGS. 1-13, adhesive bonding could be used by applying a suitable adhesive between the opposing surfaces of the tool-engaging head18and the protected decorative cap20.

FIGS. 16 and 17illustrate a third example fastener embodiment215in which a modified protected decorative cap220is mechanically fastened to a modified tool-engaging head218by way of a connector245that extends from an underside surface247of the protected decorative cap's end face241and engages a connector-receiving opening246in the end face223of the tool-engaging head218. Adhesive bonding could also be used in addition to such mechanical fastening.

FIGS. 18 and 19show a fourth example fastener embodiment315in which another modified protected decorative cap320includes a flange348that extends generally longitudinally and radially outwardly from the cap fingers340a-340fand engages a radially-protruding seat flange22of the medial portion21of the fastener body16. This provides additional surface area for attaching the protected decorative cap320to the tool-engaging head318. In addition, the fastener's decorative effect is enhanced by the protected decorative cap's larger size and the fact that it now covers some or all of the fastener body's medial portion21. In this embodiment, the second ends of the cap fingers340a-340fare no longer free ends. They are interconnected by the flange portion348of the cap320, which is generally ring-shaped in the illustrations ofFIGS. 18 and 19. It will also be seen that the spaces342a-342fbetween the cap fingers340a-340fthrough which the fastener body's tool-engaging ridges26a-26fprotrude are closed ended slots.

As previously mentioned, the flutes on the tool-engaging head, as well as the fingers on the protected decorative cap, may have various configurations. In the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-13, the flutes33a-fand the cap fingers40a-fhave a curved cross section profile. In particular, the cap fingers have a curved profile on both their inside52a-fand outside surfaces53a-f. The free ends43a-fof the cap fingers are also curved to match the curvature at the closed end35a-fof each flute33a-f. This configuration of the cap fingers is also shown inFIGS. 20-22.

FIGS. 23-25illustrate an alternative cap configuration420in which the cap fingers440a-fhave a flat cross section profile on their outside surface153a-fand a curved profile on their inside surface152a-f. The free ends443a-fof the cap fingers440a-f(and the base ends of the flutes) are curved as inFIGS. 20-22.

FIGS. 26-28illustrate another alternative configuration520in which the cap fingers540a-fhave a flat cross section profile on both their inside252a-fand outside surfaces253a-f. In that case, the flutes of the tool-engaging head may, if desired, also have a flat cross section profile (not shown).FIGS. 26-28further illustrate that the ends543a-fof the cap fingers540a-fmay also be flat.

FIGS. 29illustrates a fifth example fastener embodiment615in which the tool-engaging ridges626a-fof fastener body616have portions627a-fthat extend longitudinally beyond the tool-engaging head end face and the end face41of the cap20in order to protect the decorative cap20end41and the tool-engaging head end face623from incidental contact with the torquing tool and from damage if the fastener is dropped, specifically a closed base end thereof, such as the inside bottom wall of a socket.

FIG. 30illustrates a sixth example fastener715wherein the end portions727a-fof the tool-engaging ridges726a-fof fastener body716extend longitudinally beyond the end face41of the cap20and the tool-engaging head end face and are also crimped over the tool-engaging head face and the end face41of cap20.

Both the fifth and sixth fastener embodiments would lend themselves to fastener constructions in which the protected decorative cap has only a radially-extending end face, and no fingers. In that case, the longitudinal extensions627a-fand727a-fof the tool-engaging ridges would protect the cap end face41, and no further cap protection structure would be necessary. In particular, no flutes would be needed and the tool-engaging ridges themselves could be quite short. The use of a protected cap having no fingers also allows the use of other cap protective structures besides tool-engaging ridges, such as a continuous or partially continuous ridge around the perimeter of the end face of the tool engaging head. The protected decorative cap with no fingers could be protectively disposed inside this ridge. Before leaving the subject of alternative cap protection arrangements, it should be further noted that a protected cap comprising a plurality of disconnected fingers and no interconnected end face could also be used. In that case, the fingers would lie within the flutes of the tool-engaging head, and the end face of head would be uncovered.

As previously mentioned, and without limitation, a fastener constructed in accordance with the present disclosure may be embodied as a design selected from the group consisting of vehicle lug nuts and lug bolts. For example, inFIG. 31, which reiterates the first fastener embodiment ofFIGS. 1-13, the fastener comprises a nut-style fastener body16having a flat seat and a spin washer54. InFIG. 32, a seventh example fastener embodiment comprises a nut-style fastener body801having a solid cone seat55. InFIG. 33, an eighth example fastener embodiment comprises a nut-style fastener body802having a solid radius seat56. InFIG. 34, a ninth example fastener embodiment comprises a nut-style fastener803body having a radius seat washer58. InFIG. 35, a tenth example fastener embodiment comprises a bolt-style fastener body804having a bolt type fastener portion119having a solid cone seat59. InFIG. 36, an eleventh example fastener embodiment comprises a bolt-style fastener body805having bolt type fastener portion119having a cone seat washer60.

FIGS. 37-45show a twelfth example fastener embodiment815in which a modified protective decorative cap820is mechanically fastened to a modified tool-engaging head818by way of snap ring845that engages a groove846in the fastener body816.

As shown, fastener815includes a fastener body816having a tool engaging head818at a first end thereof and a fastening portion819at a second end thereof. Radially-enlarged medial portion821is provided between tool engaging head818and fastening portion819. In this embodiment, radially-enlarged medial portion821is a specially-configured generally cylindrical structure elongated along axis x-x and having a specially configured outer profile. In particular, and with reference toFIGS. 39 and 40, medial portion821is a specially-configured cylindrical member elongated along axis x-x, and is bounded by leftwardly-facing annular vertical surface60, leftwardly and outwardly-facing frusto-conical surface61, outwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface62, rightwardly-facing annular vertical surface63, outwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface64, leftwardly-facing annular vertical surface65, outwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface66, and rightwardly-facing annular vertical surface67. Rightwardly-facing annular vertical surface63, outwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface64, and the inner portion of surface leftwardly-facing annular vertical surface65, generally define groove846.

As shown, similar to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 18 and 19, decorative cap820includes flange848that extends generally longitudinally and radially outward from the cap fingers840and includes a snap ring portion845that engages groove846in medial portion821of fastener body816. In particular, and with reference toFIGS. 44 and 45, flange848and snap ring portion845of cap820is generally bounded by inwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface70, leftwardly and inwardly-facing concave surface71, rightwardly and inwardly-facing concave surface72, rightwardly-facing annular vertical surface73, and outwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface74.

The inner diameter90of surfaces71,72is less than the diameter91of the junction between surfaces62and63. Thus, surface63provides a shoulder against which surface71of snap ring845of cap820bears. Flange element848is elastic such that surfaces71,72can flex outwardly and be slid to the right up inclined surface61of medial portion821and over horizontal cylindrical surface62to snap radially inward into groove846of medial portion821. The surfaces71and72of snap ring845are thereby retained in annular groove846to hold cap820to fastener body816.

While in this embodiment snap ring845is a continuous ring-like structure, it is contemplated that other configurations may be used. For example, instead of a cylindrical flange848that extends generally outward from the ends of cap fingers840, each of the cap fingers could have a separate flange portion with an inwardly extending protrusion that is received and held within groove846. In addition, while groove846is shown in this embodiment as a continuous annular groove, it is contemplated that other surface profiles may be used to retain and engage the snap fit element to attach the decorative cap to the fastener body816. For example, without limitation, circumferentially spaced notches may be used with corresponding snap fit elements. As another example, without limitation, a shoulder rather than a groove may be used.

FIGS. 46-55show a thirteenth example fastener embodiment915. Similar to the third example of fastener embodiment215shown inFIGS. 16 and 17, cap920includes a cylindrical connector945than extends from the inner surface947of the decorative cap's end-face941into a connector-receiving opening946in the end face923of tool engaging head918. As shown inFIGS. 48-49, connector945has a generally outwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface960and a generally inwardly-facing horizontal cylindrical surface961. Opening946in tool engaging head918is defined by an inwardly-facing facing threaded cylindrical surface963. As shown, the outer diameter991of outer surface960of connector945is significantly less than the inner diameter990of threaded surface963of opening946in tool-engaging head918. Thus, in this embodiment, connector945extends freely into opening946such that the inner surface947of cap920abuts end-face923of tool-engaging head918. To hold cap920in place, the space between the connector945and the inner surface963of opening946in tool-engaging head918is filled with a resin949that hardens to securely hold cap920in place on tool-engaging head918of fastener915. The circumferential inner edge of connector945is bulbous and includes an outwardly-extending annular protrusion portion965that assists in engaging with resin949. While in this embodiment bulbous end965of connector945and threaded surface963assists in holding resin949in place and thereby securing cap920to fastener915, it is contemplated that connector945may be formed with alternative shapes and profiles and that similarly opening946may not include threaded surface or may be of a shape or configuration other than cylindrical.

Accordingly, an improved fastener having a protected decorative cap has been disclosed. While various embodiments of the fastener have been shown and described, it should be apparent that many variations and alternative embodiments could be implemented in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, virtually any style of fastener body may be combined with any style of protected decorative cap, so long as suitable provision is made for protecting the decorative cap from torquing forces applied by a fastener torquing tool that might otherwise damage, disfigure or loosen the cap. It is understood, therefore, that the invention is not to be in any way limited except in accordance with the scope of the appended claims.