Abstract:
A fastener retainer is provided capable of retaining a fastener to a part prior to and during assembly. A first portion engages a fastener flange while leaving a fastener head exposed for assembly tool access. A second portion has flanges that engage the edges of the part.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/180,224 filed on Jul. 25, 2008. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a fastener retainer and more particularly to a fastener retainer used to secure a fastener to a part during assembly and disassembly of the part to another part. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may or may not constitute prior art. 
         [0004]    Many assembly operations use fasteners, such as bolts or screws, to couple two separate parts together. In many assembly operations it is desirable to retain the fastener to one of the parts to be joined prior to assembly or joining of the two parts in order to more quickly and efficiently couple the parts together. Securing the fastener to one of the parts prior to joining of the parts also improves quality control by assuring a fastener is employed and also eliminates the potential for loose fasteners to fall into assemblies during installation. Additionally, securing the fastener to the part removes the fastener from the assembly, inventory, and shipping process. 
         [0005]    One solution known in the art for securing a fastener to a part includes using a keeper that engages the threaded portion of the bolt. However, it is possible for the bolt to unscrew, either during shipment of the part or during disassembly of the part during routine maintenance. Moreover, typical keepers require modifications to the joining parts in order to account for the thickness of the keeper on the threaded portion. Another solution to securing a fastener to a part is described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,096,845 issued to Gary Vaandrager, et al. In Vaandrager, a bracket is used to secure a specialized captured nut to a part. While useful for its intended purpose, there is room in the art for a fastener retainer operable to secure a standard bolt or other fastener to a part that does not interfere with the thread of the bolt, does not require alterations to the part, and that is effective and inexpensive. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    A fastener retention device is provided having at least one part-retention flange, a bolt head or nut retention flange and at least one connecting flange. 
         [0007]    An embodiment of the device for retaining a fastener in an aperture of a part includes a first portion having a hole extending therethrough, wherein the hole has a dimension smaller than a dimension of the flange of the fastener, a second portion having a first member configured to couple the device to the part, and a first arm connected at one end to the first portion and connected at an opposite end to the second portion. The fastener is at least partially located within the aperture and the flange of the fastener is located between the part and the first portion and the fastener is prevented from being completely removed from the part by the first portion. 
         [0008]    In one aspect of the present invention, the first portion is a flat ring that defines the hole. 
         [0009]    In another aspect of the present invention, the second portion includes a second member. The first and second members extend perpendicularly from the end of the first arm opposite the end of the first arm connected to the first portion. The first and second members are at least partially bent at ends thereof to grip a pair of sides of the part. 
         [0010]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the first and second members are substantially parallel to the first portion. 
         [0011]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the first arm is angled with respect to both the first portion and the second portion such that the first portion is located on a plane different than the second portion. 
         [0012]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, a second arm is connected at one end of the first portion. 
         [0013]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the first arm and the second arm are bendable and act as springs to allow the first portion to move relative to the fastener and the part. 
         [0014]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the second arm is at least partially angled with respect to the first portion such that an end of the second arm opposite the end connected to the first portion is positioned above the first portion. 
         [0015]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, a third portion is connected to the second arm at an end opposite the end connected to the first portion. The second arm is angled with respect to the first portion such that the third portion is on the same plane as the second portion. 
         [0016]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the third portion includes a third and fourth members that extend perpendicularly from the end of the second arm opposite the end of the second arm connected to the first portion. The third and fourth members are at least partially bent at ends thereof to grip a pair of sides of the part. The third and fourth members are substantially parallel to the first portion. 
         [0017]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the second arm is connected to the first portion directly opposite where the first arm is connected to the first portion. 
         [0018]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the second arm is connected to the first portion at an angle with respect to the first arm. 
         [0019]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the third and fourth members each have a length that is shorter than a length of the first member. 
         [0020]    An embodiment of the fastener retainer assembly located on a part includes a fastener and a fastener retainer. The fastener has a first end portion at least partially located within the part, a second end portion located at least partially outside the part, and a radial flange located between the first end portion and the second end portion and in contact with the part, wherein the flange has a dimension that is greater than a dimension of the head and a dimension of the shank. The fastener retainer includes a first portion having a hole extending therethrough, wherein the hole has a dimension that is smaller than the dimension of the flange, a second portion having a first member configured to couple the fastener retainer to the part, and a first arm connected at one end to the first portion and connected at an opposite end to the second portion, the first arm angled with respect to both the first portion and the second portion such that the first portion is located above the flange of the fastener and the hole is aligned with the head. The flange contacts the first portion of the fastener retainer when the first end portion is still at least partially located within the part thereby preventing the fastener from being completely removed from the part. 
         [0021]    In one aspect of the fastener retainer assembly, the first portion is a flat ring that defines the hole. 
         [0022]    In another aspect of the fastener retainer assembly, the second portion includes a second member. The first and second members extend perpendicularly from the end of the first arm opposite the end of the first arm connected to the first portion. The first and second members are at least partially bent at ends thereof to grip a pair of sides of the part. 
         [0023]    In another aspect of the fastener retainer assembly, the first and second members are substantially parallel to the first portion. 
         [0024]    In another aspect of the fastener retainer assembly, the first arm is angled with respect to both the first portion and the second portion such that the first portion is located on a plane different than the second portion. 
         [0025]    In another aspect of the fastener retainer assembly, a second arm is connected at one end thereof to the first portion. 
         [0026]    In another aspect of the fastener retainer assembly, the first and second arms are bendable and act as springs to allow the first portion to move relative to the fastener and the part. 
         [0027]    In another aspect of the fastener retainer assembly, the second arm is at least partially angled with respect to the first portion such that an end of the second arm opposite the end connected to the first portion is positioned above the first portion. 
         [0028]    In another aspect of the fastener retainer assembly, a third portion connected to the second arm at an end opposite the end connected to the first portion. The third portion is configured to engage the part. The second arm is angled with respect to the first portion such that the third portion is on the same plane as the second portion. 
         [0029]    In another aspect of the fastener retainer assembly, the third portion includes a third and fourth member that extend perpendicularly from the end of the second arm opposite the end of the second arm connected to the first portion. The third and fourth members are at least partially bent at ends thereof to grip a pair of sides of the part. 
         [0030]    In another aspect of the fastener retainer assembly, the second arm is connected to the first portion directly opposite where the first arm is connected to the first portion. 
         [0031]    In another aspect of the fastener retainer assembly, the second arm is connected to the first portion at an angle with respect to the first arm. 
         [0032]    In another aspect of the fastener retainer assembly, the third and fourth members each have a length that is shorter than a length of the first member. 
         [0033]    Further objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following description and appended drawings wherein like reference numbers refer to the same member, element or feature. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0034]    The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
           [0035]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an assembly illustrating an exemplary fastener secured to an exemplary part using a fastener retainer according to the principles of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of the fastener retainer according to the principles of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the fastener retainer, fastener, and part shown in  FIG. 1  taken in the direction of arrow  3 - 3 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fastener retainer for securing an exemplary fastener on an exemplary part according to the principles of the present invention; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a fastener retainer for securing an exemplary fastener on an exemplary part according to the principles of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0040]    The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a plan view of a fastener retainer assembly according to the principles of the present invention is generally indicated by reference number  5 . The fastener retainer assembly  5  generally includes a fastener retainer  10  and a fastener  11  secured to an exemplary part  13 . The fastener retainer  10  is employed to retain or secure the fastener  11  to the part  13 , as will be described in greater detail below. The fastener  11  is preferably a standard bolt or similar fastener having a first end portion or shank  16  located on one side of a flange  17  and a second end portion or head  15  extending from a side of the flange  17  opposite the shank  16 . The flange  17  extends radially outward from the head  15  and the shank  16 . A plurality of threads  21  are located on the shank  16 . It should be appreciated that various other types of fasteners  11  generally having head, flange, and shank portions may be employed with the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. Alternatively, the fastener  11  may have a captured washer in place of the flange  17  without departing from the scope of the present invention. The fastener  11  is used to secure the part  13  to another separate part or member  18  using a nut (not shown) threaded onto the threads  21 . The part  13  in the embodiment provided is a detent spring and roller assembly and the part  18  is part of a transmission case or housing. However, it should be appreciated that the parts  13 ,  18  may take various forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. The part  13  generally includes a first portion  23 , a second portion  25 , a top side  27 , a bottom side  29 , and side walls  31 . Moreover, the part  13  includes an aperture  33  located between the first and second portions  23 ,  25  that extends between the top side  27  and the bottom side  29 . The aperture  33  is a fastener hole sized to receive the fastener  11  therein, as will be described in greater detail below. In the example provided, the second portion  25  has a width greater than a width of the first portion  23 , though the widths may be equal without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0042]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , the fastener retainer  10  will now be described in greater detail. The fastener retainer  10  includes an annular portion  19 , a first connector portion  20 , and a second connector portion  22 . The annular portion  19  is a flat ring that includes a hole  24  extending therethrough. The hole  24  has a width or diameter “X”. The width X is greater than a width or diameter of the head  15  of the fastener  11  but less than a width or diameter of the flange  17 . The first connector portion  20  includes a first arm  26  and a pair of first flanges  28 . The first arm  26  is connected at one end thereof to the annular portion  19  and connected at an opposite end to the first flanges  28 . The first arm  26  is angled with respect to the annular portion  19  and the first flanges  28  so that the first flanges  28  are located on a separate plane from the annular portion  19 , as best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The first flanges  28  extend perpendicularly from opposite sides of the first arm  24  to form an approximately a “T” shape. The first flanges  28  are operable to engage the part  13 , as will be described in greater detail below. The second connector portion  22  is substantially similar to the first connector portion  20  and is located on a side of the annular ring  19  opposite the first connector portion  20 . The second connector portion  22  includes a second arm  30  and a pair of second flanges  32 . The second arm  30  is connected at one end thereof to the annular portion  19  and connected at an opposite end to the second flanges  32 . The second arm  30  is angled with respect to the annular portion  19  and the second flanges  32  so that the second flanges  32  are located on the same plane as the first flanges  28 , as best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The second flanges  32  extend perpendicularly from opposite sides of the second arm  30  to form an approximately a “T” shape. The second flanges  32  are operable to engage the part  13 , as will be described in greater detail below. Moreover, the second flanges  32  preferably have a length greater than a length of the first flanges  28 . However, it should be appreciated that the flanges  28 ,  32  may have equal lengths without departing from the scope of the present invention. The fastener retainer  10  is preferably formed as a stamped, steel unitary piece. However, other materials and methods of manufacture may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0043]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , and with continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the assembly of the fastener retainer  10  and fastener  11  to the part  13  will be described in greater detail. First, the fastener  11  is inserted into the aperture  33  of the part  13  such that the shank  16  extends through the aperture  33  and the flange  17  abuts the top surface  27  of the part  13 . In this condition, the fastener  11  is not secured to the part  13  and may fall out when the part  13  is coupled to the member  18 . The fastener retainer  10 , as noted above, is employed to retain the fastener  11  to the part  13  prior to installation of the part  13  to the member  18 . Accordingly, the fastener retainer  10  is positioned such that the head  15  of the fastener  11  extends through the hole  24  located in the fastener retainer  10 . The first portion  20  of the fastener retainer  10  is positioned over the first portion  23  of the part  13  and the second portion  22  of the fastener retainer  10  is positioned over the second portion  25 . The flanges  28 ,  32  are crimped and bent such that each of the flanges  28 ,  32  extend around the sides  31  of the part  13  to the bottom surface  29 . In this way, the flanges  28 ,  32  grip the part  13  and secure the fastener retainer  10  to the part  13 . 
         [0044]    As noted above, the fastener retainer  10  is disposed on the part  13  such that the head  15  of the fastener  11  protrudes through the aperture  24  of the fastener retainer  10 . The head  15  is unimpeded by the fastener retainer  10  thereby allowing the head  15  to be engaged by a drive tool or socket (not shown). The flange  17  of the fastener  11  is disposed between the annular portion  19  of the fastener retainer  10  and the part  13 . Because the flange  17  has a width or diameter greater than the width or diameter X of the hole  24  of the fastener retainer  10 , the annular portion  19  of the fastener retainer  10  captures the flange  17  between the annular portion  19  and the part  13 . Accordingly, the fastener  11  is prevented from fully separating from the part  13  since the fastener  11  is restrained by the part  13  and the fastener retainer  10 . More specifically, when the fastener  11  loosened from the part  13 , the fastener  11  may move such that the flange  17  no longer abuts the top surface  27  of the part  13 . As the fastener  11  moves away from the part  13 , the head  15  is able to pass through the hole  24 . However, the flange  17 , having a larger dimension than the hole  24 , will not pass through the hole  24  and instead contact the annular portion  19 . This contact occurs as the shank  13  is still located within the aperture  33  of the part  13 , thereby preventing the fastener  11  from totally withdrawing from the aperture  33  of the part  13 . Alternatively, the annular portion  19  contacts the flange  17  while the flange  17  abuts the top surface  27  of the part  13  thereby preventing the shank of the fastener  11  from being removed from the aperture  33  of the part  13 . 
         [0045]    In general, a significant benefit of the fastener retainer  10  is that the fastener retainer  10  does not interfere with the rundown and torque operation on the fastener  11 . For example, when the fastener  11  is tightened such that the flange  17  is flush with the top surface  27  of the part  13 , the annular portion  19  is supported above the head  15  by the angled arms  26 ,  30  of the fastener retainer  10 , thereby forming a gap  50  between the fastener  11  and the fastener retainer  10 . The gap  50  allows the fastener  11  to be tightened to specific torque limits without physical interference from the fastener retainer  10 . Finally, the arms  26 ,  30  act as a spring for the annular portion  19  such that the annular portion  19  may be compressed down towards the part  13  by a drive tool or socket when the fastener  11  is being tightened. In an alternative embodiment, the annular portion  19  contacts the flange  17  while the fastener  11  is being tightened so long as the fastener retainer  10  does not interfere with the rundown and torque operation achieving proper torque on the fastener  11 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of another embodiment of a fastener retainer assembly is generally indicated by reference number  100 . The fastener retainer assembly  100  includes the fastener  11 , an exemplary part  113 , and a fastener retainer  114 . The part  113  is similar to the part  13  shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , having a first portion  123 , a second portion  125 , a top side  127 , a bottom side  129 , and side walls  131 . However, in part  113  the first portion  123  is angled with respect to the second portion  125 , forming a corner or “L” shape. 
         [0047]    The fastener retainer  114  includes an annular portion  119 , a first connector portion  120 , and a second connector portion  122 . The annular portion  119  includes a hole  124  extending therethrough. The first connector portion  120  includes a first arm  126  and a pair of first flanges  128 . The first arm  126  is connected at one end thereof to the annular portion  119  and connected at an opposite end to the first flanges  128 . The first arm  126  is angled with respect to the annular portion  119  and the first flanges  128  so that the first flanges  128  are located on a separate plane from the annular portion  119 , as best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The first flanges  128  extend perpendicularly from opposite sides of the first arm  124  to form an approximately a “T” shape. The first flanges  128  are operable to engage the part  113  in the same manner as described above for the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . The second connector portion  122  is substantially similar to the first connector portion  120  and is located on a side of the annular ring  119  at an angle equal to the angle created by the first portion  123  and the second portion  125  of the part  113 . The second connector portion  122  includes a second arm  130  and a pair of second flanges  132 . The second arm  130  is connected at one end thereof to the annular portion  119  and connected at an opposite end to the second flanges  132 . The second arm  130  is angled with respect to the annular portion  119  and the second flanges  132  so that the second flanges  132  are located on the same plane as the first flanges  128 , as best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The second flanges  132  extend perpendicularly from opposite sides of the second arm  130  to form an approximately a “T” shape. The second flanges  132  are operable to engage the part  113 , in the same manner as described above for the embodiment of the invention in  FIGS. 1-3 . Moreover, the second flanges  132  may have a length greater than a length of the first flanges  128 . However, it should be appreciated that the flanges  128 ,  132  may have equal lengths without departing from the scope of the present invention. The fastener retainer  110  is assembled onto the part  113  and operates to secure the fastener  11  to the part  113  in a manner substantially similar to the fastener retainer  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . It should be appreciated that the angle of the first connector portion  120  to the second connector portion  122  may vary so long as the angle is approximately equal to the angle of the first portion  123  of the part  113  to the second portion  125  of the part  113 . 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of another embodiment of a fastener retainer assembly is generally indicated by reference number  200 . The fastener retainer assembly  200  includes a fastener retainer  214  used to secure the fastener  11  to the part  13 . 
         [0049]    The fastener retainer  214  includes an annular portion  219 , a connector portion  220 , and a deflector portion  222 . The annular portion  219  includes a hole  224  extending therethrough. The connector portion  220  includes a first arm  226  and a pair of first flanges  228 . The first arm  226  is connected at one end thereof to the annular portion  219  and connected at an opposite end to the first flanges  228 . The first arm  226  is angled with respect to the annular portion  219  and the first flanges  228  so that the first flanges  228  are located on a separate plane from the annular portion  219 . The first flanges  228  extend perpendicularly from opposite sides of the first arm  224  to form an approximately a “T” shape. The first flanges  228  are operable to engage the part  13 , as will be described in greater detail below. The deflector portion  222  is located on a side of the annular ring  219  opposite the connector portion  220 . The deflector portion  222  includes an angled portion  230  that raises an end  232  of the deflector portion  222  above the height of the head  15  of the fastener  11 . 
         [0050]    The assembly of the fastener retainer  214  and fastener  11  to the part  13  will now be described in greater detail. First, the fastener  11  is inserted into the aperture  27  such that the shank  16  extends through the aperture  27  and the flange  17  abuts the top surface  27  of the part  13 . In this condition, the fastener  11  is not secured to the part  13  and may fall out when the part  13  is coupled to another component or member (not shown) via the fastener  11 . The fastener retainer  214 , as noted above, is employed to retain the fastener  11  to the part  13  prior to installation of the part  13  on another component. Accordingly, the fastener retainer  214  is positioned such that the head  15  of the fastener  11  extends through the hole  224  located in the fastener retainer  214 . With the flanges  228  previously crimped, the first portion  220  of the fastener retainer  214  is positioned over the first portion  23  of the part  13  where the width of the first portion  23  is narrower than the crimped flanges  228 . The deflector portion  222  functions to deflect the fastener retainer  210  as the fastener retainer  210  slides from the first portion  23  of the part  13  towards the second portion  25  of the part  13 . As the hole  224  of the fastener retainer  210  passes above the head  15  of the fastener  11 , the annular portion  219  snaps down on the flange  17  of the fastener. In this way, the flanges  228 , now on the second portion  25 , grip the part  13  and secure the fastener retainer  210  to the part  13 . 
         [0051]    The head  15  of the fastener  11  protrudes through the aperture  224  of the fastener retainer  214 . The head  15  is unimpeded by the fastener retainer  214  thereby allowing the head  15  to be engaged by a drive tool or socket (not shown). The flange  17  of the fastener  11  is disposed between the annular portion  219  of the fastener retainer  214  and the part  13 . Because the flange  17  has a width or diameter greater than the width or diameter X of the hole  224  of the fastener retainer  214 , the annular portion  219  of the fastener retainer  214  captures the flange  17  between the annular portion  219  and the part  13 . Accordingly, the fastener  11  is prevented from fully separating from the part  13  since the fastener  11  is restrained by the cooperation of the part  13  and the fastener retainer  214 . Moreover, when the fastener  11  is tightened such that the flange  17  is flush with the top surface  27  of the part  13 , the annular portion  219  is supported above the head  15  by the angled arm  226  of the fastener retainer  214 , thereby forming a gap  250  between the fastener  11  and the fastener retainer  214 . The gap  250  allows the fastener  11  to be tightened to specific torque limits without physical interference from the fastener retainer  214 . Finally, the arm  226  acts as a spring for the annular portion  219  such that the annular portion  219  may be compressed down towards the part  13  by a drive tool or socket when the fastener  11  is being tightened. 
         [0052]    The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.