Spacer insert

Abstract

A spacer insert for providing spacing between a first structure and a second structure includes a head having a diameter larger than an opening in the first structure to which the spacer insert is attachable, a hollow cylindrical shaft coupled with and extending from the head that defines at least part of a connector channel, and a thread on an exterior of the hollow cylindrical shaft. The spacer insert provides a better thread engagement, is more economical to install, and is more reliable in service.

Claims

1. A spacer insert for providing spacing between a first structure and a second structure, the spacer insert comprising: a head having a diameter larger than an opening in the first structure to which the spacer insert is attachable; a hollow cylindrical shaft coupled with and extending from the head, the hollow cylindrical shaft defining at least part of a connector channel; and a thread on an exterior of the hollow cylindrical shaft, wherein the hollow cylindrical shaft is configured to receive and secure a connector in the connector channel that connects the first structure to the second structure.

2. A spacer insert according to claim 1, wherein the thread extends to about a mid-portion of the hollow cylindrical shaft.

3. A spacer insert according to claim 2, wherein the spacer insert is 15 mm long, and wherein the thread extends to a position 7 mm from the head.

4. A spacer insert according to claim 1, wherein the thread is spaced from the head by an undercut.

5. A spacer insert according to claim 4, wherein the undercut is about 0.75 mm.

6. A spacer insert according to claim 1, further comprising a thread locker on the thread.

7. A spacer insert for providing spacing between a first structure and a second structure, the spacer insert comprising: a head having a diameter larger than an opening in the first structure to which the spacer insert is attachable; a hollow cylindrical shaft coupled with and extending from the head, the hollow cylindrical shaft defining at least part of a connector channel; and a thread on an exterior of the hollow cylindrical shaft, wherein the head comprises an exteriorly accessible shaped recess that is continuous with and forming part of the connector channel.

8. A spacer insert according to claim 7, wherein the shaped recess comprises a hex recess.

9. A spacer insert for providing spacing between a first structure and a second structure, the spacer insert comprising: a head having a diameter larger than an opening in the first structure to which the spacer insert is attachable; a hollow cylindrical shaft coupled with and extending from the head, the hollow cylindrical shaft defining at least part of a connector channel; and a thread on an exterior of the hollow cylindrical shaft, wherein the hollow cylindrical shaft is configured to be independently secured in the second structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) These and other aspects and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a spacer insert secured between a cab frame and a window or door system;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the spacer insert; and

(4) FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the spacer insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(5) With reference to FIG. 1, a spacer insert 10 is shown secured between a first structure 12 such as a window or door system and a second structure 14 such as a cab frame. The spacer insert 10 includes a head 16 with a hex recess 18 or the like, and a hollow cylindrical shaft 20 coupled with and extending from the head 16. The hex recess 18 may be sized to fit a standard 6 mm hex drive socket. The hollow cylindrical shaft 20 defines at least part of a connector channel 19 (see FIG. 3). A thread 21 is provided on an exterior of the hollow cylindrical shaft 20. The hex recess 18 could alternatively be formed into any suitable shape. The recess 18 is continuous with and forms part of the connector channel 19.

(6) In some embodiments, the thread 21 extends to about a mid-portion of the hollow cylindrical shaft 20. The spacer insert 10 may be 15 mm long from the head 16 to a distal end, and the thread 21 may extend to a position 7 mm from the head 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the thread 21 may start at a position spaced from the head 16 by an undercut, which may be about 0.75 mm. Preferably, the spacer insert 10 is formed of steel although other materials may be suitable.

(7) A thread locker such as Loctite® may be applied on the external thread 21.

(8) The connector channel 19 through the hollow cylindrical shaft 20 is sized to receive a connector 22. In use, openings are formed in the first structure 12 that are sized to receive the hollow cylindrical shaft 20 and the exterior thread 21. The spacer inserts 10 are secured in the openings by being threaded into the openings.

(9) Corresponding openings in the second structure 14 are formed at locations matching the openings in the first structure 12. The openings in the second structure 14 are aligned with the spacer inserts 10 positioned in the openings of the first structure 12. Subsequently, the connector 22 is inserted (e.g., threaded) through each of the openings in the second structure 14 and into the spacer inserts 10. As shown in FIG. 1, as assembled, the heads 16 of the spacer inserts 10 are interposed between the second structure 14 and the first structure 12 to define a space between the second structure and the first structure.

(10) The spacer inserts provide a better thread engagement for the installer to mount a screw around the perimeter, instead of relying on the frame material, which is typically aluminum. The spacer insert is easily inserted with standard tooling and can be accurately torqued. The insert is more economical to install than existing products and is more reliable in service.

(11) While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.