ELASTOMERIC COLLAR FOR FASTENERS

Abstract

An elastomeric collar has a body portion with a generally cylindrical shape from a first end portion to a second end portion and defining a through opening extending along a central axis. A first annular flange is connected to and extends radially outward from the first end portion of the body portion. A second annular flange is connected to and extends radially outward from the second end portion of the body portion, where the second annular flange is axially spaced by a gap from the first annular flange. The body portion, the first annular flange, and the second annular flange are made of an elastomer having a durometer of at least 40A.

Claims

1. An elastomeric fastener collar comprising: a body portion generally having a hollow cylindrical shape extending along a central axis and defining a through-opening along the central axis, the body portion having an upper body end portion, a lower body end portion, an inside body surface, and an outside body surface; a first annular flange continuous with and extending radially outward from the upper body end portion, the first annular flange having a first flange top surface and a first flange bottom surface; and a second annular flange continuous with and extending radially outward from the lower body end portion, the second annular flange having a second flange top surface and a second flange bottom surface, wherein the second annular flange is axially spaced by a gap from the first annular flange; wherein the body portion, the first annular flange, the second annular flange comprise a single monolithic structure made of an elastomer having a durometer of at least 40A.

2. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 1, wherein the elastomer has a durometer of at least 60A.

3. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 1, wherein the elastomer has a durometer of at least 95A.

4. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 1, wherein the elastomer is selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, butadiene, natural rubber, and nylon.

5. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 1 further comprising: an annular protrusion extending radially inward from the inside body surface of the body portion.

6. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 5, wherein the annular protrusion has a rounded profile.

7. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 5, wherein the annular protrusion extends from the inside body surface of the upper end portion.

8. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 1, wherein the first flange bottom surface and the second flange top surface each extend from the body portion in parallel at an angle of 55-60° with respect to the central axis.

9. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 8 wherein the first annular flange is at least partially nested within the second annular flange.

10. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 1 wherein the gap is from about 0.2 to about 0.6 inch.

11. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first flange top surface and the second flange bottom surface is perpendicular to the central axis.

12. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first flange top surface and the second flange bottom surface is substantially parallel to the second flange top surface.

13. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 12, wherein the second flange bottom surface is parallel to the second flange top surface.

14. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 1, wherein at least two of the first flange top surface, the first flange bottom surface, the second flange top surface, and the second flange bottom surface are inclined with respect to the central axis.

15. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 14, wherein at least two of the first flange top surface, the first flange bottom surface, the second flange top surface, and the second flange bottom surface extend from the body portion in parallel.

16. A fastener collar comprising: a body portion generally having a hollow cylindrical shape extending along a central axis and defining a through-opening along the central axis, the body portion having an upper body end portion with an upper body end, a lower body end portion with a lower body end, an inside body surface, and an outside body surface; an annular protrusion with a rounded profile extending radially inward from the inside body surface of the upper body end portion; a first annular flange continuous with and extending radially outward from the upper body end portion, the first annular flange having a first flange top surface and a first flange bottom surface; and a second annular flange continuous with and extending radially outward from the lower body end portion, the second annular flange having a second flange top surface and a second flange bottom surface, wherein the second annular flange is axially spaced by a gap from the first annular flange; wherein the body portion, the first annular flange, the second annular flange comprise a single monolithic structure made of an elastomer having a durometer of at least 60; wherein at least one of the first flange top surface, the first flange bottom surface, the second flange top surface, and the second flange bottom surface is inclined with respect to the central axis.

17. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 16, wherein at least two of the first flange top surface, the first flange bottom surface, the second flange top surface, and the second flange bottom surface are inclined at an angle of 55-60° with respect to the central axis.

18. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 17, wherein at least two of the first flange top surface, the first flange bottom surface, the second flange top surface, and the second flange bottom surface extend from the body portion in parallel.

19. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first flange top surface and second flange bottom surface is perpendicular to the central axis.

20. The elastomeric fastener collar of claim 16, wherein the first flange bottom surface is substantially parallel to the second flange top surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate perspective, elevational, and sectional views, respectively, of one embodiment of an elastomeric collar of the present invention configured for a recessed-head fastener.

[0023] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate perspective, elevational, and sectional views, respectively, of another embodiment of an elastomeric collar of the present invention showing a rounded rim on the upper flange and configured for a recessed-head fastener.

[0024] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate perspective, elevational, and sectional views, respectively, of another embodiment of an elastomeric collar of the present invention showing a further rounded rim on the upper flange and configured for a flat-head or recessed-head fastener.

[0025] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate perspective, elevational, and sectional views, respectively, of another embodiment of an elastomeric collar of the present invention configured for a domed-top or button-cap fastener in a non-recessed opening.

[0026] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate perspective, elevational, and sectional views, respectively, of another embodiment of an elastomeric collar of the present invention configured for a recessed opening and a domed-top fastener.

[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of one embodiment of a recessed fastener installed through an opening of an outer panel, where an elastomeric collar of the present invention is installed in the opening of the panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0028] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate one embodiment of a fastener collar 100 shown in perspective view, side elevational view, and sectional elevation as taken along section line A-A of FIG. 1B, respectively. Collar 100 is made of an elastomer, such as polyurethane, butadiene, or natural rubber. In one embodiment, collar 100 is single, monolithic structure made of polyurethane with a durometer of about 95A. Other acceptable materials include natural rubber with a durometer of about 60 and butadiene with a durometer of about 40.

[0029] Collar 100 includes a hollow shaft portion or body portion 110 having a generally cylindrical shape and extending along a central axis 118 from a first body end portion with a first body end 112a to a second body end portion 114 with a second body end 114a. Body portion 110 defines a central opening 116 through body portion 110 along central axis 118. In one embodiment, central opening 116 has a minimum diameter of 0.315 inch that is sized for a corresponding turnlock fastener 200. In other embodiments, central opening 116 has a minimum diameter of 0.0335 inch or 0.410 inch. Other sizes are acceptable.

[0030] A first flange 120 is joined to or continuous with body portion 110 adjacent first body end portion 112 and extends radially outward to a first outer flange end 122. First flange 120 has a first flange top surface 126 and a first flange bottom surface 127 that extend in parallel to first outer flange end 122. A second flange 140 is joined to or continuous with body portion 110 adjacent second body end portion 114 and extends radially outward to a second outer flange end 142. Second flange 140 has a second flange top surface 146 and a second flange bottom surface 147 that extend in parallel to second outer flange end 142. First flange 120 and second flange 140 each generally have the shape of a frustoconical annulus and extend radially outward in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship from body portion 110. In one embodiment, at least two of the first flange top surface 126, first flange bottom surface 127, second flange top surface 146, and second flange bottom surface 147 are inclined with respect to the central axis 118. For example, the first flange bottom surface 127 and the second flange top surface 146 extend substantially in parallel at an angle α with respect to the central axis 118, where the angle α is 55-60°. Other values of angle α are acceptable.

[0031] First flange 120 and second flange 140 are separated axially by a gap 150. In one embodiment, gap 150 is substantially constant with increasing radius. In other embodiments, gap 150 increases or decreases with increasing radius from body portion 110. In some embodiments, the gap 150 is sized to correspond to the thickness of the sheet where the collar 100 is installed. In one embodiment, for example, gap 150 is about 0.032 inch, which is a common thickness of aluminum sheet used for aircraft and motorsports. In other embodiments, gap 150 is from 0.025 to 0.063 inch. In yet other embodiments, gap 150 is 0.017 to 0.035 in as consistent with common thicknesses of stainless steel sheet.

[0032] In one embodiment, first flange 120 is at last partially nested in second flange 140, where first outer flange end 122 has a first outer radius R1 and second outer flange end 142 has a second outer radius R2 that is greater than R1. In one embodiment, R1 is about 0.032 inch and R2 is about 0.0387 inch. In other embodiments, R1 is equal to or greater than R2.

[0033] In one embodiment, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2C, first flange 120 and second flange 140 extend at an angle α of about 30-35 degrees to the horizontal (i.e., 55-60 degrees with respect to central axis 118.) In one embodiment, angle α is 33° to the horizontal (i.e., 57° to central axis 118) as consistent with the geometry of some turnlock fasteners with a flat head that is recessed into a panel opening 262 (shown in FIG. 6).

[0034] First outer flange end 122 and second outer flange end 142 may be straight or curved. In some embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, first outer flange end 122 and second outer flange end 142 are straight and extend parallel or substantially parallel to central axis 118. In some embodiments, first flange 120 has a thickness that is less than a thickness of second flange 140. For example, first outer flange end 122 has a vertical height of about 0.040 inch or thickness of about 0.033 inch as measured perpendicular to first flange top surface 126; second outer flange end 142 has a vertical height of about 0.050 inch or thickness of about 0.042 inch as measured perpendicular to second flange top surface 146. In one embodiment, a first upper rim 124 of first flange 120 is rounded with a radius of curvature of 0.008 inch as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2A-2C.

[0035] Body portion 110 defines a rounded annular protrusion 119 (also known as a retaining lip) extending into central opening 116 from inside surface 110a. In one embodiment, annular protrusion starts at or near first body end 112 and curves down with a radius of 0.0375 inch. Accordingly, in one embodiment central opening 116 has a minimum diameter of about 0.315 inch at annular protrusion 119 and about 0.390 inch at inside surface 110a located above or below annular protrusion 119. In some embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2C, annular protrusion 119 extends axially about 0.075 inch of a total axial distance of 0.131 inch for body portion 110. In other words, annular protrusion 119 extends axially about 57% of the axial height of body portion 110 along inside surface 110a.

[0036] Annular protrusion 119 is sized and positioned to mate with a narrowed neck 210 on a fastener, such as shown, for example, in FIG. 6. Annular protrusion 119 may be modified, diminished, or omitted, depending on the geometry and type of the particular fastener used. For example, annular protrusion 119 may be omitted when collar 100 is used with a standard screw or bolt, particularly when the standard fastener is seldom or never removed after installation.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, another embodiment of collar 100 is shown in a perspective view, a front elevational view, and a sectional view as taken along line C-C of FIG. 3B, respectively. Collar 100 of FIGS. 3A-3C has a rounded first upper rim 124, but with a radius of curvature that first upper rim 124 becomes a domed upper surface. As such, collar 100 is configured for use with flat-head fasteners. For example, first upper rim 124 has a radius of curvature of about 0.050 inch, which is also the approximate thickness of first flange 120. When rounded as such, first upper rim 124 of first flange 120 is substantially flush with second upper rim 144 as illustrated in FIGS. 3B-3C. Such geometry of collar 100 more closely mates with the bottom face of the head 202 of some turnlock fasteners that include a downward protrusion 204 along the edge of the fastener head 202. Collar 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C, 2A-2C, and 3A-3C are particularly suited for turnlock fasteners with a flat, recessed head.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, another embodiment of collar 100 is shown in a perspective view, a front elevational view, and a sectional view as taken along line D-D of FIG. 4B, respectively. In this embodiment of collar 100, each of the first flange top surface 126, first flange bottom surface 127, and second flange top surface 146 extend radially outward from body portion 110 in a direction substantially perpendicular to central axis 118. Second flange bottom surface 147 is inclined at angle α with respect to central axis 118. Accordingly, first flange 127 has a rectangular profile as shown in FIGS. 4B-4C. Second flange top surface 146 is perpendicular to central axis 118 and second flange bottom surface 147 defines an angle α of 30-35° with the horizontal. Top face 146 and bottom face 147 of second flange 140 extend to second outer flange end 142, which is parallel with central axis 118. Accordingly, second flange has a wedge-shape profile as shown in FIGS. 4B-4C. Bottom face 147 is sloped for convenience to avoid interference with a lower panel or receiver (not shown), but may be either sloped or extend perpendicular to central axis 118 as does top face 146. As such, collar 100 as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C is configured to be used, for example, with a fastener having a domed or button-cap head 202.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, annular protrusion 119 begins at first body end 112a and has a rounded or semicircular profile. Annular protrusion 119 extends axially downward along inside surface 110a approximately to second flange top surface 146.

[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5C, another embodiment of collar 100 is shown in a perspective view, a front elevational view, and a sectional view as taken along line E-E of FIG. 5B, respectively. In this embodiment of collar 100, first flange top surface 126 extends substantially perpendicular to central axis 118. First flange bottom surface 127 extends at an angle α of about 50-55° to central axis 118 (30-35° to the horizontal). First flange top surface 126 and first flange bottom surface 127 extend to first outer flange end 122 which is parallel with central axis 118. Accordingly, first flange 127 generally has a wedge-shape profile as shown in FIGS. 5B-5C. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, second flange top surface 146 and second flange bottom surface 147 140 extend in parallel from body portion 110 an angle α of 30-35° with the horizontal, preferably 33°.

[0041] Second flange top surface is substantially parallel with first flange bottom surface 127 and extend to second outer flange end 142, which is parallel with central axis 118. The inclined second flange bottom surface 127, second flange top surface 146, and first flange bottom surface 127 all define substantially the same angle a. As such, collar 100 of FIGS. 5A-5C is particularly suited for use with countersunk fastener openings and roundhead fasteners. First flange top surface 126 is suited for turnlock fasteners 200 having a flat bottom surface as found on a roundhead fastener. Annular protrusion 119 is approximately centered between first body end 112a (top) and second body end 114a (bottom.)

[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of collar 100, fastener 200, and panel 260. Panel 260 is an outer panel and has a panel body 261 with a fastener opening 262 and a countersunk region 264 surrounding fastener opening 262. As shown in FIG. 6, countersunk region 264 slopes downward to fastener opening 262 from the horizontal panel body 261. Fastener 200 is a flathead turnlock fastener with a screw head 202, a narrowed neck 210, and a shaft 220, where neck 210 is between head 202 and shaft 220 and occupies fastener opening 262 when installed.

[0043] Collar 100 is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C. One difference, however, is that second flange top surface 146 and second flange bottom surface 147 converge radially to a narrow rim 149 or point 149 rather than extending in parallel to second outer flange end 142. This reduced profile compared to second flange end 142 in FIG. 1C further avoids interference with a lower panel (not shown), which would be positioned below second flange bottom surface 147. First flange top surface 126 of first flange 120 extends along bottom screw head surface 203 of fastener head 202 with first upper rim 124 fitting into a nook 205 defined by lower screw head protrusion 204. First flange 120 and second flange 140 extend from body portion 110 at angle α matching that of countersunk region 264 and bottom screwhead surface 203, which commonly is about 33°. Panel 260 at fastener opening 262 is received in gap 150. Annular protrusion 119 is rounded, sized, and positioned to mate with narrowed neck 210 of fastener 200 with first flange top surface 126 abutting the bottom screwhead surface 203 of the fastener head 202. Inside surface 110a of body portion 110 below annular protrusion 119 has a diameter consistent with that of shaft 220.

[0044] In use, collar 100 is preferably installed first in the fastener opening 262 with the panel 260 positioned between first flange 120 and second flange 140. After installing collar 100 in the fastener opening 262, the fastener 200 is then installed through central opening 110 and fastener opening 262. Fastener 200 may be a turnlock fastener or other fastener 200 including a screw, a bolt, a rivet, or other standard or custom fastener. As fastener 200 is tightened, first flange 120 of collar 100 is pressed between fastener head 202 and panel 260 to form a water-tight seal. Therefore, water, fuel, and other liquids do not pass through fastener opening 262 in panel 260. Collar 100 also prevents or greatly reduces wear on panel 260 due to dampening vibration of fastener 200 and panel 260 when installed in fastener opening 262. Being made of an elastomeric material such as polyurethane, collar 100 is very durable and resilient. Collar 100 also has a long service life and withstands UV light and exposure to fuel, oil, water, heat, cold, and other environments without appreciable degradation.

[0045] In one example, fastener 200 is a turnlock fastener or rivet that holds a carbon fiber panel to a rigid frame of a race car. Collar 100 installed in the fastener opening 262 as described above greatly reduces wear on the panel that otherwise would occur due to contact with and vibration of fastener 200.

[0046] Embodiments of collar 100 discussed above are configured for turnlock fasteners. However, collar 100 of the present invention may be modified for use with rivets, screws, bolts, or other permanent or non-permanent fasteners by adjusting the size, angles, and shape. Similarly, while embodiments of collar 100 are shown and described as having a round shape as viewed from above, other embodiments of first and/or second flange 120, 140 may be oblong, square, rectangular, or other shape. Embodiments of collar 100 can be made according to standard sizes for any fastener 200 and corresponding fastener opening 262 and alternately may be made in custom sizes and shapes or made oversized to cover a worn or damaged fastener opening 262.

[0047] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, the above description is merely illustrative. Further modification of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.