WO1990009261A2

WO1990009261A2 - Crush nut applicator, and methods of constructing and utilizing same

Info

Publication number: WO1990009261A2
Application number: PCT/US1990/000517
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wayne R. Falls
Original assignee: Falls Wayne R
Priority date: 1989-01-30
Filing date: 1990-01-30
Publication date: 1990-08-23
Also published as: WO1990009261A3

Abstract

A crush nut applicator (1) providing a quick and easy method of inserting a crush nut (6) on a vehicle. The applicator (1) employs a free-spinning bolt (5) to apply and secure the crush nut (6) in place. On one side of the applicator is a crush nut contact area (12) which provides sufficient friction to hold the crush nut (6).

Description

"CRUSH NUT APPLICATOR. AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTING AND UTILIZING SAME"

The invention relates to the hand tool adapted for use in attaching rear view mirrors on vehicles. Specifically, the present invention relates to a means for securing a crush nut onto a vehicle to secure a rear view mirror thereto. Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of the applicator in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of the applicator in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the applicator in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 4 illustrates the applicator of the present invention in use.

Fig. 5 illustrates the applicator of the present invention after securing the nut.

As shown in Fig. 1, the crush nut applicator 1 of the present invention includes a handle 2 and applicator head 4. The handle 2 includes means for aiding the user in gripping the applicator 15. Connected between handle 2 and head 4 is transition portion 3 which offsets the handle 2 and head 4. Applicator head 4 is substantially flat and has transition portion 3 angled upward at one end. At the opposite end of the transition portion 3, handle 2 is again substantially flat. Transition portion 3 permits sufficient clearance between an auto surface and the users hand on handle 2.

Applicator head 4 includes a sleeve 11 passing through the applicator 1. Head 4 may optionally be interchangable to permit use with different sized bolts 5 and crush nuts 6. A bolt 5 freely passes through the sleeve 11 and is a required piece of the applicator. On one side of head 4 is a bolt stand 9 and on the opposite side is crush nut contact area 12. Bolt stand 9 engages and holds the bolt head 10. Contact area 12 includes a knurled surface to provide sufficient friction to hold the crush nut 6 in place on the applicator 1.

In general, a crush nut 6 includes a non-threaded flange 7 and a threaded opposite end T. Extending between these two ends are collapsible sides 8. A crush nut allows a small hole 21 to be made in an object 20, and then after the nut is inserted, the collapsible wall 8 expands outwardly as the two ends 7, T are pulled toward each other by the bolt. Thus, the object or the wall 20 will be secured between flange 7 and the collapsed walls 8 and by the pressure exerted on the sides of the hole 21 by the walls 8. In use, the crush nut 6 is threaded onto the bolt 5 until it contacts area 12. After the hole 21 has been made in the vehicle or wall 20, the applicator 1 is used to insert the nut 6 into the hole. Next a wrench is used to turn bolt 5 to draw end T toward flange 7 and secure the nut in place. After securing the nut 6, bolt 5 is reversed, or "backed-out", and removed from the nut. The nut then provides a secure mount for vehicle accessories, particularly mirrors.

Although there has been described what is at present considered to be preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications and variations may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appending claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

I CLAIM:

-1- A hand tool for applying crash nuts on automobiles, comprising: a substantially flat applicator head including a bolt stand on a first side in a contact area on a second side opposite said bolt stand; a handle; said handle and said applicator head are off-set from each other by a transition portion to allow the handle to have clearance from the automobile; a sleeve passing through said applicator head; and a bolt freely passing through said sleeve.

-2- A tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said bolt stand comprises a raised area for the bolt head to abut.

-3- A tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said nut contact area comprises a knurled area surrounding said sleeve.

-4- A tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said bolt stand comprises a raised area for the bolt head to abut; and said nut contact area comprises a knurled area surrounding said sleeve.

-5- A tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said applicator head is substantially flat; said transition portion extends from one end of said applicator head and is angled upward; said handle is substantially flat and attached at said transition portion at the end opposite said applicator head.

-6- A tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said handle includes a means to aid in gripping the tool.

-7- A method for applying a crush nut to an automobile, comprising: providing a hole in the desired location; threading a crash nut onto a bolt freely passing through a sleeve and an applicator until said nut contacts a knurled portion on said applicator; inserting said nut into said hole; and securing said nut to said automobile by rotation of said bolt.

-8- The method of claim 7, wherein: said rotating of said bolt is accomplished by attaching a wrench onto the head of said bolt.

-9- The method of claim 7, wherein: said insertion of said crush nut into said automobile is accomplished by holding a handle on said applicator.

-10- The method of claim 7, wherein: said securing of said crash nut is accomplished by said bolt drawing one end of said crash nut toward said applicator head.

-11- The tool as set forth in claim 3, wherein: said nut contact area holds said crash nut in place allowing said bolt to secure said crash nut.