| Fastener cap -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Fastener capRelated Patent Categories: Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-deformed, Or Locked-threaded Fastener, Headed Fastener Element With Nut, Washer, Securing Means Or Cap, Cap Over The Head, Attachable Cap Structure, MoldableFastener cap description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060198716, Fastener cap. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a fastener cap. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fastener cap for covering an exposed portion of a fastener such as screw, bolt, etc. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Screws and bolts made of steel or the like provide excellent fastening effect. However, the threaded shank of a screw or bolt is apt to rust due to contact with air or water, resulting in damage in the threading as well as getting stuck. As a result, the screw or bolt could not be detached when desired. This is particularly true for the exposed threaded portion of a headless screw or bolt. [0005] FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings illustrate a conventional fastener cap 2 for covering an exposed portion of a shank 11 of a screw 1. The fastener cap 2, generally made of plastic, is substantially a cylindrical member with a longitudinal through-hole 21, allowing it to be mounted around and thus protect the exposed portion of the shank 11 of the screw 1. The fastener cap 2 has an inner diameter slightly greater than a diameter of the shank 11 for protecting the exposed portion of the shank 11 from rusting due to contact with ambient air or moisture. The life of the screw 1 can be prolonged accordingly. [0006] However, the inner circumference of the fastener cap 2 and the outer circumference of the exposed portion of the shank 11 of the screw 1 have no reliable engagement therebetween such that the fastener cap 2 is apt to be disengaged from the shank 11 of the screw 1. In a case that the diametrical dimension of the longitudinal through-hole 21 of the fastener cap 2 is precisely controlled to be in a small tolerance for mating with the diameter of the exposed portion of the shank 11 of the screw 1 for providing a firm engagement therebetween, a problem might arise that, due to expansion and shrinkage resulting from temperature change, the longitudinal through-hole 21 of the fastener cap 2 becomes so small that the fastener cap 2 could not be mounted around the exposed portion of the shank 11 of the screw 1. Further, ambient air or moisture may enter the fastener cap 2 via the open end of the fastener cap 2, resulting in undesired rusting. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] A fastener cap in accordance with the present invention comprises a shank includes a longitudinal hole that includes a closed first end and an open second end. The shank further comprises at least one engaging section on an inner wall delimiting the longitudinal hole. The at least one engaging section has an inner diameter smaller than that of a remaining portion of the longitudinal hole. The at least one engaging section is adapted to engage with threading of an exposed portion of a shank of a screw. [0008] Since the first end of the fastener cap is closed, the exposed portion of the shank of the screw is well shielded from ambient air and moisture. The rust-preventing effect is improved. Damage to the exposed portion of the shank of the screw resulting from impact is also mitigated and/or obviated. Further, the inner diameter of the at least one engaging section of the fastener cap is slightly smaller than the diameter of the exposed portion of the shank of the screw so that the tubular shank of the fastener cap is firmly engaged with the threading of the exposed portion of the shank of the screw. [0009] Preferably, the longitudinal hole of the fastener cap has a diameter slightly greater than that of exposed portion of the shank of the screw. [0010] Preferably, the at least one engaging section includes an annular teeth. [0011] Preferably, the at least one engaging section is substantially triangular in section. [0012] Preferably, the fastener cap further comprises a head on the closed first end thereof. [0013] Preferably, the at least one engaging section is formed on an intermediate portion of the inner wall of the tubular shank of the fastener cap. [0014] Other objectives, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a screw and a conventional fastener cap. [0016] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the screw and conventional fastener cap in FIG. 1. [0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partly cutaway, of a fastener cap in accordance with the present invention. [0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partly exploded, of a vehicle sideview mirror and a fastener cap in accordance with the present invention. [0019] FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of a circled portion in FIG. 4. [0020] FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating use of the fastener cap in accordance with the present invention with an exposed portion of a shank of a screw of the vehicle sideview mirror. [0021] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a partially embedded screw and the fastener cap in accordance with the present invention. Continue reading about Fastener cap... Full patent description for Fastener cap Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Fastener cap patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Fastener cap or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Fastener receptacle Next Patent Application: Device for fixing an object to a tree Industry Class: Expanded, threaded, driven, headed, tool-deformed, or locked-threaded fastener ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Fastener cap patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.17328 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Software: Finance , AI , Databases , Development , Document , Navigation , Error 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
