Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Fasteners with reduced bacterial harborage points, sealing capabilities, and component protection features
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Application No.: US16189753Application Date: 2018-11-13
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Publication No.: US11059188B2Publication Date: 2021-07-13
- Inventor: Jeffrey Curhan , Craig Demello , Thomas Womersley , William Gunner
- Applicant: Soft Robotics, Inc.
- Applicant Address: US MA Bedford
- Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.
- Current Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.
- Current Assignee Address: US MA Bedford
- Agency: Kacvinsky Daisak Bluni PLLC
- Main IPC: F16B43/00
- IPC: F16B43/00 ; B25J15/12 ; B25J9/14 ; F16B33/00 ; F16B35/06 ; B25J13/08 ; B25J15/00 ; F16L55/11

Abstract:
Exemplary embodiments relate to a fastener suitable for industrial tasks. Some embodiments include a sealing surface sized so that an outer surface of a sealing ring is located at approximately the same diameter as the fastener head, thus reducing ingress risk for foreign contaminants. Further embodiments provide a centering pilot to improve sealing consistency and quality. Some embodiments provide an angled flange on the fastener head to lift tightening tools away from the surface to which the fastener is being applied, and to shed liquids readily. The portion of the head that receives the tightening tools may be relatively small (approximately the same diameter as the fastener's threaded shaft) to reduce the risk of over-torquing. A bearing surface of the fastener may be located below the sealing ring (towards the threaded shaft) to prevent the fastener from marring the unsealed surface to which the fastener is being applied.
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