Importance

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Abstract

A novel fastener member and a novel method of assembly are provided for engagement of the fastener member with a female member having an internally threaded bore. The fastener member includes a threaded shank portion and a novel point at a work entering end thereof. The point includes a radiused portion which is engaged within the female member threaded bore to start engagement of the fastener member therewith. In certain embodiments, the point further includes an unthreaded portion, which has a diameter that is slightly less than a minor diameter of the shank portion, connecting the radiused portion and the threaded portion. The radiused portion has a maximum diameter which is slightly less than a minor diameter of the threaded bore. The radiused portion may take many forms and, for example, may be spherical; partially spherical; or formed from a predetermined number of radiused portions integrally formed with each other. To engage the fastener member and the female member, the radiused portion is disposed within the threaded bore and thereafter, rotational movement and an end load are applied to one or the other of the fastener member or the female member. The radiused portion is completely inserted into the bore prior to engagement of the shank portion with the threads in the bore, and will promote lateral as well as pivotal moment as required to align the respective members to attain proper thread engagement.

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First Claim