US 12,492,721 B2
Leveling fastener with expandable rivet
Juan Cristobal Oropeza, Tampa, FL (US)
Filed by Juan Cristobal Oropeza, Tampa, FL (US)
Filed on Apr. 12, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/299,573.
Application 18/299,573 is a continuation in part of application No. 17/992,530, filed on Nov. 22, 2022, granted, now 12,228,167.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/283,239, filed on Nov. 25, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0243383 A1, Aug. 3, 2023
Int. Cl. F16B 35/04 (2006.01); F16B 37/06 (2006.01)
CPC F16B 35/041 (2013.01) [F16B 35/04 (2013.01); F16B 37/065 (2013.01)] 5 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A leveling fastener for adjustably securing a first member to a second member, the leveling fastener comprising:
a shaft portion having:
a shaft body;
external shaft treads extending along a portion of the shaft body;
a shaft flange extending radially outward from a flange end of the shaft portion; and
a tapered end opposite the flange end;
a rivet portion including:
a cylindrical tube;
a rivet flange extending radially outward from a first tube end of the cylindrical tube;
a rivet lip extending radially inward from a second end of the cylindrical tube the second end opposite the first end wherein the rivet lip is engaged with the shaft flange;
a proximal tube portion disposed adjacent the rivet flange;
a distal tube portion disposed adjacent the rivet lip; and
a deformable portion disposed between the proximal tube portion and the distal tube portion wherein the deformable portion expands radially outward when the distal tube portion is drawn toward the proximal tube portion of the cylindrical tube;
wherein the external shaft treads are engageable with first member opening whereby engaging the flange end with a rotary tool to rotate the shaft portion in a first direction draws the leveling fastener into the first member opening and into a second member opening;
wherein expansion of the deformable portion secures the first member between the rivet flange and the expanded deformable portion; and
wherein further rotation of the shaft member using the rotary tool, in the first direction draws the first member toward the second member and rotation of the shaft member using the rotary tool, in a second direction opposite the first direction urges the first member away from the second member.