Self locking fasteners and methods relating to same

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a non-marring and abrasion resistant fastener is disclosed herein which includes providing a fastener having an outer body defining an opening therein, an inner body disposed within the opening of the outer body and aligned coaxially with the outer body about a primary axis, a cam operator inserted at least partially through a portion of the inner and outer bodies, the cam operator being movable between a first position wherein the inner and outer bodies are rotatable, and a second position wherein the inner and outer bodies are not rotatable, and applying an outer coating to at least a portion of an exterior surface of the inner body and outer body to prevent the fastener from marring or abrading a surface to which the fastener is connected.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of manufacturing a non-marring and abrasion resistant fastener comprising:
 providing a fastener having an outer body defining an opening therein, an inner body disposed within the opening of the outer body and aligned coaxially with the outer body about a primary axis, a cam operator inserted at least partially through a portion of the inner and outer bodies and together with the inner and outer bodies forming the fastener, the cam operator being rotatable about a secondary axis that is generally normal to the primary axis and movable between a first position wherein the inner and outer bodies are rotatable with respect to a surface or structure located adjacent or proximate to the inner and outer bodies and to which the fastener is being fastened, and a second position wherein the inner and outer bodies are not rotatable with respect to the adjacent or proximate surface or structure and the inner and outer bodies are fastened to the adjacent or proximate surface or structure; and   applying an outer coating to at least a portion of an exterior surface of the inner body and outer body to prevent the fastener from marring or abrading a surface to which the fastener is connected.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the inner body and outer body each have abutting surfaces that abut the surface or structure located adjacent or proximate to the fastener when the fastener is a fastened position and applying an outer coating comprises inserting the inner and outer bodies of the fastener within an outer sleeve covering at least a portion of the abutting surfaces of the fastener to prevent the abutting surfaces from marring or abrading the surface or structure located adjacent or proximate to the fastener. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein at least one of the abutting surfaces has a design or pattern and the sleeve is made of a thin polymeric material and inserting the inner and outer bodies of the fastener within the sleeve comprises inserting the inner and outer bodies of the fastener sufficiently within the sleeve so that the design or pattern of the at least one of the abutting surfaces is visible through the outer sleeve. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the outer sleeve is made of plastic or rubber and the method comprises coloring the outer sleeve to indicate a property of or intended us for the fastener to a consumer. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the outer sleeve is generally cup shaped and positioned adjacent lower surfaces of the inner and outer bodies and defines a key for capturing at least a portion of the cam operator to prevent the cam operator from sliding forward or aft along the secondary axis and the method comprises inserting the first and second bodies of the fastener through a first opening defined by the outer sleeve and inserting the cam operator through a second opening of the outer sleeve positioned transverse the first opening of the outer sleeve and aligning the cam operator with the key of the outer sleeve for preventing the cam operator from sliding with respect to the outer sleeve. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the key of the outer body defines a protrusion that engages a corresponding groove defined by the cam operator and aligning the cam operator with the key comprises aligning the protrusion of the outer sleeve with the groove of the cam operator so that the cam operator may be rotated with respect to the outer sleeve but not moved longitudinally along the secondary axis. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the outer sleeve is symmetrical about an axis so that the cam operator may be inserted into the outer sleeve in at least two orientations to accommodate right-handed or left-handed persons and inserting the cam operator through the second opening of the outer sleeve comprising inserting the cam operator in either the right-handed or left-handed orientation.