IP Library › Granted Patent US 8,035,286
Granted Patent B2
US 8,035,286 · App. 12/263,716 · Granted Oct 11, 2011

Spark plug casing and spark plug having the spark plug casing

Assignee: Fram Group IP LLC
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,035,286
App. No.
12/263,716
Granted
Oct 11, 2011
Kind
B2
Abstract

A spark plug casing includes a single-piece shell having a nut portion, first and second tubular portions and a converging shell portion, which are configured to be removed from a cylinder head as an integral device. The first tubular portion extends from the nut portion and has a first cross-sectional size. The second tubular portion has a second cross-sectional size less than the first cross-sectional size. The converging shell portion is coupled between the first and second tubular portions. The casing further includes a ground strap having a third cross-sectional size less than the second cross-sectional size. The ground strap is received within an end portion of the second tubular portion opposite the converging shell portion, such that the ground strap and the cylinder head are in a spaced relationship with respect to each other for preventing carbon buildup from binding the ground strap to the cylinder head.

Claims (24)

1. A spark plug casing, comprising:

a nut portion;

a first tubular portion extending from the nut portion, the first tubular portion having a first cross-sectional size and a threaded fastener configured to attach the spark plug casing to a cylinder head;

a second tubular portion having a second cross-sectional size, the second cross-sectional size being less than the first cross-sectional size, the second tubular portion configured to extend toward a combustion chamber past the cylinder head;

a converging shell portion coupled between the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion, wherein the nut portion, the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion and the converging shell portion are formed from a single-piece shell such that the single-piece shell is configured to be removed from the cylinder head as an integral device; and

a ground strap having a third cross-sectional size, the third cross-sectional size being less than the second cross-sectional size, the ground strap being received within and fixedly secured to an end portion of the second tubular portion opposite the converging shell portion, such that the ground strap and the cylinder head are in a spaced relationship with respect to each other for preventing a buildup of carbon from binding the ground strap to the cylinder head.

2. The spark plug casing as in claim 1 , wherein the end portion of the second tubular portion has a seat configured to receive the ground strap and wherein the seat of the second tubular portion is proximate to a distal end of the spark plug casing.

3. The spark plug casing as in claim 2 , wherein the ground strap has a ring portion and an arcuate loop extending across the ring portion, the ring portion being disposed within the seat, and the arcuate loop and the center electrode being in a spaced relationship with respect to each other for defining a spark gap therebetween.

4. The spark plug casing as in claim 3 , wherein the end portion of the second tubular portion has a rim portion extending past the seat, the rim portion being attached to the ring portion.

5. The spark plug casing as in claim 4 , wherein the rim portion is welded to the ring portion.

6. The spark plug casing as in claim 4 , wherein the ring portion is crimped between the rim portion and the seat.

7. The spark plug casing as in claim 1 , wherein the ground strap is made of a high nickel alloy.

8. The spark plug casing as in claim 7 , wherein the ground strap has a first length, and the second tubular portion has a second length, and the second length being greater than the first length.

9. A spark plug, comprising:

a center electrode;

an insulator disposed about the center electrode; and

a spark plug casing disposed about the insulator, the spark plug casing having a nut portion, a first tubular portion, a second tubular portion, a converging shell portion and a ground strap, the first tubular portion extending from the nut portion, the first tubular portion having a first cross-sectional size and a threaded fastener configured to attach the spark plug casing to a cylinder head, the second tubular portion having a second cross-sectional size, the second cross-sectional size being less than the first cross-sectional size, the second tubular portion configured to extend toward a combustion chamber past the cylinder head, the converging shell portion coupled between the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion, wherein the nut portion, the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion and the converging shell portion are formed from a single-piece shell such that the single-piece shell is configured to be removed from the cylinder head as an integral device, and the ground strap having a third cross-sectional size, the third cross-sectional size being less than the second cross-sectional size, the ground strap being received within and fixedly secured to an end portion of the second tubular portion opposite the converging shell portion, such that the ground strap and the cylinder head are in a spaced relationship with respect to each other for preventing a buildup of carbon from binding the ground strap to the cylinder head.

10. The spark plug as in claim 9 , wherein the end portion of the second tubular portion has a seat configured to receive the ground strap and wherein the seat of the second tubular portion is proximate to a distal end of the spark plug casing, wherein only a tip portion of the insulator extends past the distal end of the spark plug casing.

11. The spark plug as in claim 10 , wherein the ground strap has a ring portion and an arcuate loop extending across the ring portion, the ring portion being disposed within the seat, and the arcuate loop and the center electrode being in a spaced relationship with respect to each other for defining a spark gap therebetween.

12. The spark plug casing as in claim 11 , wherein the end portion of the second tubular portion has a rim portion extending past the seat, the rim portion being attached to the ring portion.

13. The spark plug casing as in claim 12 , wherein the rim portion is welded to the ring portion.

14. The spark plug casing as in claim 12 , wherein the ring portion is crimped between the rim portion and the seat.

15. The spark plug as in claim 9 , wherein the ground strap is made of a high nickel alloy.

16. The spark plug as in claim 15 , wherein the ground strap has a first length, and the second tubular portion has a second length, and the second length being greater than the first length.

Assignments (22)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 2, 2026
From: WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB
To: JEFFERIES FINANCE LLC
Reel/Frame 075891/0705 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 12, 2026
From: PGI NORTHSTAR LLC
To: FIRST HORIZON BANK
Reel/Frame 075410/0391 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 4, 2026
From: FIRST BRANDS GROUP HOLDINGS, LLC; FIRST BRANDS GROUP INTERMEDIATE, LLC; FIRST BRANDS GROUP, LLC; CHAMPION LABORATORIES, INC.; FRAM GROUP IP LLC; PYLON MANUFACTURING CORP.; HEATHERTON HOLDINGS, LLC; TRICO PRODUCTS CORPORATION; STRONGARM, LLC
To: PGI NORTHSTAR LLC
Reel/Frame 075584/0001 →
LIEN Recorded Dec 8, 2025
From: JEFFERIES FINANCE LLC
To: WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB
Reel/Frame 073892/0154 →
FIRST LIEN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jun 18, 2025
From: AIRTEX INDUSTRIES, LLC; AIRTEX PRODUCTS, LP; APC INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS, LLC; APC PARENT, LLC; ASC INDUSTRIES, INC.; AUTOLITE OPERATIONS LLC; AVM EXPORT, INC.; BPI ACQUISITION COMPANY, LLC; BPI EC, LLC; BPI HOLDINGS INTERNATIONAL, LLC; BRAKE PARTS INC CHINA LLC; BRAKE PARTS INC INDIA LLC; BRAKE PARTS INC LLC; CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.; CARRAND COMPANIES, INC.; CARTER CARBURETOR HOLDINGS, LLC; CARTER CARBURETOR, LLC; CARTER FUEL EXPORT, INC.; CARTER FUEL SYSTEMS, LLC; CHAMPION LABORATORIES, INC.; CWD HOLDING, LLC; CWD INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS I, LLC; CWD INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS II, LLC; CWD, LLC; DALTON CORPORATION; DALTON CORPORATION, KENDALLVILLE; MANUFACTURING FACILITY DALTON CORPORATION, ASHLAND; MANUFACTURING FACILITY DALTON CORPORATION, STRYKER MACHINING FACILITY CO.; DALTON CORPORATION, WARSAW MANUFACTURING FACILITY; EAGLE CASTING, LLC; EAGLE MACHINING, LLC; FIRST BRANDS GROUP INTERMEDIATE, LLC; FIRST BRANDS GROUP, LLC; FRAM GROUP IP LLC; FRAM GROUP OPERATIONS LLC; FRAMAUTO HOLDINGS, LLC; FUEL FILTER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; GLOBAL REMAN VENTURES, LLC; HEATHERTON HOLDINGS, LLC; HOPKINS ACQUISITION, INC.; HOPKINS MANUFACTURING CORPORATION; HORIZON EURO FINANCE LLC; HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.; HORIZON GLOBAL COMPANY LLC; HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION; HORIZON INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC; IBI INTERNATIONAL HOLDING COMPANY, INC.; INTERNATIONAL BRAKE INDUSTRIES, INC.; JASPER ACQUISITION CORP.; JASPER RUBBER PRODUCTS, INC.; KTRI HOLDINGS, INC.; KTRI OFFSHORE HOLDINGS, LLC; LONGMAN ENTERPRISES, INC.; PHNX ACQUISITION CORP.; PREMIER MARKETING GROUP, LLC; PYLON MANUFACTURING CORP.; PYLON SOUTH BEND, INC.; QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE, L.L.C.; QUALIS ENTERPRISES, LLC; QUALITOR ACQUISITION INC.; QUALITOR AUTOMOTIVE, LLC; QUALITOR SUBSIDIARY H, INC.; QUALITOR SUBSIDIARY S, INC.; QUALITOR, INC.; REMAN MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL LLC; SDC TX, LLC; SMART CHOICE, LLC; SPECIALTY PUMPS GROUP, INC.; STRONGARM, LLC; TAE BRAKES, LLC; TAE CHINA HOLDINGS, INC.; TMD INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC; TMD MEXICO LLC; TOLEDO MOLDING & DIE, LLC; TRANSPORTATION AFTERMARKET ENTERPRISE, LLC; TRICO HOLDING CORPORATION; TRICO PRODUCTS CORPORATION; TRICO TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION; TRIDONEX USA LLC; UCI ACQUISITION HOLDINGS (NO. 4) LLC; UCI INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS PARENT, INC.; UCI INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC.; UCI INTERNATIONAL, LLC; UCI PENNSYLVANIA, INC.; UCI-AIRTEX HOLDINGS, INC.; UNITED COMPONENTS, LLC; UNIVERSAL AUTO FILTER LLC; VIPER ACQUISITION I, INC.; VIPER ACQUISITION, INC.; WALBRO LLC; WALBRO MIDCO LLC; WEM US CO.
To: GLAS USA LLC
Reel/Frame 071674/0688 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE THE PATENT APPLICATION NUMBERS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 053377 FRAME: 0596. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Recorded Dec 19, 2022
From: CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH
To: JEFFERIES FINANCE LLC
Reel/Frame 062584/0429 →
ASSIGNMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 31, 2020
From: CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH
To: JEFFERIES FINANCE LLC
Reel/Frame 053377/0596 →
RELEASE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 25, 2020
From: ACQUIOM AGENCY SERVICES LLC
To: ASC INDUSTRIES, INC.; CARTER FUEL SYSTEMS, LLC; FRAM GROUP IP LLC; STRONGARM, LLC; TRICO PRODUCTS CORPORATION; TRICO GROUP, LLC; TRICO GROUP HOLDINGS, LLC
Reel/Frame 053313/0812 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 23, 2020
From: FRAM GROUP IP LLC
To: ACQUIOM AGENCY SERVICES LLC
Reel/Frame 052481/0586 →
ABL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Mar 1, 2019
From: FRAM GROUP IP LLC
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 048479/0639 →
SECOND LIEN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Feb 27, 2019
From: ASC INDUSTRIES, INC.; CARTER FUEL SYSTEMS, LLC; FRAM GROUP IP LLC; HEATHERTON HOLDINGS, LLC; STRONGARM, LLC; TRICO PRODUCTS CORPORATION
To: CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 048887/0495 →
RELEASE OF ABL PATENT SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 27, 2019
From: BMO HARRIS BANK N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: FRAM GROUP IP LLC
Reel/Frame 048455/0808 →
RELEASE OF TERM LOAN PATENT SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 27, 2019
From: CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: FRAM GROUP IP LLC
Reel/Frame 048455/0869 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 16, 2017
From: CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, AS RESIGNING COLLATERAL AGENT
To: BMO HARRIS BANK, N.A., AS SUCCESSOR COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 041739/0040 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 27, 2016
From: FRAM GROUP IP LLC
To: CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 041190/0001 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 27, 2016
From: FRAM GROUP IP LLC
To: CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 041190/0278 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 27, 2016
From: CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: FRAM GROUP IP LLC
Reel/Frame 041189/0938 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 27, 2016
From: CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: FRAM GROUP IP LLC
Reel/Frame 041189/0782 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 12, 2011
From: FRAM GROUP IP LLC; PRESTONE PRODUCTS CORPORATION
To: CREDIT SUISSE AG, AS SECOND LIEN COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 026740/0089 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 11, 2011
From: FRAM GROUP IP LLC; PRESTONE PRODUCTS CORPORATION
To: CREDIT SUISSE AG, AS FIRST LIEN COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 026732/0670 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 29, 2011
From: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
To: FRAM GROUP IP LLC
Reel/Frame 026671/0907 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 26, 2009
From: BELOW, MATTHEW B; RICHARDS, J BRADEN
To: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
Reel/Frame 022317/0148 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 60985022 · Nov 2, 2007
Related Publication 20090121603A1 · May 14, 2009