George August Tinnerman II
| George August Tinnerman II | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1907 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| 19831983 | |
| 💼 Occupation | Inventor, industrialist, philanthropist |
| Known for | Inventor of the cage nut; promoter of speed nut adoption by Ford |
George August Tinnerman II (1907–1983) was an American inventor, industrialist, and philanthropist. He is credited with inventing the cage nut,[1] a fastener widely used in electronics and server equipment, and for promoting the adoption of the speed nut fastener by the Ford Motor Company, which significantly changed automotive manufacturing processes.
Early life and family
George August Tinnerman II was born in 1907 in Cleveland, Ohio, into a family with a rich history of innovation. His grandfather, George A. Tinnerman, owned a stove manufacturing firm called Tinnerman Steel Range Company and held several patents on ranges,[2] and his father, Albert H. Tinnerman, invented the speed nut in 1923.[3] Raised in an environment of mechanical invention and entrepreneurship, George A. Tinnerman II continued the family legacy.
Career and inventions
In the 1930s, Tinnerman joined the family business, and helped his father launch Tinnerman Products in 1939, where he contributed extensively to the development and manufacture of fasteners.
Mr. Tinnerman invented the cage nut, a spring steel fastener encased in a metal cage that clips into square holes. This invention became essential for mounting electronic equipment in standardized racks and is still widely used today.[1]
Tinnerman held over two hundred patents related to spring fasteners, clip-on nuts, and assembly improvements. [4]
During World War II, George A. Tinnerman II’s fasteners were widely used in aircraft manufacturing. [5] They enhanced production efficiency and helped reduce the weight of the aircraft. [6]
George A. Tinnerman was featured in a 1947 Fortune Magazine article titled “Nuts to Ford.” The piece highlighted his hands-on sales approach, dramatic product demonstrations, and the development of the Speed Nut—a fastener that helped automakers reduce production time and costs. In one notable story, Tinnerman wrapped his Plymouth in a sling held up by a single Speed Nut to prove its strength. He then pitched this idea to Albert J. Browning, Ford’s Vice President, showing how the nuts could save Ford millions. After successful testing, Ford placed a $1 million order, contributing to an annual savings of $3 million for Ford.[7]
Philanthropy and aviation
George A. Tinnerman II was a supporter of aviation and funded the Tinnerman Trophy Cup at the National Air Races in 1947. [6]
He also contributed to civic and community projects in Cleveland. Notably, the Tinnerman family donated the Tinnerman Canoe Base to the Cleveland Area Scout Council in 1963, supporting Scouting in Ohio and providing a facility for outdoor education and recreation.[6]
Legacy
Under his leadership, Tinnerman Products became a national leader in fastener manufacturing. The innovations of George August Tinnerman II and his family continue to influence manufacturing processes in automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries.
The Tinnerman brand is now part of ARaymond, a global fastener company, and George A. Tinnerman II’s inventions remain integral to mechanical assembly worldwide.[8]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 George A. Tinnerman, Fastening Device, U.S. patent 2,394,729 Granted Feb. 12, 1946.
- ↑ US1255353A, George A. Tinnerman, "Combined Gas and Solid-Fuel Range"
- ↑ US1465095A, Albert H. Tinnerman, "Speed Nut"
- ↑ "Google Patents". patents.google.com. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "History of Tinnerman Products". 27 August 2020. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Tinnerman Canoe Base". Retrieved 2025-06-10.
- ↑ "Nuts to Ford". Fortune Magazine. 36: 144. November 1947.
- ↑ "A RESOLUTION honoring the 150th anniversary of A Raymond Tinnerman" (PDF). Retrieved 2025-06-10.
External links
References
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