Member Elastically Or Plastically Deformable For Attaching It To Bolt Head Or Nut Patents (Class 411/121)
  • Patent number: 10900382
    Abstract: An assembly includes a securing stud held by a locking key that rotates with the stud and is provided with bearing surfaces for sitting on an edge of one of the parts to be assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Alain Dominique Gendraud, Jean-Baptiste Vincent Desforges, Arnaud Genilier, Reda Oudyi
  • Patent number: 9976582
    Abstract: A position indicator for mounting on a threaded fixing member such as a wheel nut or bolt, the position indicator comprising: (i) an annular body defining a void to receive the threaded fixing member, an inside surface adapted to engage with the threaded fixing member and prevent or impede relative rotational movement between the position indicator and the threaded fixing member, a first end comprising a male member and a second end comprising a female member; (ii) a clamping means operable in a single operation to reduce the size of the void, frictionally engage the male and female members and apply a clamping force to the threaded fixing member; and (iii) an indicating element for visually indicating the rotational position of the position indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Hexchex Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Alexander Livingstone, Norman Livingstone, Sean Bourne-Mullen
  • Patent number: 9004833
    Abstract: A fastener apparatus is disclosed that features projecting locking members that extend and retract when a central drive shaft is rotated. The exterior of the connector has a body that is partially threaded to receive a nut so that two structures (e.g. flanges, panels, plates, beams, etc.) can be pulled together by tightening the bolt when the locking members are in the extended position. In one embodiment, the shaft can be an eyebolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Derrick Prentice
  • Patent number: 8696249
    Abstract: A rock bolt component includes an elongate tubular section with an internal bore. A fixing member has an elongate body that includes a securing portion positionable in the internal bore of the tubular section and a coupling formation which projects from an opposite end of the fixing member. The fixing member is securable by deformation of an end of the tubular section, once the securing portion of the fixing member has been inserted into the end of the tubular section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: RSC Mining (Pty) Ltd
    Inventor: Johann Steyn
  • Patent number: 8529230
    Abstract: Novel retainers for a body threaded into a reciprocating pump used for pumping fluid into a well are provided for. They comprise one or more elastic members adapted to flex and allow the retainer to be interlocked with the pump and a member adapted to engage the threaded body and to limit loosening thereof. Preferably, the engagement member is biased into engagement with the threaded body, for example, by elastic, magnetic, or gravitational potential energy. The novel retainers include stops which limit loosening or tightening of the threaded body and pawls that limit loosening of the threaded body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Black Horse, LLC
    Inventors: E. Lee Colley, III, Joel Donohue, Larry M. Hill
  • Patent number: 8480341
    Abstract: A nut retainer for a fastener. The nut retainer may include one or more vertical support members that can mate with and receive vertical surfaces of the fastener. The nut retainer may also include one or more horizontal retaining members that can be coupled to at least one end of one or more of the vertical support members adapted to mate with and receive horizontal surfaces of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Mark K. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8439613
    Abstract: A fastener apparatus is disclosed that features projecting locking members that extend and retract when a central drive shaft is rotated. The exterior of the connector has a body that is partially threaded to receive a nut so that two structures (eg. flanges, panels, plates, beams, etc.) can be pulled together by tightening the bolt when the locking members are in the extended position. In one embodiment, the shaft can be an eyebolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Derrick D. Prentice
  • Patent number: 8215884
    Abstract: A locking mechanism inhibits rotational movement of a nut of a first cable connector that is threadingly engaged with a mating second cable connector. The nut has at least one recess in its outer surface along an edge and is rotatably mounted on a fixed housing of the first cable connector. The mechanism includes a component adapted to removably surround at least a portion of the housing and includes at least one first element matingly engageable with a corresponding second element positioned on the housing. A projection is rigidly mounted on the component. The projection is adapted to engage the at least one recess of the nut when the component is engaged with the outer surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Bulow
  • Patent number: 8152426
    Abstract: A rotation indicator device comprises a body having a bore, whereby the body is adapted to be releasably mounted on a polygonal fastener or other multi-angled component in any selected position. At least part of the body which defines the bore is formed of a resilient material of suitable grip and flexibility characteristics, such as silicone rubber material, and the bore has an edge margin which is of a tapered profile in cross-section so that the body can be snugly mounted onto the fastener or other component without any relative rotation occurring between the device and the fastener or other component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Business Lines Limited
    Inventor: Michael Marczynski
  • Patent number: 7931430
    Abstract: A locking device for a rotational based fastener for fastening an object to a substrate, the device including a washer for placement between the fastener head and the object a locking plate for removable engagement to the fastener head to prevent relative rotation of the locking plate and the fastener head, and a flexible, substantially non-elastic integral folded tab connecting the locking plate and washer, the locking plate has a first aperture to receive the the fastener shank such that the fastener head will upon tightening draw the washer into tight contact with the substrate, the locking plate is larger than the fastener head and has a second aperture of smaller or equal size than the fastener head, and the locking plate includes a swagable portion near the perimeter of the second aperture to bridge the fastener head when the locking plate is swaged over the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Building Systems Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Phil Thrift
  • Patent number: 7891923
    Abstract: A metal wire is configured to provide a diagonal interconnecting part extending tangentially between first and second coils which are sized to fit around respective screw action connectors. First and second wire end portions extend tangentially from the respective first and second coils across and beyond the diagonal interconnecting part to provide first and second finger grip limbs. The first limb extends across the interconnecting part adjacent the first coil and the second limb extends across the interconnecting part adjacent the second coil so that end regions of the limbs are spaced apart and at opposite sides of the interconnecting part and are capable of being pressed towards each other in a direction transverse to the interconnecting part by the fingers of one hand in order to loosen the respective coils to enable their location over, or removal from, the respective screw action connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Business Lines Limited
    Inventor: Michael Marczynski
  • Patent number: 7708509
    Abstract: Retainer for threaded fasteners such as the cap screws that secure the end caps of roller bearing assemblies to railroad axles. A locking plate is constrained against rotation relative to the fastener, a lock ring having a plurality of openings disposed along a circular path is placed over the head of the fastener, with the fastener being received in a non-circular central opening in the ring and thereby constrained against rotation relative to the ring, and tabs extending from the locking plate and engaging the lock ring through the openings to retain the lock ring on the fastener and prevent the lock ring and fastener from turning. In the disclosed embodiments, the ring can be placed on the fastener in different rotative positions, and the number of tab openings is either a prime number or another number that is not divisible by factors of the number of ring positions, whereby the fastener can be selectively locked in a relatively large number of different positions no more than a few degrees apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Bruce A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7674080
    Abstract: The present invention provides a retaining washer for retaining threaded fasteners, such as bolts, that have been inadvertently loosened, in use. The invention finds particular application in gas turbine engines and in aircraft in general where wire locking of threaded fasteners has traditionally been employed. The washer (10) comprises a base member (14) having a plurality of apertures (18) each for receiving the shank of a respective bolt (20) or stud part of a threaded fastener, and engagement means (16) extending from the base member for engagement with respective bolt head or nut parts of the fasteners to retain the said head or nut parts with respect to the washer in the event of inadvertent loosening. The said engagement means is deformable between an open configuration which enables access to the bolt head or nut parts of the fasteners for tightening and/or removal thereof and a closed configuration in which the bolt head or nut part are captively retained with the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Michael Agg, Michael Morrison, Christopher Wright
  • Patent number: 7544028
    Abstract: The invention divulges a method of installing a nut in a cage in order to make a secure connection of two elements by screwing the nut on a threaded rod, particularly in the case in which the electrical connection is made using a lug. The cage is in the form of a cylinder comprising elastic inner strips that enable blocking of the washer and the nut, and ensure a constant pressure with time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Gilles Tournier, Stephanie Klepka
  • Publication number: 20080226415
    Abstract: A locking device for a rotational based fastener for fastening an object to a substrate, the device including a washer for placement between the fastener head and the object, a locking plate for removable engagement to the fastener head to prevent relative rotation of the locking plate and the fastener head, and a flexible, substantially non-elastic integral folded tab connecting the locking plate and washer, the locking plate has a first aperture to receive the the fastener shank such that the fastener head will upon tightening draw the washer into tight contact with the substrate, the locking plate is larger than the fastener head and has a second aperture of smaller or equal size than the fastener head, and the locking plate includes a swagable portion near the perimeter of the second aperture to bridge the fastener head when the locking plate is swaged over the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: ADVANCED BUILDING SYSTEMS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Phil Thrift
  • Patent number: 7246978
    Abstract: A body comprising a nut retaining apparatus mounted thereon for fastening a bolt to the body. The bolt is inserted into a bolt insertion hole at an end surface of the body from a direction inclined with respect to a direction tangent to the body. The nut retaining apparatus comprises a nut retainer and a nut holder, the nut retainer positioned at an insertion end of the bolt insertion hole in the body and against which a nut member having a threaded hole abuts, and the nut holder mounted on the body for supporting the nut member in the inclined direction. The nut member is retained and supported in the inclined direction at a position between the nut retainer and nut holder and continuous with the bolt insertion hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kokuyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunari Morishima, Youichi Zenda, Tsuyoshi Shimozato
  • Patent number: 6896463
    Abstract: A spindle nut retainer is provided for preventing a nut threaded upon a spindle from unthreading and detaching from the spindle. The spindle nut retainer includes an integral base section and peripheral section maintaining a cup-shaped configuration. The base section includes an aperture through which the spindle may pass and the peripheral section includes a plurality of fingers which form windows therebetween used to form a locking connection between the spindle nut retainer and the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Dexter Axle Company
    Inventor: James Craig Tuthill
  • Publication number: 20040258503
    Abstract: A spindle nut retainer is provided for preventing a nut threaded upon a spindle from unthreading and detaching from the spindle. The spindle nut retainer includes an integral base section and peripheral section maintaining a cup-shaped configuration. The base section includes an aperture through which the spindle may pass and the peripheral section includes a plurality of fingers which form windows therebetween used to form a locking connection between the spindle nut retainer and the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: James Craig Tuthill
  • Patent number: 6799929
    Abstract: A method of securely attaching a plate to a malleable metal rod includes forming an integral, generally annular projection on one end of the rod. An opening through the plate is configured to receive the annual projection on the rod. The annual projection is inserted through the opening in the plate and is permanently deformed radially outwardly to overlie and contact the plate at a plurality of spaced locations. The deformations in the annular projection securely attach the plate to the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Progressive Stamping Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Oates, Lester B. Lodrick
  • Patent number: 6558095
    Abstract: A nut locking clip assembly holds a nut in a desired orientation. The clip assembly has a first member or arm secured to a structure. A second arm is secured to the first arm through a spring portion. The first member defines a hole whereas the second member defines a longitudinal opening. The longitudinal opening has two edges define a width that is slightly wider than the width of the nut head. When the nut is threaded into the structure through the hole in the first member, it is oriented to allow the second member to slide over the nut. The edges of the longitudinal opening or slot prevent the edges of the nut from rotating. To remove the nut, the second member is forced back toward the first member allowing the nut to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew J. Miller
  • Patent number: 6478502
    Abstract: In a structure for attaching a link for an opening-closing member of the present invention, an end portion of a tail gate open stay 4 disposed between an opening 2 and a tail gate 3 of a vehicle body is supported by a pivotally supporting bolt 5 which is threadedly engaged with a nut 7 provided on a bracket 6 welded to the opening 2 side. The nut is formed into a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape by extrusion forming, the bracket is formed by bending a plate material in such a manner as to wrap three surfaces of the nut on its short base side, and the nut is welded to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Yoda, Takeki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6471457
    Abstract: A screw retention device is disclosed having a clamping part and a hook part. The clamping part engages the head of a screw for securely retaining the screw. The hook part interacts with a surface of the component on which the screw is fastened to limit the rotation of the screw. The screw retention device is configured to be used with any known screw having a protruding head. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the screw retention device is used with a serrated screw wherein the clamping part of the screw retention device includes a serrated portion which corresponds to and engages with the serrations on the serrated screw to securely grip the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Daisuke Nago
  • Patent number: 6364587
    Abstract: Devices are disclosed for locking rotatable fasteners in a construction element including a shaped surface which defines an axis of rotation for the rotatable fastener, and at least one protrusion extending into the shaped surface as a lock for the rotatable fastener, in which the protrusion can be processed with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotatable fastener to create an end surface on the protrusion which is a predetermined distance from the axis of rotation of the rotatable fastener irrespective of the location of the axis of rotation relative to the shaped surface. Methods for producing such devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Henrik Ingvarsson
  • Patent number: 6322306
    Abstract: An anti-rotation clip is adapted to be attached to a fastener or connector assembly to ensure the tightened threaded connection of the assembly. The anti-rotation clip in one embodiment of the invention includes one or more co-axial clips to radially and forcibly grip one or more hexagonal parts rotatable to a body, and a pair of tang members extending from one clip to engage a pair of grooves having flat bottoms on the body to prevent the hexagonal parts from rotation and the clip from axially moving away relative to the body. In another embodiment of the invention, two co-axially connected clips are adapted to radially and forcibly grip two connectors, having hexagonal exteriors, which are in a tightly threaded connection to a body and may be loosened in opposite rotary directions. The two clips lock the two connectors together to prevent the loosening of either one. An axially spaced apart tang member restrains a flange member on the body to prevent the clip from displacement from its axial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Colin George Dutton
  • Patent number: 6305627
    Abstract: A fishing reel including a crank handle retained to a threaded end of a crankshaft by an attachment which comprises a nut for threadedly fixing the crank handle to the crank shaft, wherein one end of the nut has a hexagonal cross section and the other end includes an outward flare, and a plastic retainer for the nut comprising: a first inside cavity shaped to receive the hexagonal portion of the nut such that the nut is nonrotatably captivated relative to the retainer; a second inside compartment shaped to receive the outward flare of the nut such that when matably received, the retainer is secured to the nut; a pin protruding from the retainer to be received by a hole in the crank handle to prevent rotation of the retainer relative to the crank handle; and a smooth outside surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventors: Roy E. Stiner, Saburo Nose, Robert D. Bagby
  • Patent number: 6270302
    Abstract: A system to allow a visual determination of the rotational position of a rotatable object relative to a stationary object comprising a body defining front and back surfaces where the body includes at least one aperture having a diameter d1 disposed through the front and back surfaces, where the aperture is bounded by radial slots having a length l and extending outwardly from the aperture so as to define a plurality of fingers which may be independently manipulated so as to enable the body to be biased about a rotatable object inserted through the aperture and means co-operable with the body to allow a visual determination of the rotational position of the rotatable object relative to the stationary object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Antony C. Lyons
  • Patent number: 6158933
    Abstract: A diet cap device for visually indicating rotation of a fastener and for keeping the fastener clean. The device includes a base and a receptacle. The base has a central portion that is circular-shape and has a circumference and a extended diameter that extends past the circumference and an extended diameter that extends past the circumference thereof. The receptacle is disposed on the base and receives the fastener and includes a collar that is concentrically disposed on the central portion of the base and spaces the base away from direct contact with a wheel and a cap that is concentrically disposed on the central portion of the vase, opposes, and is coaxial with, the collar and cover and protects the fastener from dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Orv Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6070913
    Abstract: A connector plug housing for an electrical connector assembly includes a plug body having a male end, a tubular shroud having a female end adapted to be received on the male end of the plug body, first and second complementary threads respectively formed on the male end of the plug body and the female end of the tubular shroud for providing a threaded connection therebetween by screwing the female end of the tubular shroud relative to and on the male end of the plug body, and a releasable self-locking clip arrangement provided on the plug body and tubular shroud in an interfacing relationship with the first and second threads thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Hubbel Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas A. Hopper, Michael W. Miller
  • Patent number: 5967723
    Abstract: A nut and bolt locking system including a bolt having an anti-lock threaded shaft receiving a lock washer thereon with a plurality of spaced ears and mating anti-lock configuration. A nut threads onto the bolt shaft after placement of the washer thereof. The nut has flats on its front face that mate with the ears on the lock washer. As the nut is torqued onto the bolt during assembly, the ears of the lock washer deform back into the flats of the nut locking the washer to the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Avibank Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Duran
  • Patent number: 5964559
    Abstract: A locking assembly that mechanically locks an attachment bolt, such as one used to secure a missile launcher to an aircraft, for example, thus preventing the bolt from vibrating loose as a result of vibration experienced during flight. The locking assembly has a spring loaded locking nut that mechanically engages a hex head of an extension shaft that is coupled to the attachment bolt. Transverse pins permit axial movement of the locking nut but prevent rotation thereof. A socket is used to push the locking nut away from the hex head of the extension shaft, so that the attachment bolt can be loosened or tightened. When the socket is removed, a spring pushes the locking nut over the hex head of the extension shaft, locking the attachment bolt and preventing it from turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Stephen W. Larimore, Kenny J. Hanzlick
  • Patent number: 5846042
    Abstract: A fastener/shaft locking and adjustment apparatus and locking system which precisely positions, positively locks and avoids slippage of a positive locking nut along an elongated element. The positive locking nut includes a locking spline, an outer knurled cylinder, a rotatable spline, a return spring and a threaded nut. The locking spline includes a key member extending into the passage thereof which is engaged in the channel of the elongated element such that the locking spline does not rotate with respect to the elongated element. The locking spline further includes a first gear along an outer surface thereof which is capable of meshing engagement with a second gear provided along an inner circumferential cavity of the rotatable spline to lock the locking nut at its desired position along the elongated element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Music Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Iannuzzi
  • Patent number: 5765117
    Abstract: A down-shift acceleration resistance and a down-shift target acceleration are compared, and only when a deceleration intent by the driver is detected, is a down-shift to a gear ratio which is one step higher than a gear ratio which will produce deceleration in excess of that indicated necessary by the comparison, permitted. In the absence of any detected deceleration intent by the driver, a forcible downshifting is inhibited. The shifting is controlled through computation which does not rely on large amounts of prestored table data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventor: Masanobu Horiguchi
  • Patent number: 5709116
    Abstract: A bolt and keeper assembly including a crimper for crimping a portion of the keeper into pockets formed in an upper portion of the bolt head are described. The crimper includes a hydraulic cylinder for carrying hydraulic fluid under pressure and a crimper body having a bore extending therethrough. The bore has first and second end portions and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second end portions. The first end portion of the crimper body bore is configured to receive an end portion of the hydraulic cylinder, and the second portion of the crimper body bore is configured to receive at a least a portion of the bolt head and keeper assembly. When assembled, an upper portion of the bolt head and keeper assembly extends into the intermediate bore portion. A compressible ring is positioned in the intermediate portion of the crimper body bore at a location to engage the keeper and for crimping sections of the keeper into the bolt head pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Frank W. Rieger, David Lee Rousar
  • Patent number: 5683216
    Abstract: Spring latching mechanisms for preventing relative rotation or relative displacement of assembled components during operation of a nuclear reactor. The first type of mechanism prevents rotation of a threaded fastener which fastens a first component to a second component. The fastener has a multiplicity of longitudinal recesses formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof. The spring latching mechanism has a cantilever beam supported at one end by the first component. The other end of the cantilever beam is displaceable between first and second positions as the cantilever beam flexes. An interlocking member connected to the second end of the cantilever beam fits engages one of the longitudinal recesses in the fastener, whereby rotation of the fastener can be blocked. The second type of mechanism positively locates and prevents vibration-induced wear of first and second components assembled with play therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John Geddes Erbes
  • Patent number: 5597278
    Abstract: A free spinning positively locking fastener assembly for threaded joints such as automotive or truck wheel assemblies includes a flanged nut with a retainer washer captured on the nut flange. The washer includes a tab received in a slot of a wheel spindle to permit the washer to move axially and prevent the washer from rotating. A pair of resilient locking clips normally lock the nut to the washer to prevent relative rotation so that neither the nut nor the washer can rotate relative to the spindle. The locking clips are released by engagement of a wrench socket with the wrenching structure of the nut so that the nut can be threaded to a desired position. When the wrench is removed, locking fingers on the clips engage the washer to prevent the nut from rotating. The clips are located at diametrically opposed wrenching flats of the nut, spaced from the corners of the wrenching structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventor: Steven D. Peterkort
  • Patent number: 5586790
    Abstract: A new capture device comprising a plurality of axially extending tangs (42) on one (10) of a pair of complementary fittings (10, 14) in a fluid coupling and a polygonal circumferential groove (20) on the other fitting (14) adapted to engage the tangs. Upon rotational engagement of the fittings the tangs (42) engage the polygonal groove (20) and "ratchet" about the junctures between the flats (22) until the coupling is tight. Although not limited to particular materials, the new capture device is particularly suited to very tough, strong and hard materials such as titanium, stainless steel and Inconel alloy because the effectiveness of the capture device is dependent upon the stiffness of the tangs (42). The new device prevents vibrational disassembly of the complementary fittings without preventing disassembly solely with wrenches. Moreover, the complementary fittings and capture device can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled without any damage to the threads (12) or capture device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Moeller Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt K. Bynum
  • Patent number: 5562378
    Abstract: Corrosion, loosening and reusability problems incurred with prior art lock washers are eliminated in a lock washer having a planar washer body (10) formed of a thin sheet of resilient metal. A central aperture (18) is locate in the body (10) and is adapted to receive the shank (42) of a bolt to which a nut (40) is to be attached and locked. First and second lock tabs (14), (16) are formed in the body (10) radially outward of the central aperture (18) and are the sole lock tabs on the body (10). Each of the tabs (14), (16), has a radially inwardly facing, straight free edge (30) displaced to one side of the plane of the body (10). Each of the edges (30) is transverse to a radius of the body (10) and the lock tabs (14), (16) are angularly spaced by more than 90.degree. and less than 180.degree. such that when one free edge 30 is engaging the flat (50) of a nut (40), the other free edge (30) will be underlying a point (52) of the nut (40), between two adjacent flats (50) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Saint Switch, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Blechschmidt, James F. L. Blair
  • Patent number: 5533849
    Abstract: A self-locking nut for application to a threaded shaft, especially a wheel bearing nut. The shaft has a spline groove along its thread. A cup-like thrust washer fits on the shaft with a tang in the spline grove to prevent its rotation. It has retention grooves in its wall. A lock ring is slidably retained in the washer with tangs in the retention grooves. A bias spring is fitted between the washer and the lock ring. An internally threaded nut is threaded to the shaft and has a depending neck passing through the lock ring having a bearing surface to bear against the washer, and an outward deformation which prevents removal of the nut from the lock ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Hi-Shear Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Burdick
  • Patent number: 5499449
    Abstract: A method of forming a battery terminal of the type having an electrically conductive screw encased within a conductive material casting such as lead. The preferred method uses a pair of die halves axially aligned with one another. A casting of a battery terminal having upper and lower terminal portions is provided, along with an electrically conductive post or screw. The casting and screw are placed between the die halves. The die halves are compressively forced against one another. A forging cone causes the casting to be forced into the thread spaces of the screw or against the surface of the post and changes the exterior angle of the casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Molded Metal Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren Carter, Brad Carter
  • Patent number: 5388866
    Abstract: A high pressure fitting is provided .which comprises an adjustment nut with nipples extending therefrom in axial extension of one another. The nipples are provided with exterior threads and with conically shaped ends which are respectively engaged by ferrules. Each of these ferrules is engaged by a coupling member having an interior thread which is in engagement with the threads provided on the associated nipple. Adjustment of the threads operates to pull the ferrules against the associated nipples. On each nipple is mounted a frusto-conical ramp adjacent which is provided a cylindrical arrangement of spaced fingers or a thin wall cylinder having protruding tips directed radially inwards. These fingers or the cylinder with their respective tips ride up the ramps and are loosely accommodated in their respectively associated nipples to prevent accidental detachment thereof. The fingers pressing against the ramps serve to vector forces to remove play from between the inter-engaged threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Lourdes Industries
    Inventor: Alvin L. Schlosser
  • Patent number: 5362111
    Abstract: A spring clip having two apertured end portions. In the preferred embodiment, the first end portion has an unidirectional clutch formed into the aperture wall, or face. The second end portion provides an aperture wall formed to provide an anti-rotation feature. In one embodiment, the clip is used with fluid adapters, the second end portion face having a serration and shape which raises the serration above the parent material to mate with the serration in the upper portion of the adapter lockring. The second end portion has different shapes depending upon the spring clip application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: VSI Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas E. Harbin
  • Patent number: 5362110
    Abstract: A new capture device comprising a plurality of axially extending tangs on one of a pair of complementary fittings in a fluid coupling and a polygonal circumferential groove on the other fitting adapted to engage the tangs. Upon rotational engagement of the fittings the tangs engage the polygonal groove and "ratchet" about the junctures between the flats until the coupling is tight. Although not limited to particular materials, the new capture device is particularly suited to very tough, strong and hard materials such as titanium, stainless steel and Inconel alloy because the effectiveness of the capture device is dependent upon the stiffness of the tangs. The new device prevents vibrational disassembly of the complementary fittings without preventing disassembly solely with wrenches. Moreover, the complementary fittings and capture device can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled without any damage to the threads or capture device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Moeller Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt K. Bynum
  • Patent number: 5304021
    Abstract: Locking bolt assembly comprises a bush (9) fixed in use with respect to a structure to which a bolt of the assembly is to be engaged and a socket (1) carried on the bush (9) and provided with locking means (6) for preventing rotation of the socket (1) on the bush (9) but permitting limited longitudinal movement thereon. The bolt is threaded and has a head (3) dimensioned for rotational locking engagement within socket (1). A coil spring (7) urges the head (3) and socket (1) into rotational locking engagement. In use the socket (1) may be moved longitudinally with respect to said bush (9) against the action of the spring (7) from a position in which the head (3) and the socket (1) are radically locked, to a position in which the head (3) is freed for rotation and engagement with a co-operating nut fixed to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: British Aerospace Public Limited Company
    Inventors: David J. Oliver, David P. Halliday
  • Patent number: 5297693
    Abstract: A closure member for sealing an opening for a cavity in a housing to prevent fluid from being communicated to the surrounding environment. The closure member has a shaft with an end member having a irregular radial surface thereon. A first torque is applied to the irregular surface to move threads into corresponding threads in the housing to join the closure member to the housing. A self locking fastener has as stem with threads that extend from a head that engages the housing when a second torque is applied to the head. A washer retained on the stem engages the irregular surface and deforms as the second torque is applied to the head. The deformation prevents relative rotation to thereafter occur between the closure member and housing to assure that the opening in the cavity remains sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventor: Russell C. Perkey
  • Patent number: 5215336
    Abstract: A locking assembly for fastening two components together, such as a fluid coupling assembly, is disclosed. A first member has a serrated annular surface and fastening threads adjacent a bearing surface. A second member has a flexible projection or projections or a complementary configuration to the serrated annular surface. The second member also includes fastening threads and a bearing surface. When the respective threads engage, they provide the primary preloading force to the bearing surface, while simultaneously the projections and the serrated detects provide a retention force to ensure a positive coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Shur-Lok Corporation
    Inventor: Albert L. Worthing
  • Patent number: 5207543
    Abstract: A nut and a screw bolt form a screw connector, wherein the nut is secured to the bolt by a configured spring locking member. The locking member engages with one end the screw bolt and with the other end the nut, whereby the locking member has such a configuration that one end has a projection to engage a cotter pin hole in the bolt, while the other end engages directly or indirectly the nut. The two locking member ends are interconnected by a spring section which has such a configuration that a nut tightening torque moment is exerted on the nut when the locking member is in place. Further, the locking member is so configured that it exerts an axial compression force when its ends engage the bolt and the nut. This construction minimizes any reduction in the force exerted by the screw connector on the interconnected structural components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventor: Safa Kirma
  • Patent number: 5083819
    Abstract: A new capture device comprising a plurality of axially extending tangs on one of a pair of complementary fittings in a fluid coupling and a polygonal circumferential groove on the other fitting adapted to engage the tangs. Upon rotational engagement of the fittings the tangs engage the polygonal groove and "ratchet" about the junctures between the flats until the coupling is tight. Although not limited to particular materials, the new capture device is particularly suited to very tough, strong and hard materials such as titanium, stainless steel and inconel alloy because the effectiveness of the capture device is dependent upon the stiffness of the tangs. The new device prevents vibrational disassembly of the complementary fittings without preventing disassembly solely with wrenches. Moreover, the complementary fittings and capture device can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled without any damage to the threads or capture device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Moeller Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Kurt K. Bynum
  • Patent number: 4976576
    Abstract: A device for retaining a bolt including a plate having a bore therethrough for receiving the bolt, a retainer movably mounted on the plate and movable between a first position in engagement with a selected number of facets on the bolt head and a second position out of engagement with the facets, the retainer having a surface portion for receiving a tool at times when the tool is placed on the bolt head for moving the retainer to the second position, and a biasing device for urging the retainer to the first position at times when the tool is removed from the bolt head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Bernard F. Mahaney, Jr., Carl W. Beck, Kim B. Nixon, Randolph Connolly, Terry V. Nunemaker
  • Patent number: 4953680
    Abstract: A clutch adjuster adapted to compensate for clutch disc wear incorporates a spring lock which in a first position secures the adjuster against rotation. On application of a disengagement force, the lock is deflected to a second position, wherein the adjuster is free for rotation. In one preferred form, the lock has an aperture which engages a bolt head on the adjuster, and upon application of the force the lock is axially displaced from the bolt head. In a second preferred form, a disc spring is adapted to normally retain the bolt head axially away from a clutch over in a first, secured, position. Upon application of force, the bolt head is depressed against the disc spring to shift the adjuster to a second position wherein the bolt head is free for rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Flotow, Patrick M. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 4940373
    Abstract: A system of locking a pinch bolt assembly through a yoke arm of a vehicle steering assembly. The yoke arm of a steering assembly has an outward end, a forward face and a rearward face. A bolt receiving aperture through the yoke arm connects the forward face and the rearward face. A pinch bolt is fitted through the bolt receiving aperture to control the radius of an aperture for receiving an adjustment bushing. The head of the pinch bolt impinges against a selected one of the rearward and forward faces and a nut fitted to the bolt is tightened against the unselected face resulting in the head and nut pressing against their respective faces. A C-shaped channel section is fitted around the forward face, the rearward face and the outward end of the yoke arm. The channel section includes coaxial apertures fitted around the head of the bolt and the nut, respectively, for preventing the rotation of the nut and the bolt and thus preventing the nut and bolt from loosening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Shim-A-Line, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald A. Specktor