Abstract: A nut for slidable application to a bolt has a nut body with a first end, a second end, and a through hole. The nut body has an outer wall formed in the and an inner wall defining the through hole including at least a portion thereof being an inclined wall hole having a diameter decreasing from a first diameter to a second diameter proximate the second end. A stop flange extends radially inward into the through hole at the first end of the nut body and defines a bolt exit aperture. Three guideposts are formed coaxially on the inner wall of the inclined wall hole. Three nut segments have inclined outer surfaces complementing an inclination angle of the inner wall of the inclined wall hole and inner surfaces with threads. The three nut segments are movably disposed between the guideposts so as to permit sliding movement in an axial direction and radial displacement urged by sliding engagement of the inclined outer surfaces with the inner wall of the inclined wall hole.

Abstract: A press-nut is adapted to engage with the threads of a bolt by pressing the nut onto the bolt to receive the bolt in an insertion hole thereof. The press-nut comprises a plastic nut body, and a plastic tubular cap member adapted to be coupled to the nut body to contain the nut body therein and to provide the press-nut with its external appearance. The cap member has a wide opening at one end so as to receive and contain the nut body and a small hole at the other end, through which the bolt is inserted. The nut body comprises a base portion, at least two screw portions forming a nut as a whole and having threaded grooves on the inner walls thereof, and spring portions extending from the base portion and connected to the respective screw portions with each spring portion resiliently biasing the corresponding screw portion so as to be pressed upward from the base portion.

Abstract: A coupling device having a first member provided with threads, a second member having an opening into and out of which the first member is inserted and removed, threaded elements within the second member mounted for movement between a first position where the first member may be threaded with the second member and a second position where the threaded elements have a diameter larger than the diameter of the threads of the first member permitting the first member to slide axially in and out of the second member, pull/lock/torque pins associated with the threaded elements and a manually operable mechanism for moving the threaded elements longitudinally into engagement with the pins expanding the threaded elements to their second position.

Abstract: A coupling device including a first member provided with external threads and a second member having an opening therein into which the first member is inserted. The second member is provided with a plurality of movably mounted internally threaded elements for receiving the external threads of the first member. A structure is provided whereby the first member may be inserted within the second member by rectilinear sliding movement, afterwhich the first member is rotated into tight engagement with the second member. Release of the first member is accomplished by rotating the first member very slightly in the opposite direction, afterwhich simple manual manipulation of the second member withdraws the threaded elements from engagement permitting the first member to be slidably removed from the second member.

Abstract: A lock body through bore receives a steel bolt with an array of annular grooves. A locking mechanism secured in the bore has an annular array of locking jaws normally biased engaged with an inserted bolt groove. A jaw spreader has a conical surface for spreading the jaws radially outwardly to disengage the bolt. A locking member normally is radially outwardly of the jaws to preclude such spreading. A spring with a high spring constant, e.g., 300 pound load, axially biases the locking member in the jaw locking position. The spreader and locking member define a locking jaw conical path for radially outwardly releasing the jaws during bolt insertion and for locking the jaws in the opposite bolt withdrawal direction.

Abstract: A connecting clip for a toilet seat, including a nut and an operating member mounted thereon. The nut includes a plurality of semicylinders that are connected to each other, and which have inner peripheral surfaces that together define a female screw portion, whereby the nut can be screwed onto a bolt. The nut further includes engaging members provided at one longitudinal end thereof to connect the plurality of semicylinders together, the opposite longitudinal end including a connecting portion, such as a hinge member. The operating member engages the nut and is movable between first and second positions, wherein in the first position the semicylinders are compressed such that the nut is adapted to threadingly engage the bolt on which it is to be mounted. In the second position of the operating member, the semicylinders are allowed to spread apart from one another such that the nut no longer threadingly engages the bolt. In this position, the nut may be moved axially along the bolt.

Abstract: A connection apparatus utilizes a structural element made of fusible material supported directly in the connection load path of the device. A carrier mechanism is axially translatably supported in the device and utilizes a connecting member to connect two desired structures. The connection mechanism engages and holds the connecting member in a first axial position. In one embodiment, the connection mechanism releases the connecting member when translated to a second axial position. In another embodiment the connection mechanism tensions the connection when translated to the a second axial position. The fusible member is heated to transition from solid to liquid. In the liquid state, the fusible member no longer opposed axial load on the carrier mechanism. The fusible alloy comprises a low melting temperature alloy, such as bismuth-lead or bismuth-tin.

Abstract: A coupling device including first and second members, threaded elements mounted within one of the elements to move between open and closed position, adjacent portions of the threaded elements being provided with sloping surfaces and pin assemblies associated with the threaded elements and positioned between the sloping surfaces such that as a manually operable device is operated the threaded elements are moved longitudinally into engagement with the pin assemblies wedging the pin assemblies against the sloping surface expanding the threaded elements. There are also disclosed balls associated with the threaded elements positioned within openings within the coupling device and being moved when the threaded elements assume their open position into locking relationship.

Abstract: A coupling device including a first member provided with external threads and a second member having an opening therein into which the first member is inserted. The second member is provided with a plurality of movably mounted internally threaded elements for receiving the external threads of the first member. A structure is provided whereby the first member may be inserted within the second member by rectilinear sliding movement, afterwhich the first member is rotated into tight engagement with the second member. Release of the first member is accomplished by rotating the first member very slightly in the opposite direction, afterwhich simple manual manipulation of the second member withdraws the threaded elements from engagement permitting the first member to be slidably removed from the second member.

Abstract: A clamp nut 10 comprising a split threaded nut 12 for engaging a threaded spindle (not shown), a coiled spring 16 encircling the split nut 12, means 20 for holding the spring 16 tightly coiled around the split nut 12 and a cap 30, engaging the spring 16, which can be turned in a first direction (A) to tighten the spring 16 around the split nut 12 and in a reverse direction to release the holding means 20 thereby loosening the spring 16 around the split nut 12 and enabling the split nut 12 to expand radially to facilitate removal of the clamp nut 10 from a threaded spindle. The mechanism for releasing the holding means 20 preferably includes a cam surface 32, formed integrally with the cap 30, which lifts an end 19 of the coiled spring 16 off a set of ratchet teeth.

Abstract: A threaded fastener has a casing enclosing at least three radially inwardly biased arcuate segments positioned to engage the threads of a bolt or hollow threaded member. The casing defines spaced apart internal frustoconical surfaces positioned to engage corresponding surfaces of the segments in the same axial direction. The radially inner ends of the frustoconical surfaces are directed toward a first end of the fastener, and the diameter of the radially inner end of the frustoconical surface away from the first end of the fastener is less than the radially outer diameter of the other frustoconical surface. The threads of the segments substantially fully engage the threads of the bolt or hollow threaded member.

Abstract: A coupling device including a first member provided with external threads and a second member having an opening therein into which the first member is inserted. The second member is provided with a plurality of movably mounted internally threaded elements for receiving the external threads of the first member. A structure is provided whereby the first member may be inserted within the second member by rectilinear sliding movement, afterwhich the first member is rotated into tight engagement with the second member. Release of the first member is accomplished by rotating the first member very slightly in the opposite direction, afterwhich simple manual manipulation of the second member withdraws the threaded elements from engagement permitting the first member to be slidably removed from the second member.

Abstract: A quick connect fastener for attachment to an axially elongated externally threaded member by axially thrusting the fastener onto the member, the fastener having an outer casing including a passageway having a frusto-conical surface. A segmented core having four internally threaded shells is positioned within the casing, the shells having a frusto-conical outer surface and a cylindrical annulus including a standard thread profile. The shells include a groove at each end for receiving a C-shaped clip which urge the shells radially outwardly and toward the larger end of the passageway. A coil spring positioned within the nut casing at the larger end acts to urge the shells toward a surface acting as a stop at the smaller end which limits movement of the shells and counteracts a substantial amount of the tension of the externally threaded member. Raised keys on the surfaces of the shells are received within grooves in the casing so that the shells rotate upon rotation of the shell.

Abstract: A threaded fastener has a casing enclosing at least three radially inwardly biased arcuate segments positioned to engage the threads of a bolt or hollow threaded member. The casing defines spaced apart internal frustoconical surfaces positioned to engage corresponding surfaces of the segments in the same axial direction. The radially inner ends of the frustoconical surfaces are directed toward a first end of the fastener, and the diameter of the radially inner end of the frustoconical surface away from the first end of the fastener is less than the radially outer diameter of the other frustoconical surface. The threads of the segments substantially fully engage the threads of the bolt or hollow threaded member.

Abstract: The present invention is a separation nut for fastening and releasing a threaded bolt under remote or manual controls. The preferred embodiment of the present invention separation nut includes a housing, a base, a ramp which is fitted into the base, and a three-piece segmented threaded nut placed on top of the ramp and enclosed by a three-piece segmented spool, which is in turn bounded by a restraining wire. The three-piece segmented threaded nut and the three-piece segmented spool are held in place by a spring biased plunger. Anti-rotation pins are employed for preventing rotation of the segmented nut. A release pin is provided for inhibiting the restraining wire from releasing the segmented spool. The release pin is connected to a flexible shaft.

Abstract: A retaining mechanism for an externally threaded part or element which can release without exerting a shock load to the structure which it assembles. The retaining mechanism has a spring biased shiftable ring which retains three threaded nut segments by peripheral surface contact on aligned external cylindrical surfaces of the segmented nut. The retained threaded nut segments maintain threaded engagement with a threaded part to form an assembly. The threaded segments are distanced from the assembled structure by a column of Titanium-Nickel shape memory alloy (SMA) material that has been pre-worked to an increased length at a temperature below its transition temperature from face-centered to body-centered structure so that the column will shrink in length upon the application of heat. A heating element is incorporated within or about the SMA column.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-explosive separation nut for fastening and releasing a threaded bolt under remote control signals. A preferred embodiment of the separation nut includes a housing, a segmented nut, a locking sleeve, a rocker and two non-explosive actuator (NEA) assemblies. The segmented nut can split radially into three or more segments and has an exterior surface with raised ridges and alternate recessed grooves. The locking sleeve is biased by a spring and placed over the segmented nut. It has an interior surface with retaining pins which are engageable with the exterior surface of the segmented nut. The locking sleeve is engaged with the two NEA assemblies through a tiltable rocker. When neither NEA assemblies is actuated, the retaining pins of the locking sleeve are engaged with the ridges of the segmented nut, so that the segments of the segmented nut are compressed radially inwardly for fastening the threaded bolt.

Abstract: A releasable fastening apparatus includes a connecting member and a housing, the housing supporting a gripping mechanism adapted to engage the connecting member. A triggering member is movable within the housing between a first position in which it constrains the gripping mechanism in locked engagement with the connecting member, and a second position in which the gripping mechanism is disengaged from the connecting member. A shaped memory alloy actuator is employed for translating the triggering member from its first to its second position, the actuator being operable to expand longitudinally when transitioned from a martensitic to an austenitic state.

Abstract: An improved slide-fit nut is provided for rapid push-on mounting to a substantially seated position on a threaded bolt or the like. The slide-fit nut includes a plurality of threaded nut segments carried within a nut housing and adapted for radial expansion to accommodate push-on mounting onto a threaded bolt. A cap plate on the nut housing includes cam members for retaining the nut segments in threaded engagement with the bolt upon rotation of the nut in a tightening direction. When the nut is rotated in an opposite direction, the cam members displace the nut segments in a radially outward direction relative to the bolt, resulting in substantial disengagement of the nut segments to permit rapid pull-off removal of the nut from the bolt.

Abstract: A composite nut is shown which permits a fastener to be inserted or removed from either side with an indicator of fastener engagement. The nut has a plurality of segments, preferably at least three segments, which are internally threaded, spring-loaded apart by an internal spring, and has detents on opposite sides which force the nut segments into operative engagement with a threaded member when pushed in and release the segments for quick insertion or removal of the nut when moved out. When the nut is installed, end pressure on one of the detents presses the nut segments into operative engagement with a threaded member where continued rotation locks the structure together with the detents depressed to indicate positive locking engagement of the nut. On removal, counterclockwise rotation of the nut relieves the endwise pressure on the detents permitting internal springs to force the detents outward and allowing the nut segments to move outward and separate to permit quick removal of the fastener.

Abstract: A quick locking fastener has a base defining an interior chamber and forward and rearward portions. Plural generally contiguous internally threaded insert nut segments are in the interior chamber of the base, having a tail remote from the forward portion of the base. The nut segments have a first bevel exterior surface adjacent the forward portion of the base, a cylindrical surface adjacent the first bevel surface, and a second exterior bevel disposed on the tail, spaced apart and coaxial with the first bevel surface. A rearward disposed end cap having a bevel and a circular compresssion spring circumferentially disposed about a third bevel surface engages and biases the nut segments towards the front of the base. A retainer ring having a band surrounding the end cap has inwardly directed tangs preventing rotation of the insert segments.

Abstract: A universal compression nut fits on the threaded shaft of bolts, screws, studs and the like of different diameters and thread pitches. It slides into place without turning. It has two mating screw members that fit together and screw one into the other. These members have a central bore to receive the screw shaft. When the two members are screwed together movable inserts are forced by one member along sloping surfaces in the second member. This forces the inserts in against the threaded shaft. The inserts are soft enough that the threads on the shaft embed into the inserts forming matching threads. The nut now is rotated to apply tension to the threaded shaft.

Abstract: A nut type plastic fastener has a vertical penetrating space and a plurality of holding pieces facing one another with the space. The facing surfaces of the holding pieces are provided with ridges for engagement with threads of a stud. The lower portions of the holding pieces are connected by means of small-thickness flexible pieces to the lower portion of the fastener body defining the space. When a stud is passed through a gap defined between the holding pieces, the holding pieces are separated from one another as a result of the flexing of the flexible pieces.

Abstract: A quick lock and release fastener in the form of a split nut with a circumferentially truncated thread and drawn together or separable by a cam operable by rotation in one form or by reciprocation in a second form, to be placed over an externally threaded member and threadedly engaged therewith by a fractional turn of a head in the first form, or by reciprocation of a head in the second form, with spring return for separation of the split nut, and with constrictive engagement with the workpiece to be fastened.

Abstract: A device for temporarily coupling together and subsequently separating a first member and a second member, comprises:a male member joined to the first member;a female member joined to the second member and comprising an axially elongate hollow body in which are disposed a retaining sleeve adapted to retract radially onto the male member or to expand, a piston sliding axially to retract/expand the retaining sleeve and, in the piston, disposed along the axis, an ejector finger joined to the piston by a readily broken member, andselective control means for the piston adapted to command movement of the piston and optionally simultaneous breaking of the readily broken member and to cause the ejector finger to slide axially, the finger projecting axially relative to the piston.

Abstract: There is disclosed an easily releasable fastener which is specifically designed for high torque applications. The fastener comprises a slotted nut having at least two axial slots, and preferably no more than one of the slots extends completely through the body of the fastener. The slots divide the fastener into at least two segments which, in the preferred embodiment are retained together by the residual portions of the incomplete slots. Each of the segments has a flat surface for torque transmission and the assembly of segments is surrounded by a thin retainer band seated in an annular groove about the body of the fastener. The fastener is mounted within a retaining ring which has internal flats that coact with the flatted surfaces of the individual segments. The retaining ring has external wrenching flats to permit the application of the fastener to a standard bolt.

Abstract: A multifaceted nut casing has a wedge fit threaded jam nut for compressing into engagement on the threads of a bolt as the nut is tightened into a locked position.