AU2014100912A4 - Improvements Relating to Security Bolting - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A method of fastening a plurality of items together. A nut is threaded onto each 5 respective end of an elongate rigid member. At least one of the nuts comprises: - a core portion having a threaded bore therethrough, - a sleeve portion captive upon and freely rotatable about said core portion, - an annular gap between said core portion and said sleeve portion, and - a generally cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion, said peripheral 10 surface carrying a plurality of unevenly spaced linear discontinuities from the otherwise cylindrical said peripheral surface, each discontinuity running lengthwise along said peripheral surface. The method comprises engaging said peripheral surface with a mating tool and using the tool to rotate the core portion to tighten the items together. iO

Description

1 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT "Improvements Relating to Security Bolting" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 2 IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO SECURITY BOLTING Background and Summary of the Invention 5 This invention concerns the use of one or two anti-theft nuts in combination with a rigid threaded member to secure items whereby the items cannot be separated without the use of a specially coded tool for the/each nut. 10 It is well known to secure a motor vehicle's road wheels to the vehicle's wheel studs by use of an anti-theft nut on one stud at each wheel. A variety of anti-theft nuts are known for this purpose. However the application of the nut to the stud relies upon one end of the stud being already rigidly affixed to the axle assembly of the vehicle. 15 There is a need for a similar anti-theft system with which to fasten items such as winches, light bars and other expensive accessories to a vehicle such as an off-road four wheel drive vehicle. An aim of the present invention is to provide a fastener system and a method of its use for this purpose. 20 If a conventional fixed head bolt is used with a single anti-theft nut engaged therewith, it is often possible to unscrew the bolt by rotating its head end and relying upon the friction between the anti-theft nut and its engaging surface to prevent rotation of the nut. An aim of some embodiments of the present invention is to provide a fastener system and a method of its use which overcomes this problem. 25 Accordingly, in one aspect the invention provides a method of fastening a plurality of items together comprising: - inserting an elongate rigid member through respective holes in said items, each end of said elongate rigid member having a thread formed thereon, and 30 - threading a respective nut onto each end of the elongate rigid member, wherein at least one of said nuts comprises: 3 - a core portion having a threaded bore therethrough, - a sleeve portion captive upon and freely rotatable about said core portion, - an annular gap between said core portion and said sleeve portion, and - a generally cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion, said peripheral 5 surface carrying a plurality of unevenly spaced linear discontinuities from the otherwise cylindrical said peripheral surface, each discontinuity running lengthwise along said peripheral surface; and wherein said method comprises engaging said peripheral surface with a mating tool and using said tool to rotate said core portion to tighten said items together. 10 Each said nut may comprise: - a core portion having a threaded bore therethrough, - a sleeve portion captive upon and freely rotatable about said core portion, - an annular gap between said core portion and said sleeve portion, and 15 - a generally cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion, said peripheral surface carrying a plurality of unevenly spaced linear discontinuities from the otherwise cylindrical said peripheral surface, each discontinuity running lengthwise along said peripheral surface; and wherein said method comprises: 20 - engaging each of said core portions by means of a socket inserted into respective said annular gaps and mated with said discontinuities, and - rotating said core portions to tighten said nuts. Preferably said elongate rigid member is a straight metal stud threaded at each end 25 and said method comprises simultaneously engaging both of said core portions with respective said mating tools and rotating at least one said core portion on its thread to tighten said nuts. Alternatively said elongate rigid member may be a U-bolt. The stud is preferably of circular cross section and may have formed on portion of its 30 length between said threads a pair of diametrically opposed flats.

4 The nuts at each end may have an identical pattern of said linear discontinuities. Preferably the linear discontinuities are unevenly spaced around said generally cylindrical surface. Preferably the linear discontinuities are grooves. 5 Preferably said sleeve portion has an internal wall facing said peripheral surface and said internal wall carries a plurality of linear discontinuities, each discontinuity running lengthwise along said internal wall. Preferably the linear discontinuities on the internal wall are ridges. 10 In another aspect the invention comprises a threaded fastener comprising: - an elongate rigid member threaded at each end, - a pair of nuts threadably engageable with respective said threaded ends, wherein each said nut comprises: 15 - a core portion having a threaded bore therethrough, - a sleeve portion captive upon and freely rotatable about said core portion, - an annular gap between said core portion and said sleeve portion, and - a generally cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion, said peripheral surface carrying a plurality of unevenly spaced linear discontinuities from the 20 otherwise cylindrical surface, each discontinuity running lengthwise along said peripheral surface, and said discontinuities engageable with a socket tool inserted into said annular gap. In a further aspect the invention comprises a kit of parts comprising: 25 - a stud threaded at each end, - a pair of nuts threadably engageable with respective said threaded ends, and - a pair of socket tools, wherein each said nut comprises: - a core portion having a threaded bore therethrough, 30 - a sleeve portion captive upon and freely rotatable about said core portion, - an annular gap between said core portion and said sleeve portion, and 5 - a generally cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion, said peripheral surface carrying a plurality of unevenly spaced linear discontinuities from the otherwise cylindrical surface, each discontinuity running lengthwise along said peripheral surface, and said discontinuities engageable with a socket tool 5 inserted into said annular gap, and wherein each said nut has the same configuration of said discontinuities and both of said socket tools mate with said cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion. In another aspect the invention comprises a method of fastening an accessory to a 10 motor vehicle, said method comprising: - passing a stud through respective holes in said motor vehicle and said accessory, - engaging a first threaded end of the stud with a mating first nut and engaging a second threaded end of the stud with a mating second nut, 15 wherein at least one of said nuts comprises: - a core portion having a threaded bore therethrough, - a sleeve portion captive upon and freely rotatable about said core portion, - an annular gap between said core portion and said sleeve portion, and - a generally cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion, said peripheral 20 surface carrying a plurality of unevenly spaced linear discontinuities from the otherwise cylindrical surface, each discontinuity running lengthwise along said peripheral surface, and wherein said method further comprises: - engaging said discontinuities with a mating socket tool inserted into said 25 annular gap and - rotating said core portion to tighten said nuts on said stud. Preferably both of said nuts comprise: - a core portion having a threaded bore therethrough, 30 - a sleeve portion captive upon and freely rotatable about said core portion, - an annular gap between said core portion and said sleeve portion, and 6 - a generally cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion, said peripheral surface carrying a plurality of unevenly spaced linear discontinuities from the otherwise cylindrical surface, each discontinuity running lengthwise along said peripheral surface, and said discontinuities engageable with a socket tool 5 inserted into said annular gap. and wherein said method comprises: - engaging each of said core portions by means of respective sockets inserted into said annular gaps and mated with said discontinuities, and - rotating said sockets to tighten said nuts. 10 In another aspect the invention comprises a method of fastening an accessory to a motor vehicle, said method comprising: - passing a first threaded end of a stud through a hole in said motor vehicle, - engaging said first threaded end with a mating threaded hole on said 15 accessory, - engaging the second threaded end of the stud with a mating nut, wherein said nut comprises: - a core portion having a threaded bore therethrough, - a sleeve portion captive upon and freely rotatable about said core portion, 20 - an annular gap between said core portion and said sleeve portion, and - a generally cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion, said peripheral surface carrying a plurality of unevenly spaced linear discontinuities from the otherwise cylindrical surface, each discontinuity running lengthwise along said peripheral surface; 25 and wherein said method further comprises engaging said peripheral surface with a mating tool and using said tool to rotate said core portion to tighten said accessory onto the vehicle.

7 Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention may be more fully understood there will now be described, by way of example only, preferred embodiments and other elements of the invention 5 with reference to the accompanying drawings where: Figure 1 is a cutaway isometric view of a nut used in a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a cross-section side view of the nut in Figure 1 shown engaged with a stud, 10 Figure 3 is a partially cross sectioned end view of the assembly through the plane A-A shown in Figure 2, with the central stud not cross-sectioned, and Figure 4 is a view like that of Figure 3 but through an assembly including a nut according to a further embodiment of the present invention. 15 Description of Examples of the Invention and the Preferred Embodiment The blind nut 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3 has a generally cylindrical steel core portion 12 having a threaded bore 14 along most of its axial length. However the bore 14 does not extend through to the nut's front end 13 so that end is capped off. The 20 thread size is M12 with a 1.25mm pitch. Such a thread is commonly referred to as an M12 x 1.25 thread. The core 12 has the same outside diameter for its front portion 15 but that outside diameter is reduced at a waisted portion 16 towards the rear end 18 of the core 12. 25 A tubular steel sleeve portion 20 of the nut 10 is swaged onto the waisted portion 16 of the core 20 in a manner such that the sleeve 20 is captive upon the core 12 but can freely rotate around the core. However the sleeve bears upon the waisted portion 16 sufficiently closely that the sleeve does not significantly wobble on the core. 30 The peripheral (outer) surface 22 of the core 12 faces the inner surface 23 of the sleeve 20 across an annular gap 24. Within the gap 24 the outer face of the core carries four straight grooves 25 which run lengthwise (ie parallel to the bore axis 26) 8 along the surface 22. The grooves are unevenly spaced around the periphery of the core. At its rear end 18 the core flanges out to a much greater diameter than elsewhere. 5 This provides a large rear surface 28 upon which the core can bear upon items the nut is clamping against when in use. The freely rotating sleeve means a nut 10 when tightened onto a stud 30 as in the assembly 32 cannot be removed by applying a conventional spanner, pliers or grippers 10 to the nut. Instead the nut is removed by means of a socket tool (not illustrated) which includes ribs which engage into the grooves 25. Each nut requires a socket tool which is specifically configured for the particular pattern of grooves. The number and position of grooves used may be chosen to provide an almost limitless number of combinations. 15 Alternative versions of the nut are envisaged which may also form embodiments of the present invention. While the deformations on the peripheral surface 22 of the core 12 may be grooves (as described above) which are engaged by ribs on the inner surface of a socket tool, alternatively the deformations on the peripheral surface 22 of 20 the core may be ribs which would be engaged by grooves on the inner surface of a mating socket tool. Alternatively the deformations on the peripheral surface of the core may be flats which are engaged by corresponding flats on the inner surface of the socket tool. 25 The assembly 132 shown in Figure 4 illustrates a further alternative (and preferred) version of nut. The stud 130 and core portion 112 of the nut 110 are the same as those described above for the assembly 32. The peripheral (outer) surface 122 of the core 112 faces the inner surface 123 of the sleeve 120 across an annular gap 124. Within the gap 124 the outer face of the core carries four straight grooves 125 which 30 run lengthwise along the surface 122. The grooves 125 are unevenly spaced around the periphery of the core.

9 However, in contrast to the assembly 32, the sleeve portion 120 of the nut 110 has on its internal wall 123 three discontinuities 134 in the form of ridges which each run lengthwise along the internal wall 123. The ridges 134 are unevenly spaced around the inner surface 123 of the sleeve. With the incorporation of the ridges 134 on the 5 sleeve, the socket tool used to tighten and remove the nut from the stud 130 needs to have corresponding grooves on its outer peripheral surface which are spaced to engage the ridges. Each nut then requires a socket tool which is specifically configured to mate with the particular pattern of grooves 125 and the particular pattern of ridges 134. 10 One advantage of incorporating the ridges on the sleeve is that a larger number of combination are available for producing matching nuts and sockets. Another advantage is that it reduces the ability of a conventional socket spanner to be hammered onto the core in a tight interference in order to remove the nut without use 15 of the correctly mating socket. A short length of the central portion of the circular cross-sectioned stud 130 has a pair of diametrically opposed flats 136 machined into it. These allow the stud to be held by a conventional open ended spanner while the first of the nuts is being tightened 20 onto the stud. At the conclusion of installation the flats 136 are covered by the objects through which the stud is being fastened and are thus inaccessible. . For cost effective supply of fastenings to suit a variety of applications, it would be necessary to provide a range of different studs to cover different diameters and 25 threadforms. The stud may have a continuous uniform thread along its length or it may have different threads at each end. Studs having different threads at each end allow for use of only one size of theft-proof nut in multiple applications requiring the other end of the stud to be engaged with, for example, a threaded socket pre-formed on an accessory being attached to a vehicle while a standard M12xl.25 nut can be 30 attached to the other end of the stud.

10 A simple kit of parts may be provided to the marketplace where the kit includes say four anti-theft nuts of the type described with M12 x 1.25 threads plus a pair of sockets having the correct configuration to match the nuts, plus a pair of high tensile studs with M12 x 1.25 threads at each end. The studs could be provided in a range of 5 lengths. For a larger kit more nuts and/or studs may be included without the need to include more than two socket tools providing all the nuts were coded the same (ie had the same configuration of grooves on the core). Alternatively, where a fastener is required to fit a different sized hole, one end of the stud can have the usual M12 x 1.25 thread while the other end can have a thread of the larger or smaller diameter. 10 Such situations might be encountered where an accessory for a vehicle has pre threaded holes for fastening or where a conventional hexagonal nut could be used on one end of the stud because it is concealed or inaccessible in use. Whilst the above description includes the preferred embodiments of the invention, it 15 is to be understood that many variations, alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously described without departing from the essential features or the spirit or ambit of the invention. 20 For example the discontinuities which have the form of semi-circular grooves on the otherwise cylindrical peripheral face of the core in the preferred embodiment described above may instead be V-shaped grooves, or ridges of some cross section, or flat strips. 25 It will be also understood that where the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", are used in this specification, unless the context requires otherwise such use is intended to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or features but is not to be taken as excluding the presence of other feature or features. 30 The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims (15)

1. A method of fastening a plurality of items together comprising: - inserting an elongate rigid member through respective holes in said items, 5 each end of said elongate rigid member having a thread formed thereon, and - threading a respective nut onto each end of the elongate rigid member, wherein at least one of said nuts comprises: - a core portion having a threaded bore therethrough, - a sleeve portion captive upon and freely rotatable about said core portion, 10 - an annular gap between said core portion and said sleeve portion, and - a generally cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion, said peripheral surface carrying a plurality of unevenly spaced linear discontinuities from the otherwise cylindrical said peripheral surface, each discontinuity running lengthwise along said peripheral surface; 15 and wherein said method comprises engaging said peripheral surface with a mating tool and using said tool to rotate said core portion to tighten said items together.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein each said nut comprises: - a core portion having a threaded bore therethrough, 20 - a sleeve portion captive upon and freely rotatable about said core portion, - an annular gap between said core portion and said sleeve portion, and - a generally cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion, said peripheral surface carrying a plurality of unevenly spaced linear discontinuities from the otherwise cylindrical said peripheral surface, each discontinuity running 25 lengthwise along said peripheral surface; and wherein said method comprises: - engaging each of said core portions by means of a socket inserted into respective said annular gaps and mated with said discontinuities, and - rotating said core portions to tighten said nuts. 30 12

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said elongate rigid member is a straight metal stud threaded at each said end and said method comprises simultaneously engaging both of said core portions with respective said mating tools and rotating at least one said core portion on its thread to tighten said nuts. 5

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein said stud is of circular cross section with portion of its length between said threads having a pair of diametrically opposed flats formed thereon. 10

5. A method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said elongate rigid member is a U-bolt.

6. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein said nuts at each said end have an identical pattern of said linear discontinuities. 15

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said linear discontinuities are unevenly spaced around said generally cylindrical surface.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said linear 20 discontinuities are grooves.

9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said sleeve portion has an internal wall facing said peripheral surface and said internal wall carries a plurality of linear discontinuities, each discontinuity running lengthwise along said 25 internal wall.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein said linear discontinuities on said internal wall are ridges. 30 13

11. A threaded fastener comprising: - an elongate rigid member threaded at each end, - a pair of nuts threadably engageable with respective said threaded ends, wherein each said nut comprises: 5 - a core portion having a threaded bore therethrough, - a sleeve portion captive upon and freely rotatable about said core portion, - an annular gap between said core portion and said sleeve portion, and - a generally cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion, said peripheral surface carrying a plurality of unevenly spaced linear discontinuities from the 10 otherwise cylindrical surface, each discontinuity running lengthwise along said peripheral surface, and said discontinuities engageable with a socket tool inserted into said annular gap.

12. A kit of parts comprising: 15 - a stud threaded at each end, - a pair of nuts threadably engageable with respective said threaded ends, and - a pair of socket tools, wherein each said nut comprises: - a core portion having a threaded bore therethrough, 20 - a sleeve portion captive upon and freely rotatable about said core portion, - an annular gap between said core portion and said sleeve portion, and - a generally cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion, said peripheral surface carrying a plurality of unevenly spaced linear discontinuities from the otherwise cylindrical surface, each discontinuity running lengthwise along 25 said peripheral surface, and said discontinuities engageable with a socket tool inserted into said annular gap, and wherein each said nut has the same configuration of said discontinuities and both of said socket tools mate with said cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion. 30 14

13. A method of fastening an accessory to a motor vehicle, said method comprising: - passing a stud through respective holes in said motor vehicle and said accessory, 5 - engaging a first threaded end of the stud with a mating first nut and engaging a second threaded end of the stud with a mating second nut, wherein at least one of said nuts comprises: - a core portion having a threaded bore therethrough, - a sleeve portion captive upon and freely rotatable about said core portion, 10 - an annular gap between said core portion and said sleeve portion, and - a generally cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion, said peripheral surface carrying a plurality of unevenly spaced linear discontinuities from the otherwise cylindrical surface, each discontinuity running lengthwise along said peripheral surface, 15 and wherein said method further comprises: - engaging said discontinuities with a mating socket tool inserted into said annular gap and - rotating said core portion to tighten said nuts on said stud. 20

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein both of said nuts comprise: - a core portion having a threaded bore therethrough, - a sleeve portion captive upon and freely rotatable about said core portion, - an annular gap between said core portion and said sleeve portion, and - a generally cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion, said peripheral 25 surface carrying a plurality of unevenly spaced linear discontinuities from the otherwise cylindrical surface, each discontinuity running lengthwise along said peripheral surface, and said discontinuities engageable with a socket tool inserted into said annular gap. and wherein said method comprises: 30 - engaging each of said core portions by means of respective sockets inserted into said annular gaps and mated with said discontinuities, and - rotating said sockets to tighten said nuts. 15

15. A method of fastening an accessory to a motor vehicle, said method comprising: - passing a first threaded end of a stud through a hole in said motor vehicle, 5 - engaging said first threaded end with a mating threaded hole on said accessory, - engaging the second threaded end of the stud with a mating nut, wherein said nut comprises: - a core portion having a threaded bore therethrough, 10 - a sleeve portion captive upon and freely rotatable about said core portion, - an annular gap between said core portion and said sleeve portion, and - a generally cylindrical peripheral surface on the core portion, said peripheral surface carrying a plurality of unevenly spaced linear discontinuities from the otherwise cylindrical surface, each discontinuity running lengthwise along 15 said peripheral surface; and wherein said method further comprises engaging said peripheral surface with a mating tool and using said tool to rotate said core portion to tighten said accessory onto the vehicle.