AU2017101402A4 - Fastener - Google Patents

Abstract

A fastener comprising: a bolt having a head (12) and a shank (14) projecting from the head, the shank having first (16) and second (18) opposing surfaces, the first surface comprising a plurality of parallel, transverse threads (20) formed thereat, the threads arranged at the first surface for at least part of the length thereof, and the second surface (18) comprising no such threads; a push-on nut (13) for push-mounting onto the shank, the nut comprising an aperture (40) arranged such that the shank (14) is only able to pass there-through in one orientation of the shank, the nut (13) further comprising a tongue (42) that projects into the aperture; wherein, when the nut (13) is pushed onto the shank (14) in a forward direction, such that the shank (14) passes through the aperture (40) in the one orientation, the tongue (42) is arranged to engage with and move past the threads (20) at the first surface (1 6), but is further arranged so as to interfere with the threads (20) to resist nut (13) movement on the shank (14) in a direction reverse to the forward direction.

Description

FASTENER

Technical Field

This disclosure relates to a fastener that comprises a bolt with a shank that has a plurality of parallel, transverse (i.e. non-helical) threads formed at a first surface thereof, and a corresponding push-on nut.

Background Art US20170045073 discloses a fastener that comprises a push-on nut and a bolt with a shank that has parallel (i.e. non-helical) threads formed thereon. The push-on nut engages with the parallel threads so as to resist removal from the shank. The shank in US20170045073 has a circular, square or triangular profile, with the parallel threads extending right around the shank. WO2011058202 discloses a fastener that comprises a complexly configured push-on nut and a bolt with a shank that has parallel (i.e. non-helical) threads formed thereon. More specifically, in WO2011058202 the shank has an opposing series of parallel threads formed on each of an upper and lower surface thereof.

It is to be understood that the above reference to the prior art does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary

Disclosed herein is a fastener. The fastener may be used to fasten together a variety of components, articles, parts, etc. in a variety of applications.

The fastener comprises a bolt having a head and a shank projecting from the head. The shank has first and second opposing surfaces. The first surface comprises a plurality of parallel, transverse threads formed thereat. The threads are arranged at the first surface for at least part of the length of the first surface. Conversely, the second surface comprises no such threads.

The fastener also comprises a push-on nut for push-mounting onto the shank. The nut comprises an aperture that is arranged such that the shank is only able to pass therethrough in one orientation of the shank. It can also be seen that the aperture is arranged such that the nut is only able to be pushed onto the shank in one orientation of the nut. The nut further comprises a tongue that projects into the aperture.

When the nut is pushed onto the shank in a forward direction, such that the shank passes through the aperture in the one orientation, the tongue is arranged to engage with and move past the threads at the first surface, but is further arranged so as to interfere with the threads to resist nut movement on the shank in a direction reverse to the forward direction.

The fastener as disclosed herein is simple to manufacture (e.g. by plastic moulding, 3D-printing, etc.) and is simple to use, because only the first surface comprises the threads, and also because the nut can only be push-mounted onto the shank in one orientation of the shank/nut. The fastener as disclosed herein contrasts with the more complex arrangements such as disclosed in US20170045073 and WO2011058202. The fastener as disclosed herein also contrasts with articles such as cable ties and so-called “zip ties”.

In some embodiments, the shank may further comprise longitudinal guide ridges projecting from the first surface and extending along either side of the first surface. The guide ridges may extend at least for said part length of the first surface (i.e. that length which comprises the threads). The guide ridges may be arranged to guide respective sides of the tongue as it engages with and moves past the threads. The aperture can be arranged to receive the guide ridges therethrough when the nut is pushed onto the shank in the forward direction.

In some embodiments, the longitudinal guide ridges may extend along the sides of the first surface towards a distal end of the shank. The guide ridges may extend beyond the parallel, transverse threads. Thus, the guide ridges may thereby define a tongue receiving region at that portion of the first surface that is beyond the parallel, transverse threads. This tongue receiving region may be located adjacent to the shank distal end, and may help to guide the tongue towards the threads.

In some embodiments, the aperture of the nut may comprise a surface that is located opposite to the tongue. This aperture surface may extend between a bolt head-facing side of the nut and a rear side of the nut. This aperture surface may correspond to the profile of the shank second surface that comprises no threads thereat. Thus, the aperture surface can help to guide the shank second surface through the aperture when the nut is pushed onto the shank in the forward direction.

In some embodiments, the aperture of the nut may extend between a first bolt head-facing side of the nut and a rear side of the nut. The tongue may project at an angle into the aperture from a location adjacent to the head-facing side of the nut. This configuration can allow the tongue to be deflected as the nut is pushed onto the shank in the forward direction, but such that the tongue orients (e.g. points) towards the threads so as to interfere therewith and thus resist nut movement in the reverse direction.

In some embodiments, a distal end of the tongue may comprise one or more (e.g. up to three) teeth that are arranged so as to correspond to the parallel, transverse threads at the first surface of the shank. The shank threads may have a saw-tooth configuration, and the teeth of the tongue may have a corresponding saw-tooth configuration, but in a reverse orientation to the threads.

In some embodiments, as the nut is pushed onto the shank in the forward direction, the teeth of the tongue may be arranged to ride over the threads. This can cause the tongue to deflect but, having ridden over the threads, it can then redeflect to interfere with the threads so as to resist nut movement in the reverse direction.

In some embodiments, the shank may taper to its distal end. This taper can facilitate shank insertion into the aperture of the nut. For example, the shank may have a taper that extends from the second surface to the distal end (e.g. an upslope of the second surface to the distal end when the shank is viewed from the side).

In some embodiments, the shank distal end may be curved. The curve may extend from opposing walls of the shank. These shank “side” walls can connect the first and second shank surfaces. This curve at the shank distal end can also facilitate shank insertion into the aperture of the nut.

In some embodiments, the aperture of the nut may comprise opposing walls that correspond to and that guide the shank walls when the nut is pushed onto the shank in the forward direction. Again, this can help to facilitate shank insertion into the aperture of the nut.

In some embodiments, a distal end of each longitudinal guide ridge may have a taper that extends from the ridge towards the shank distal end. Yet again, this taper can help to facilitate shank insertion into the aperture of the nut.

In some embodiments, the shank may extend from an embossment that is formed at a nut-facing side of the bolt head. In use, a bolt head-facing side of the nut may abut the embossment when the nut has been fully pushed onto the shank. In this way, the fastener may also be used to fasten together e.g. thin, sheet-like membranes.

In some embodiments, the shank may comprise an aperture therethrough that is located adjacent to a distal end of the shank. The aperture can enable a ‘pull-through’ device to be inserted through the distal end of the shank. Such a pull-through device may be employed to temporarily secure the bolt, e.g. to aid in pushing of the nut onto the shank, particularly when the fastener is used in confined spaces.

In some embodiments, the head of the bolt and/or the nut may be countersunk at a nut-facing side of the bolt head and a bolt head-facing side of the nut respectively.

In use, the countersunk head of the bolt and/or the countersunk nut may be mounted flush to the surfaces of the objects being fastened.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1A is a schematic view of a bolt in accordance with a first embodiment;

Figure IB is a plan schematic view of the bolt of Fig. 1 A;

Figure 1C is a long-axis, sectional schematic view of the bolt of Fig. 1A;

Figure 2 A is a schematic view of a push-on nut in accordance with a first embodiment;

Figure 2B is a plan schematic view of the push-on nut of Fig. 2A;

Figure 2C is a sectional schematic view of the push-on nut of Fig. 2A;

Figure 3 A is a schematic view of the bolt and push-on nut of Figs. 1 & 2 when arranged together as a fastener;

Figure 3B is a plan schematic view of the bolt and nut of Fig. 3 A;

Figure 3C is a long-axis, sectional schematic view of the bolt and nut of Fig. 3 A;

Figure 4 is a plan schematic view of a bolt in accordance with a second embodiment comprising a distal end aperture (such a bolt can be used with the nut of Fig. 2).

Figure 5 is a plan schematic view of a bolt comprising a countersunk bolt head in accordance with a third embodiment and a countersunk nut in accordance with a second embodiment, when arranged together as a fastener 10’.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

Figures 3A to 3B show a fastener 10 that comprises a bolt 11 and a nut 13. The fastener 10 is able to fasten together a variety of components, articles, parts, etc. in a variety of applications. The fastener 10 can be moulded, machined, printed or otherwise formed of plastic, carbon fibre composites, etc. Due to its simple design, the fastener 10 is easy to manufacture. As described in greater detail hereafter, a shank 14 of the bolt 11 comprises only one threaded surface. Further, the nut 13 is configured for push-fitting onto the bolt in only one orientation.

Thus, in addition to being easy to manufacture, the fastener 10 is also simple and foolproof to use in a large range of situations.

Referring now to Figures 1A to 1C, a first embodiment of a bolt 11 forming part of the fastener 10 is illustrated. The bolt 11 is provided with a head 12 and a shank 14, the shank 14 projecting from a nut facing side 15 of the head 12. The shank comprises first 16 and second 18 opposing surfaces, which are connected by first 17 and second 19 opposing shank walls. The first opposed surface 16 comprises a series of parallel transverse threads 20, which cover a substantial portion of the surface along the length of the shank 14. As best illustrated in Figure 1C, the threads 20 are arranged in a saw-tooth configuration, having ramped surfaces 21 terminating in ridges 23. The second opposed surface 18 has no such threads, and is substantially flat.

The threads 20 run between, and are perpendicular to, longitudinal guide ridges 22 that project from opposite edges of the first opposed surface 16 of the shank 14 (i.e. the ridges in part define the opposing shank walls 17 and 19). The guide ridges 22 run at least for a length of the shank 14 that corresponds to the portion of the surface covered by the threads 20, however, as best shown in Fig. 1A continue on towards a distal end 24 of the shank 14. The guide ridges 22 serve to guide a tongue 42 of the nut 13 (Figures 2A to 2C) in use, as described hereafter. The guide ridges 22 taper from a point 26 that is proximal a distal transverse thread, with the taper being down towards the distal end 24 of the shank 14. This defines a flat tongue receiving region 28 located between the distal most thread and the guide ridges 22. The tongue receiving region 28 is adapted to receive the corresponding tongue 42 of the nut 13 in use, guiding the tongue 42 into engagement with the threads 20.

Referring particularly to Figure 1C, it will be seen that the distal end 24 of the shank 14 is tapered 30 at its underside. The taper 30 extends from the second opposing surface 18 towards the shank distal end 24. This tapering serves to aid insertion of the shank into an aperture 40 of the nut 13 in use.

As illustrated in Figures 1A and IB, the shank distal end 24 has a curvature 32, the curvature projecting from the shank opposing walls 17 and 19. This curvature can also serve to aid insertion of the shank 14 into an aperture 40 of the nut 13 in use.

As illustrated in figures IB and 1C, the shank 14 extends from an embossment 34 that is formed at a nut facing side 15 of the bolt head 12. The embossment 34 may abut a bolt-head facing side of the nut 13 in use, i.e. if the nut were fully pushed onto the shank 14.

Referring now to Figures 2A to 2C, an embodiment of the nut 13 forming a part of the fastener 10 is illustrated. The nut 13 is of a push on type, for push-fitting onto the shank 14 of the bolt 11 (Figures 1A to 1C). The nut comprises a bolt head-facing side 36 and a rear side 38, with a specially configured aperture 40 being located to extend through the nut 13 from the bolt head-facing side 36 to the rear side 38.

As best illustrated in Figure 2B, the aperture 40 is specially configured to the corresponding profile of the shank 14 of bolt 11. This ensures a push-fitting of the nut 13 onto the shank 14 in one nut orientation only, helping to make use of the fastener 10 foolproof. In this regard, the aperture 40 is bounded by opposing side walls 39. The side walls 39 are stepped at 41, which configures the aperture to the longitudinal guide ridges 22 of the shank 14. Thus, the shank 14 of the bolt 11 is only able to pass through the aperture 40 in one orientation of the shank 14. Conversely, the aperture 40 is also configured such that the nut 13 may pass onto the shank 14 in only one orientation of the nut 13. A base 44 of the aperture 40 extends between the bolt head-facing side 36 and a rear side 38 of the nut. The base 44 is flat, whereby the taper 30 of the shank underside (i.e. adjacent to surface 18) is able to slide over this flat base 44 during push-fitting of the nut 13 onto the shank 14. Eventually, the flat surface 18 of shank 14 (i.e. where no threads are located) is able to slide across the flat base 44 during further push-fitting of the nut 13 onto shank 14.

The nut 13 further comprises tongue 42 which projects at an angle into the aperture (see Fig. 2C). The tongue 42 projects from a location adjacent to the head-facing side 36 of the nut 13, toward the opposing base 44 of the aperture 40. The angle of projection of the tongue 42 is such that, when the shank 14 of the bolt 11 is passed through the aperture 40 in the one orientation, i.e. from the headfacing side 36 toward the rear side 38, the tongue 42 is able to be deflected in a direction away from the opposing base 44.

An underside of the tongue 42 also comprises one or more, in this case three, teeth 46, that generally correspond in configuration to the threads 20 located at the surface 16 of the shank 14. The teeth 46 progress in a parallel arrangement transversely across the tongue 42, and face the base 44. The teeth 46 comprise ramped surfaces 49 that are arranged to inter-engage with the threads 20 of the shank 14. Thus, the teeth 46 also have a saw-tooth configuration of ramped surfaces 49 terminating in ridges, but in an opposite orientation to those of the shank threads 20.

Referring now to Figures 3 A to 3C, when the head facing side 36 of the nut 13 is pushed onto the shank 14 in a forward direction 48, the aperture 40 of the nut 13 and the shank 14 interfere so as to allow only one insertion orientation of the shank 14 relative to the nut 13. Initially, the taper 30 and curvature 32 at the shank distal end 24 aid in insertion of the shank 14 into the aperture 40. The surface 18 of the shank 14 slides over the base 44 of the aperture 40, and the shank walls 17 and 19 and guide ridges 22 slide across the side walls 39 and under the steps 41 of the aperture 40. In this way, the shank 14 is guided through the aperture 40, and the progression of the nut 13 in the forward direction 48 is unimpeded.

As the nut 13 is progressed further along the distal end 24 of the shank 14, the tongue 42 of the nut 13 passes into the tongue receiving region 28 of the shank 14, between the guide ridges 22 of the shank 14. Inside surfaces of the guide ridges 22 of the shank 14 engage with opposing side walls 39 (Figure 2B) of the tongue 42, facilitating guidance of the tongue 42 towards engagement with the threads 20 of the shank upper surface 16.

The teeth 46 of the tongue 42 then come into engagement with the shank threads 20. With further nut pushing in direction 48, the ramped surfaces 49 of the teeth 46 interface with and slide over the ramped surfaces 21 of the shank threads 20, causing the tongue 42 to be deflected away from the base 44, and allowing the nut 13 to progress in the forward direction 48 along the shank 14. Once the ridges of the tongue teeth 46 pass over the corresponding ridges 23 of the shank threads 20, the tongue 42 deflects back to its original position. This results in interference of the teeth 46 with the threads 20, preventing backward movement of the nut 13, at any given location along the shank 14. In this way, the nut 13 may be pushed onto the shank 14 in the forward direction 48, but may not be removed in the reverse direction.

The nut 13 can be progressed along the shank 14 in the above manner, until the bolt head-facing side 36 of the nut 13 reaches, and either locates close to or abuts the embossment 34 at the bolt head 12. The degree to which the nut 13 is progressed along the shank 14 of the bolt 11 will depend on the dimensions of the item(s) to be secured by the fastener 10, with the item(s) being secured in the region between the nut facing side 15 of the bolt head 12 and the bolt head-facing side 36 of the nut 13.

Figure 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the bolt 11 ’. In this embodiment, the shank 14 comprises an aperture 29 extending through the shank 14 (i.e. between the first 16 and second 18 opposed surfaces thereof). The aperture 29 is located adjacent to the shank distal end 24. This aperture 29 is employed to receive a ‘pull-through’ device (e.g. a cord, string, tie, tape, etc.). This pull-through device can be located through the aperture 29 either before or after insertion of the nut 13 onto the shank 14. The pull-through device allows an opposing force to be applied to the bolt 11 ’ from the shank distal end 24 - i.e. a user can pull on the device (cord, string, tie, tape, etc.) as the nut 13 is pushed along the shank 14 in the forward direction 48. This allows the nut 13 to be progressed, and the fastener 10 to be tightened, without withdrawal of the bolt 11 ’. Such a tightening method can allow the fastener 10 to be used in confined spaces, where access to both ends of the fastener may be restricted.

Figure 5 illustrates a third embodiment of the bolt 11” and a second embodiment of the nut 13’. In these embodiments, the head of the bolt 12” and the nut 13’ are countersunk at a nut-facing side 15” of the bolt head 12” and a bolt head-facing side 36’ of the nut 13’ respectively. In the case of the bolt head 12”, the countersunk feature is produced by an inward tapering extending from the distal surface 50” of the bolt head, the inward tapering located at the nut-facing side 15” of the bolt head. This tapering occurs for the entire circumference of the bolt head, producing a conical frustum shaped-bolt head. Similarly, in the case of the nut 13’, the countersunk feature is obtained by an inward tapering extending from the rear side 38’, the inward tapering located at the bolt head-facing side 36’ of the nut. Again, this tapering occurs for the entire circumference of the nut, producing a conical frustum shaped-nut 13’.

In use, the countersunk head of the bolt and countersunk nut can be mounted in respective pre-formed countersinks so as to be flush with the surfaces of the objects being fastened. This is particularly useful in confined spaces and in aesthetically important applications. It should be appreciated that the fastener 10’ can interchangeably comprise countersunk and non-countersunk components (i.e. a countersunk bolt 11” with a standard nut 13 and a standard bolt 11 with a countersunk nut 13’).

Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments.

Claims (5)

1. Claims

   1. A fastener comprising: a bolt having a head and a shank projecting from the head, the shank having first and second opposing surfaces, the first surface comprising a plurality of parallel, transverse threads formed thereat, the threads arranged at the first surface for at least part of the length thereof, and the second surface comprising no such threads; a push-on nut for push-mounting onto the shank, the nut comprising an aperture arranged such that the shank is only able to pass therethrough in one orientation of the shank, the nut further comprising a tongue that projects into the aperture; wherein, when the nut is pushed onto the shank in a forward direction, such that the shank passes through the aperture in the one orientation, the tongue is arranged to engage with and move past the threads at the first surface, but is further arranged so as to interfere with the threads to resist nut movement on the shank in a direction reverse to the forward direction.
2. 2. A fastener according to claim 1, wherein the shank further comprises longitudinal guide ridges projecting from the first surface and extending along either side of the first surface, at least for said part length thereof, the guide ridges arranged to guide respective sides of the tongue as it engages with and moves past the threads, and the aperture arranged to receive the guide ridges therethrough when the nut is pushed onto the shank in the forward direction, the guide ridges optionally extending beyond the parallel, transverse threads to thereby define a tongue receiving region at that portion of the first surface that is beyond the parallel, transverse threads and adjacent to the shank distal end.
3. 3. A fastener according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aperture of the nut extends between a bolt head-facing side of the nut and a rear side of the nut, and wherein the tongue projects at an angle into the aperture from a location adjacent to the head-facing side of the nut, with the aperture further comprising a surface located opposite to the tongue, wherein that aperture surface corresponds to the profile of the shank second surface that comprises no threads thereat, and wherein a distal end of the tongue comprises one or more teeth that correspond to the parallel, transverse threads at the first surface of the shank, the teeth being arranged to ride over the threads and cause the tongue to deflect as the nut is pushed onto the shank in the forward direction, but to interfere with the threads so as to resist nut movement in the reverse direction.
4. 4. A fastener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shank tapers to its distal end, to facilitate shank insertion into the aperture of the nut, the shank distal end optionally being curved, with the curve extending from opposing walls of the shank that connect the first and second shank surfaces, the shank optionally comprising an aperture therethrough that is located adjacent to a distal end of the shank.
5. 5. A fastener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shank has a taper that extends from the second surface to the distal end, and wherein the head of the bolt and/or the nut of the fastener is optionally countersunk.