AU2020102012A4 - Improved Shackle - Google Patents

Abstract

James & Wells Ref: 305304AU Abstract The invention is a D-shackle for use as a load-bearing connection device. The D-shackle comprises at least two components, consisting of a U-shaped component with left and right lugs and a bolt rod passing 5 through apertures provided to the lugs. A spring is positioned between the head of the bolt rod and one of the lugs. The tip of the bolt rod includes a pin which co-operates with channels that are part of one of the apertures passing through the lugs. Thus, the bolt rod remains attached to the U-shaped component even when the bolt rod is disengaged from one of the lugs as the pin prevents it being withdrawn entirely through the other lug. 10 00 JOGO OZ' (110 ALo ? 10104a FIGURE 1 114 FIGURE 2 1/2

Description

JOGO OZ'

ALo ? 00

10104a

FIGURE 1

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114

FIGURE 2

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James & Wells Ref: 305304AU

AN IMPROVED SHACKLE

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to shackles and in particular, to improvements to types of shackles known

as chain or D-shackles.

Background to the Invention

Shackles are load-bearing connection devices, typically constructed from metal with a removeable bolt or

pin. Shackles can be used in multiple applications for load securement to connect chains or rope to

another object or each other. Shackles are typically used in rigging, towing, lifting, hoisting and tying

down.

A common type of shackle is the chain or D-shackle. A D-shackle primarily consists of a substantially U

shaped component (sometimes referred to as a bow) with circular apertures formed in the outer ends (or

ears) of the U shape through which a bolt (sometimes referred to as a shackle pin) is inserted.

The bolt is typically locked in position and prevented from disengaging from the ears of the U-shaped

component by slotting a shaped pin (sometimes referred to as a cotter pin) through an aperture in the

end of the bolt. Alternatively, a tightening nut may be fitted over the end of the bolt before the pin is

inserted. In another alternative version, the bolt end may be threaded and screwed into the ear of the U

shaped component.

A common problem when using D-shackles is dropping or losing the cotter pin when either applying or

removing the shackle, particularly when conditions that are wet, windy or moving (for example, at sea).

Where a shackle bolt utilises a tightening nut, this adds another element requiring manipulation that can

easily be misplaced. Screw-type bolts (although they do not use a cotter pin) require time to tighten or

unscrew. They are also not recommended for permanent or long-term installations due to the potential

for wearing of the thread from torque, rotation or twisting forces.

James & Wells Ref: 305304AU

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a D-shackle with unified parts that can be applied or removed

without the potential for loss of any component.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a D-shackle which can be applied or removed

quickly and simply, even in adverse conditions.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to provide a D-shackle that does not require a tightening nut,

locking or cotter pin, or a screw-type thread.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to provide an off-the-shelf device, readily available to a wide

range of end users.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a D-shackle defined by at least a substantially

U-shaped component and rod bolt, wherein the U-shaped component consists of:

a right end lug; and

a left end lug;

and wherein the bolt rod consists of:

a rod configured with a head, shoulder, shaft and tip;

a pin located at or proximate the tip and extending perpendicularly to an axis of the shaft;

and

a spring, wherein the spring is configured to bias against the right end lug and the head

and shoulder of the rod.

James & Wells Ref: 305304AU

The invention is an apparatus, henceforth referred to as a D-shackle, that is a load-bearing connection

device. The D-shackle comprises at least two components, consisting of a U-shaped component with left

and right lugs and a bolt rod passing through the lugs. The U-shaped component is configured to slidably

receive the bolt such that the bolt rod remains attached to the U-shaped component even when the bolt

rod is disengaged from one of the lugs.

As noted above, the D-shackle is for use as a load-bearing connection device with multiple applications

for load securement to connect chains or rope to other objects or each other. Such applications may

include, but are not limited to, rigging, towing, lifting, hoisting and tying down.

In exemplary embodiments, the D-shackle components are constructed from metal. The metal used is

typically steel or may be stainless steel of an appropriate grade. For example, D-shackles having a marine

application (for example, connecting an anchor chain to the eyelet of a rope) may be made of a marine

grade stainless steel.

In exemplary embodiments, the U-shaped component and the bolt rod are solid (as opposed to hollow)

metal. The components may be formed as machined extrusions, mouldings or castings. Alternatively, they

may be stamped from metal sheet.

The bolt rod is an elongate structure, and includes a shoulder, a head arising from the shoulder, a shaft

and a tip. The head and tip are at the respective ends of the bolt rod.

The bolt rod further configured to include a pin, located at or proximate the tip and extending laterally

away from the tip. The pin is orientated such that it is substantially perpendicular to the elongate

dimension or axis of the shaft of the bolt rod.

The U-shaped component has a body formed in a U-shape, i.e. a pair of arms or legs connected by a linking

member. The body is a one-piece component.

The U-shaped component includes a first end lug and a second end lug. It should be understood that these

lugs are located substantially at the end of the arms of the U-shaped component.

James & Wells Ref: 305304AU

The first end lug and second end lug are configured with apertures that are substantially circular so as to

receive the bolt rod which is substantially circular in cross-section and compatible with the apertures of

the end lugs. The first end lug and second end lug have faces that oppose each other, i.e. each has an

inner face.

The aperture provided to the first end lug is configured with a partial recess in its inner (right), preferably

at the 12 o'clock position, contoured to receive the pin of the bolt rod.

The aperture provided to the second end lug is configured to include a channel along the full thickness of

the aperture, between the inner (which faces the inner face of the first end lug) and outer faces, preferably

at the 12 o'clock position, through which the pin of the bolt rod may travel. In some embodiments, the

channel may be radially offset relative to the aperture. The aperture of the second end lug is further

configured to include a partial recess in the outer face of the second end lug, preferably at the 6 o'clock

position, to also receive the pin.

The bolt rod is permanently and slidably encircled by the aperture of the first end lug. When the pin is

received by the partial recess at 12 o'clock in the inner face of the first end lug aperture, the U-shaped

component is able to be fully open for the purpose of applying the D-shackle, while the bolt is prevented

from being removed or otherwise disengaged from the first end lug by virtue of the presence of the pin.

This keeps the bolt rod with the body, thereby significantly reducing the risk that it will be lost.

The bolt rod is further configured to include a spring wound about the rod circumference and positioned

between the first end lug and the shoulder of the bolt rod. It will be understood that the spring biases

against the bolt shoulder and the outer face of the first end lug. The head of the bolt rod is configured as

a tab or knob such that the user is able to grip and manipulate it when the bolt rod is pushed through the

aperture and channel of the second end lug.

When the bolt rod is pushed through the aperture of the second end lug, the pin (positioned at 12 o'clock)

passes through the channel of the aperture at 12 o'clock. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the

James & Wells Ref: 305304AU

user then turns the head of the bolt rod through a half rotation or 180 degrees so that the bolt pin engages

with the partial recess in the outer face of the second end lug at the 6 o'clock position. When the user

releases the head of the bolt rod, the now compressed return spring creates a force to pull the pin firmly

into the recess on the outer face of the left lug and retain it there. The D- shackle is now in a locked

position.

This arrangement is advantageous as the bolt rod is retained with the U-shaped component when in an

unlocked condition, and thus is not able to be dropped or lost in use.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent

to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example

of a practical application of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

One or more embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example only, and without

intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic front view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in an open

position;

Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the embodiment of Figure 1 in a closed position; and

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 2.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Figures 1 and 2 show the invention in the form of a D-shackle (generally indicated by arrow 100) in a front

view of the shackle, both open or unlocked position and closed or locked position respectively. It will be

seen that the shackle (100) includes a U-shaped body (102), with a first or right end lug (104a) and a

second or left end lug (104b) positioned at the ends of the right (103a) and left arms (103b) of the body.

James & Wells Ref: 305304AU

Also visible in this view is the bolt rod (106), consisting of a shaft (108), a head (110), shoulder (112) and

spring (114). The bolt rod (106) passes through apertures (118a and 118b respectively as indicted by

dashed lines in Figures 1 and 2) in the right end lug (104a) and left end lug (104b).

In the illustrated example, the aperture (118b) of the left end lug (104b) is configured with a partial recess

(120a as indicated by dashed lines) in the inner face of the right end lug (104b) at 12 o'clock.

It will also be appreciated that the aperture (118a) of the right end lug (104a) includes a channel (122 also

indicated by dashed lines) running its interior, i.e. between the inner and outer face of the right end lug

at the 12 o'clock position and a partial recess (120b as indicated by dashed lines) in the outer face of the

right end lug (104a) at 6 o'clock.

It should be understood that the positions of these recesses (120a, 120b) and the channel (122) are

described by way of example and is not meant to be limiting. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that

their relative positions could be rearranged depending on the preferences of the manufacturer.

Although the spring (114) biases against the shoulder (112) of the bolt rod and the outer face of the left

lug (104b) to urge the bolt rod into the open position depicted in Figure 1, when closed it is prevented

from doing so because the bolt pin (116) is located within the recess (120b) on the outer face of the right

lug (104a). This keeps the shackle (100) in the closed position.

The user can open the shackle (100) by gripping the head (110) of the bolt rod (106), pushing against the

spring (114) to advance the bolt pin (116) out of the recess (120b) and rotating the bolt rod by a half turn

or 180 degrees. This aligns the bolt pin (116) with the channel (122) of the right lug (104a). The bolt rod

(106) can then be withdrawn to open the shackle (100). When fully open, the bolt pin (116) is located in

the recess (120a) of the left lug (104b). This maximises the opening of the shackle (100).

Figures 3 and 4 show the D-shackle (100) of Figures 1 and 2 in a cross-sectional view in the closed or locked

position and open or unlocked position respectively.

James & Wells Ref: 305304AU

The bolt pin (116) is visible in these cross-sectional views. It will be appreciated that the recess (120a) in

the inner face of the left end lug (104b) at 12 o'clock is configured to receive the bolt pin (116) when the

D-shackle is in an open position.

It will also be apparent that the bolt pin (116) passes through the full thickness channel (122) of the right

end lug (104a) before being rotated 180 degrees to be received by the recess (120b) in the outer face of

the right end lug (104a) at the 6 o'clock position when the D-shackle is closed. It will be apparent from

Figures 3 and 4 that the partial recesses (120a and 120b) provide a snug and positive fit for the bolt pin

(116) when it is closed and open respectively.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words

"comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an

exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are

herein incorporated by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or

any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of

endeavour in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or

indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of

two or more of said parts, elements or features. Where in the foregoing description reference has been

made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein

incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments

described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made

without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant

James & Wells Ref: 305304AU

advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present

invention.

Claims (5)

James & Wells Ref: 305304AU Claims

1. A D-shackle defined by at least a substantially U-shaped component and rod bolt, wherein the U

shaped component consists of:

a right end lug; and

a left end lug;

and wherein the bolt rod consists of:

a rod configured with a head, shoulder, shaft and tip;

a pin located at or proximate the tip and extending perpendicularly to an axis of the shaft; and

a spring, wherein the spring is configured to bias against the right end lug and the head and

shoulder of the rod.

2. The D-shackle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the right end lug and left end lug are configured with

apertures running between their respective inner faces and the outer faces that receive the pin

of the bolt rod.

3. The D-shackle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the aperture of the left end lug is provided with a

channel running between the inner face and the outer face, the channel receiving the pin of the

bolt rod.

4. The D-shackle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the channel is located at a 12 o'clock position of the

aperture.

5. The D-shackle as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the left end lug includes a recess on

its outer face, proximate the aperture, to receive the pin of the bolt head, wherein the recess is

located at a 6 o'clock position.