CA2734659C - Lug nut locking device - Google Patents
Lug nut locking device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2734659C CA2734659C CA2734659A CA2734659A CA2734659C CA 2734659 C CA2734659 C CA 2734659C CA 2734659 A CA2734659 A CA 2734659A CA 2734659 A CA2734659 A CA 2734659A CA 2734659 C CA2734659 C CA 2734659C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- nuts
- lug
- strip
- teeth
- indicator
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 10
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B30/00—Means for holding wheels or parts thereof
- B60B30/06—Means for holding wheels or parts thereof engaging the wheel body, e.g. the rim
- B60B30/08—Means for holding wheels or parts thereof engaging the wheel body, e.g. the rim the central part of the wheel body
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B39/00—Locking of screws, bolts or nuts
- F16B39/02—Locking of screws, bolts or nuts in which the locking takes place after screwing down
- F16B39/10—Locking of screws, bolts or nuts in which the locking takes place after screwing down by a plate, spring, wire or ring immovable with regard to the bolt or object and mainly perpendicular to the axis of the bolt
- F16B39/101—Locking of screws, bolts or nuts in which the locking takes place after screwing down by a plate, spring, wire or ring immovable with regard to the bolt or object and mainly perpendicular to the axis of the bolt with a plate, spring, wire or ring holding two or more nuts or bolt heads which are mainly in the same plane
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B2900/00—Purpose of invention
- B60B2900/30—Increase in
- B60B2900/331—Safety or security
- B60B2900/3312—Safety or security during regular use
Abstract
A lug nut locking device, which provides a visual indication of loosening of one of a pair of adjacent nuts includes a locking strip for extending between the nuts, rings on the ends of the strip for mounting the strip on the nuts, teeth in the rings for resisting nut loosening; and a pair of flags with annular bodies for mounting on the nuts beneath the strip, the flag bodies having internal teeth for engaging the nuts, whereby rotation of one of the nuts causes corresponding rotation of its associated flag providing a visual indication that the nut is loosening.
Description
LUG NUT LOCKING DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a lug nut locking device, and in particular to a combination lug nut locking and indicator device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The device of the present invention is intended to lock lug nuts in a tightened position, and to provide a visual indication should a lug nut becomes loose.
Lug nut indicator devices, i.e. devices for indicating that a lug nut has started to loosen are not new. Examples of such devices are described in CA Patent No.
1,231,564, which issued to Rolf Olsson on January 19, 1988; Canadian Patent Application No. 2,637,356, filed by Ifor C. Davies on July 11, 2008; US
Patents Nos. 4,930,951, issued to Mark A. Gilliam on June 5, 1990; 6,158,933, issued to Orv Nicholson on December 12, 2000; 6,595,597 and 7,415,888 issued to Michael Marczynski et al on July 22, 2003 and August 26, 2008, respectively; and the James C. Adams US Patent Application No. 2009/0060677, published March 5, 2009.
A problem with some of the basic indicator devices described in the above-listed references is that they merely provide an indication that a lug nut has started to loosen. While some of the devices provide resistance to nut loosening, they are relatively complicated, and may require substantial nut loosening before providing a clear visual signal that loosening has occurred, SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a relatively simple lug nut locking and indicator device which firmly resists rotation of a pair of adjacent lug nuts.
However, if loosening of either of the nuts occurs, an indicator flag is rotated into a position providing a visual indication that nut loosening has occurred. In other words, it takes a substantial force for nut loosening to occur, and if loosening happens a visual signal is provided.
In accordance with one aspect, the invention provides a lug nut locking and indicator device comprising: an elongated rigid locking strip having a length sufficient to extend between two adjacent lug nuts; rings on the ends of the locking strip for placing over the adjacent lug nuts; first teeth on interior surfaces of said rings for engaging the nuts and resisting rotation of the lug nuts relative to said strip and rings; indicator flags for mounting on and rotation with said lug nuts, in the use position said flags being axially aligned with said locking strips; whereby rotation of the adjacent lug nuts is firmly resisted by said first teeth on said rings, and, if either of the lug nuts loosens sufficiently to break the first teeth, one of the flags rotates to a position out of axial alignment with the locking strip where the flag provides a visual indication of nut loosening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is described below in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, and wherein:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a lug nut locking device, and in particular to a combination lug nut locking and indicator device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The device of the present invention is intended to lock lug nuts in a tightened position, and to provide a visual indication should a lug nut becomes loose.
Lug nut indicator devices, i.e. devices for indicating that a lug nut has started to loosen are not new. Examples of such devices are described in CA Patent No.
1,231,564, which issued to Rolf Olsson on January 19, 1988; Canadian Patent Application No. 2,637,356, filed by Ifor C. Davies on July 11, 2008; US
Patents Nos. 4,930,951, issued to Mark A. Gilliam on June 5, 1990; 6,158,933, issued to Orv Nicholson on December 12, 2000; 6,595,597 and 7,415,888 issued to Michael Marczynski et al on July 22, 2003 and August 26, 2008, respectively; and the James C. Adams US Patent Application No. 2009/0060677, published March 5, 2009.
A problem with some of the basic indicator devices described in the above-listed references is that they merely provide an indication that a lug nut has started to loosen. While some of the devices provide resistance to nut loosening, they are relatively complicated, and may require substantial nut loosening before providing a clear visual signal that loosening has occurred, SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a relatively simple lug nut locking and indicator device which firmly resists rotation of a pair of adjacent lug nuts.
However, if loosening of either of the nuts occurs, an indicator flag is rotated into a position providing a visual indication that nut loosening has occurred. In other words, it takes a substantial force for nut loosening to occur, and if loosening happens a visual signal is provided.
In accordance with one aspect, the invention provides a lug nut locking and indicator device comprising: an elongated rigid locking strip having a length sufficient to extend between two adjacent lug nuts; rings on the ends of the locking strip for placing over the adjacent lug nuts; first teeth on interior surfaces of said rings for engaging the nuts and resisting rotation of the lug nuts relative to said strip and rings; indicator flags for mounting on and rotation with said lug nuts, in the use position said flags being axially aligned with said locking strips; whereby rotation of the adjacent lug nuts is firmly resisted by said first teeth on said rings, and, if either of the lug nuts loosens sufficiently to break the first teeth, one of the flags rotates to a position out of axial alignment with the locking strip where the flag provides a visual indication of nut loosening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is described below in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, and wherein:
2 Figure 1 is an isometric view of a lug nut locking and indicator device in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded, isometric view of the lug nut locking and indicator device of Fig. 1;
Figure 3 is a top view of a locking strip used in the device of Figs 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is a side view of the locking strip of Fig. 3;
Figure 5 is a top view of an indicator flag used in the device of Figs. 1 and 2;
and Figure 6 is a front view of a vehicle wheel with a plurality of indicator and locking devices mounted thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the basic elements of the lug nut locking and indicator device of the present invention include a locking strip indicated generally at 1 and an indicator flag indicated generally at 2.
As best shown in Figs. 2 - 4, the locking strip 1 includes a rigid, slightly arched body 3 formed of hard plastic for extending between adjacent lug nuts 4. A
ring 5 is provided at each end of the body 3. The ring 5 is integral with the body 3 and is defined by a hole through the circular ends of the body and an annular flange 6 extending upwardly from the body around the hole. A circular row of teeth 7 extends around the entire inner circumference of the ring 5 for engaging the corners 8 of the lug nut 4.
Figure 2 is an exploded, isometric view of the lug nut locking and indicator device of Fig. 1;
Figure 3 is a top view of a locking strip used in the device of Figs 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is a side view of the locking strip of Fig. 3;
Figure 5 is a top view of an indicator flag used in the device of Figs. 1 and 2;
and Figure 6 is a front view of a vehicle wheel with a plurality of indicator and locking devices mounted thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the basic elements of the lug nut locking and indicator device of the present invention include a locking strip indicated generally at 1 and an indicator flag indicated generally at 2.
As best shown in Figs. 2 - 4, the locking strip 1 includes a rigid, slightly arched body 3 formed of hard plastic for extending between adjacent lug nuts 4. A
ring 5 is provided at each end of the body 3. The ring 5 is integral with the body 3 and is defined by a hole through the circular ends of the body and an annular flange 6 extending upwardly from the body around the hole. A circular row of teeth 7 extends around the entire inner circumference of the ring 5 for engaging the corners 8 of the lug nut 4.
3 Referring to Figs. 1 and 5, each indicator flag 2 is defined by an annular body 10 with a short, tapering arm 11 integral with an extending outwardly from one side thereof. The top or outer surface of the arm 11 is preferably colored with a bright, highly noticeable color such as red. An annular flange 12 extends upwardly from around a hole 13 through the body 10. A row of teeth 14 extends completely around the periphery of the hole 13 for engaging the corners of the lug nut 4.
As illustrated in Fig. 6, the indicator device is used on adjacent lug nuts 4 securing a wheel 16 on a vehicle (not shown). The lug nuts 4 are mounted on bolts 17. In use, a pair of indicator flags 2 is mounted first on adjacent, already tightened lug nuts 4 with the arms 11 pointing towards each other. The teeth 14 in the hole 13 lock the flag 12 on the nut 4, i.e. prevent rotation of the flag relative to the nut 4.
The locking strip 1 is then mounted on the adjacent lug nuts 4 above the indicator flags 2, so that the arms 11 of the flags are covered by the body 3 of the strip (Fig.
6). Because the body 3 of the locking strip is rigid, and the teeth 7 engage the corners 8 of the lug nuts 4 rotation of the lug nuts is strongly resisted. If, however, the force of the rotation on one of the lug nuts 4 is sufficient to break the teeth 7 in one of the rings 5, the indicator flag 2 will rotate with the lug nut to a position at an angle or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strip body 3 (e.g. to the position shown in phantom between the eight and nine o'clock positions of the wheel 16). In this position, the flag 2 is no longer aligned with the longitudinal axis of the locking strip 1 and thus provides a visual indicator that the locking nut 4 is loosening. The flange 10 on the flag 2, and the bowed or arched body 3 reduce
As illustrated in Fig. 6, the indicator device is used on adjacent lug nuts 4 securing a wheel 16 on a vehicle (not shown). The lug nuts 4 are mounted on bolts 17. In use, a pair of indicator flags 2 is mounted first on adjacent, already tightened lug nuts 4 with the arms 11 pointing towards each other. The teeth 14 in the hole 13 lock the flag 12 on the nut 4, i.e. prevent rotation of the flag relative to the nut 4.
The locking strip 1 is then mounted on the adjacent lug nuts 4 above the indicator flags 2, so that the arms 11 of the flags are covered by the body 3 of the strip (Fig.
6). Because the body 3 of the locking strip is rigid, and the teeth 7 engage the corners 8 of the lug nuts 4 rotation of the lug nuts is strongly resisted. If, however, the force of the rotation on one of the lug nuts 4 is sufficient to break the teeth 7 in one of the rings 5, the indicator flag 2 will rotate with the lug nut to a position at an angle or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strip body 3 (e.g. to the position shown in phantom between the eight and nine o'clock positions of the wheel 16). In this position, the flag 2 is no longer aligned with the longitudinal axis of the locking strip 1 and thus provides a visual indicator that the locking nut 4 is loosening. The flange 10 on the flag 2, and the bowed or arched body 3 reduce
4 contact between the strip 1 and the flag 2 to facilitate free rotation of the flag 2 relative to the strip 1.
In the event that the wheel 16 is to be removed from the vehicle, it is merely necessary to remove the locking strip 1 and the indicator flags 2. The internal diameter of the rings 5 on the ends of the strip 1 and the diameter of the holes 13 in the flags 2 are such that the strip 1 and the flags 2 are held in position on the nuts 4 by friction, but can be pried off with a screwdriver or other tool.
Thus, there has been described a relatively simple lug nut locking and indicator device, which strongly resists rotation of a pair of adjacent lug nuts.
However, if rotation i.e. loosening of one of the lug nuts should occur, the device provides a visual indication of the event.
In the event that the wheel 16 is to be removed from the vehicle, it is merely necessary to remove the locking strip 1 and the indicator flags 2. The internal diameter of the rings 5 on the ends of the strip 1 and the diameter of the holes 13 in the flags 2 are such that the strip 1 and the flags 2 are held in position on the nuts 4 by friction, but can be pried off with a screwdriver or other tool.
Thus, there has been described a relatively simple lug nut locking and indicator device, which strongly resists rotation of a pair of adjacent lug nuts.
However, if rotation i.e. loosening of one of the lug nuts should occur, the device provides a visual indication of the event.
5
Claims (5)
1. A lug nut locking and indicator device comprising:
an elongated rigid locking strip having a length sufficient to extend between two adjacent lug nuts;
rings on the ends of the locking strip for placing over the adjacent lug nuts;
first teeth on interior surfaces of said rings for engaging the nuts and resisting rotation of the lug nuts relative to said strip and rings;
indicator flags for mounting on and rotation with said lug nuts, in a use position said flags being axially aligned with said locking strip;
whereby rotation of the adjacent lug nuts is firmly resisted by said first teeth on said rings, and, if either of the lug nuts loosens sufficiently to break the first teeth, one of the flags rotates to a position out of axial alignment with the locking strip where said one of the flags provides a visual indication of nut loosening.
an elongated rigid locking strip having a length sufficient to extend between two adjacent lug nuts;
rings on the ends of the locking strip for placing over the adjacent lug nuts;
first teeth on interior surfaces of said rings for engaging the nuts and resisting rotation of the lug nuts relative to said strip and rings;
indicator flags for mounting on and rotation with said lug nuts, in a use position said flags being axially aligned with said locking strip;
whereby rotation of the adjacent lug nuts is firmly resisted by said first teeth on said rings, and, if either of the lug nuts loosens sufficiently to break the first teeth, one of the flags rotates to a position out of axial alignment with the locking strip where said one of the flags provides a visual indication of nut loosening.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said first teeth are integral with and extend completely around the interior of each said ring.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein each indicator flag includes an annular body;
a plurality of second teeth on an interior surface of said annular body for engaging a lug nut; and a strip extending radially outwardly from said body.
a plurality of second teeth on an interior surface of said annular body for engaging a lug nut; and a strip extending radially outwardly from said body.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein each said indicator flag includes an annular top flange for engaging the rigid body when the flag is mounted on the lug nut beneath the rigid body, facilitating rotation of the indicator flag relative to the locking strip.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein said rigid body is bowed outwardly away from the indicator flag, providing unrestricted movement of the flag relative to the rigid body.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2734659A CA2734659C (en) | 2011-03-22 | 2011-03-22 | Lug nut locking device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2734659A CA2734659C (en) | 2011-03-22 | 2011-03-22 | Lug nut locking device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2734659A1 CA2734659A1 (en) | 2012-09-22 |
| CA2734659C true CA2734659C (en) | 2018-05-01 |
Family
ID=46853437
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2734659A Active CA2734659C (en) | 2011-03-22 | 2011-03-22 | Lug nut locking device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2734659C (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3017203B1 (en) * | 2013-07-05 | 2018-08-22 | Marchmont Pty Limited | Loose wheel nut indicator |
| US9368908B2 (en) | 2014-04-03 | 2016-06-14 | Akron Brass Company | Electrical terminal assembly |
| BR112017011132B1 (en) * | 2014-11-27 | 2022-01-18 | Michael Ferman | COMBINATION OF WHEEL NUT AND CONNECTOR FOR USE ON A WHEEL RIM |
| CN109372877A (en) * | 2018-11-22 | 2019-02-22 | 福建省晋江市励精汽配有限公司 | Fastener anti-loosening device, disc type anti-loosening device, fastening device and wheel |
| US20210396269A1 (en) * | 2020-06-23 | 2021-12-23 | InSitu, Inc., a subsidiary of the Boeing Company | Retention washers, propeller retention systems, and related methods |
-
2011
- 2011-03-22 CA CA2734659A patent/CA2734659C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2734659A1 (en) | 2012-09-22 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20160321 |