GB2571246A

GB2571246A - Smart-Thread

Info

Publication number: GB2571246A
Application number: GB1800229.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Tooth David
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-02-26
Filing date: 2018-02-26
Publication date: 2019-08-28
Also published as: GB201800229D0

Abstract

A high security fastener (nut or bolt 27) comprises of a right-hand thread 25 and a left-hand thread 24. The right-hand thread is engageable by a threaded tool to lock the fastener, and the left-hand thread is engageable by a different threaded tool to unlock the fastener. The right-hand threaded section of the fastener has a larger diameter than the left-hand threaded section to allow the tools to separately engage with the fastener. The threaded sections are preferably on an outer surface of the fastener, or may be provided on an inner surface of a bolt head. A single right-hand thread may be provided if the fastener does not need to be removed. The fastener may be cold formed in stainless steel or injection moulded in a plastics material.

Description

Smart-Thread high security fastener and nut

This invention refers to a high security fastener and nut.

The protection and security of property is becoming increasingly important and this high security fastener and matching nut is easy to use but requires specialist tools to lock and unlock it.

This product uses fast spiral exterior threads as a drive system which can be varied in form depth and type of thread to add to its security.

A right hand thread is used to lock it in position and a left hand thread is used to unlock it.

Because the threads are on the outer diameter all forces are radial and a very high level of torque is achievable with reduced effort.

Unlike most products the fastener and nut can be quickly pre-loaded onto the locking tool and will not fall off prior to fitting, this allows access to difficult or deep areas. This feature also applies when using the unlocking tool to remove the fastener or nut.

A special tool is used to lock the fastener or nut in place and a separate tool is used to unlock them.

This thread drive system is very cost effective to produce and the fastener and nut share the same outer dimensions.

They can be cold formed if using stainless steel and also injection moulded in a range of plastics.

If moulded in plastic high torque levels are possible with extended lasting abilities. There are multiple uses for these products. Nuclear, North Sea Installations, Architectural Structure, circuit boards, Aircraft or Automobiles and they can be fitted manually or robotically.

This thread system could also be used internally in the head of a fastener and a single right hand thread can be used on a nut or fastener if removal of a component is not required.

For example circuit boards or for high security purposes.

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawing.

Figure 1

Shows a plan view of the locking tool

Refers to a square which will fit into a powered drive system.

Figure 2

This is the locking tool which is used to lock the smart-thread nuts and fasteners.

Shows the drive face of the locking tool.

This is an undercut.

Refers to the right hand drive thread which will lock the nut or fastener in place.

Figure 3

This is a smart-thread nut

This is the top face of the nut which buts onto the drive face of the locking tool.

Shows a left hand thread which threads into the unlocking tool

Shows a right hand thread which threads into the locking tool

Designates an undercut

Refers to the nut thread which will be used to hold components together.

Figure 4

This is a plan view of the nut and shows the outer form of the right hand thread.

Shows the outer form of the left hand thread.

Refers to the nuts internal thread.

Figure 5

Shows a plan view of the unlocking tool

Refers to a square which will fit into a powered drive system.

Figure 6

This is the unlocking tool which is used to unlock the smart thread nuts and fasteners.

This is foe drive face of foe unlocking tool.

Shows an undercut.

Refers to the left hand thread of the unlocking tool.

Figure 7

This is a smart-thread fastener.

This is the top face of foe fastener which buts onto foe drive face of foe unlocking tool.

Shows a left hand thread which threads into the unlocking tool

Shows a right hand thread which threads into the locking tool

Designates an undercut.

Refers to the fastener thread which will hold components together.

Figure 8

This is a plan view of the fastener and shows the outer form of the right hand thread.

Shows the outer form of the left hand thread.

Refers to the fasteners thread.

Claims

1 A high security fastener (22) which uses a right hand drive thread to lock it in position (25) and a reft hand drive thread (24) to unlock it.

2 A high security fastener as described in claim 1 that requires a dedicated tool (3) that fits around the right hand thread (25) and is turned clockwise until it butts up to the face (4) enabling the fastener to be driven into position.

3 A high security fastener as described in claims 1 and 2 that requires a dedicated tool 18 to unlock the fastener which fits around the left hand thread (24) and is turned anticlockwise until it buts up to face (23) enabling the fastener to be removed.

4 A high security fastener as described in claims 1 2 and 3 with head dimensions that can be applied ~o both fastener and nut with the same main threaded dimensions (27)

5 A high security fastener as described in claims 1 to 4 where all the locking forces are radial enabling a high level of torque to be produced in the fastener or nut.

6 A high security fastener as described in claims 1 to 5 where the use of radial forces prolongs the life of the fasteners, nuts and tooling.

7 A high security fastener as described in claims 1 to 6 in which the fastener or nut can be preloaded onto to the locking tool and stays there until it is fitted into place and when required can be removed with the unlocking tool without falling off.

8 A high security fastener as described in claims 1 to 7 that can be used as a male drive system in the head of a fastener and used where space is restricted, (not shown)

9 A high security fastener as described in claims 1 to 8 which is difficult to remove without the dedicated unlocking tool.

10 A high security fastener as described in claims 1 to 9 which can be used by robotics in a fast track system.

11 A high security fastener as described in claims 1 to 10 which can be moulded in plastic enabling high quantities to be produced with minimal production costs and extensive life expectancy.