NZ746983A - Fastener component - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a fastener component comprising a body portion and at least two arm portions extending from the body portion. The at least two arm portions each have an end, wherein the body portion, the at least two arm portions and the respective ends are all provided by a single piece. In some embodiments, the single piece is made of plastic. In some embodiments, the single piece is made of metal. Also disclosed is a split nut fastener that is made from a single piece of material. Also disclosed is a carrier, such as an electrical wall box or an electrical mounting block comprising the fastener component and/or the split nut fasteners disclosed herein. iments, the single piece is made of plastic. In some embodiments, the single piece is made of metal. Also disclosed is a split nut fastener that is made from a single piece of material. Also disclosed is a carrier, such as an electrical wall box or an electrical mounting block comprising the fastener component and/or the split nut fasteners disclosed herein.

Description

FASTENER COMPONENT PRIORITY This application claims priority from: - Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2017904039 entitled “Split Nut Fastener” filed on 6 October 2017.

- Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2017904038 entitled “Fastener Component” filed on 6 October 2017; and - Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2017904040 entitled “Improved Fastener Component” filed on 6 October 2017.

The entire content of each of these priority applications is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present application relates to fastening components and in particular, to the type known as split nuts.

BACKGROUND It is often required to connect two components together using a nut and bolt fastening arrangement or screwing arrangement. Such an arrangement includes a bolt with a thread extending around a shank of the bolt, and a nut, with a reciprocal thread for receiving the threaded shank of the bolt. Relevant surfaces of the two components to be connected together each have an aperture through which the shank of the bolt can pass, and these surfaces are placed together, with the apertures aligned, to allow the shank to pass through both apertures. The nut is then secured to the protruding end of the shank by rotating the nut over the thread to thereby tighten the connection as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.

In certain situations, it is difficult or inconvenient to use a nut and bolt arrangement.

In small or confined spaces, it is often difficult for the user to access the end of the shank to secure the bolt. It is also sometimes necessary to use many nut and bolt connectors to connect two components together, and such connection can take a long time to complete.

A fastening device known as a split nut was developed to allow easier and more rapid connection of components. A split nut allows a user to simply push the shank of a bolt through an aperture and through a nut which is split into two pieces connected to one of the components, and which then come together upon rotation of the bolt as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.

Traditional split nut arrangements usually consists of a metal support portion with an aperture for receiving the shank of the bolt, one or two resiliently-flexible pieces (for example spring steel sheet) connected to the support portion, and two further pieces (for example aluminium pieces) connected to a respective resiliently-flexible piece, each further piece forming one half of the split nut.

The manufacture of such split nut devices can be complex, time-consuming and costly, and considering that such split nut devices are used in great quantity, any efficiencies are significant.

SUMMARY According to a first aspect, there is provided a fastener component comprising a body portion and at least two arm portions extending from the body portion, the at least two arm portions each having an end, wherein the body portion, the at least two arm portions and the respective ends are all provided by a single piece.

In some embodiments, at least a part of each end defines a circular arc.

In some embodiments, a foldable portion is provided between each of the at least two arm portions and the body portion to allow the at least two arm portions to be folded such that the respective ends of the at least two arm portions can be brought together to form a circular aperture for receiving a threaded element.

In some embodiments, the circular arcs defined by the respective ends of the two arm portions define a portion of a thread and the respective ends form a split nut when brought together.

In some embodiments, the portion of a thread extends at an angle other than perpendicular to its respective arm.

In some embodiments, the body portion comprises a split nut recess for receiving at least a portion of the split nut.

In some embodiments, the portion of a thread extends more than 1mm.

In some embodiments, the portion of a thread extends more than 5mm.

In some embodiments, there are 2 arm portions with respective ends.

In some embodiments, the respective ends each define a semicircle.

In some embodiments, there are three arm portions with respective ends.

In some embodiments, the respective ends each define a circular arc defining a third of a circle.

In some embodiments, there are four arm portions with respective ends.

In some embodiments, the respective ends each define circular arc defining a quarter of a circle.

In some embodiments, the fastener component is made of plastic.

In some embodiments, the fastener component is made of metal.

In some embodiments, when folded, the at least two arm portions extend at an angle with respect to the body portion such that the respective ends of the at least two arm portions are at a distance from the body portion when a bolt or other threaded element is fully engaged with the fastener component.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a split nut fastener made of a single piece of material.

In some embodiments, the material is plastic.

In some embodiments, the material is metal.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a carrier comprising a fastener component according to the first aspect and/or a split nut fastener according to the second aspect.

In some embodiments, the fastener component and/or the split nut fastener is disposed in a recess in the carrier.

In some embodiments, the carrier is an electrical mounting block.

In some embodiments, the carrier is an electrical wall box.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a carrier for supporting a fastener component according to the first aspect and/or a split nut fastener according to the second aspect, wherein the carrier comprises a recess for receiving the fastener component or the split nut fastener.

In some embodiments, the recess comprises two arm portion supports and two body portion supports.

In some embodiments, the recess enables adjustment of the position of the fastener component or split nut fastener.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Various aspects and embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following figures in which: Figure 1A – shows a top view of a fastener component according to one general aspect; Figure 1B – shows a side view of the fastener component of Figure 1A; Figure 1C – shows the fastener component of Figure 1B being folded; Figure 1D – shows the fastener component of Figure 1C in its final state; Figure 1E – shows a perspective view of the fastener component of Figure 1D; Figure 1F – shows an underside view of the fastener component of Figure 1E; Figure 1G – shows an alternative embodiment to the fastener component shown in Figure 1F, in which the ends of the arm portions are straight rather than arced.

Figure 2A – shows the fastener component of Figure 1E in the process of having a bolt being attached; Figure 2B – shows the fastener component of Figure 2A with the bolt secured thereto; Figure 3A – shows a top view of another embodiment of a fastener component; Figure 3B – shows a side view of the fastener component of Figure 3A; Figure 3C – shows a perspective view of the fastener component of Figure 3A; Figure 3D – shows a side view of the fastener component of Figure 3A being folded; Figure 3E – shows a side view of the fastener component of Figure 3D in its final state; Figure 3F – shows an underside view of the fastener component of Figure 3E; Figure 3G – shows a side view of the fastener component of Figure 3E with a bolt connected thereto; Figure 4A – shows a side view of another embodiment of a fastener component; Figure 4B – shows the fastener component of Figure 4A being folded; Figure 4C – shows the fastener of Figure 4A in its final state; Figure 4D – shows an underside perspective view of the fastener component of Figure Figure 4E – shows a topside perspective view of the fastener component of Figure 4C; Figure 4F- shows an underside view of the fastener of Figure 4C; Figure 4G – shows a side view of the fastener component of Figure 4C; Figure 4H – shows an underside perspective view of the fastener component of Figure 4C with a bolt engaged therein; Figure 4I – shows a top side perspective view of the fastener component with bolt of Figure 4G; Figure 5A – shows a blank piece for providing another embodiment of the fastener component; Figure 5B – shows a top perspective view of the fastener component of Figure 5A in its folded state; Figure 5C – shows a side view of the fastener component of Figure 5B; Figure 5D – shows a top view of the fastener component of Figure 5B; Figure 5E – shows an end side view of the fastener component of Figure 5B; Figure 5F- shows an underside view of the fastener component of Figure 5B; Figure 5G – shows an underside perspective view of the fastener component of Figure Figure 6A – shows a blank piece for providing another embodiment of the fastener component; Figure 6B – shows a top perspective view of the fastener component of Figure 6A in its folded state; Figure 6C – shows a side view of the fastener component of Figure 6B; Figure 6D – shows an end side view of the fastener component of Figure 6B; Figure 6E – shows a top view of the fastener component of Figure 6B; Figure 6F – shows an underside view of the fastener component of Figure 6B; Figure 6G – shows an underside perspective view of the fastener component of Figure Figure 7A - shows a blank piece for providing another embodiment of the fastener component; Figure 7B – shows a top perspective view of the fastener component of Figure 7A in its folded state; Figure 7C – shows a side view of the fastener component of Figure 7B; Figure 7D – shows an end view of the fastener component of Figure 7B; Figure 7E – shows a top view of the fastener component of Figure 7B; Figure 7F – shows an underside view of the fastener component of Figure 7B; Figure 7G – shows an underside perspective view of the fastener component of Figure Figure 8A - shows a blank piece for providing another embodiment of the fastener component; Figure 8B - shows a top perspective view of the fastener component of Figure 6A in its folded state; Figure 8C – shows a side view of the fastener component of Figure 6B; Figure 8D – shows an end view of the fastener component of Figure 6B; Figure 8E – shows a top view of the fastener component of Figure 6B; Figure 8F – shows an underside view of the fastener component of Figure 6B; Figure 8G – shows an underside perspective view of the fastener component of Figure Figure 9A – shows a representative cross-section of a part of the fastener component along the line A-A’ of Figure 8G; Figure 9B – shows the arrangement of Figure 9A with a bolt being engaged; Figure 9C – shows the arrangement of Figure 9B with the bolt fully engaged; Figure 10A – shows an underside perspective view of an example of a carrier with the fastening component therein; Figure 10B – shows a top perspective view of the carrier of Figure 10A; Figure 10C – shows an end view of the carrier of Figure 10A; Figure 10D – shows an underside view of the carrier of Figure 10A; Figure 10E – shows a close-up view of the fastener component within a recess of the carrier of Figure 10A; Figure 10F – shows the recess of Figure 10E without the fastener component; Figure 11 – shows an example of an external object such as a wall, being connected to the carrier of Figure 10A using an embodiment of the fastener component; Figure 12A – shows a side view of an embodiment of the fastening component according to another aspect; Figure 12B – shows an underside perspective view of the fastener component of Figure 12A; Figure 12C – shows a cross-sectional view of the fastener component of Figure 12A; Figure 12D – shows the cross-sectional view of the fastener component of Figure 12C with the split nut received within the split nut recess of the fastener component; Figure 13A – shows a top view of another embodiment of fastener component with three arms; Figure 13B – shows a side view of the fastener component of Figure 13A; Figure 13C – shows an underside view of the fastener component of Figure 13A with the arms folded to provide the split nut; Figure 14A – shows a top view of another embodiment of fastener component with four arms; Figure 14B – shows an underside view of the fastener of Figure 14A with the arms folded to provide the split nut; Figure 15A – shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a carrier such as a wall box in which a fastener component may be disposed; Figure 15B – shows an end view of the carrier of Figure 15A, showing the recess for receiving the fastener component; Figure 15C – shows a top view of the carrier of Figure 15A; Figure 15D – shows an underside view of the carrier of Figure 15A; Figure 15E – shows a cross-sectional view of the carrier of Figure 15A along the line A-A’ of Figure 15A; Figure 15F – shows a cross-sectional view of the carrier along the line B-B’ of Figure 15A; Figure 15G – shows a close up view of the recess shown in Figure 15F with a fastener component therein; Figure 16A – shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a carrier in which a fastener component is able to be disposed and is free to change position to allow adjustability; Figure 16B – shows an end view of the carrier of Figure 16A; Figure 16C – shows a top view of the carrier of Figure 16A; Figure 16D – shows an underside view of the carrier of Figure 16A; Figure 16E – shows a cross-sectional view of the carrier along the line A-A’ of Figure 16C; Figure 16F – shows a perspective cross-sectional view along the line B-B’ of Figure 16D; and Figure 16G – shows a close up view of the recess shown in Figure 16F with a fastener component therein.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 shows a top view of a general fastener component 100, and in this view, shows the component as a blank, being a single piece of material which may be folded or otherwise arranged to provide an embodiment of the fastener component described herein.

Fastener component 100 comprises a body portion 110, and at least two arm portions 120a, 120b extending from the body portion 110. The at least two arm portions 120a, 120b each has an end, at least part of which defines a circular arc 130a, 130b. It will be appreciated that the body portion, the at least two arm portions and the respective ends are all provided by a single piece, which provides the fastener component 100. This material may be any suitable material, including plastic or metal.

A body portion aperture 150 is provided to receive a bolt or other threaded element as will be described in more detail below.

The provision of the fastener component 100 by a single piece of material makes construction of the fastener component less complex, and less costly than constructing a component of multiple pieces. All that is required is the provision of the single blank (e.g. a sheet of spring steel), and the folding of the blank to provide the fastener component.

In some embodiments, there is provided a foldable portion 140a, 140b to facilitate the formation of the fastener component. In some embodiments, this foldable portion may simply be provided by a weakened region (for example weakened by thinning, weakened chemically, mechanically-stressed, or otherwise treated) to provide the foldable portion. In other embodiments, the foldable portion is simply a location on the blank that is folded or otherwise manipulated to provide the required shape of the fastener component.

Figure 1B shows a side view of the blank of Figure 1A, showing in this embodiment, that foldable portions 140a, 140b are provided by a thinned or reduced portion of the material Figure 1C shows a side view of the fastener component of Figure 1A with the arm portions 120a, 120b folded along the foldable portions 140a, 140b and Figure 1D shows the arrangement with the arm portions 120a and 120b in their final positions to provide the completed fastener component 100.

Figure 1E shows a top perspective view of the fastener component 100, showing body portion 110 with body portion aperture 150, and arm portions 120a, 120b folded thereunder.

Figure 1F shows an underside view of fastener component 100, showing the arm portions 120a, 120b folded to come together in the middle, and showing how the circular arcs 130a, 130b at the ends of respective arm portions 120a, 120b come together to form a circular aperture 130, which is aligned with body aperture 150 to also receive the bolt or other threaded element.

It will be appreciated that while the embodiments described herein provide ends 134a, 134b with a circular arc 130a, 130b, in some embodiments, the ends 134a, 134b may simply terminate in a flat side, without any arc or recess. In such an embodiment, when folded over, the arm portions 120a, 120b end in line with or within, the circumference of the body aperture 150 as shown in Figure 1G. In these embodiments, the thread 53 of bolt or threaded element 50 simply engage with the straight edge of the ends 134a, 134b.

Figure 2A shows an example of an application of a bolt or other threaded element 50 being inserted into the body aperture 150 of fastener component 100. As the threaded portion 53 on shank 52 of bolt 50 engages with the two circular arcs 130a, 130b at the ends of arm portions 120a, 120b, arm portions 120a, 120b resiliently-flex due to the resilience of the material from which the fastener component is made. This allows the bolt 50 to be pushed through by the user without having to rotate the bolt 50 through its thread. When the bolt is completely through, the user can rotate the bolt for a short period of time, which causes the thread 53 to bite on the circular arcs 130a, 130b and draw them up towards the body portion 110 to thereby tightly secure bolt 50 to the fastener component 100 as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.

Figure 3A shows another embodiment of fastener component 100, for example, of plastic. Fastener component 100 has body portion 100, with two arm portions 120a, 120b extending therefrom, and circular arcs 130a, 130b at respective ends of arm portions 120a, 120b. As seen in the side view of Figure 3B, circular arcs130a, 130b extend above the surface of arm portions 120a, 120b, and define within them, a portion of the thread 132.

In some embodiments, the portion of the thread 132 extends more than 1mm, including 2mm, 3mm, 4mm and 5mm. In other embodiments, the portion of the thread 132 extends more than 5mm including, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 10-15mm, 15-20mm and in some embodiments, more than 20mm, including 21mm – 50mm and 50mm - 100mm and more.

This longer extension of the portion of the thread 132 provides for stronger retention of the bolt or threaded element 50, due to more thread, and/or due to the point of thread contact being further along the shank 52 of the bolt or threaded element 50.

When arm portions 120a, 120b are folded along the foldable portions 140a, 140b as shown in Figure 3D, and then folded such that the ends come together, circular arcs 130a, 130b come together to form a split nut 135 with aperture 130 as shown in Figures 3E and 3F, which shows an underside view of fastener component 100.

Figure 3G shows the fastener component 100 of Figure 3F with a bolt or other threaded element 50 such as a screw, inserted therein.

Figure 4A shows a side view of another embodiment of fastener component 100. Such an embodiment may be made of plastic or metal. In this embodiment, a single piece of material has body portion 110, two arm portions 120a, 120b extending therefrom, body portion aperture 150 and circular arcs 130a, 130b at the end of respective arm portions 120a, 120b. Again, in this embodiment, circular arc portions 130a, 130b define a thread 132.

When arm portions 120a, 120b are folded under body portion 110 as shown in Figure 4B, circular arcs 130a, 130b are received within an under-portion of body 110 as will be described in more detail below and as shown in Figures 4C and 4D. It can also be seen that circular arcs 130a, 130b come together to form aperture 130 to receive a bolt or threaded element 50. In this embodiment, the circular arcs 130a, 130b and ends 134a, 134b also come together to form a split nut 135.

Figure 4E shows a top perspective view of fastener component 100, which in this embodiment is a split nut fastener 100. It will be appreciated that the split nut fastener 100 is made of a single piece of material such as a plastic piece.

Figure 4F shows an underside view of fastener component 100, showing the split nut 135 with aperture 130 formed by circular arcs 130a, 130b.

Figure 4G shows a side view of fastener component 100.

Figure 4H shows an underside perspective view of the fastener component 100 with a bolt or other threaded element 50 received within the split nut 135 with aperture 130. Figure 4I shows a top perspective view of the fastener component 100 with bolt 50 inserted therein. As will be appreciated, due to the construction of fastener component 100, bolt 50 can be pushed through body portion aperture 150, causing arm portions 120a, 120b to flex to allow the threaded shank 52 of bolt 50 to pass through the threaded portion of the split nut, and then, upon turning of the bolt via bolt head 51 causes the thread 53 of bolt 50 to engage with the thread 132 of the circular arcs130a, 130b forming split nut 135, to cause arm portions 120a, 120b to push up against the underside of body portion 110 and push circular arcs 130a, 130b together to grip the bolt therebetween and tightly fasten the bolt 50 to the fastener component 100.

Referring back to Figure 4C, another aspect is shown relating to the angle of the arm portions 120a, 120b with respect to the plane of the body portion 110. Figure 4C shows the arm portions 120a, 120b at an angle α degrees to the plane of the body portion 11. The position of arm portions 120a, 120b at an angle results in the location of the main gripping force on the bolt or threaded element 50 (see Figure 4H for example) being provided further along the shank 52 than if the arm portions were lying flat against the body portion 110. This arrangement has been found to hold the bolt or threaded element more stably than if it were held nearer to the head 51. Thus, there is provided a fastener component wherein when folded, the at least two arm portions extend at an angle with respect to the body portion such that the respective ends of the at least two arm portions are at a distance from the body portion when a bolt or other threaded element is fully engaged with the fastener component, that is, when the bolt or other threaded element is fully tightened.

Figure 5A shows a top view of a blank of material (for example metal), for forming a fastener component 100. Shown in this view is body portion 110 with body portion aperture 150, arm portions 120a, 120b and circular arcs 130a, 130b at respective ends of arm portions 120a, 120b.

In this embodiment, there is also provided body reinforcing portions 110a, 110b and arm reinforcing portions 120aa, 120ab on arm portion 120a and 120ba, 120bb on arm portion 120b.

In some embodiments, body flaps 113a, 113b are also provided, whose function will be described in more detail below.

Figure 5B shows a top perspective view of fastener component 100 in its folded form, while Figures 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F and 5G show other views of this embodiment of the fastener component 100. From these views, it can be seen that arm portions 120a, 120b are folded underneath body portion 110 so that respective circular arcs130a, 130b align with body portion aperture 150 to form aperture 130 thereunder. It can also be seen how body reinforcing portions 110a, 110b are folded over to provide reinforcement to the body portion 110 to resist deformation under the force of a bolt being pushed through fastener component 100. Further reinforcement to the arm portions 120a, 120b are also provided by respective arm reinforcing portions 120aa, 120ab and 120ba, 120bb.

Figure 6A shows a top view of a blank for a fastener component 100 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, there is a body portion 110 with body portion aperture 150, and two arm portions 120a, 120b extending therefrom, each ending in respective circular arcs 130a, 130b. In this embodiment, as seen in Figures 6D and 6G, circular arcs130a, 130b extend beyond the plane of arm portions 120a, 120b and define a thread 132 therein, which when brought together, form a split nut 135 , as seen in Figures 6F and 6G, thus providing a split nut fastener.

Also provided in this embodiment, are body reinforcing portions 110a, 110b which are folded over to provide reinforcing elements to the body 110 as shown in Figures 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F and 6G. All other like elements shared by the other embodiments are like-numbered.

Figures 7A to 7G show a fastener component according to another embodiment.

Figure 7A shows a blank for a fastener component according to this embodiment, in which like elements are like-numbered. In this embodiment, there are also provided arm foldouts 121a, 121b, which as can be seen in Figures 7D, 7F and 7G, are folded out of respective arm portions 120a, 120b to provide a second circular arc for engaging with a bolt or other threaded element as described in more detail below with reference to Figures 9A to 9C.

Figures 8A to 8G show a fastener component according to another embodiment.

Figure 8A shows a blank for a fastener component according to this embodiment, in which like elements are like-numbered. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of Figures 7A to 7G, except that there are also provided arm reinforcing portions 120aa, 120ab, 120ba, 120bb. Like the body reinforcing portions 110a, 110b, these are folded over to provide reinforcement to the arm portions 120a, 120b as seen in Figures 8D, 8F and 8G.

It will be appreciated that all of the above-described embodiments may be made from a suitable plastic or metal material. Examples of suitable plastic materials include Polyoxymethylene (POM), Polyamide 6 (PA6) and Polypropylene (PP), due to their ability to resiliently flex. Examples of suitable metal materials include aluminium, stainless steel, spring steel, phosphor bronze and brass.

For those embodiments made from an initial flat blank such as described with reference to Figures 1A to 3G and Figures 5A to 8G, various methods of manufacturing the fastener components from plastic or metal are possible as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.

In one example process, the part would be punched from a strip, typically in a progression press tool. Cuts would then be made around key areas that need to be formed/bent, then bending can occur, and finally the piece would be pierced out of the strip to create a discrete part. Similar processes are used to make socket contacts and other intricate parts.

For the embodiment of Figures 4A to 4I, standard plastic molding techniques can be used as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.

Figures 9A, 9B and 9C show a bolt or other threaded element 50 engaging with the fastener component 100 in the embodiments such as those shown in Figures 7Ato 7G and 8A to 8G.

Figure 9A shows a general cross-sectional view of the fastener component 100 with body portion 110 with body portion aperture 150, arm portion 120a and arm portion 120b folded under body portion 110, and arm foldouts 121a, 121b folded out of respective arm portions 120a, 120b, such that circular arcs130a, 130b and arm foldout circular arcs 131a, 131b all align with body portion aperture 150 to provide a path to receive bolt or threaded element 50.

Figure 9B shows how bolt or threaded element 50 is pushed into body portions aperture 150, engages with circular arcs130a, 130b of arm portions 120a, 120b, causing them to flex downwards against the resiliency of the material from which they are made (e.g. metal). Once the bolt or threaded element 50 is pushed through to its desired depth, the user begins to screw the bolt or threaded element 50 via head 51, which causes the thread on the shank 52 to engage with the circular arcs130a, 130b, causing arm portions 120a, 120b to be forced upwards again towards body portion 110. At this point, the threaded shank 52 also engages with the arm foldout circular arcs 131a, 131b of the arm foldouts 121a, 121b to provide a strong connection between the bolt or threaded element 50 and the fastener component 100 as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.

Figure 10A shows an embodiment of a carrier, such as a wall box or mounting block, having a fastener component according to the embodiment described with reference to Figures 4A to 4I. In this embodiment fastener component 100 is disposed in a recess 510, and, as seen in Figure 10B, is disposed so as to align body portion aperture 150 with a corresponding carrier aperture 550 to allow insertion of the bolt or threaded element 50. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10B, a similar arrangement 100’ and 550’ is provided at the other side of the carrier 500 to allow the carrier to be conveniently attached to another object such as a wall as will be described in more detail below.

Figures 10C and 10D show an end view and an underside view respectively of the fastener component 100 in the recess 510.

Figure 10E shows a close up end view of the carrier 500 showing fastener component 100 in its recess 510. As can be seen in this view, the recess has within it a number of elements to retain and support fastener component 100 therein. Arm portion supports 511a, 511b support arm portions 120a, 120b in such a way as to support fastener component 100 and to prevent it from being dislodged by the force of a bolt or threaded element 50 being inserted into it, while still allowing the flexible arm portions 120a, 120b to flex to receive the bolt therebetween and then to return to their closed position as the bolt 50 is tightened.

Recess 510 also has body supports 512a, 512b to push down on the body portion 110 of fastener 100 to resist the upwards force of the bolt being screwed in or pulled away.

Figure 10F shows the view of Figure 10E with the fastener component removed for clarity.

Figure 11 shows a diagrammatic view of carrier 500 with fastener component 100 therein, being connected to an external object 200, such as a wall. As can be seen in this view, the carrier aperture 550 is aligned with the external object aperture 201 of the external aperture, and bolt or threaded element 50 is inserted to engage with the circular arc elements 130a, 130b, 131a, 131b of the arm portions 120a, 120b and arm foldouts 121a, 121b respectively, or a split nut 135 if the fastener component forms such a structure as in the embodiments of Figures 3A to 3G, 4A to 4I and 6A to 6G. Such an action is as described previously with reference to Figures 9A to 9C.

Once the bolt has been tightened, the carrier or wall box 500 is secured to external object or wall 200 as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.

Figures 12A to 12D illustrate another aspect relating to the fastener component 100, specifically, the provision of a split nut recess 111, in some embodiments, within the body portion 120 of the fastener component 100. Figure 12A shows the fastener component 100 of the embodiment as shown in Figures 4A to 4I. Shown is body portion 110, arm portions 120a, 120b and circular arcs130a, 130b for receiving the bolt 50. Within body portion 110 is a recess 111, more clearly seen in Figures 12B and Figures 12C and 12D which are cross-sectional views.

Figure 12C shows the cross-sectional view of fastener component 100 with one of circular arcs130a located within the recess 111 and the other circular arc recess 130b at the end of arm portion 120b still in the flexed extended position and not yet engaged within recess 111.

Figure 12D shows the situation where a bolt or threaded element 50 (not shown in this view) has been inserted into fastener component 100 as previously described, and tightened, to cause arm portions 120a, 120b to raise upwards and come together such that circular arcs130a, 130b come together to form a split nut, with threaded aperture 130, forming a passage beginning at body portion aperture 150 and ending at split nut aperture 130. In this view, it can be seen that at least a portion of the split nut 135 is bedded within split nut recess 111. The effect of this is improve the stability of the two split nut halves provide by ends 134a, 134 and to keep them more tightly together to improve the strength of the grip on the bolt or threaded element 50.

Such a split nut recess 111 can be provided in the other embodiments of fastener 100 such as those shown in Figures of Figures 3A to 3G, 4A to 4I and 6A to 6G, whether they be made of plastic or metal.

While the various fastener components have been described with two arm portions 120a, 120b, it will be appreciated that more arm portions can be provided. Figures 13A, 13B and 13C show an embodiment of a fastener component 100 with three arm portions 120a, 120b and 120c, each with a respective circular arc 130a, 130b, 130c at the ends. Figure 13A shows a top view of an embodiment according to this aspect, and Figure 13B shows a side view. Figure 13C shows an underside view of fastener component 100 with all three arm portions folded together to form a (3- piece) split nut.

Figures 14A and 14B shows a fastener component 100 with four arm portions 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, each with a respective circular arc 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d at the ends. Figure 14A shows a top view of an embodiment according to this aspect, and Figure 14B shows an underside view of fastener component 100 with all four arm portions folded together to form a (4-piece) split nut.

Figures 15A to 16F show embodiments of possible carriers for carrying or incorporating one or more fastener components. Figure 15A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a carrier 500 in the form of a wall box which is used for housing electrical components and for mounting to a surface such as a wall.

In this embodiment, there is provided two recesses 510, 510’ for receiving and housing a fastener component. Figure 15B shows an end view of the carrier 500 with recess 510.

Figure 15C shows a top view of carrier 500 showing carrier aperture 550 for receiving the bolt or other threaded element 50 as will be described further below. Also shown in this view are body flap receivers 570a. 570b for receiving respective body flaps 113a, 113b of fastener component 100 (for example see Figure 5B). The purpose of this will be described in more detail below. Corresponding carrier aperture 550’ can also be seen on the other side of the carrier 500 for receiving another bolt or threaded element.

Figure 15D shows an underside view of carrier 500, in which the bottom end of carrier apertures 550 and 550’ can be seen.

Figure 15E shows a cross-sectional view along the lines A-A’ of Figure 15A, showing the carrier recess 510 and the through-bore of carrier aperture 550.

Figure 15F shows a cross-sectional view along the line B-B’ of Figure 15A. In this view, there is shown aperture recess 510, carrier aperture 550 and body flap receivers 570a and 570b.

Figure 15G shows a close-up view of the recess 510 with an example of fastener component 100. In this example, fastener component 100 can be any of the type described with reference to Figures 5A to 8G. As can be seen in this view, the body of fastener component 100 sits within recess 510, and over the lower part of the recess, which allows space for movement of the arm portions 120a, 120b when the bolt or other threaded element is inserted. Also seen in this view are body flap receivers 570a, 570b having received therein, respective body flaps 113a, 113b of fastener component 100. The interaction between these parts serves to fix the position of the fastener component 100 within recess 510 to prevent it from moving during the bolt insertion and tightening process as well as to increase the stability of the connection between the carrier 500 and the external object such as a wall.

Figure 16A shows another embodiment of carrier 500. In this embodiment, the structure of the carrier recess 510 allows movement of the fastener component 100 to allow for adjustments during the fastening process. As seen in Figure 16B, showing an end view of carrier 500, carrier recess is more elongated than in the previous embodiment. Figure 16C shows a top view of carrier 500, which also shows that the carrier aperture 550 is not circular, but rather elongated, to allow for lateral movement of the body portion aperture 150 of the fastener component. Similarly, body flap receivers 570a, 570b have been replaced with a carrier slot, which in use, accommodates the body flaps 113a, 113b of the fastener component 100, while allowing lateral movement.

Figure 16E shows a cross-sectional view of the carrier 500 along the lines A-A’ of Figure 16C and Figure 16F shows a cross-sectional view along the line B-B’ of figure 16D.

Figure 16G shows a close up view of the recess 510 of Figure 16F, showing fastener component 100 therein. In this view, it can be seen that body flaps 113a, 113b are able to slide back and forth within carrier slot 560, allowing fastener component 100 to be adjusted during the fastening process if required.

Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its any described embodiments with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein and is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (27)

1. A fastener component comprising a body portion and at least two arm portions extending from the body portion, the at least two arm portions each having an end, wherein the body portion, the at least two arm portions and the respective ends are all provided by a single piece.

2. A fastener component as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least a part of each end defines a circular arc.

3. A fastener component as claimed in claim 2 wherein a foldable portion is provided between each of the at least two arm portions and the body portion to allow the at least two arm portions to be folded such that the respective ends of the at least two arm portions can be brought together to form a circular aperture for receiving a threaded element.

4. A fastener component as claimed in any one of claims 2 or 3 wherein the circular arcs defined by the respective ends of the two arm portions define a portion of a thread and the respective ends form a split nut when brought together.

5. A fastener component as claimed in claim 4 wherein the portion of a thread extends at an angle other than perpendicular to its respective arm.

6. A fastener component as claimed in any one of claims 4 or 5 wherein the body portion comprises a split nut recess for receiving at least a portion of the split nut.

7. A fastener component as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the portion of a thread extends more than 1mm.

8. A fastener component as claimed in claim 7 wherein the portion of a thread extends more than 5mm.

9. A fastener component as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein there are 2 arm portions with respective ends.

10. A fastener component as claimed in claim 9 wherein the respective ends each define a semicircle.

11. A fastener component as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein there are three arm portions with respective ends.

12. A fastener component as claimed in claim 11 wherein the respective ends each define a circular arc defining a third of a circle.

13. A fastener component as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein there are four arm portions with respective ends.

14. A fastener component as claimed in claim 13 wherein the respective ends each define a circular arc defining a quarter of a circle.

15. A fastener component as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the fastener component is made of plastic.

16. A fastener component as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the fastener component is made of metal.

17. A fastener component as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 16 wherein when folded, the at least two arm portions extend at an angle with respect to the body portion such that the respective ends of the at least two arm portions are at a distance from the body portion when a bolt or other threaded element is fully engaged with the fastener component.

18. A split nut fastener made of a single piece of material.

19. A split nut fastener as claimed in claim 18 wherein the material is plastic.

20. A split nut fastener as claimed in claim 18 wherein the material is metal.

21. A carrier comprising a fastener component as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 and/or a split nut fastener as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20.

22. A carrier as claimed in claim 21 wherein the fastener component and/or the split nut fastener is disposed in a recess in the carrier.

23. A carrier as claimed in any one of claims 21 or 22 wherein the carrier is an electrical mounting block.

24. A carrier as claimed in any one of claims 21 or 22 wherein the carrier is an electrical wall box.

25. A carrier for supporting a fastener component as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 and/or a split nut fastener as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the carrier comprises a recess for receiving the fastener component or the split nut fastener.

26. A carrier as claimed in claim 25 wherein the recess comprises two arm portion supports and two body portion supports.

27. A carrier as claimed in claim 25 wherein the recess enables adjustment of the position of the fastener component or split nut fastener.