WO2022023754A1 - A locking device to inhibit loosening of screw action fasteners - Google Patents

A locking device to inhibit loosening of screw action fasteners Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2022023754A1
WO2022023754A1 PCT/GB2021/051958 GB2021051958W WO2022023754A1 WO 2022023754 A1 WO2022023754 A1 WO 2022023754A1 GB 2021051958 W GB2021051958 W GB 2021051958W WO 2022023754 A1 WO2022023754 A1 WO 2022023754A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
coils
coil
fasteners
locking device
lever portions
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2021/051958
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Michael Marczynski
Original Assignee
Business Lines Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Business Lines Limited filed Critical Business Lines Limited
Publication of WO2022023754A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022023754A1/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • B60B3/00—Disc wheels, i.e. wheels with load-supporting disc body
    • B60B3/14—Attaching disc body to hub ; Wheel adapters
    • B60B3/16—Attaching disc body to hub ; Wheel adapters by bolts or the like
    • B60B3/165—Attaching disc body to hub ; Wheel adapters by bolts or the like with locking devices for the fixing means, e.g. screw or nut covers
    • 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
    • B60B2900/3316—Safety or security by indicating wear, failure or loss

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a locking device to inhibit loosening of screw action fasteners, particularly, though not necessarily, polygonal fasteners, such as a wheel nut, or other components having a multi-angular peripheral surface.
  • Locking devices to inhibit loosening of screw action fasteners are often used on heavy goods vehicles to inhibit loosening of wheel nuts.
  • a device suitable for this purpose comprising a metal wire forming a pair of coils for releasably mounting the device onto adjacent wheel nuts.
  • the device can thus be described as a twin-coil locking device.
  • the wire has a diagonal interconnecting portion extending tangentially between the coils, and first and second end portions extend tangentially from the coils and across the diagonal interconnecting portion to provide a pair of finger grip limbs that oppose one another on either side of the diagonal interconnecting portion.
  • the diameter and spacing of the coils are selected to correspond to a particular wheel nut size and spacing.
  • the finger grip limbs are pressed together to loosen the coils to enable their location over, or removal from, the wheel nuts, the coils otherwise gripping the wheel nuts when located thereover to mount the device onto the fastener such that movement of the device relative to the fastener is inhibited, thus inhibiting rotation, and consequently loosening, of each of the adjacent wheel nuts. It is an object of embodiments of the invention to at least mitigate one or more problems of known devices.
  • a locking device to inhibit loosening of screw action fasteners, the device comprising a resilient wire forming first, second and third coils for releasably mounting the device onto first, second and third fasteners, respectively, the wire having a first interconnecting portion extending tangentially from and/or between the first and second coils, and a second interconnecting portion extending tangentially from and/or between the second and third coils, the wire further having a first end portion extending tangentially from the first coil to provide a first lever portion, and a second end portion extending tangentially from the third coil to provide a second lever portion, the pressing together of the lever portions loosens the second and third coils to enable their location over, or removal from, the respective fasteners, and the pulling apart of the lever portions loosens the first coil to enable its location over, or removal from, the respective fastener, the coils otherwise gripping the fasteners when located thereover to mount the device onto the fasteners such that
  • a more general aspect of the invention provides a locking device to inhibit loosening of screw action fasteners, the device comprising a resilient wire forming a plurality of coils for releasably mounting the device onto a respective plurality of fasteners, the coils being connected to one another by one or more interconnecting portions each extending from, e.g. tangentially from, and/or between adjacent coils, the wire further having a pair of end portions each extending from, e.g.
  • the plurality of coils may comprise three coils.
  • the inner coil may be connected to each of the outer coils by a respective interconnecting portion extending from, e.g. tangentially from, and/or between the coils.
  • Pulling apart the lever portions, in use may loosen a first of the coils, e.g. from which a first of the lever portions extends. Pressing together the lever portions, in use, may loosen second and/or third coils. The second lever portion may extend from the third coil.
  • At least one of the coils may comprise a single turn.
  • Each of the coils may comprise a single turn.
  • the first, second and/or third coils may each comprise a single turn or a single turn coil.
  • a coil having a “single turn” refers to a coil having only one complete turn or loop, but such a coil may also have part of a further turn.
  • At least one of the coils may be wound in a different direction to at least one of the other coils.
  • the outer coils may be wound in the same or in different directions.
  • the inner coil may be wound in a different direction to at least one of the outer coils.
  • the first coil may be wound in a first direction.
  • the second and/or third coils may be wound in a second direction, which may be opposite the first direction.
  • the first and second coils may be wound in a first direction and the third coil may be wound in a second direction, which may be opposite the first direction.
  • the first and third coils may be would in a first direction and the second coil may be wound in a second direction, opposite the first direction.
  • the lever portions may be substantially parallel to one another.
  • the lever portions may extend at an angle from one another.
  • the lever portions may diverge from one another. This may be advantageous in some examples, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. In other examples, the lever portions may converge toward one another, which the skilled person will also appreciate may be advantageous in some examples.
  • the second lever portion may be substantially parallel to the second interconnecting portion. Additionally or alternatively, the first lever portion may be substantially parallel to the first interconnecting portion. In some examples, however, the first lever portion may extend at an oblique or right angle relative to the first interconnecting portion and/or the second lever portion may extend at an oblique or right angle relative to the second interconnecting portion.
  • the wire may have any suitable cross-section, such as round, elliptical or polygonal. Preferably, the wire has a square or rectangular cross-section. The end of at least one or each end portion may be chamfered or bevelled.
  • the locking device may be provided as part of a kit of parts, e.g. a kit of parts for locking screw action fasteners to inhibit loosening thereof.
  • Another aspect of the invention provides a locking system comprising at least one locking device described above and at least one twin-coil locking device.
  • the or each twin-coil locking device may comprise a resilient wire, which may form a pair of coils, e.g. for releasably mounting the twin-coil locking device onto the second fastener and a third fastener, respectively.
  • the wire of the twin-coil locking device may have a diagonal interconnecting portion, which may extend from, e.g. tangentially from, and/or between the coils.
  • the wire of the twin-coil locking device may further have first and second end portions, which may extend from, e.g. tangentially from, the coils and/or across the diagonal interconnecting portion, for example to provide or for providing a pair of finger grip limbs that oppose one another on either side of the diagonal interconnecting portion.
  • the pressing together of the finger grip limbs of the twin-coil locking device may loosen the coils, e.g. to enable or for enabling their location over, or removal from, the respective fasteners.
  • the coils may otherwise grip the fasteners when located thereover, for example to mount or for mounting the twin- coil locking device onto the fasteners such that movement of the twin-coil locking device relative to the fasteners is inhibited.
  • the locking system may be provided in kit form, or as a kit of parts.
  • Another aspect of the invention provides a wheel assembly comprising a plurality of fasteners with a locking device of the invention, as described above, mounted on a plurality of the fasteners.
  • the wheel assembly may comprise a locking system as described above, wherein the twin-coil locking device is mounted onto two further fasteners.
  • Yet another aspect of the invention provides a vehicle comprising a wheel assembly as described above.
  • Another aspect of the invention provides a method for inhibiting the loosening of screw action fasteners.
  • the method may, but need not, involve the use of the locking device of the invention, as described above.
  • the method may comprise pressing together a pair of lever portions extending from an outer pair of a plurality of coils formed by a common resilient wire. Pressing together the lever portions may loosen one or more of the coils.
  • the method may comprise locating the or each loosened coil over a fastener.
  • the method may comprise pulling apart the lever portions, for example to loosen or for loosening the remaining coil(s).
  • the method may comprise locating the or each loosened remaining coil over a fastener.
  • the method may comprise releasing the lever portions, for example such that each coil grips the fastener over which it is located.
  • the method may comprise releasing the lever portions so that movement of the formed resilient wire relative to the fastener is inhibited.
  • the method may comprise removing the resilient wire from the fasteners.
  • the method may comprise pulling apart the lever portions to loosen the remaining coil(s).
  • the method may comprise removing the or each loosened remaining coil from the fastener.
  • the method may comprise pressing together the lever portions to loosen the one or more coils.
  • the method may comprise removing the one or more loosened coils from the fastener(s).
  • the plurality of coils may comprise three coils.
  • the inner coil may be connected to each of the outer coils by a respective interconnecting portion.
  • At least one or each interconnecting portion may extend from each coil, e.g. tangentially.
  • the interconnecting portions may extend between the coils.
  • the pulling apart of the lever portions may loosen a first of the coils, e.g. from which a first of the lever portions extends.
  • the pressing together of the lever portions may loosen a second of the coils and a third of the coils, e.g. from which a second of the lever portions extends.
  • the pulling apart of the lever portions may loosen a first of the coils, e.g. from which a first of the lever portions extends, and a second of the coils, while the pressing together of the lever portions may loosen a third of the coils, e.g. from which a second of the lever portions extends.
  • the method may comprise pressing together a pair of finger grip limbs, which may extending from a pair of coils formed by a common second resilient wire, e.g. to loosen the coils.
  • the method may comprise locating the loosened coils over respective further fasteners.
  • the method may comprise releasing the lever portions, for example such that each coil grips the fastener over which it is located.
  • the method may comprise releasing the lever portions so that movement of the formed resilient wire relative to the fastener is inhibited.
  • the method may comprise removing the resilient wire from the fasteners.
  • the method may comprise pulling apart the lever portions to loosen the first coil.
  • the method may comprise removing the loosened first coil from the fastener.
  • the method may comprise pressing together the lever portions to loosen the second and third coils.
  • the method may comprise removing the loosened second and third coils from the fastener(s).
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a locking device according to the prior art
  • Figure 2 is a plan view of part of a wheel mounting assembly incorporating a pair of locking devices according to Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a locking device according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 4 is a plan view of the locking device of Figure 3; and Figure 5 is a plan view of part of a wheel mounting assembly incorporating the locking device according to Figures 3 and 4.
  • FIG 1 there is shown a locking device 1 according to the prior art, which includes a metal wire forming a pair of coils 2 for releasably mounting the device 1 onto adjacent wheel nuts F, which is illustrated in Figure 2.
  • the wire has a diagonal interconnecting portion 4 extending tangentially between the coils 2, and first and second end portions 5, 6 extend tangentially from the coils 2 and across the diagonal interconnecting portion 4.
  • Each of the first and second end portions 5, 6 is bent approximately at its midpoint to provide a pair of finger grip limbs 50, 60 that are substantially parallel and oppose one another, on either side of the diagonal interconnecting portion 4.
  • the spacing of the coils 2 is determined by the length of the diagonal interconnecting portion 4.
  • the diameter and spacing of the coils 2 are selected to correspond to a particular size and spacing of the wheel nuts F.
  • the finger grip limbs 50, 60 are pressed together, as illustrated by arrows PR, to loosen the coils 2 to enable their location over the wheel nuts F of a wheel assembly 10.
  • the coils 2 grip the wheel nuts F to mount the locking device 1 thereon such that movement of the device 1 relative to the wheel nuts F is inhibited. This, in turn, inhibits rotation of the wheel nuts F, and consequently inhibits loosening of each of the adjacent wheel nuts F. Removal of the device 1 is achieved by pressing PR the finger grip limbs 50, 60 together and removing the coils 2 from the wheel nuts F.
  • the device 100 includes a resilient wire, which is formed of metal in this example but could be formed of any suitable material.
  • the resilient wire forms first, second and third coils 101, 102, 103 for releasably mounting the device onto first, second and third wheel nuts F of a wheel assembly 110, respectively.
  • the locking device 100 has a first interconnecting portion 104 extending tangentially from and between the first and second coils 101, 102.
  • the device 100 also has a second interconnecting portion 105 extending tangentially from and between the second and third coils 102, 103.
  • the first coil 101 is in the form of a single turn coil 101 wound in a first direction.
  • the first interconnecting portion 104 extends from one side of the first coil 101, which is an uppermost side as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, and joins the second coil 102 on a second side thereof, which is a lowermost side as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.
  • the second coil 102 is also in the form of a single turn coil 102, but it is wound in a second direction, opposite the first direction.
  • the second interconnecting portion 105 extends from the same, lowermost side of the second coil 102 to join the third coil 103 on its lowermost side.
  • the third coil 103 is also in the form of a single turn coil 103 wound in the second direction.
  • the locking device 100 has a first end portion 106 extending tangentially from the first coil 101 and forming a first lever portion 106.
  • the device 100 also has a second end portion 107 extending tangentially from the third coil 103 and forming a second lever portion 107.
  • the first and second lever portions 106, 107 are substantially parallel to one another, and to the second interconnecting portion 105 in this example.
  • the spacing between the first and second coils 101, 102 is determined by the length of the first interconnecting portion 104.
  • the spacing between the second and third coils 102, 103 is determined by the length of the second interconnecting portion 105, which is the same as the length of the first interconnecting portion 104 in this example.
  • the diameter and spacing of the coils 101, 102, 103, and the angle between the first and second interconnecting portions 104, 105 are all selected to correspond to a particular size, spacing and arrangement of the wheel nuts F on the wheel assembly 110 to which they are to be mounted.
  • the lever portions 106, 107 are pressed together, as illustrated by arrows PR, to loosen the second and third coils 102, 103, thereby to enable their location over a respective one of the wheel nuts F.
  • the lever portions 106, 107 are released over the wheel nuts F, the second and third coils 102, 103 grip the wheel nuts F.
  • the lever portions 106, 107 are then pulled apart, as illustrated by arrows PU, to loosen the first coil 101, thereby to enable its location over another of the wheel nuts F. It will be appreciated that pulling apart PU of the lever portions 106, 107 also causes the second and third coils 102, 103 to grip more tightly the wheel nuts F onto which they are mounted. As such, there is no danger of the second and third coils 102, 103 being inadvertently removed from the wheel nuts F to which they are mounted, as the first coil 101 is mounted over its wheel nut F.
  • each of the first, second and third coils 101, 102, 103 grips its respective wheel nut F to mount the locking device 100 thereon, such that movement of the device 100 relative to the wheel nuts F is inhibited. This, in turn, inhibits rotation of the wheel nuts F, and consequently inhibits loosening of each of the adjacent wheel nuts F.
  • Removal of the locking device 100 is achieved by pulling apart PU the lever portions 106, 107 apart to remove the first coil 101 from its wheel nut F, and then pressing PR the lever portions 106, 107 together to remove the second and third coils 102, 103.
  • the locking device 100 can be used in conjunction with a twin-coil locking device 1 of the prior art, in order to inhibit loosening of all wheel nuts F of a wheel assembly 110 having an odd number of wheel nuts F.
  • the wheel assembly 110 includes five wheel nuts F, but the device 100 of the invention could be used with multiple twin-coil locking devices 1 of the prior art to lock the wheel nuts F of a wheel assembly (not shown) having an odd number of wheel nuts F greater than five.
  • the locking device 100 has particular application for inhibiting the loosening of wheel nuts, the device 100 may also be used to inhibit loosening of other screw action fasteners, including polygonal fasteners and other components having a multi-angular peripheral surface.
  • Embodiments of the invention may be made of spring steel wire.
  • Spring steel is generally low-alloy manganese, medium-carbon steel or high-carbon steel with a high yield strength.
  • Embodiments of the invention may be made stainless steel wire, for example 301 stainless steel wire, a grade of steel also known as X10CrNi18-8.
  • the aforementioned materials provide the necessary resiliency to deform the locking device 100, allowing it to return to its original shape and exert a gripping force on a fastener F. Flowever, any material that exhibits the necessary resiliency would be suitable. While the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures is made of wire having a square cross-section, wires of any cross-section, for example a round cross- section, would be possible.
  • the locking device 100 may, in some examples, include more than three coils 101, 102, 103. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second coils 101, 102 may be coiled in the same direction, with the third coil 103 coiled in the opposite direction. It is also envisaged that the first and third coils 101, 103 may be coiled in the same direction, with the second coil 102 coiled in the opposite direction. Furthermore, each coil 101, 102, 103 may include multiple turns or coils. Other variations are also envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Abstract

There is provided a locking device to inhibit loosening of screw action fasteners. The device includes a resilient wire forming first, second and third coils for releasably mounting the device onto first, second and third fasteners, respectively. The wire has a first interconnecting portion extending tangentially from and between the first and second coils, and a second interconnecting portion extending tangentially from and between the second and third coils. The wire also has a first end portion extending tangentially from the first coil to provide a first lever portion, and a second end portion extending tangentially from the third coil to provide a second lever portion. The lever portions can be pressed together to loosen the second and third coils, thereby to enable their location over, or removal from, the respective fasteners. The lever portions can be pulled apart to loosens the first coil, thereby to enable its location over, or removal from, the respective fastener. The coils otherwise grip the fasteners when located thereover, in order to mount the device onto the fasteners such that movement of the device relative to the fasteners is inhibited.

Description

A locking device to inhibit loosening of screw action fasteners
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to a locking device to inhibit loosening of screw action fasteners, particularly, though not necessarily, polygonal fasteners, such as a wheel nut, or other components having a multi-angular peripheral surface.
BACKGROUND
Locking devices to inhibit loosening of screw action fasteners are often used on heavy goods vehicles to inhibit loosening of wheel nuts. Earlier patent application GB2437538 discloses a device suitable for this purpose comprising a metal wire forming a pair of coils for releasably mounting the device onto adjacent wheel nuts. The device can thus be described as a twin-coil locking device. The wire has a diagonal interconnecting portion extending tangentially between the coils, and first and second end portions extend tangentially from the coils and across the diagonal interconnecting portion to provide a pair of finger grip limbs that oppose one another on either side of the diagonal interconnecting portion. The diameter and spacing of the coils, the spacing of the coils being determined by the length of the diagonal interconnecting portion, are selected to correspond to a particular wheel nut size and spacing. In use, the finger grip limbs are pressed together to loosen the coils to enable their location over, or removal from, the wheel nuts, the coils otherwise gripping the wheel nuts when located thereover to mount the device onto the fastener such that movement of the device relative to the fastener is inhibited, thus inhibiting rotation, and consequently loosening, of each of the adjacent wheel nuts. It is an object of embodiments of the invention to at least mitigate one or more problems of known devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided a locking device to inhibit loosening of screw action fasteners, the device comprising a resilient wire forming first, second and third coils for releasably mounting the device onto first, second and third fasteners, respectively, the wire having a first interconnecting portion extending tangentially from and/or between the first and second coils, and a second interconnecting portion extending tangentially from and/or between the second and third coils, the wire further having a first end portion extending tangentially from the first coil to provide a first lever portion, and a second end portion extending tangentially from the third coil to provide a second lever portion, the pressing together of the lever portions loosens the second and third coils to enable their location over, or removal from, the respective fasteners, and the pulling apart of the lever portions loosens the first coil to enable its location over, or removal from, the respective fastener, the coils otherwise gripping the fasteners when located thereover to mount the device onto the fasteners such that movement of the device relative to the fasteners is inhibited.
In developing the invention, it was identified that wheels having an odd number of nuts was problematic, either requiring an additional twin-coil locking device or leaving one of the nuts unlocked. Either of these approaches are sub-optimal for reasons that would be apparent to the skilled person. As such, the invention provides a convenient solution to this issue.
A more general aspect of the invention provides a locking device to inhibit loosening of screw action fasteners, the device comprising a resilient wire forming a plurality of coils for releasably mounting the device onto a respective plurality of fasteners, the coils being connected to one another by one or more interconnecting portions each extending from, e.g. tangentially from, and/or between adjacent coils, the wire further having a pair of end portions each extending from, e.g. tangentially from, an outer pair of a plurality of coils to provide respective lever portions, the pressing together of the lever portions loosens each of one or more of the coils to enable its location over, or removal from, one of the fasteners, and the pulling apart of the lever portions loosens each of the remaining coil(s) to enable its location over, or removal from, one of the remaining fasteners, the coils otherwise gripping the fasteners when located thereover to mount the device onto the fasteners such that movement of the device relative to the fasteners is inhibited. The plurality of coils may comprise three coils. The inner coil may be connected to each of the outer coils by a respective interconnecting portion extending from, e.g. tangentially from, and/or between the coils. Pulling apart the lever portions, in use, may loosen a first of the coils, e.g. from which a first of the lever portions extends. Pressing together the lever portions, in use, may loosen second and/or third coils. The second lever portion may extend from the third coil.
At least one of the coils may comprise a single turn. Each of the coils may comprise a single turn. The first, second and/or third coils may each comprise a single turn or a single turn coil.
As used herein, reference to a coil having a “single turn” refers to a coil having only one complete turn or loop, but such a coil may also have part of a further turn.
At least one of the coils may be wound in a different direction to at least one of the other coils. The outer coils may be wound in the same or in different directions. The inner coil may be wound in a different direction to at least one of the outer coils. The first coil may be wound in a first direction. The second and/or third coils may be wound in a second direction, which may be opposite the first direction. In other examples, the first and second coils may be wound in a first direction and the third coil may be wound in a second direction, which may be opposite the first direction. In yet other examples, the first and third coils may be would in a first direction and the second coil may be wound in a second direction, opposite the first direction. The lever portions may be substantially parallel to one another. This may facilitate the use of a tool for pulling the lever portions apart and/or pressing the lever portions together. Alternatively, the lever portions may extend at an angle from one another. The lever portions may diverge from one another. This may be advantageous in some examples, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. In other examples, the lever portions may converge toward one another, which the skilled person will also appreciate may be advantageous in some examples.
The second lever portion may be substantially parallel to the second interconnecting portion. Additionally or alternatively, the first lever portion may be substantially parallel to the first interconnecting portion. In some examples, however, the first lever portion may extend at an oblique or right angle relative to the first interconnecting portion and/or the second lever portion may extend at an oblique or right angle relative to the second interconnecting portion.
The wire may have any suitable cross-section, such as round, elliptical or polygonal. Preferably, the wire has a square or rectangular cross-section. The end of at least one or each end portion may be chamfered or bevelled. The locking device may be provided as part of a kit of parts, e.g. a kit of parts for locking screw action fasteners to inhibit loosening thereof.
Another aspect of the invention provides a locking system comprising at least one locking device described above and at least one twin-coil locking device.
The or each twin-coil locking device may comprise a resilient wire, which may form a pair of coils, e.g. for releasably mounting the twin-coil locking device onto the second fastener and a third fastener, respectively. The wire of the twin-coil locking device may have a diagonal interconnecting portion, which may extend from, e.g. tangentially from, and/or between the coils. The wire of the twin-coil locking device may further have first and second end portions, which may extend from, e.g. tangentially from, the coils and/or across the diagonal interconnecting portion, for example to provide or for providing a pair of finger grip limbs that oppose one another on either side of the diagonal interconnecting portion. The pressing together of the finger grip limbs of the twin-coil locking device may loosen the coils, e.g. to enable or for enabling their location over, or removal from, the respective fasteners. The coils may otherwise grip the fasteners when located thereover, for example to mount or for mounting the twin- coil locking device onto the fasteners such that movement of the twin-coil locking device relative to the fasteners is inhibited.
The locking system may be provided in kit form, or as a kit of parts.
Another aspect of the invention provides a wheel assembly comprising a plurality of fasteners with a locking device of the invention, as described above, mounted on a plurality of the fasteners.
The wheel assembly may comprise a locking system as described above, wherein the twin-coil locking device is mounted onto two further fasteners.
Yet another aspect of the invention provides a vehicle comprising a wheel assembly as described above.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method for inhibiting the loosening of screw action fasteners. The method may, but need not, involve the use of the locking device of the invention, as described above.
The method may comprise pressing together a pair of lever portions extending from an outer pair of a plurality of coils formed by a common resilient wire. Pressing together the lever portions may loosen one or more of the coils. The method may comprise locating the or each loosened coil over a fastener. The method may comprise pulling apart the lever portions, for example to loosen or for loosening the remaining coil(s). The method may comprise locating the or each loosened remaining coil over a fastener. The method may comprise releasing the lever portions, for example such that each coil grips the fastener over which it is located. The method may comprise releasing the lever portions so that movement of the formed resilient wire relative to the fastener is inhibited. The method may comprise removing the resilient wire from the fasteners. The method may comprise pulling apart the lever portions to loosen the remaining coil(s). The method may comprise removing the or each loosened remaining coil from the fastener. The method may comprise pressing together the lever portions to loosen the one or more coils. The method may comprise removing the one or more loosened coils from the fastener(s).
The plurality of coils may comprise three coils. The inner coil may be connected to each of the outer coils by a respective interconnecting portion. At least one or each interconnecting portion may extend from each coil, e.g. tangentially. The interconnecting portions may extend between the coils.
The pulling apart of the lever portions may loosen a first of the coils, e.g. from which a first of the lever portions extends. The pressing together of the lever portions may loosen a second of the coils and a third of the coils, e.g. from which a second of the lever portions extends. Alternatively, the pulling apart of the lever portions may loosen a first of the coils, e.g. from which a first of the lever portions extends, and a second of the coils, while the pressing together of the lever portions may loosen a third of the coils, e.g. from which a second of the lever portions extends. The method may comprise pressing together a pair of finger grip limbs, which may extending from a pair of coils formed by a common second resilient wire, e.g. to loosen the coils. The method may comprise locating the loosened coils over respective further fasteners. The method may comprise releasing the lever portions, for example such that each coil grips the fastener over which it is located. The method may comprise releasing the lever portions so that movement of the formed resilient wire relative to the fastener is inhibited.
The method may comprise removing the resilient wire from the fasteners. The method may comprise pulling apart the lever portions to loosen the first coil. The method may comprise removing the loosened first coil from the fastener. The method may comprise pressing together the lever portions to loosen the second and third coils. The method may comprise removing the loosened second and third coils from the fastener(s).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a locking device according to the prior art;
Figure 2 is a plan view of part of a wheel mounting assembly incorporating a pair of locking devices according to Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a locking device according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 is a plan view of the locking device of Figure 3; and Figure 5 is a plan view of part of a wheel mounting assembly incorporating the locking device according to Figures 3 and 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION In Figure 1 , there is shown a locking device 1 according to the prior art, which includes a metal wire forming a pair of coils 2 for releasably mounting the device 1 onto adjacent wheel nuts F, which is illustrated in Figure 2. The wire has a diagonal interconnecting portion 4 extending tangentially between the coils 2, and first and second end portions 5, 6 extend tangentially from the coils 2 and across the diagonal interconnecting portion 4.
Each of the first and second end portions 5, 6 is bent approximately at its midpoint to provide a pair of finger grip limbs 50, 60 that are substantially parallel and oppose one another, on either side of the diagonal interconnecting portion 4. The spacing of the coils 2 is determined by the length of the diagonal interconnecting portion 4. The diameter and spacing of the coils 2 are selected to correspond to a particular size and spacing of the wheel nuts F.
In use and as illustrated in Figure 2, the finger grip limbs 50, 60 are pressed together, as illustrated by arrows PR, to loosen the coils 2 to enable their location over the wheel nuts F of a wheel assembly 10. When the finger grip limbs 50, 60 are released over the wheel nuts F, the coils 2 grip the wheel nuts F to mount the locking device 1 thereon such that movement of the device 1 relative to the wheel nuts F is inhibited. This, in turn, inhibits rotation of the wheel nuts F, and consequently inhibits loosening of each of the adjacent wheel nuts F. Removal of the device 1 is achieved by pressing PR the finger grip limbs 50, 60 together and removing the coils 2 from the wheel nuts F.
As illustrated in Figure 2, there is an issue when there is an odd number of wheel nuts F. This is one of the issues that this invention seeks to address. Turning now to Figures 3 and 4, there is shown a locking device 100 according to the invention. The device 100 includes a resilient wire, which is formed of metal in this example but could be formed of any suitable material. The resilient wire forms first, second and third coils 101, 102, 103 for releasably mounting the device onto first, second and third wheel nuts F of a wheel assembly 110, respectively.
The locking device 100 has a first interconnecting portion 104 extending tangentially from and between the first and second coils 101, 102. The device 100 also has a second interconnecting portion 105 extending tangentially from and between the second and third coils 102, 103. The first coil 101 is in the form of a single turn coil 101 wound in a first direction.
The first interconnecting portion 104 extends from one side of the first coil 101, which is an uppermost side as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, and joins the second coil 102 on a second side thereof, which is a lowermost side as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. The second coil 102 is also in the form of a single turn coil 102, but it is wound in a second direction, opposite the first direction. The second interconnecting portion 105 extends from the same, lowermost side of the second coil 102 to join the third coil 103 on its lowermost side. The third coil 103 is also in the form of a single turn coil 103 wound in the second direction.
The locking device 100 has a first end portion 106 extending tangentially from the first coil 101 and forming a first lever portion 106. The device 100 also has a second end portion 107 extending tangentially from the third coil 103 and forming a second lever portion 107. The first and second lever portions 106, 107 are substantially parallel to one another, and to the second interconnecting portion 105 in this example.
The spacing between the first and second coils 101, 102 is determined by the length of the first interconnecting portion 104. The spacing between the second and third coils 102, 103 is determined by the length of the second interconnecting portion 105, which is the same as the length of the first interconnecting portion 104 in this example. The diameter and spacing of the coils 101, 102, 103, and the angle between the first and second interconnecting portions 104, 105 are all selected to correspond to a particular size, spacing and arrangement of the wheel nuts F on the wheel assembly 110 to which they are to be mounted.
In use and as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the lever portions 106, 107 are pressed together, as illustrated by arrows PR, to loosen the second and third coils 102, 103, thereby to enable their location over a respective one of the wheel nuts F. When the lever portions 106, 107 are released over the wheel nuts F, the second and third coils 102, 103 grip the wheel nuts F.
The lever portions 106, 107 are then pulled apart, as illustrated by arrows PU, to loosen the first coil 101, thereby to enable its location over another of the wheel nuts F. It will be appreciated that pulling apart PU of the lever portions 106, 107 also causes the second and third coils 102, 103 to grip more tightly the wheel nuts F onto which they are mounted. As such, there is no danger of the second and third coils 102, 103 being inadvertently removed from the wheel nuts F to which they are mounted, as the first coil 101 is mounted over its wheel nut F.
When the lever portions 106, 107 are released, each of the first, second and third coils 101, 102, 103 grips its respective wheel nut F to mount the locking device 100 thereon, such that movement of the device 100 relative to the wheel nuts F is inhibited. This, in turn, inhibits rotation of the wheel nuts F, and consequently inhibits loosening of each of the adjacent wheel nuts F. Removal of the locking device 100 is achieved by pulling apart PU the lever portions 106, 107 apart to remove the first coil 101 from its wheel nut F, and then pressing PR the lever portions 106, 107 together to remove the second and third coils 102, 103. As shown in Figure 5, the locking device 100 according to this example can be used in conjunction with a twin-coil locking device 1 of the prior art, in order to inhibit loosening of all wheel nuts F of a wheel assembly 110 having an odd number of wheel nuts F. In this example, the wheel assembly 110 includes five wheel nuts F, but the device 100 of the invention could be used with multiple twin-coil locking devices 1 of the prior art to lock the wheel nuts F of a wheel assembly (not shown) having an odd number of wheel nuts F greater than five.
While the locking device 100 has particular application for inhibiting the loosening of wheel nuts, the device 100 may also be used to inhibit loosening of other screw action fasteners, including polygonal fasteners and other components having a multi-angular peripheral surface.
Embodiments of the invention may be made of spring steel wire. Spring steel is generally low-alloy manganese, medium-carbon steel or high-carbon steel with a high yield strength. Embodiments of the invention may be made stainless steel wire, for example 301 stainless steel wire, a grade of steel also known as X10CrNi18-8. The aforementioned materials provide the necessary resiliency to deform the locking device 100, allowing it to return to its original shape and exert a gripping force on a fastener F. Flowever, any material that exhibits the necessary resiliency would be suitable. While the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures is made of wire having a square cross-section, wires of any cross-section, for example a round cross- section, would be possible. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the locking device 100 may, in some examples, include more than three coils 101, 102, 103. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second coils 101, 102 may be coiled in the same direction, with the third coil 103 coiled in the opposite direction. It is also envisaged that the first and third coils 101, 103 may be coiled in the same direction, with the second coil 102 coiled in the opposite direction. Furthermore, each coil 101, 102, 103 may include multiple turns or coils. Other variations are also envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.
It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

1. A locking device to inhibit loosening of screw action fasteners, the device comprising a resilient wire forming first, second and third coils for releasably mounting the device onto first, second and third fasteners, respectively, the wire having a first interconnecting portion extending tangentially from and between the first and second coils, and a second interconnecting portion extending tangentially between the second and third coils, the wire further having a first end portion extending tangentially from the first coil to provide a first lever portion, and a second end portion extending tangentially from the third coil to provide a second lever portion, the pressing together of the lever portions loosens the second and third coils to enable their location over, or removal from, the respective fasteners, and the pulling apart of the lever portions loosens the first coil to enable its location over, or removal from, the respective fastener, the coils otherwise gripping the fasteners when located thereover to mount the device onto the fasteners such that movement of the device relative to the fasteners is inhibited.
2. The locking device of claim 1, wherein the first coil comprises a single turn coil wound in a first direction and the second and third coils each comprise a single turn coil wound in a second direction, opposite the first direction.
3. The locking device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the lever portions are substantially parallel to one another.
4. The locking device of any preceding claim, wherein the second lever portion is substantially parallel to the second interconnecting portion.
5. A locking system comprising at least one locking device according to any preceding claim and at least one twin-coil locking device, wherein the or each twin- coil locking device comprises a resilient wire forming a pair of coils for releasably mounting the device onto fourth and fifth fasteners, respectively, the wire of the twin-coil locking device having a diagonal interconnecting portion extending tangentially between the coils, and the wire of the twin-coil locking device further having first and second end portions extend tangentially from the coils and across the diagonal interconnecting portion to provide a pair of finger grip limbs that oppose one another on either side of the diagonal interconnecting portion, the pressing together of the finger grip limbs of the twin-coil locking device loosens the coils to enable their location over, or removal from, the respective fasteners, the coils otherwise gripping the fasteners when located thereover to mount the twin-coil locking device onto the fasteners such that movement of the twin-coil locking device relative to the fasteners is inhibited.
6. A method for inhibiting the loosening of screw action fasteners, the method comprising: pressing together a pair of lever portions extending from an outer pair of a plurality of coils formed by a common resilient wire, thereby to loosen one or more of the coils; locating the or each loosened coil over a fastener; pulling apart the lever portions to loosen the remaining coil(s); locating the or each loosened remaining coil over a fastener; and releasing the lever portions, such that each coil grips the fastener over which it is located so that movement of the formed resilient wire relative to the fastener is inhibited.
7. The method of claim 6 comprising removing the resilient wire from the fasteners by: pulling apart the lever portions to loosen the remaining coil(s); removing the or each loosened remaining coil from the fastener; pressing together the lever portions to loosen the one or more coils; and removing the one or more loosened coils from the fastener(s).
8. The method of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the plurality of coils comprises three coils and the inner coil is connected to each of the outer coils by a respective interconnecting portion extending tangentially between the coils.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein pulling apart the lever portions loosens a first of the coils from which a first of the lever portions extends.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein pressing together the lever portions loosens second and third coils.
11. The method of claim 10 comprising removing the resilient wire from the fasteners by: pulling apart the lever portions to loosen the first coil; removing the loosened first coil from the fastener; pressing together the lever portions to loosen the second and third coils; and removing the loosened second and third coils from the fastener(s).
12. The method of any one of claims 6 to 9 further comprising pressing together a pair of finger grip limbs extending from a pair of coils formed by a common second resilient wire, thereby to loosen the coils, locating the loosened coils over respective further fasteners and releasing the lever portions, such that each coil grips the fastener over which it is located so that movement of the formed resilient wire relative to the fastener is inhibited.
PCT/GB2021/051958 2020-07-30 2021-07-29 A locking device to inhibit loosening of screw action fasteners WO2022023754A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2011885.7 2020-07-30
GB2011885.7A GB2597716A (en) 2020-07-30 2020-07-30 A locking device to inhibit loosening of screw action fasteners

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WO2022023754A1 true WO2022023754A1 (en) 2022-02-03

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2437538A (en) 2006-04-25 2007-10-31 Business Lines Ltd Locking device for adjacent screw members
CN101787999A (en) * 2010-03-16 2010-07-28 重庆钢铁(集团)有限责任公司 Method for preventing threaded connecting parts arranged in ring shape from loosening
GB2518409A (en) * 2013-09-20 2015-03-25 Nut Safety Ltd Wheel nut locking device

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB225149A (en) * 1924-06-30 1924-11-27 Maurice John Bateman Improvements in nut locks
GB2132301B (en) * 1982-11-24 1987-04-15 Gerald Charles Rickwood Screw-action connectors security means

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2437538A (en) 2006-04-25 2007-10-31 Business Lines Ltd Locking device for adjacent screw members
CN101787999A (en) * 2010-03-16 2010-07-28 重庆钢铁(集团)有限责任公司 Method for preventing threaded connecting parts arranged in ring shape from loosening
GB2518409A (en) * 2013-09-20 2015-03-25 Nut Safety Ltd Wheel nut locking device

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GB2597716A (en) 2022-02-09

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