U.S. patent application number 12/871482 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-03 for torque limiting socket and method of using same.
This patent application is currently assigned to ACUMENT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, LLC. Invention is credited to David Goss, Richard Seidl.
Application Number | 20110048182 12/871482 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43622895 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110048182 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goss; David ; et
al. |
March 3, 2011 |
TORQUE LIMITING SOCKET AND METHOD OF USING SAME
Abstract
In a preferred embodiment, a driver socket is configured to
provide a visual indicator on a portion of a locknut upon
application of a predetermined torque to the driver socket relative
to the locknut. The driver socket has a member which is positioned
proximate to the first end, with a portion thereof protruding into
an aperture of the driver socket. The member is configured to
engage a drive configuration of a locknut in order to apply nut
torque to the locknut upon rotation of the drive socket and to form
a mark on the drive configuration of the locknut in order to
provide a visual indicator on the locknut that the locknut has been
subjected to the desired torque during initial assembly. The driver
socket is preferably attached to a ratchet arm of a fastening tool
which provides a mechanical advantage in applying the desired
torque.
Inventors: |
Goss; David; (Rockford,
IL) ; Seidl; Richard; (Rockford, IL) |
Assignee: |
ACUMENT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES,
LLC
Troy
MI
|
Family ID: |
43622895 |
Appl. No.: |
12/871482 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61239149 |
Sep 2, 2009 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
81/478 ;
81/121.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25B 23/15 20130101;
B25B 13/065 20130101; F16B 31/02 20130101; B25B 23/0085
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
81/478 ;
81/121.1 |
International
Class: |
B25B 23/142 20060101
B25B023/142; B25B 13/06 20060101 B25B013/06 |
Claims
1. A drive socket comprising: a body having first and second ends,
an outer surface extending from said first end to said second end,
and an aperture which extends from said first end to said second
end; and at least one member which is positioned within said body
proximate to said first end thereof, wherein a portion of said at
least one member protrudes into said aperture.
2. The drive socket as defined in claim 1, wherein said at least
one member includes two members.
3. The drive socket as defined in claim 2, wherein each member is
positioned opposite one another, about 180 degrees apart from one
another.
4. The drive socket as defined in claim 1, wherein said at least
one member is a ball bearing.
5. The drive socket as defined in claim 1, wherein said at least
one member is a cylindrical rod.
6. The drive socket as defined in claim 1, wherein said body and
said at least one member are non-integrally formed.
7. The drive socket as defined in claim 1, wherein said outer
surface defines a drive portion and a non-drive portion which are
separated from one another by a shoulder, said non-drive portion
extending from said first end to said shoulder, said drive portion
extending from said shoulder to said second end.
8. The drive socket as defined in claim 7, wherein said drive
portion has a hexagonal configuration.
9. A fastening assembly comprising: a first article of
configuration configured to have at least one protrusion extending
therefrom; and a second article of configuration having a drive
configuration, said at least one protrusion of said first article
of configuration configured to provide a visual indicator on a
portion of said drive configuration upon application of a
predetermined torque to said first article of configuration
relative to said second article of configuration.
10. The fastening assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein said at
least one protrusion extends into an aperture provided through said
first article of configuration and said drive configuration is
provided on an external surface of said second article of
configuration.
11. The fastening assembly as defined in claim 10, wherein said
first article of configuration is a drive socket and wherein said
second article of configuration is a locknut.
12. The fastening assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein said at
least one protrusion is a portion of a ball bearing.
13. The fastening assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein said at
least one protrusion is a portion of a cylindrical rod.
14. The fastening assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein said
drive configuration is a TORX.RTM. drive configuration.
15. The fastening assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein said
drive configuration is a TORX PLUS.RTM. drive configuration.
16. A fastening tool comprising: a first driver socket having first
and second ends, an outer surface extending from said first end to
said second end, said outer surface defining an external drive
configuration proximate to said second end, and an aperture which
extends from said first end to said second end, said first driver
socket further having at least one member which is positioned
therein proximate to said first end thereof, wherein a portion of
said at least one member protrudes into said aperture, said
protruding portion of said at least one member being configured to
engage an external drive configuration of a locknut; a second
driver socket having first and second ends, an outer surface
extending from said first end to said second end, said outer
surface defining an external drive configuration proximate to said
second end, said second driver socket defining a recess at said
first end thereof which defines an internal drive configuration
that is configured to engage an external drive configuration of a
bolt, said first end of said second driver socket being positioned
within said aperture of said first driver socket, but spaced from
said protruding portion of said at least one member, said second
end of said second driver socket being positioned outside of said
aperture of said first driver socket and spaced from said second
end of said first driver socket; a ratchet arm which is configured
to engage said external drive configuration defined on said outer
surface of said first driver socket; and a handle which is
configured to engage said external drive configuration defined on
said outer surface of said second driver socket.
17. The fastening tool as defined in claim 16, wherein said handle
is releasably secured to said second driver socket.
18. The fastening tool as defined in claim 16, wherein said at
least one member positioned within said first driver socket
includes two members.
19. The fastening tool as defined in claim 18, wherein each member
is positioned opposite one another, about 180 degrees apart from
one another.
20. The fastening tool as defined in claim 16, wherein said at
least one member positioned within said first driver socket is a
ball bearing.
21. The fastening tool as defined in claim 16, wherein said at
least one member positioned within said first driver socket is a
cylindrical rod.
22. The fastening tool as defined in claim 16, wherein said first
driver socket and said at least one member are non-integrally
formed.
23. A method of providing a visual indicator to a fastener assembly
to ensure that a proper torque has been applied thereto, said
method comprising the steps of: providing a first article of
configuration configured to have at least one protrusion extending
therefrom; providing a second article of configuration having a
drive configuration; engaging said at least one protrusion of said
first article of configuration with said drive configuration of
said second article of configuration; applying torque to said first
article of configuration which, in turn, applies said torque to
said second article of configuration until said second article of
configuration is fixed in place while applying a predetermined
torque value which in turn provides a predetermined clamp load; and
applying further torque to said first article of configuration
after said predetermined torque valve has been achieved such that
said at least one protrusion of said first article of configuration
marks a portion of said drive configuration of said second article
of configuration, thereby providing a visual indicator on said
second article of configuration.
24. The method as defined in claim 23, wherein said at least one
protrusion extends into an aperture provided through said first
article of configuration and said drive configuration is provided
on an external surface of said second article of configuration.
25. The method as defined in claim 24, wherein said first article
of configuration is a drive socket and wherein said second article
of configuration is a locknut.
26. The method as defined in claim 23, wherein said at least one
protrusion is a portion of a ball bearing.
27. The method as defined in claim 23, wherein said at least one
protrusion is a portion of a cylindrical rod.
28. The method as defined in claim 23, wherein said drive
configuration is a TORX.RTM. drive configuration having a plurality
of external lobes.
29. The method as defined in claim 28, wherein the step of applying
further torque to said first article of configuration after said
predetermined torque value has been achieved causes said at least
one protrusion of said first article of configuration to mark at
least one of said external lobes by forming a notch in said at
least one external lobe of said second article of
configuration.
30. The method as defined in claim 23, wherein said drive
configuration is a TORR PLUS.RTM. drive configuration having a
plurality of external lobes.
31. The method as defined in claim 30, wherein the step of applying
further torque to said first article of configuration after said
predetermined torque value has been achieved causes said at least
one protrusion of said first article of configuration to mark at
least one of said external lobes by forming a notch in said at
least one external lobe of said second article of
configuration.
32. The method as defined in claim 23, wherein said first article
of configuration applies said torque to said second article of
configuration via said at least one protrusion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of domestic
priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/239,149, filed Sep. 2, 2009, and entitled "Torque Limiting
Socket and Method of Using Same". U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/239,149 is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As generally discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,316,417 to Martin,
railway car trucks generally include two windowed side frames and a
truck bolster having ends disposed in the windows for permissible
vertical and horizontal movement therein. The bolster extends
across the truck and is supported by load carrying springs between
the side frames and the bolster ends. Pockets are usually provided
in the side frames or the bolsters to receive wedge or friction
shoes. Each shoe has a vertical friction surface which engages a
friction surface on the vertical column of the side frame and an
inclined wedging friction surface engaging an inclined friction
surface on the bolster. There may be one or two such wedge and
pocket assemblies at each end of the bolster. Wear resistant wear
plates are provided on the vertical columns of the side frame
coming into engagement with the friction wedge. Many known
techniques have been utilized to secure the wear plate to the
column.
[0003] One such technique was to use a body side bearing bolt and a
flange locknut sold under the trademark CAMRAIL.RTM. and which are
manufactured and sold by licensees and/or related companies of the
assignee of the present application, namely Acument Intellectual
Properties, LLC. The description of the structure of the
CAMRAIL.RTM. bolts and locknuts, as well as their installations,
are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0004] The CAMRAIL.RTM. bolt 20 is best illustrated in FIG. 1. The
bolt 20 has an enlarged head 22 defining top and bottom surfaces
24, 26 thereof The top surface 24 is flat and the bottom surface 26
tapers from the top surface 24 to a stem 28 of the bolt 20, which
extends outwardly to an end 30 of the bolt 20. The stem 28 is
threaded from the end 30 to a position proximate to the tapered
bottom surface 26 of the enlarged head 22, but not all the way to
the tapered bottom surface 26. If desired, in other versions of the
CAMRAIL.RTM. bolt (depending on the application to be used and the
configuration of the side frames and wear plates), the bottom
surface 26 may also be flat and separated from the top surface 24
such that the bottom surface 26 acts as a shoulder between the stem
28 and the enlarged head 22.
[0005] An extension member 32 extends outwardly from the top
surface 24 of the enlarged head 22 of the bolt 20 to an opposite
end 34 of the bolt 20. The extension member 32 has first and second
portions 36, 38. The first portion 36 extends outwardly from the
top surface 24 to the second portion 38. The second portion 38
extends outwardly from the first portion 36 to the end 34. The
second portion 38 has an external TORX.RTM. drive configuration
formed therein/thereon in order to allow the bolt 20 to be engaged
at the second portion 38 of the extension member 32 in order to
impart a driving or releasing torque to the bolt 20. Other versions
of the CAMRAIL.RTM. bolt may have alternative drive configurations
formed in/on the second portion 38 of the extension member, such
as, for example, an external TORX PLUS.RTM. drive configuration.
The second portion 38 has a larger outer diameter than the first
portion 36 such that a groove 40 is formed between the second
portion 38 of the extension member 32 and the top surface 24 of the
enlarged head 22.
[0006] The locknut 42 is best illustrated in FIG. 2. The locknut 42
has an aperture 44 provided therethrough defining an aperture wall
46 which is threaded. An outer surface 48 of the locknut 42 has a
plurality of flat surfaces, such as in a hex configuration, in
order to allow for a tool, such as a wrench to engage the locknut
42 in order to tighten or loosen the locknut 42.
[0007] In application, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bolt 20
is inserted through a hole in the wear plate 70 and then through a
hole in the side frame 80 until the enlarged head 22 of the bolt 20
is prevented from moving further through the holes. The hole in the
wear plate 70 has a countersink in order to accommodate the tapered
enlarged head 22 of the bolt 20. The non-threaded portion of the
stem 28 is positioned within the hole of the side frame 80. The
locknut 42 is then secured to the stem 28 of the bolt 20 by
threading the aperture wall 46 of the locknut 42 onto the threaded
stem 28 until the locknut 42 bottoms out against the side frame 80.
The locknut 42 is then engaged by a wrench on its outer surface 48
in order to hold the locknut 42 in place, i.e., to prevent further
rotation of the locknut 42.
[0008] Thereafter, a torque applying tool is engaged with the
external TORX.RTM. drive configuration on/in the second portion 38
of the extension member 32 of the bolt 20 in order to further
tighten and secure the assembly of the bolt 20, locknut 42, wear
plate 70 and side frame 80 together. In order to ensure that the
assembly is not tightened too much, the extension member 32 is
configured to break in the first portion 36 thereof when a
predetermined torque is reached, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0009] Thereafter, it is necessary to ensure that the assembly is
properly secured together, which is done by applying a
predetermined amount of torque to the locknut 42, typically by a
torque wrench. If the locknut 42 rotates in response to the
application of this predetermined amount of torque applied by the
torque wrench, the securement of the assembly is deemed to have
failed, even if the bolt 20 had, in fact, had the proper clamp load
applied to it. In this event, as the external TORX.RTM. drive
configuration on/in the second portion 38 of the extension member
32 has already been broken off of the bolt 20, there is no way to
reuse this bolt 20 in order to have it properly secure the assembly
together. As such, the bolt 20 must be removed, typically by
cutting or drilling, and a new bolt 20 must be used to secure the
assembly together. Obviously, the failure of the bolt 20 causes
increased time and expense as it requires the bolt 20 to be removed
and the installation of a new bolt 20, which may or may not fail,
such that if there is a failure, the process must again be
repeated.
[0010] Thus, there is a need to have the ability to ensure that the
bolt has the proper clamp load in order to properly secures the
assembly together. It is also desirable to have a visual indicator
that the nut has been subjected to the desired torque during
initial assembly and application of nut torque. Furthermore, it is
also desirable to be able to visually determine that the nut has
been subjected to the desired torque during routine maintenance
service that takes places at some point in time after the initial
assembly. It would also be desirable to eliminate the initial cost,
maintenance and calibration of a torque wrench.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, the invention
provides a driver socket which is configured to provide a visual
indicator on a portion of a locknut upon application of a
predetermined torque to the driver socket relative to the locknut.
The driver socket has first and second ends, an outer surface
extending from the first end to the second end, and an aperture
which extends from the first end to the second end. The driver
socket also has a member which is positioned therein proximate to
the first end, with a portion of the member protruding into the
aperture. In a preferred embodiment, two members are provided which
are positioned opposite one another, about 180 degrees apart from
one another, although more or less members may be provided as
desired. In a first preferred embodiment, the member is a ball
bearing and in a second preferred embodiment, the member is a
cylindrical rod. The outer surface of the driver socket has a drive
portion, preferably hexagonal, proximate to the second end
thereof.
[0012] The locknut has an external drive configuration to which the
member can engage. In a preferred embodiment, the external drive
configuration is a TORX.RTM. or TORX PLUS.RTM. drive configuration
such that the member can engage the drive configuration by fitting
between the outwardly extending lobes formed on the outer surface
of the locknut. The members can thus be used to apply the nut
torque to the locknut, but also have the added benefit of being
able to leave a visual indicator on the locknut when the desired
torque value is achieved. The visual indicator on the locknut is
preferably a marking, such as, for example, a groove or notch, as
would be provided on an external lobe of a locknut having a
TORX.RTM. or TORX PLUS.RTM. drive configuration. The marking could
be formed by, for example, shearing or deforming the external lobe.
The marking of the locknut provides a number of benefits.
[0013] The driver socket can be attached to a ratchet arm of a
fastening tool which provides a mechanical advantage in applying
the desired torque. The fastening tool also has a handle connected
to a second driver socket which is configured to engage with a
drive configuration on a bolt, to which the locknut is secured, in
order to assist in the application of the nut torque.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] For a more complete understanding of the disclosure,
reference may be made to the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like
elements in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view of a prior art CAMRAIL.RTM. bolt;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front view of a prior art locknut;
[0017] FIGS. 3 and 4 are partial cross-sectional views illustrating
a prior art method of securing the bolt of FIG. 1 and the locknut
of FIG. 2 together and to a wear plate and a side frame;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a bolt;
[0019] FIG. 5A is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a
bolt;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of a locknut;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a side view of the locknut illustrated in FIG.
6;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of a spacer;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the spacer
illustrated in FIG. 8 taken along line 9-9;
[0024] FIGS. 10-12 are partial cross-sectional views illustrated a
method of securing the bolt of FIG. 5, the locknut of FIGS. 6 and
7, and the spacer of FIGS. 8 and 9 (FIGS. 10 and 12 only) together
and to a wear plate and a side frame;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a dual socket ratchet
assembly;
[0026] FIG. 14 is an alternative view of a dual socket ratchet
assembly having a torque wrench attached thereto;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a side view of a first driver socket of the dual
socket ratchet assembly;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the first driver
socket taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a first end view of the first driver socket
illustrated in FIG. 15;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a second end view of the first driver socket
illustrated in FIG. 15;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a side view of a second driver socket of the dual
socket ratchet assembly;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of the second driver
socket taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a first end view of the second driver socket
illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a second end view of the second driver socket
illustrated in FIG. 19;
[0035] FIG. 23 is a side view of a ratchet arm of the dual socket
ratchet assembly;
[0036] FIG. 24 is a side view of a handle of the dual socket
ratchet assembly;
[0037] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the dual socket ratchet
assembly being used to apply a nut torque to the locknut after it
has been secured as illustrated in FIG. 12;
[0038] FIG. 26 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 25;
[0039] FIG. 27 is a first end view of an alternative first driver
socket having protrusions therein in the form of ball bearings
which are configured to provide a visual indicator that the proper
nut torque has been applied to the locknut;
[0040] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the alternative first
driver socket illustrated in FIG. 27 taken along line 28-28;
[0041] FIG. 29 is a first end view of an alternative first driver
socket having protrusions therein in the form of portions of
cylindrical rods which are configured to provide a visual indicator
that the proper nut torque has been applied to the locknut;
[0042] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the alternative first
driver socket illustrated in FIG. 29 taken along line 30-30;
and
[0043] FIG. 31 is a side view of the locknut having grooves or
notches formed therein which provide a visual indicator that the
locknut has been subjected to the proper nut torque.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative forms, certain embodiments are shown
by way of example in the drawings and these embodiments will be
described in detail herein. It will be understood, however, that
this disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the
particular form described, but to the contrary, the invention is
intended to cover all modifications, alternatives, and equivalents
falling within the spirit and scope of the invention defined by the
appended claims.
[0045] A bolt 120 is illustrated in FIG. 5. The bolt 120 has an
enlarged head 122 defining top and bottom surfaces 124, 126
thereof. The top surface 124 is flat and the bottom surface 126
tapers from the top surface 124 to a stem 128 of the bolt 120,
which extends outwardly to an end 130 of the bolt 120. The stem 128
is threaded from an end portion 129 of the stem 128 to a position
proximate to the proximate to the tapered bottom surface 126 of the
enlarged head 122, but not all the way to the tapered bottom
surface 126. If desired, in other versions of the bolt 120
(depending on the application to be used and the configuration of
the side frames 80 and wear plates 70), the bottom surface 126 may
also be flat and separated from the top surface 124 such that the
bottom surface 126 acts as a shoulder between the stem 128 and the
enlarged head 122.
[0046] The end portion 129 of the stem 128 extends from the
threading on the stem 128 to the end 130 of the bolt 120. The end
portion 129 has an external drive configuration formed
therein/thereon in order to allow the bolt 120 to be engaged at the
end portion 129. The external drive configuration formed in/on the
end portion 129 is preferably an external TORX.RTM. or TORX
PLUS.RTM. drive configuration, but it is to be understood that
alternative drive configurations could be formed in/on the end
portion 129 as desired.
[0047] An extension member 132 extends outwardly from the top
surface 124 of the enlarged head 122 of the bolt 120 to an opposite
end 134 of the bolt 120. The extension member 132 has first and
second portions 136, 138. The first portion 136 extends outwardly
from the top surface 124 to the second portion 138. The second
portion 138 extends outwardly from the first portion 136 to the end
134. The second portion 138 has an external drive configuration
formed therein/thereon in order to allow the bolt 120 to be engaged
at the second portion 138 of the extension member 132 in order to
impart a driving or releasing torque to the bolt 120. The external
drive configuration formed in/on the second portion 138 is
preferably an external TORX.RTM. or TORX PLUS.RTM. drive
configuration, but it is to be understood that alternative drive
configurations could be formed in/on the second portion 138 as
desired. The second portion 138 has a larger outer diameter than
the first portion 136 such that a groove 140 is formed between the
second portion 138 of the extension member 132 and the top surface
124 of the enlarged head 122.
[0048] Thus, the bolt 120 is generally identical to the
CAMRAIL.RTM. bolt 20 illustrated in FIG. 1, except that the bolt
120 includes the end portion 129 having the external drive
configuration formed therein/thereon.
[0049] An alternative embodiment of the bolt 120a is illustrated in
FIG. 5A. The bolt 120a is identical to the bolt 120 except that the
extension member 132 is not provided, but rather a recess 133a is
provided in the enlarged head 122a. The recess 133a defines an
internal drive configuration formed in the enlarged head 122a which
is preferably an internal TORX.RTM. or TORX PLUS.RTM. drive
configuration, but it is to be understood that alternative drive
configurations could be formed in the enlarged head 122a as
desired.
[0050] A locknut 142 is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The locknut
142 has an aperture 144 provided therethrough defining an aperture
wall 146 which is threaded. An outer surface 148 of the locknut 142
has an external drive configuration formed therein/thereon in order
to allow the locknut 142 to be engaged in order to impart a driving
or releasing torque to the locknut 142. The external drive
configuration formed in/on the locknut 142 is preferably an
external TORX.RTM. or TORX PLUS.RTM. drive configuration, such that
outwardly extending lobes 150 are formed on the outer surface 148
of the locknut 142, but it is to be understood that alternative
drive configurations could be formed in/on the outer surface 148 of
the locknut 142 as desired, such as, for example, a hex drive
configuration. The external drive configuration may extend all the
way between the ends of the locknut 142, such as with a hex drive
configuration, but I a preferred embodiment, the external drive
configuration preferably extends from one end of the locknut 142
toward the other end of the locknut 142, extending to a conical
portion of the outer surface 148.
[0051] In a preferred embodiment, a spacer 152 is provided, which
is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The spacer 152 is disk-shaped such
that it preferably has flat ends 154, 156 and a rounded, circular
side edge 158. The side edge 158 may be chamfered where it meets
the flat ends 154, 156. An aperture 160 is provided through the
spacer 152 from one flat end 154 to the other flat end 156. The
aperture 160 may be chamfered where it meets the flat ends 154,
156.
[0052] In application, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the bolt 120 is
inserted through a hole in the wear plate 70 and then through a
hole in the side frame 80 until the enlarged head 122 of the bolt
120 is prevented from moving further through the holes. The hole in
the wear plate 70 preferably has a countersink in order to
accommodate the tapered enlarged head 122 of the bolt 120. The
non-threaded portion of the stem 128 is positioned within the hole
of the side frame 80. The spacer 152 is then positioned around the
stem 128 of the bolt 120, with the stem 128 extending through the
aperture 160, until the flat end 154 generally abuts against the
side frame 80. The locknut 142 is then secured to the stem 128 of
the bolt 120 by threading the aperture wall 146 of the locknut 142
onto the threaded stem 128 until the locknut 142 bottoms out
against the spacer 152. Of course, it is to be understood that the
spacer 152 may not be used such that the locknut 142 bottoms out
against the side frame 80, as illustrated in FIG. 11. In the
preferred and illustrated embodiment, the end of the locknut 142
which does not have the external drive configuration extending
therefrom is the end of the locknut 142 that is to be bottomed out
against the spacer 152 or the side frame 80. The external drive
configuration on the outer surface 148 of the locknut 142 is then
engaged by a tool in order to hold the locknut 142 in place, i.e.,
to prevent further rotation of the locknut 142.
[0053] Thereafter, a torque applying tool is engaged with the
external drive configuration on/in the second portion 138 of the
extension member 132 of the bolt 120 in order to further tighten
and secure the assembly of the bolt 120, locknut 142, the spacer
152 (if included), the wear plate 70 and the side frame 80
together. In order to ensure that the assembly is not tightened too
much, the extension member 132 is configured to break in the first
portion 136 thereof when a predetermined torque is reached, as
illustrated in FIG. 12. It is to be understood that if the
alternative embodiment of the bolt 120a (FIG. 5A) is utilized, no
portion of the bolt 120a will break off when a predetermined torque
is reached such that the operator will have to ensure that the
proper torque is applied by alternative means. The use of the bolt
120a also, unlike the bolt 120, allows for further manipulation of
the bolt 120a (i.e., holding the bolt 120a steady or applying
further torque to the bolt 120a) proximate the enlarged head 122a
as the internal drive configuration defined by the recess 133a
remains in the enlarged head 122a.
[0054] As the bolt 120 is outfitted with the end portion 129 having
the external drive configuration, preferably TORX.RTM. or TORX
PLUS.RTM., a further nut torque can then be applied to the locknut
142 in order to further ensure the securement of the assembly of
the bolt 120, locknut 142, spacer 152 (if included), wear plate 70
and side frame 80 together. A dual socket ratchet assembly 200 is
used to apply the nut torque.
[0055] The dual socket ratchet assembly 200 is illustrated in FIGS.
13 and 14. In a preferred embodiment, the dual socket ratchet
assembly 200 includes first and second driver sockets 202, 204, a
ratchet arm 206, a handle 208, a washer 210 and a screw 212.
[0056] The first driver socket 202 is best illustrated in FIGS.
15-18. The first driver socket 202 has first and second opposite
ends 214, 216. An outer surface 218 of the first driver socket 202
has a cylindrical portion 220 and a hexagonal drive portion 222.
The cylindrical portion 220 extends from the first end 214 to the
hexagonal drive portion 222 which, in turn, extends generally to
the second end 216. A shoulder 224 is provided between the
cylindrical portion 220 and the hexagonal drive portion 222.
[0057] An aperture 226 is provided through the first driver socket
202 from the first end 214 thereof to the second end 216 thereof.
The aperture 226 defines first, second and third portions 228, 230,
232 thereof. The first portion 228 is provided between the first
end 214 and the second portion 230, the second portion 230 is
provided between the first and third portions 228, 232, and the
third portion 232 is provided between the second portion 230 and
the second end 216. A shoulder 234 separates the first and second
portions 228, 230 such that the first portion 228 defines a larger
internal diameter than the second portion 230, and a shoulder 236
separates the second and third portions 230, 232 such that the
second portion 230 defines a larger internal diameter than the
third portion 232. The shoulders 234, 236 may be straight, curved
or tapered as desired. The first portion 228 of the aperture 226
defines an internal drive configuration that is configured to
engage the external drive configuration of the locknut 142. Thus,
in a preferred embodiment, the internal drive configuration of the
first portion 228 is TORX.RTM. or TORX PLUS.RTM., but it is to be
understood that other types of drive configurations could be used
on the locknut 142 and the first portion 228 of the first driver
socket 202.
[0058] The second driver socket 204 is best illustrated in FIGS.
19-22. The second driver socket 204 has first and second opposite
ends 238, 240. An outer surface 242 of the second driver socket 204
has first and second cylindrical portions 244, 246 and a hexagonal
drive portion 248. The first cylindrical portion 244 extends from
the first end 238 to the second cylindrical portion 246 which, in
turn, extends to the hexagonal drive portion 248 which, in turn
extends to the second end 240. A first shoulder 250 is provided
between the first and second cylindrical portions 244, 246 and a
second shoulder 252 is provided between the second cylindrical
portion 246 and the hexagonal drive portion 248. The first shoulder
250 is preferably tapered while the second shoulder 252 is
preferably straight.
[0059] A first recess 254 is provided in the second driver socket
204 at the first end 238 thereof. The first recess 254 has first
and second portions 256, 258. The first portion 256 extends from
the first end 238 to the second portion 258 which, in turn, extends
to a base 260 of the first recess 254. The base 260 of the first
recess 254 preferably extends slightly into the second cylindrical
portion 246 of the second driver socket 204. The first portion 256
of the first recess 254 defines an internal drive configuration
that is configured to engage the external drive configuration of
the end portion 129 of the bolt 120. Thus, in a preferred
embodiment, the internal drive configuration of the first portion
256 of the first recess 254 is TORX.RTM. or TORX PLUS.RTM., but it
is to be understood that other types of drive configurations could
be used on the end portion 129 of the bolt 120 and the first
portion 256 of the first recess 254 of the second driver socket
204.
[0060] A second recess 264 is provided in the second driver socket
204 at the second end 240 thereof. The second recess 264 defines a
threaded wall 266 which extends to a base 268 of the second recess
264. The base 268 of the second recess 264 is preferably positioned
within the second cylindrical portion 246 of the second driver
socket 204.
[0061] As best illustrated in FIG. 26, the second driver socket 204
is partially positioned within the aperture 226 of the first driver
socket 202. The first cylindrical portion 244 of the second driver
socket 204 is positioned within the second portion 230 of the
aperture 226 and is sized to closely fit within the second portion
230 of the aperture 226, but allows for the first driver socket 202
to rotate relative to the second driver socket 204 and vice versa.
The second cylindrical portion 246 of the second driver socket 204
is positioned within the second and third portions 230, 232 of the
aperture 226 and is sized to closely fit within the third portion
232 of the aperture 226, but allows for the first driver socket 202
to rotate relative to the second driver socket 204 and vice versa.
The second cylindrical portion 246 may also extend beyond the
second end 216 of the first driver socket 202. The hexagonal drive
portion 248 of the second driver socket 204 is positioned outside
of the first driver socket 202 as it extends beyond the second end
216 of the first driver socket 202.
[0062] The ratchet arm 206 is best illustrated in FIG. 23. The
ratchet arm 206 is of a type generally well-known in the art and is
an elongated member having first and second ends 270, 272 and first
and second portions 274, 276. The first portion 274 extends from
the first end 270 to the second portion 276 which, in turn, extends
to the second end 272. Spring-loaded stop levers (not shown) of a
type known in the art are provided in the first portion 274. An
aperture 278 is provided through the first portion 274 which
defines a hexagonal inner drive configuration that is configured to
match the hexagonal drive portion 222 of the first driver socket
202. The first portion 274 also includes a lever 280 in order to
switch the spring-loaded stop levers (not shown) from a position
allowing rotation in a first direction to a position allowing
rotation in a second direction. The second portion 276 acts as an
elongated member for providing a mechanical advantage when
utilizing the ratchet arm 206. The ratchet arm 206 may abut against
the shoulder 224 of the first driver socket 202.
[0063] The handle 208 is best illustrated in FIG. 24. The handle
208 is an elongated member having first and second ends 282, 284.
An aperture 286 is provided through the handle 208 proximate to the
first end 282 thereof. The aperture 286 defines a hexagonal inner
drive configuration that is configured to match the hexagonal drive
portion 248 of the second driver socket 204. A cover or grip 288 is
provided around the handle 208 at the second end 284 thereof.
[0064] With the handle 208 engaged with the second driver socket
204, the washer 210 is positioned against the handle 208 and the
screw 212 is then inserted through the washer 210, through the
aperture 286 of the handle 208 and into threaded engagement with
the threaded wall 266 of the second recess 264 of the second driver
socket 204, as generally illustrated in FIG. 26. The securement of
the screw 212 in this manner prevents the handle 208 from
disengaging with the second driver socket 204 as the washer 210 and
the shoulder 252 of the second driver socket 204 limit the movement
of the handle 208.
[0065] The dual socket ratchet assembly 200 works to allow for the
further torqueing of the locknut 142, after the extension member
132 has been broken off of the bolt 120. In operation, as
illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, the inner drive configuration of
the first recess 254 of the second driver socket 204 is engaged
with the external drive configuration of the end portion 129 of the
bolt 120 and the inner drive configuration of the first portion 228
of the aperture 226 of the first driver socket 202 is engaged with
the external drive configuration on the outer surface 148 of the
locknut 142.
[0066] The handle 208 is then held steady and in place, such that
the second driver socket 204 holds the bolt 120, preventing the
bolt 120 from rotating. With the bolt 120 held steady and in place,
the ratchet arm 206 is manipulated in order to have the first
driver socket 202 apply torque to the locknut 142, thus providing
further torque to the locknut 142 and ensuring the securement of
the bolt 120, locknut 142, the wear plate 70 and the side frame 80
together. If desired, a torque wrench 290 can be connected to the
second end 272 of the ratchet arm 206 in order to monitor the
amount of torque applied to the locknut 142. The torque wrench 290
will provide an audible "click" when the desired torque is
reached.
[0067] While this audible indicator allows for the initial
installer to know that the desired nut torque has been applied, it
does not leave any type of a visual indicator that would be
desirable for the initial installer to see to confirm that the
desired nut torque has been applied, as well as any other persons
who may be checking the assembly at some point in time after the
initial assembly, for instance at routine maintenance times.
[0068] In order to provide this visual indicator, an alternative
preferred embodiment of the dual socket ratchet assembly 200 is
provided which utilizes the same second driver socket 204, ratchet
arm 206, handle 208, washer 210 and screw 212, but which utilizes
an alternative first driver socket 402.
[0069] The alternative first driver socket 402 is best illustrated
in FIGS. 27-30. The first driver socket 402 has first and second
opposite ends 414, 416. An outer surface 418 of the first driver
socket 402 has a non-drive portion 420, which is preferably
cylindrical in configuration, and a drive portion 422, which is
preferably hexagonal in configuration. The non-drive portion 420
extends from the first end 414 to the drive portion 422 which, in
turn, extends generally to the second end 416. A shoulder 424 is
provided between the non-drive portion 420 and the drive portion
422.
[0070] An aperture 426 is preferably provided through the first
driver socket 402 from the first end 414 thereof to the second end
416 thereof. The aperture 426 defines first, second and third
portions 428, 430, 432 thereof. The first portion 428 is provided
between the first end 414 and the second portion 430, the second
portion 430 is provided between the first and third portions 428,
432, and the third portion 432a is provided between the second
portion 430 and the second end 416. A shoulder 434 separates the
first and second portions 428, 430 such that the first portion 428
defines a larger internal diameter than the second portion 430, and
a shoulder 436 separates the second and third portions 430, 432
such that the second portion 430 defines a larger internal diameter
than the third portion 432. The shoulders 434, 436 may be straight,
curved or tapered as desired.
[0071] In the preferred embodiment, one or more members 492a, 492b
are positioned and secured within the first driver socket 402 and
partially protrude into the first portion 428 of the aperture 426.
In a first preferred embodiment of the alternative first driver
socket 402, the members 492a are ball bearings and preferably
number two, which are positioned opposite one another, about
180.degree. apart from one another, as illustrated in FIGS. 27 and
28. Alternatively, a single member 492a could be provided or three
members 492a could be provided which are about 120.degree. apart
from one another. Of course, four or more members 492a could be
provided if desired. Ball bearings are a preferred embodiment of
the members 492a because protruding portions of the ball bearings
will fit between the outwardly extending lobes 150 formed on the
outer surface 148 of the locknut 142 by the preferred external
TORX.RTM. or TORX PLUS.RTM. drive configuration. As such, the
members 492a of the first driver socket 402 can alternatively be
used to apply the nut torque to the locknut 142 as discussed
hereinabove. In a second preferred embodiment of the alternative
first driver socket 402, the members 492b are preferably
cylindrical rods and number two, which are positioned opposite one
another, about 180.degree. apart from one another, as illustrated
in FIGS. 29 and 30. Alternatively, a single member 492b could be
provided or three members 492b could be provided which are about
120.degree. apart from one another. Cylindrical rods are a
preferred embodiment of the members 492b because protruding
portions of the cylindrical rods will fit between the outwardly
extending lobes 150 formed on the outer surface 148 of the locknut
142 by the preferred external TORX.RTM. or TORX PLUS.RTM. drive
configuration. As such, the portions of the members 492b of the
first driver socket 402 can alternatively be used to apply the nut
torque to the locknut 142 as discussed hereinabove. It is to be
understood that any other appropriate member 492 could be used, so
long as the portion of the member 492 which protrudes into the
first portion 428 of the aperture 426 is capable of performing the
function of the portion of the ball bearing member 492a or the
portion of the cylindrical rod member 492b as discussed
hereinbelow. It is also to be understood that the members 492 may
be integrally formed with the body of the first driver socket 402,
rather than being non-integral as illustrated.
[0072] Unlike the internal drive configuration in the first portion
228 of the aperture 226 of the first driver socket 202, the
protruding portions of the members 492a, 492b in the first portion
428 of the aperture 426 of the first driver socket 402 are
configured to leave a visual indicator on the locknut 142 when the
desired torque value is achieved. More specifically, and as
illustrated with regard to the preferred embodiment, the protruding
portions of the members 492a, 492b leave a marking, such as a
groove or notch 494, as illustrated in FIG. 31, on one or more of
the external lobes 150 of the locknut 142. The marking could be
formed in a number of manners, for example by shearing or the lobe
150 or by deformation of the lobe 150. The marking of the locknut
142 provides a number of benefits. For instance, the marking
provides a visual indicator that the locknut 142 has been subjected
to the desired torque during initial assembly and application of
the nut torque. It also provides a visual indicator, if additional
sets of lobes 150 have been marked, that the locknut 142 has been
subjected to the desired torque during routine service maintenance.
Also, it eliminates the initial cost, maintenance and calibration
of a torque wrench; the marking of the lobes 150, rather than the
torque wrench, will provide the indication that the proper nut
torque has been applied.
[0073] During maintenance, the maintenance worker will be able to
verify that the proper clamp load had been applied by the presence
of one or more marked lobes 150 on the locknut 142. If there are
still unmarked lobes 150 left on the locknut 142, the maintenance
worker will then have the option to reuse the locknut 142 and to
reapply the nut torque to ensure that the proper torque value, and
therefore the proper clamp load, is again applied. This
reapplication of the nut torque can again mark one or more of the
previously unmarked lobes 150 in order to provide the maintenance
worker with visual confirmation that the proper nut torque has been
applied. If the locknut 142 does not have any remaining unmarked
lobes 150, the maintenance worker may then elect to either remove
the locknut 142 and replace it with a new locknut 142, or to remove
the entire bolt assembly and replace it with a new bolt assembly,
as desired.
[0074] While this invention has been described with regard to
bolting assemblies used in connection with side frame column
friction wear plates for railway cars, it is to be understood that
the teachings of this invention are applicable to a wide variety of
applications. For instance, any fastening assembly having a need to
confirm that a proper clamp load has been initially applied, any
fastening assembly having a need to confirm that a proper clamp
load has been maintained at some point in time after initial
assembly, and any fastening assembly having a need to reapply a
clamp load at some point in time after initial assembly. Also, the
use of a socket driver having protrusions used to mark a portion of
a fastener upon a predetermined torque being applied in order to
provide a visual indicator that the proper clamp load has been
applied can be used universally in the fastener arts where
appropriate. It should be noted that while the protrusions
described herein are provided in a female portion of a fastening
assembly, that the protrusions could alternatively be provided on a
male portion of a fastening assembly such that lobes or the like on
the female inner drive configuration would be marked, providing the
desired visual indicator.
[0075] It should be understood that this invention is not intended
to be limited to the preferred embodiments described and
illustrated herein, namely the marking of lobes of a TORX.RTM. or
TORX PLUS.RTM. drive configuration, as the teachings of this
invention can also be used to mark other types of drive
configurations by using similar or equivalent methods or
apparatuses.
[0076] It should also be understood that, if desired, if the bolt
120a is used, the bolt 120a could alternatively be held in place at
its enlarged head 122a, rather than at the end portion 129, by a
device having an external drive configuration that is configured to
engage with the internal drive configuration defined by the recess
133a in the enlarged head 122a. In this instance, a typical ratchet
tool utilizing the first driver socket 402, rather than the dual
socket ratchet assembly 200, could be utilized in order to apply
the proper torque value and to mark the locknut 142 secured around
the bolt 120a.
[0077] It should further be understood that this invention is not
intended to be limited to the marking of locknuts having external
drive configurations, but could be utilized on any type of device
having a drive configuration, whether external or internal. For
instance, the first driver socket 402 could be utilized to mark an
external drive configuration provided on an extension member
provided on a head of a bolt, such as, for instance, the extension
members 32, 132 provided on bolts 20, 120, respectively, or other
bolts where the extension members are not configured to be broken
off. Likewise, a device having the protrusions extending outwardly
therefrom, rather than into an aperture (such as in a drive
socket), could be utilized to mark an internal drive configuration
provided in a recess of a head of a bolt, such as, for instance the
recess 133a in enlarged head 122a of bolt 120a.
[0078] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values
herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value
is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the disclosed embodiments of
the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the
invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the
specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed
element as essential to the practice of the invention. It is
further to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily
drawn to scale.
[0079] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventor for carrying
out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated
embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *