U.S. patent application number 14/289768 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-16 for self locking fasteners and methods relating to same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Scott J. Emmerich. Invention is credited to Scott J. Emmerich.
Application Number | 20140308446 14/289768 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45063290 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140308446 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Emmerich; Scott J. |
October 16, 2014 |
SELF LOCKING FASTENERS AND METHODS RELATING TO SAME
Abstract
A method of manufacturing a non-marring and abrasion resistant
fastener is disclosed herein which includes providing a fastener
having an outer body defining an opening therein, an inner body
disposed within the opening of the outer body and aligned coaxially
with the outer body about a primary axis, a cam operator inserted
at least partially through a portion of the inner and outer bodies,
the cam operator being movable between a first position wherein the
inner and outer bodies are rotatable, and a second position wherein
the inner and outer bodies are not rotatable, and applying an outer
coating to at least a portion of an exterior surface of the inner
body and outer body to prevent the fastener from marring or
abrading a surface to which the fastener is connected.
Inventors: |
Emmerich; Scott J.;
(Delavan, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Emmerich; Scott J. |
Delavan |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45063290 |
Appl. No.: |
14/289768 |
Filed: |
May 29, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13152098 |
Jun 2, 2011 |
8769799 |
|
|
14289768 |
|
|
|
|
61350813 |
Jun 2, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
427/256 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 41/002 20130101;
F16B 39/28 20130101; F16B 2021/14 20130101; F16B 37/16 20130101;
F16B 11/006 20130101; Y10T 403/7018 20150115; Y10T 29/49948
20150115; F16B 35/04 20130101; F16B 39/282 20130101; F16B 5/0266
20130101; F41G 11/004 20130101; F16B 37/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
427/256 |
International
Class: |
F16B 39/28 20060101
F16B039/28 |
Claims
1. A method of manufacturing a non-marring and abrasion resistant
fastener comprising: providing a fastener having an outer body
defining an opening therein, an inner body disposed within the
opening of the outer body and aligned coaxially with the outer body
about a primary axis, a cam operator inserted at least partially
through a portion of the inner and outer bodies and together with
the inner and outer bodies forming the fastener, the cam operator
being rotatable about a secondary axis that is generally normal to
the primary axis and movable between a first position wherein the
inner and outer bodies are rotatable with respect to a surface or
structure located adjacent or proximate to the inner and outer
bodies and to which the fastener is being fastened, and a second
position wherein the inner and outer bodies are not rotatable with
respect to the adjacent or proximate surface or structure and the
inner and outer bodies are fastened to the adjacent or proximate
surface or structure; and applying an outer coating to at least a
portion of an exterior surface of the inner body and outer body to
prevent the fastener from marring or abrading a surface to which
the fastener is connected.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the inner body and outer body each
have abutting surfaces that abut the surface or structure located
adjacent or proximate to the fastener when the fastener is a
fastened position and applying an outer coating comprises inserting
the inner and outer bodies of the fastener within an outer sleeve
covering at least a portion of the abutting surfaces of the
fastener to prevent the abutting surfaces from marring or abrading
the surface or structure located adjacent or proximate to the
fastener.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein at least one of the abutting
surfaces has a design or pattern and the sleeve is made of a thin
polymeric material and inserting the inner and outer bodies of the
fastener within the sleeve comprises inserting the inner and outer
bodies of the fastener sufficiently within the sleeve so that the
design or pattern of the at least one of the abutting surfaces is
visible through the outer sleeve.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein the outer sleeve is made of
plastic or rubber and the method comprises coloring the outer
sleeve to indicate a property of or intended us for the fastener to
a consumer.
5. The method of claim 2 wherein the outer sleeve is generally cup
shaped and positioned adjacent lower surfaces of the inner and
outer bodies and defines a key for capturing at least a portion of
the cam operator to prevent the cam operator from sliding forward
or aft along the secondary axis and the method comprises inserting
the first and second bodies of the fastener through a first opening
defined by the outer sleeve and inserting the cam operator through
a second opening of the outer sleeve positioned transverse the
first opening of the outer sleeve and aligning the cam operator
with the key of the outer sleeve for preventing the cam operator
from sliding with respect to the outer sleeve.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the key of the outer body defines
a protrusion that engages a corresponding groove defined by the cam
operator and aligning the cam operator with the key comprises
aligning the protrusion of the outer sleeve with the groove of the
cam operator so that the cam operator may be rotated with respect
to the outer sleeve but not moved longitudinally along the
secondary axis.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein the outer sleeve is symmetrical
about an axis so that the cam operator may be inserted into the
outer sleeve in at least two orientations to accommodate
right-handed or left-handed persons and inserting the cam operator
through the second opening of the outer sleeve comprising inserting
the cam operator in either the right-handed or left-handed
orientation.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No.
13/152098, filed Jun. 2, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/350,813, filed Jun. 2, 2010, which
is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to self locking fasteners and
methods relating to same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Fasteners are used in a variety of applications. For
example, some fasteners, such as thumb screws, are used to lock
items down, or in place, or to secure items, and allow the
fasteners to be easily removed without the need for hand tools to
tighten or loosen the fastener. One problem with such fasteners,
however, is that they are often prone to loosening do to external
forces applied against them, such as vibration and other forms of
interference. For example, thumb screws are used to secure scope
mounts to some fire arms. Often times, these thumb screws loosen
due to the vibration the screws experience during operation of the
fire arm. Eventually the screws may loosen or give way enough to
cause the scope to move out of alignment and affect the accuracy of
the scope and/or the fire arm operator's accuracy. Other problems
associate with such fasteners relate to the methods associated with
manufacturing and/or assembling these items and the methods for
fastening associated with such items.
[0004] Prior attempts have been made to secure components to
firearms using screws in combination with cam levers, detents and
locking pins but all of these still have disadvantages. Original
designs used simple thumb screws that easily loosened and required
frequent hand tightening in order to remain secure in use. In later
designs, as in U.S. Pat. No. 7,694,450, an eccentric cam is used to
align or adjust the fit of the optical mount to the side of a M14
rifle receiver but a mechanical fastener ultimately holds the mount
to the M14s receiver. Thus, with this design tools are still
required to tighten the mechanical fastener, such as wrenches or
other means of adding torque, and the fastener itself remains
susceptible to loosening due to the vibration that the fastener is
exposed to during the operation of the firearm. In other designs,
as in U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,904, a throw lever connected to a tapered
eccentric cam is used that engages the underside of a Weaver or
Picatinney rail. This design is limited to only rail mounting
systems and requires tools to adjust the ultimate holding force of
the cam. Furthermore, it appears to also be susceptible to
vibration and loosening as evident by the fact the same applicant
has had to add a locking pin to the lever to prevent the lever from
coming loose as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,904.
[0005] Accordingly, it has been determined that a need exists for
an improved fastener and methods relating to same which overcome
the aforementioned limitations and which further provide
capabilities, features and functions, not available in current
fasteners and methods relating to same.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A self locking fastener is disclosed herein which is
self-contained and resists loosening even when used in applications
and environments where the fastener is exposed to vibration. In one
form the present invention provides a self locking screw-type
fastener, methods of manufacturing and/or assembling such
fasteners, and methods of fastening using such fasteners. In
another form, the invention provides a self locking nut-type
fastener, methods of manufacturing and/or assembling such
fasteners, and methods of fastening using such fasteners. In still
other forms, the invention provides components for creating self
locking fasteners using at least in part conventional materials
and/or fasteners, methods of manufacturing and/or assembling such
fasteners, and methods of fastening using such fasteners. In
another form, the invention provides prepackaged kits for
customizable fasteners that purchasers can buy and use to assemble
customized fasteners in accordance with the invention.
[0007] Many methods are also disclosed herein including but not
limited to methods of manufacturing, methods of fastening, methods
for fastening a screw or bolt, methods for fastening a nut or
collar, methods for manufacturing fasteners including a method for
manufacturing a screw or bolt and a method for manufacturing a nut,
and methods of doing business such as methods of packaging
fasteners for sale, methods of providing pre-packaged fasteners
with pre-determined specifications and methods of selling
customizable parts for the construction or assembly of customized
fasteners for purchase.
[0008] These and other embodiments and methods of the invention
will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon
reading the detailed description of the invention that follows
below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention will be explained in exemplary embodiments
with reference to drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a screw type
fastener in accordance with one form of the present invention;
[0011] FIGS. 1B-F are perspective, plan, front elevational, bottom
and side elevational views of the fastener of FIG. 1, respectively,
with the cam handle in the unlocked position;
[0012] FIG. 1G is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 1
taken along line G-G in FIG. 1D with the cam handle in the unlocked
position;
[0013] FIGS. 1H-L are perspective, plan, front elevational, bottom
and side elevational views of the fastener of FIG. 1, respectively,
with the cam handle in the locked position;
[0014] FIG. 1M is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 1
taken along line M-M in FIG. 1J with the cam handle in the locked
position;
[0015] FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of a nut type
fastener in accordance with another form of the present
invention;
[0016] FIGS. 2B-F are perspective, plan, front elevational, bottom
and side elevational views of the fastener of FIG. 2, respectively,
with the cam handle in the unlocked position;
[0017] FIG. 2G is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 2
taken along line G-G in FIG. 2D with the cam handle in the unlocked
position;
[0018] FIGS. 2H-L are perspective, plan, front elevational, bottom
and side elevational views of the fastener of FIG. 2 with the cam
handle in the locked position;
[0019] FIG. 2M is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 2
taken along line M-M in FIG. 2J with the cam handle in the locked
position;
[0020] FIGS. 3A-C are perspective views of alternate fastener
components in accordance with other forms of the present
invention;
[0021] FIGS. 4A-D are perspective, rear elevational, side
elevational and plan views of the fastener of FIG. 2, respectively,
illustrating the possible deflection that the washer can incur if
the fastener is setup with such a configuration;
[0022] FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 2
taken along line E-E in FIG. 4B, further illustrating the possible
deflection that the washer can incur if the fastener is setup with
such a configuration;
[0023] FIGS. 5A-B are perspective views of alternate scope mounts
in accordance with the present invention, with FIG. 5A illustrating
a Weaver type mount and FIG. 5B illustrating a Pickatinny type
mount; and
[0024] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a screw type
fastener in accordance with one form of the present invention
illustrating an additional sleeve.
[0025] While the invention will be described in connection with
preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not
intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the
contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications
and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of
the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore,
skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are
illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily
been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the
elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other
elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of
the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements
that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment
are typically not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed
view of these various embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] Self locking fasteners in accordance with the invention are
disclosed herein and will be discussed in further detail below. In
addition methods associated with said fastener are also disclosed
including, but not limited to, methods of fastening, methods of
manufacturing and assembling a fastener, methods of customizing a
fastener and methods of packaging and selling a fastener.
[0027] In one form, the self locking fastener comprises a screw or
bolt with a cup and a cam locking mechanism, such as a pin as
illustrated in FIGS. 1A-M. In this embodiment the screw or bolt is
designed with a shoulder portion, such as ring (32) located above
the threaded shaft or shank (38) of the screw or bolt, with an
upper head (30) that is located above the ring (32) and spaced
apart therefrom to define an opening, such as groove (34), that a
portion of locking pin (40) will occupy when the screw is inserted
in the cup (10) and the locking pin (40) is inserted through the
opening (12) of cup (10) as will be described further below. The
upper head (30) preferably being of a certain thickness and
diameter to be strong enough but enable a certain amount of
deflection so as to develop a suitable amount of force between the
head of the screw (30), the locking pin (40) and the cup (10), when
assembled. In alternate embodiments, the ring (32) and/or shaft
(44) of locking pin (40) may alternatively be designed to provide
deflection instead of, or in addition to, the upper head (30) of
the screw.
[0028] The cup (10) is formed as a round cylinder with a stepped
interior that is designed to fit around the screw ring (32) and
around the screw head (30), which in this embodiment has a larger
diameter than the diameter of the ring (32). A hole (12)
perpendicular to the primary axis of the cylinder, on a chord
across the cylinder, serves to orient the locking pin (40) in the
groove (34) between the ring (32) and the head of the screw (30).
In alternate forms, the cup (10) may be shaped as a simple sleeve,
rather than a cup, with an opening to position the locking pin (40)
in the groove (34).
[0029] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the locking pin
(40) comprises a round wire bent into a D shape to form a clip, and
having a flattened portion (44) along the straight section of the
"D" shaped clip which creates a D shaped cross section at least
along the portion that is inserted into the cup (10). As may be
better understood from looking at FIGS. 1G and 1M, the orientation
of this D shape cross section allows the cup (10) to be closer to
the screw head (30) with the D in the "up" position or with the
flattened portion (44) of pin (40) facing up (see FIGS. 1G cross
section). When the D rotates toward the "down" position or when the
flattened portion (44) is moved to a position other than facing up
(see FIG. 1M cross section), the cup (10) is held further away from
the screw head (30) thereby causing the screw head (30) to deflect
and exert downward pressure via the locking pin (40) on the cup
(10).
[0030] In the form illustrated, the locking pin (40) includes an
integrated tool that may be of other use for the particular
application the fastener will be used in. For example, in FIGS.
1A-M, the pin (40) includes a hex key or head (46) for use
tightening down and/or loosening bolts or screws with hexagonal
head sockets like those used on rifles and/or in connection with
rifle scopes and scope mounts. Thus, the fastener depicted serves
as a multi-function tool in that it can be used both as a tool and
a self locking fastener all in one. In alternate forms, other types
of tools may be provided including but not limited to screwdrivers,
punches, etc., or alternatively no additional tool end (46) may be
provided. It should also be appreciated that the locking pin (40)
may be designed with a variety of different shapes. For example,
instead of leaving a larger gap between the distal end of the
handle and the flattened portion (44) or tool end (46), the pin
(40) could be provided with minimal gap so that it serves as more
of an R pin or hairpin cotter pin that secures the pin (40) to the
cup (10) when inserted through the cup (10). In yet other forms,
the locking pin (40) could be designed as a simple shaft with a
cammed surface instead of a handled pin as shown. Such a shaft
could be designed with a ridge or bump to lock the pin into the cup
(10) if desired. In still other embodiments other conventional
types of pin and shaft designs may be used.
[0031] Now turning back to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
1A-M, with the screw head (30) inside the cup (10), at least a
portion of the locking pin (40) can be passed through the alignment
hole (12) in the cup (10), effectively holding all three pieces of
the assembly together. With the D shaped cross section portion of
the locking pin (40) in the "up" position or the flattened portion
(44) facing up (see FIG. 1G cross section) the screw can be
threaded into a mating hole (e.g., an internally threaded bore, an
internally threaded nut, etc.). When the screw is hand tight, the D
clip can be rotated to the "down" position where the flattened
portion (44) is not facing up (see FIG. 1M cross section),
effectively increasing the distance between the bottom of the cup
(10) and the top of the head (30) of the screw. This increase in
thickness (relating to the cam action of the pin (40)) is sized to
create a substantial amount of force on the cup, effectively
torquing the screw against the surface containing the mating hole
that the screw has been threaded into or the surface that is
positioned between the screw head (30) and the nut the fastener is
being threaded into (if used in such a configuration).
[0032] In a preferred form, the screw head (30) and cup (10) are
designed with a mating configuration that prevents the screw from
rotating with respect to the cup (10) once positioned within cup
(10). For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-M, the
screw head (30) and cup (10) are designed with matching rosette
patterns (36, 20) that allow the screw head (30) to be positioned
within the cup (10) in a variety of different rotational
directions, but then prevent rotational movement of the screw head
(30) (and thus the screw) once inserted into the cup (10) due to
the matching rosette pattern of the inner wall of the cup (10). The
screw head (30) rests on the step (14) formed inside the cylinder
of cup (10). In the form illustrated the rosette pattern provides
twelve different orientations that the screw can be placed in with
respect to the cup (10). In alternate embodiments, different mating
configurations may be used providing as many different orientations
(or plurality of orientations) as may be desired. For example,
symmetrical mating configurations such as triangular, rectangular,
hexagonal, Torx, starred or toothed, etc. shaped designs may be
used to allow the screw head (30) to fit within the cup (10) while
still preventing rotation. In yet other examples, asymmetric
designs may be used to ensure that the screw head (30) (and thus
screw) can only be fit within the cup (10) in one orientation. In
still other embodiments, no mating structure may be used, for
example, if rotation of the screw is desired within the cup (10).
In the latter embodiment, the cup (10) may be designed with a
threaded opening, if desired, and a set screw may be disposed in
the threaded opening and used to fix the screw into a desired
position with respect to the cup (10).
[0033] The cup (10) may also be formed with a design or surface to
aid in preventing the cup (10) from rotating with respect to the
surface of anything it comes into contact with. For example, in the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-M, the lower surface or bottom
of the cup (10) is designed with a scalloped pattern (18) to create
a frictional engagement between the bottom of the cup (and thus the
cup itself) and whatever surface the bottom of the cup comes into
contact with (e.g., the abutted surface). In yet other forms, a
variety of different designs, surfaces (or surface textures), or
coatings may be used on the bottom of the cup (10) to accomplish
the above described frictional engagement between the cup and the
surface it comes into contact with. For example, in one form a
textured surface may be used on the bottom of cup (10) to create a
frictional engagement between the cup (10) and the surface it comes
into contact with when the fastener is attached to something. In
another form a sticky coating may be applied to the bottom of the
cup (10) to create such a frictional engagement. For example an
adhesive, such as glue or double sided tape, may be applied to the
bottom of the cup (10) to create the frictional engagement. In the
case of double sided tape, for example, the tape may already be
applied to the bottom surface of cup (10) on one side and a
peelable film or membrane may be left over the opposite, exposed
side of the tape so that a user can remove this film and membrane
when they wish to have the cup (10) form a frictional engagement
with whatever surface it comes into contact with. In still other
forms, the bottom of the cup (10) may be designed with protrusions,
such as angled barbs, that dig into the surface of whatever the
fastener is being connected to in order to prevent rotation, or
protrusions that engage a like pattern in the mating surface. In
some application, however a cup (10) with a smooth bottom surface
may be desired and therefore used. In yet other forms, all of these
alternate designs, surfaces or coatings may be implemented on the
ring (32) either in addition to or in lieu of the cup (10), if
desired. It should also be appreciated that all of the alternate
embodiments mentioned above may be used or implemented in the
alternate fastener forms that will be discussed further below.
[0034] Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-M, a self locking
fastener is disclosed that is self-contained and resists loosening
even when used in applications and environments where the fastener
is exposed to vibration or shock. Unlike conventional fasteners,
the cam actuator (40) is contained within the cup (10) and does not
need to come into direct contact with the article that is being
fastened. When actuated the cam actuator (40) applies force on the
cup (10) to engage an external surface of one of the articles being
fastened thereby causing the articles to be secured or clamped
together so that one cannot move with respect to the other. In the
form illustrated the screw head (30) serves as a spring that allows
the fastener to apply the force on cup (10) which ultimately causes
the clamping of the articles being fastened together.
[0035] Turning now to FIGS. 2A-M, in another form, the invention
may comprise a fastener such as a nut with a cup, sleeve, washer
and a cam locking mechanism. In this embodiment, the fastener is
designed with a cup (10) and pin (40) similar to those discussed
above with respect to FIGS. 1A-M, however, the fastener also
includes a sleeve (220) and a washer (230). The sleeve (220) has a
shoulder portion (226) with an inner collar (228) extending upward
therefrom and a flattened side wall and step (224) on one side
which engages the pin (40) when inserted through the holes (12) of
cup (10). The inner collar (228) is coaxially aligned with the
remainder of the sleeve (220) and has an inner opening that is
larger in diameter than at least a portion of the remaining opening
(222) defined by the sleeve (220) in order to form an inner
shoulder or step within the diameter of the inner collar (228). In
a preferred form the inner collar comprises a tubular rivet which
the washer (230) can be positioned about via opening (232) and then
the collar can be deformed (e.g., upset or bucked) to secure the
washer (230) to the sleeve (220). Once connected in this manner the
washer (230) and flattened side wall and step (224) form an
opening, like opening (34) mentioned above, that can be aligned
with the openings (12) of cup (10) to form a channel so that
locking pin (40) can be inserted into the assembly through the
channel formed by these parts.
[0036] With the washer (230) and sleeve (220) connected and
inserted inside the cup (10), at least a portion of the locking pin
(40) can be passed through the alignment holes (12) in the cup
(10), effectively holding all four pieces of the assembly together.
In the form illustrated, the remaining opening (222) of sleeve
(220) may be threaded or partially threaded in order to accept a
mating fastener such as a bolt or screw. Thus, when the D shaped
cross section portion (44) of the locking pin (40) is in the "up"
position or with the flattened portion (44) facing up (see FIG. 2G
cross-section) the nut can be threaded onto the mating screw or
bolt and when the nut is hand tight, the D clip (40) can be rotated
to the "down" position where the flattened portion (44) is not
facing up (see FIG. 2M cross-section), effectively increasing the
distance between the bottom of the cup (10) and the washer (230)
thereby causing the downward pressure on the nut to secure the nut
and its mating fastener in position. As in FIGS. 1A-M, this
increase in thickness (relating to the cam action of the pin (40))
is sized to create a substantial amount of force on the cup (10),
effectively torquing the nut against the surface adjacent the nut
and through which the mating fastener has been inserted.
[0037] Although a rivet configuration is used to secure the washer
(230) to the sleeve (220), it should be understood that other
fastening techniques and configurations may be used to secure the
washer (230) to the sleeve (220) (e.g., interference fit, welding,
pin or pins inserted through the collar (222) above the washer to
secure the washer to the sleeve (220), set screws or simply posts
threaded above the washer to prevent its removal, detents on the
collar that the washer gets pressed over and then secured on the
sleeve thereby, ball and detent configurations, etc.). In fact in
other embodiments, the washer (230) may be formed integrally with
the sleeve (220) so long as the washer (230) continues to allow the
appropriate amount of deflection required to allow the necessary
movement of the pin (40) to take place (e.g., to allow the above
described cam or camming action to take place). If desired, the
fastener could be designed such that the sleeve with integral
washer could then be interference fit into the cup (10). In still
others forms, the washer may be replaced with a threaded cap that
screws onto the collar (222) and provides a surface for capturing
the pin (40) while still allowing for deflection (e.g., if the
fastener nut is not setup with the pin to deflect or the step (224)
to deflect). In yet other forms, the nut fastener may be configured
such that the sleeve (220) itself forms the groove within which the
pin (40) is inserted and the sleeve is interference fit (e.g., like
a press fit nut) into or reverse threaded into the cup (10).
[0038] It also should be understood that although the cup (10) and
sleeve (220) are illustrated as having cylindrical configurations,
these parts could take various other sizes and shapes in alternate
embodiments if desired. For example, both the cup (10) and sleeve
(220) could be configured with square or rectangular shapes. In one
form, the shape of the sleeve (220) may be configured so that it
matches a mating shape of the inner opening of the cup (10) so that
the sleeve (220) cannot be rotated with respect to the cup (10) (or
rotated separate and apart from the cup (10)) when disposed within
the cup (10), (in a manner similar to that discussed above with
respect to the mating shapes of the screw head (30) and cup opening
(20) of FIGS. 1A-M).
[0039] Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-M, a self locking nut
type fastener is disclosed that is self-contained and resists
loosening even when used in applications and environments where the
fastener is exposed to vibration or shock. Unlike conventional
fasteners, the cam actuator (40) is contained within the cup (10)
and does not need to come into direct contact with the article that
is being fastened. When actuated the cam actuator (40) applies
force on the cup (10) to engage an external surface of one of the
articles being fastened thereby causing the articles to be secured
or clamped together so that one cannot move with respect to the
other. In the form illustrated the washer (230) serves as a spring
that allows the fastener to apply the force on cup (10) which
ultimately causes the clamping of the articles being fastened
together.
[0040] In yet another form, the invention may comprise a collar
similar to the nut configuration illustrated in FIGS. 2A-M, but
which may be used with a conventional fastener such as a screw or
bolt to form a self locking fastener similar to that described in
FIGS. 1A-M. For example, in the form illustrated in FIGS. 3A-C, a
conventional screw or bolt could be inserted into the central
opening (222) of the sleeve (220) so that the assembled component
would look somewhat similar to the assembly of FIG. 1 and could be
screwed or threaded into a mating opening when the pin (40) is in
the "up" position or with the flattened portion (44) facing up,
tightened until hand tight, and then locked into position by
rotating the pin (40) into the "down" position or with the
flattened portion (44) in a position other than facing up. The
conventional screw or bolt could be captured within or by the inner
collar (228) during the deforming step of the tubular rivet so that
the upsetting or bucking of the rivet (228) not only secures the
washer (230) to sleeve (220), but also provides an obstruction
preventing the conventional fastener from being removed from the
inner opening (222) of sleeve (220).
[0041] A portion of the central opening (222) of the sleeve (220)
could also be configured to have a shape that mates with the head
of the conventional fastener to ensure that the conventional
fastener will rotate along with the rotation of the sleeve (220)
and/or cup (10) and not independently of one and/or both of these
parts. For example, in one form at least a portion of the central
opening (222) may form a hexagonal socket within which the hex head
of a conventional fastener is inserted (e.g., disposed or nested)
so that the conventional fastener cannot be rotated independent of
the sleeve (220). Other mating configurations or shapes could
alternatively be used as discussed above with respect to the mating
shapes of the screw head (30) and cup opening (20) of FIGS. 1A-M.
For example, the conventional fastener could be interference fit
(e.g., press fit, friction fit, etc.) into the inner opening (222)
of sleeve (220) so that it does not rotate with respect to the
sleeve (220) and/or cup (10). In one such form, the head of the
conventional fastener may be star shaped (or starred) and press fit
into the sleeve (220) like a press fit nut. In yet other
embodiments, the fastener may comprise a threaded shank (238)
disposed in sleeve (220) and secured thereto via a set screw (239)
as shown in FIG. 3A. The sleeve (220) may also be designed with a
shape that accommodates conventional tools, such as the rectangular
head configuration illustrated which can be rotated using
conventional sockets, pliers or wrenches, or alternate designs such
as sockets for conventional screwdrivers. Besides providing a flat
surface to prevent rotation of the sleeve (220) and shank (238)
from rotating with respect to the cup (10) when the cam (40) is
inserted through the openings (12) of the cup (10) and the fastener
is fully assembled, another advantage to the rectangular shaped
sleeve head illustrated in FIG. 3A is that the sleeve (220) can be
positioned in one of four different orientations with respect to
the cup (10) and the cam (40). Thus, if the fastener is not capable
of giving the desired amount of clamping force when the shank and
sleeve head are in a particular orientation, the cam (40) can be
removed from the fastener and the shank (238) and sleeve head (220)
can be positioned in a different orientation with respect to the
cup (10) to see if the desired clamping force can be obtained.
Alternatively, if desired the sleeve (220) could be designed with a
scalloped pattern to provide additional orientations that the
sleeve (220) could be positioned in with respect to the cup (10).
With this configuration, shanks could be provided in a variety of
different sizes, external thread pitches, diameters, etc., so that
the fastener can be customized to suit the specific application
intended.
[0042] Similarly, in addition to the fasteners themselves and the
sale of a variety of different pre-packaged fasteners with
pre-determined specifications, the manufacture and sale of
individual parts and fittings for the fasteners is contemplated as
well in order to allow end users to further customize the fasteners
as they desire. For example, if an end user wished to use a
different conventional fastener for the embodiment discussed
immediately above, the end user could move the pin (40) into the
"up" position so that the pin (40) can be removed from the cup (10)
and the fastener can be disassembled. Spare sleeves (220) and
washers (230) could be provided for purchase that would give the
end user this flexibility. Thus, if the end user originally
purchased a collar in accordance with the embodiment discussed
above that was meant for use with a hex head conventional fastener
and later changed his or her mind and wanted a collar that worked
with a conventional fastener via an interference fit, spare sleeve
(220) and washer (230) parts of this type could be provided either
separately or as a kit. Similarly, if an end user purchased a nut
in accordance with the description of FIG. 2 above and wanted to
change the thread pitch or type of bolt or screw the nut worked
with, spare sleeves (220) and/or washers (230) to accommodate this
request could be provided either separately or as a kit. Still
another request may require differing locking forces where the end
user could request varying washer (230) thicknesses to accomplish
this.
[0043] For convenience, the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-M and 2A-M are
illustrated without showing any actual deflection of the materials
illustrated for each embodiment because it is contemplated that
fasteners made in accordance with the concepts discussed herein
could use deflecting or bending screw heads (30) or washers (230)
or, alternatively, could use cam shafts (44) or cups (10) that
deflect or bend, or even a combination of any of these in order to
lock the fastener in place. In a preferred form, however, the screw
head (30) and washer (230) are designed to deflect when the cam
shaft (44) is rotated between the "up" and "down" positions (or
unlocked and locked positions, respectively). For example, in FIGS.
4A-E, the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-M is illustrated showing the
washer (230) being deflected up when the cam shaft (44) is in the
locking position. Often times, this deflection will be so minimal
that it is almost imperceptible to the ordinary observer, however,
the downward force this puts on the cup (10) is very much
appreciable and secures the fastener in place such that it resists
loosening even when exposed to vibration. The screw head (30) of
FIGS. 1A-M would operate in much the same way as the washer (230)
in FIGS. 4A-E (e.g., with the screw head (30) deflecting up when
the cam shaft (44) is moved from the released position of FIG. 1G
to the locked position of FIG. 1M). As discussed in the paragraph
immediately above, the washer (230) and screw head (30) can be
provided in varying thicknesses to achieve the desired amount of
downward force placed on cup (10). It also should be appreciated
that varying amounts of clamping force can be asserted simply by
deciding how tight to turn or rotate the fastener before actuating
or moving the cam (40) from the unlocked or released position
illustrated in FIGS. 1G and 2G to the locked or secured position
illustrated in FIGS. 1M and 2M. For example, in some applications
it may be sufficient to rotate the fastener until the bottom of
ring (32) or sleeve (220) just barely engages the abutting surface
of the piece the fastener is being rotated into engagement with
while still allowing the fastener to not vibrate loose. This will
likely make the cam (40) easy to maneuver between the unlocked and
locked positions by leaving a bigger gap between the bottom of the
cup (10) and the abutting surface so that the cup (10) can easily
be moved into and out of engagement with the abutting surface when
the cam (40) is moved between the locking and unlocking positions,
respectively. In other applications, it may be desirable to rotate
the fastener until the bottom of ring (32) or sleeve (220)
thoroughly engages the abutting surface thereby making the cam (40)
more difficult to maneuver between the unlocked and locked
positions by leaving a smaller gap (if any) between the bottom of
cup (10) and the abutting surface so that the cap (10) is harder to
move into and out of engagement with the abutting surface. It
should be understood that one benefit of keeping a gap between the
bottom of the cup (10) and the abutting surface is to prevent the
bottom of cup (10) from scraping or marring the abutting surface
while the fastener is being rotated into further engagement with
this surface. Thus, in the form illustrated, the scalloped design
of the bottom of cup (10) only engages the abutting surface when
the cam (40) is moved between the locked and unlocked position (or
when the cup (10) is driven into and out of engagement with the
abutting surface, respectively). However, as discussed above, in
alternate embodiments the fastener may be designed so that the
frictional design or surface of bottom of cup (10) engages the
abutting surface earlier and digs into the surface to ensure that
the cup (10) solidly engages the abutting surface and/or is
prevented from rotating or moving with respect thereto.
[0044] In view of the above, it should be understood that many
methods are also disclosed herein including but not limited to
methods of manufacturing, methods of fastening, methods of doing
business and the like. For example, disclosed herein are methods
for manufacturing fasteners including a method for manufacturing a
screw or bolt and a method for manufacturing a nut. In addition,
disclosed herein are methods of fastening including a method for
fastening a screw or bolt and a method for fastening a nut or
collar. Still further, methods of doing business such as methods of
packaging fasteners for sale are disclosed herein including a
method of providing pre-packaged fasteners with pre-determined
specifications and a method of selling customizable parts for the
construction or assembly of customized fasteners for purchase.
Similarly, it should be understood that the variety of alternate
embodiments described above for each form of the faster could be
used or implemented on any of the fasteners disclosed or
contemplated by the disclosure herein.
[0045] It should also be understood that many different materials
may be used to manufacture fasteners in accordance with the
concepts discussed herein. In the embodiments illustrated and
discussed above, the components may be constructed of materials
including, but not limited to, 4140 quenched and tempered steel for
the screw (30) illustrated in FIGS. 1A-M, oil hardened 1075 and
1095 spring steel and 200 series stainless steel for the washer
(230) illustrated in FIGS. 2A-M and 4A-E, and ring (40). The cup
can be machined from 1020, 1045, 12L14 4140 quenched and tempered
steel and stainless steel. For mass production the sleeve (220) and
the cup (10) could be injection molded out of zinc. Still in other
lighter applications aluminum alloys could be used for components
or a combination of aluminum and steel could be used. For example,
in one form requiring a lighter fastener, everything except the
spring washer (230) and the ring (40) could be provided in aluminum
alloy. In yet other forms, polymers such as plastic may be used to
construct fasteners in accordance with the concepts discussed
herein or combinations of plastics and metal may be use to
construct such fasteners.
[0046] In addition, it should be understood that fasteners in
accordance with the concepts discussed herein may be used for a
variety of different applications. Some examples of applications
for these fasteners include, but are not limited to, mounting
hardware and components in the fields of photography, recreational
equipment, industrial components, firearm accessories, automotive
components, aircraft and aerospace. Any application that requires
mounting or holding of a component to another or the closing of
items by use of a fastener and is beneficial to lock and unlock
without tools and create a holding force that is vibration
resistant to loosening or un-tightening.
[0047] For example, in one specific application, scope mounts are
sold for firearms that use thumb screws for securing the scope
mount and ultimately the scope to the firearm. During use,
conventional thumb screws often (if not always) loosen due to the
vibration experienced by the screw during operation or repeated
operation of the weapon. In later designs, such as in U.S. Pat. No.
7,694,450, an eccentric cam is used to align or adjust the fit of
the optical mount to the side of a M14 rifle receiver but a
mechanical fastener ultimately holds the mount to the M14s
receiver. Thus, with this design tools are still required to
tighten the mechanical fastener, such as wrenches or other means of
adding torque, and the fastener itself remains susceptible to
loosening due to the vibration that the fastener is exposed to
during the operation of the firearm. In other designs, such as in
U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,904, a throw lever connected to a tapered
eccentric cam is used that engages the underside of a Weaver or
Picatinney rail. This design is limited to only rail mounting
systems and requires tools to adjust the ultimate holding force of
the cam. Furthermore, it appears to also be susceptible to
vibration and loosening as evident by the fact the same applicant
has had to add a locking pin to the lever to prevent the lever from
coming loose as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No.
2006/0207156.
[0048] As is evident by the problems that are associated with the
above-referenced patents, there still remains a need to provide a
fastener that allows the user to secure components to firearms or
other bodies with a shock and vibration resistant holding force but
without the need for tools. The locking fastener disclosed herein
is different from prior art fasteners in at least one way because
it possesses the ability to be tightened hand tight and then by use
of a self contained cam lever, add an additional securing force to
resist loosening due to shock and vibration. This design is
flexible in that it can be used as a screw, nut or a receiver that
accepts a variety of different pre-manufactured screws and bolts,
giving the user many different configurations and sizes to choose
from. This screw can easily be fit for use with many existing
optical mounts currently on the market but would have the benefit
of a fastener that does not require tools for assembly and provides
a shock and vibration resistant holding force.
[0049] In FIGS. 5A-B, scope mounts in accordance with the invention
are illustrated for a rifle, such as an M1A or M14 rifle, which use
a fastener similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 1A-M in place of
the conventional thumb screw that would otherwise be used for such
application. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A, a Weaver
style scope mount (400) is shown having a bracket, such as side
plate or receiver plate (402), and a base, such as scope mounting
bracket (404), with Weaver style scope rings (406 and 408) for
connecting a scope to the scope mount (404). The side plate (402)
is connected to the rifle via the fastener of FIGS. 1A-M by
unlocking the fastener (as shown in FIG. 1G) and rotating the
fastener until the bottom of ring (32) engages the abutting surface
of the side plate (402) and then rotating the cam (40) into the
locked position (as shown in FIG. 1M) using handle (42) so that the
bottom of cup (10) is driven into engagement with the abutting
surface to lock the fastener in position or place. Once connected
in this manner, the fastener will resist loosening due to vibration
experienced during operation of the firearm thereby keeping the
scope mount and scope securely fastened to the firearm. The tool
end 46 of the cam (40) is equipped with a hex key for tightening
and loosening hex head socket screws used elsewhere on the rifle
and/or the rifle mount (e.g., like those used to secure the scope
rings (406 and 408) to the scope mount (404) and those used to
secure the side panel (402) to the scope mounting bracket (404),
etc.). An additional benefit of the illustrated scope mount design
is that it positions the scope low over the barrel of the rifle so
that the rifle operator gets a comfortable and accurate scope
position to use while firing.
[0050] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5B, a Picatinny style
scope mount (430) is shown having a side plate (432) and a scope
mounting bracket (434) each with a row of picatinny rails (432a)
and (434a), respectively. The scope mount (430) may be connected to
the rifle using a fastener like the one illustrated in FIGS. 1A-M
in a manner similar to that discussed above with respect to scope
mount 400. In the form illustrated, the picatinny rails (432a and
434a) form a tenon for mating with a corresponding mortise or
mortises located on accessories to be attached to the rails in a
tenon and mortis or dovetail configuration. In this form, scope
rings would be connected to the picatinny rail (434a) of the scope
mount bracket (434) while other accessories, such as flashlights,
laser pointers, laser range finders, etc., could be attached to the
picatinny rail (432a) of the side plate (432).
[0051] Although the scope mounts illustrated have been Weaver style
and Picatinny style, it should be understood that fasteners in
accordance with the concepts disclosed herein could be used on many
other styles of scope mounts (e.g., 22 rings/Tip-off rings/dovetail
rings, Redfield/Leupold style mounts, dual dovetail systems,
clamp-on mounts, etc.), as well as many other completely different
applications beyond just scope mounts. For simplicity and
convenience, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,694,450 and 7,272,904 and U.S. Patent
Application No. 2006/0207156 are hereby incorporated herein by
referenced in their entirety, rather than reciting several
paragraphs that would end up being redundant to that which is
disclosed in these documents.
[0052] In still other embodiments, the fastener disclosed herein
may be equipped with additional items, such as an outer sleeve, to
help assist in the operation of the fastener and/or identify the
type of fastener or application the fastener is suited for. For
example, an outer sleeve made of a polymeric material (either
natural or synthetic), such as a plastic or rubber, may be used to
surround the fastener and assist in holding the locking pin in
place (e.g., holding the pin in the position it is left in by a
user and/or prevent the pin from sliding out of the fastener). This
sleeve may also protect the fastener and/or the surrounding
environment (e.g., the surface or surfaces to which the fastener is
being attached). In addition, the sleeve may be provided in a
variety of different colors to customize the fastener or designate
some property of the fastener or its intended application (e.g.,
providing a user preferred design, designating thread pitch,
threaded shaft size, spring tension, metric/English, etc.). Methods
associated with the addition of this outer sleeve and/or its uses
are also contemplated.
[0053] An example of such an alternate embodiment is illustrated in
FIG. 6. For convenience, items that are similar to those discussed
above will use similar two-digit reference numerals, however, with
the addition of the prefix "6" simply to distinguish one embodiment
from another. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 shows a
variation of the previous fastener embodiments with the addition of
a spline pattern (639) on the shoulder (632) of screw (630) which
meshes or mates with the spline pattern (622) of cup (610). This
spline engagement prevents the screw (630) from rotating with
respect to the cup (610), similar to the rosette engagement of the
embodiment shown and discussed in FIGS. 1A-H above. The embodiment
of FIG. 6 also shows the addition of a sleeve (650) which is fitted
to the cup (610) and abuts to the shoulder (624) of the cup (610).
The sleeve (650) provides a means of capturing the locking pin
(640) by means of a key (656) inside the sleeve passage (652) that
engages a groove (646) in the end of the locking pin (640). Thus
the locking pin (640) is prevented from sliding forward or aft
along the secondary axis normal to the primary axis of the
fastener. Only by rotating the locking pin (640) to a specific
orientation relative to the sleeve key (656) and the locking pin
flat (648) is it possible to remove or insert the locking pin (640)
past the sleeve key (656). This engagement prevents involuntary
disassembly of the fastener components. By means of a slightly
undersized sleeve hole (652) compared to the locking pin diameter
(640), the locking pin (640) resists rotating when engaged in the
sleeve hole (652). This resistance keeps the locking pin in a set
orientation until the user chooses to move or rotate the locking
pin (640). The sleeve (650) being made of a compliant material also
provides abrasion resistance to other surfaces that may come into
contact with the screw assembly, as well as providing a means of
color coding.
[0054] As mentioned above, a variety of sleeve colors or designs
may be used to customize and/or differentiate one fastener type
from another. For example, different colors could allow the end
user to specify varying bolt grip force, different threads,
different measurement systems or scales, etc. For example, a line
of fasteners may be provided using different colors to designate
metric fasteners from Imperial fasteners. In another form,
different colors may be used to differentiate between fasteners of
varying grip force or spring tension. In other forms, different
colors may be used to designate different thread pitches or
different fastener sizes. In still other forms, different colors
may be used simply to allow the user to customize his or her bolts
for a desired purpose. For example, fasteners may be contracted for
and purchased in a specific color in keeping with a consumer's
desired trade dress or color scheme for a particular product or
product line. Alternatively, an on-demand customization business
model may be adopted (whether pre or post sale) that allows
consumers to designate specific designs or colors they wish the
sleeve to be produced in. For example, a particular camouflage
design may be requested by a hunting or sporting goods chain for
fasteners to be sold in their stores, or a particular
design/pattern may be requested by a rifle scope manufacture for
fasteners to be sold with their scope mounts.
[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the sleeve (650) may also be
configured to be symmetric along the secondary normal axis of the
primary fastener axis so it can be orientated to be left or right
handed. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated, the fastener is shown
configured for a left-handed person, however, the outer sleeve
(650) could be flipped over and the actuator (640) repositioned to
align with the sleeve so that the fastener is more comfortable for
a right-handed person to use. It should also be noted that the
spline and or sleeve is not restricted to the view shown in FIG. 6
and could be used in combination with any of the previous
embodiment discussed.
[0056] In FIG. 6, the fastener is illustrated with the handle or
actuator (40) in a locked or lowered position so that the flat
(644) is positioned away from the lower surface of the fastener
head (630). In this configuration (assuming assembled and not
exploded as shown), the actuator (640) cams against the fastener
head (630), thereby increasing frictional engagement between the
fastener head (630) and the cup (610) and between the lower surface
(618) of cup (610) (and optionally ring (632) as mentioned above)
and the surface to which the fastener is connected. In this
embodiment, the actuator (640) cannot be removed from the fastener
and the fastener assembly cannot be disassembled while the actuator
(640) is in this position.
[0057] The actuator (640), could be rotated ninety degrees from the
position illustrated in FIG. 6 to an upright position (similar to
that shown in FIGS. 1A-G and 2A-G for prior embodiments) to put the
actuator (640) in an unlocked position so that the flat (644) is
positioned near or adjacent the lower surface of fastener head
(630). In this configuration, no cam effect is applied to the cup
(610) or head (630) and the fastener can be rotated (e.g.,
tightened, loosened, etc.) with respect to the surface to which the
fastener is connected. However, unlike the embodiments illustrated
in FIGS. 1A-2M, the actuator (640) would not be removable from the
fastener and/or the fastener could not be disassembled simply by
placing the actuator (640) in the upright position. Rather, in view
of the shape/configuration of key opening (656) of the sleeve
passage (658), the actuator (640) would have to be rotated another
ninety degrees (or one hundred and eighty degrees from that shown
in FIG. 6) in order to align the flat (644) with the corresponding
flat wall of key 656 in order to remove the actuator (640) from the
fastener and/or disassemble the fastener. It should be understood
that when the actuator (640) is in this position (e.g., one hundred
eighty degrees from that illustrated in FIG. 6), there could be a
camming force applied between the actuator (640) and fastener head
(630). However, in a preferred form and so long as the fastener has
been unscrewed from tight engagement with the surface to which it
is being connected, the fastener materials will provide sufficient
give to allow for the actuator (640) to be removed from the cup
(610) and outer sleeve (650) so that the fastener can be
disassembled.
[0058] In yet another form, the outer sleeve (650) may be
configured to cover more of the fastener if desired. For example,
in one form, the outer sleeve (650) may form a cover that covers at
least a portion of the screw or bolt head (630) in order to keep
the screw or bolt captured within the cup (610). In this way the
outer sleeve (650) not only helps keep the actuator (640) connected
to the fastener, but also helps keep other portions of the fastener
assembled or connected. In another form, the outer sleeve (650) may
alternatively or in addition, cover at least a portion of the
bottom of the cup (610) (or sleeve if implemented in a nut type
fastener embodiment like that illustrated in FIGS. 2A-M). This
would further assist in making the fastener a non-marring type
fastener to protect the outer surface of the structure to which the
fastener is being connected. For example, in one form the outer
sleeve (650) may form an outer cup type structure into which at
least a portion of cup (610) is disposed. The bottom wall of the
outer cup type structure would define an opening through which the
shank (638) of the fastener would be disposed and would preferably
be thin and tight enough that the scalloped pattern (618) of cup
(610) (or any other texture or design that appears on the bottom
thereof) would be replicated on the bottom of the outer sleeve
(650) to provide similar benefits as those discussed above with
respect to the addition of these patterns, textures or designs. In
this way the outer sleeve (650) forms a coating applied to an
exterior surface of the fastener to prevent the fastener from
marring or abrading a surface to which the fastener is connected.
It should also be understood that in other forms, the cup (610) and
sleeve (650) may be integrated into one component if desired.
[0059] It should also be appreciate that associate methods for
manufacturing, assembling and customizing fasteners like those
discussed above are also contemplated herein. For example, a method
of customizing a fastener using specific designs (including color
alone) to denote a property of or intended use for the fastener is
disclosed herein. Similarly, method of manufacturing non-marring
and abrasion resistant fasteners are disclosed herein, as are
methods for manufacturing ambidextrous fasteners.
[0060] Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in
accordance with the invention, a fastener and methods relating to
same that fully satisfy the objects, aims and advantages set forth
above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with
specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is
intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and
variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *