U.S. patent application number 16/125513 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-03 for ratchet locking mechanism for threaded fastener.
The applicant listed for this patent is Enduralock, LLC. Invention is credited to Harold Hess.
Application Number | 20190003517 16/125513 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45806865 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190003517 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hess; Harold |
January 3, 2019 |
RATCHET LOCKING MECHANISM FOR THREADED FASTENER
Abstract
A fastening device including a fastener having a head portion
and an elongated threaded body portion extending axially from the
head portion. The threaded body portion includes opposing flat
sections. A lock washer has a lower surface with an array of
radially extending engagement teeth. The lock washer also defines
an axial aperture for receiving the fastener. The axial aperture
has two flat inner surfaces for cooperating with the two flat
sections of the threaded body portion to prevent relative rotation
of the washer and threaded body portion. A threaded lock nut mates
with the threaded body portion. The lock nut has an upper surface
with at least one cantilevered pawl members for ratcheted
engagement with the array of radially extending engagement teeth of
the lock washer.
Inventors: |
Hess; Harold; (Leawood,
KS) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Enduralock, LLC |
Lenexa |
KS |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
45806865 |
Appl. No.: |
16/125513 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14983216 |
Dec 29, 2015 |
10094413 |
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16125513 |
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14319453 |
Jun 30, 2014 |
9255600 |
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14983216 |
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13068171 |
May 4, 2011 |
8784027 |
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14319453 |
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61403332 |
Sep 14, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 39/12 20130101;
F16B 39/24 20130101; F16B 39/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16B 39/12 20060101
F16B039/12; F16B 39/24 20060101 F16B039/24; F16B 39/32 20060101
F16B039/32 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A fastening device comprising: a) a fastener having a head
portion and an elongated threaded body portion extending axially
from the head portion; b) a lock member having a lower surface with
a plurality of ratchet teeth, wherein the lock member is coupled to
the threaded body portion for axial movement but is fixed
rotationally; c) a threaded lock nut for rotatably mating with the
threaded body portion; and d) at least one pawl arm coupled to the
threaded lock nut, the at least one pawl arm having at least one
pawl tooth for engagement with the plurality of ratchet teeth.
22. A fastening device as recited in claim 21, wherein the
plurality of ratchet teeth are triangular, each ratchet tooth of
the plurality of ratchet teeth including a hypotenuse extending
axially.
23. A fastening device as recited in claim 22, wherein each ratchet
tooth of the plurality of ratchet teeth includes a leg extending
parallel to the threaded body portion.
24. A fastening device as recited in claim 23, wherein the at least
one pawl tooth is triangular, the at least one pawl tooth including
a hypotenuse and a leg.
25. A fastening device as recited in claim 24, wherein the
hypotenuse of the at least one pawl tooth is arranged to slide
across the ratchet teeth when the threaded lock nut is rotated in a
first direction relative to the lock member, and wherein the leg of
the at least one pawl tooth is arranged to engage at least one of
the legs of the ratchet teeth when the threaded lock nut is rotated
in a second direction relative to the lock member.
26. A fastening device as recited in claim 21, wherein the lock
member has an axial aperture having at least one flat inner surface
cooperating with the at least one longitudinally extending flat
section of the threaded body portion.
27. A fastening device as recited in claim 21, wherein the lock
member and the head portion are separate pieces.
28. A fastening device as recited in claim 21, wherein the threaded
lock nut and the at least one pawl arm are a single piece.
29. A fastening device as recited in claim 21, wherein the threaded
lock nut and the at least one pawl arm are separate pieces.
30. A fastening device as recited in claim 21, wherein the at least
one pawl arm comprises two diametrically opposed pawl arms.
31. A fastening device as recited in claim 21, wherein the at least
one pawl tooth comprises a plurality of pawl teeth on a distal end
of the at least one pawl arm.
32. A fastening device comprising: a) a fastener having a head
portion and an elongated threaded body portion extending axially
from the head portion; b) a lock member having a lower surface with
a plurality of ratchet teeth, wherein the lock member is coupleable
to the threaded body portion to prevent rotation of the lock member
relative to the threaded body portion; and c) a locking structure
for rotatably mating with the threaded body portion, the locking
structure having an upper surface and at least one locking tooth
extending from the upper surface for ratchet engagement with the
plurality of ratchet teeth.
33. A fastening device as recited in claim 32, wherein the
plurality of ratchet teeth are triangular, each ratchet tooth of
the plurality of ratchet teeth including a hypotenuse extending
axially.
34. A fastening device as recited in claim 33, wherein each ratchet
tooth of the plurality of ratchet teeth includes a leg extending
parallel to the threaded body portion.
35. A fastening device as recited in claim 34, wherein the at least
one locking tooth is triangular, the at least one locking tooth
including a hypotenuse and a leg.
36. A fastening device as recited in claim 35, wherein the
hypotenuse of the at least one locking tooth is arranged to slide
across the ratchet teeth when the locking structure is rotated in a
first direction relative to the lock member, and wherein the leg of
the at least one locking tooth is arranged to engage at least one
of the legs of the ratchet teeth when the locking structure is
rotated in a second direction relative to the lock member.
37. A fastening device as recited in claim 32, wherein the lock
member and the head portion are separate pieces.
38. A fastening device as recited in claim 32, wherein the at least
one locking tooth is on a distal end of a pawl arm.
39. A fastening device comprising: a) a fastener having a head
portion and an elongated threaded body portion extending axially
from the head portion, the threaded body portion including at least
one longitudinally extending flat section; b) a lock washer having
opposed upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface having an array
of radially extending engagement teeth, wherein the lock washer
defines an axial aperture for receiving the threaded body portion
of the fastener, the axial aperture having at least one inner
surface cooperating with the at least one longitudinally extending
section of the threaded body portion to prevent relative rotation
of the lock washer and threaded body portion; and c) a threaded
lock nut for rotatably mating with the threaded body portion, the
threaded lock nut having opposed upper and lower surfaces, the
upper surface of the threaded lock nut having a plurality of pawl
teeth for ratcheted engagement with the array of radially extending
engagement teeth of the lock washer.
40. A fastening as recited in claim 39, wherein the plurality of
pawl teeth are on a distal end of at least one pawl arm.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/403,332 filed Sep. 14, 2010, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The subject invention is directed generally to fasteners,
and more particularly, to a ratcheting locking mechanism for
threaded fasteners.
2. Background of the Related Art
[0003] Threaded fasteners designed to lock male and female threaded
components together are well known in the art and include, for
example, lock washers, blind thread bores filled with resilient
inserts and screw thread profiles that deform when tightened.
Fasteners with self-locking accessories such as cotter pins and
lock wires are also known. Other examples of self-locking threaded
fasteners are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,468 to DiStacio on
Oct. 24, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,378 to Van der Drift on Jul. 23,
1996; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,708 to Van der Drift et al. on Feb.
3, 1998, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One embodiment of the subject technology is directed to a
fastening device including a fastener having a head portion and an
elongated threaded body portion extending axially from the head
portion. The threaded body portion includes at least one
longitudinally extending flat section. The fastening device also
includes a lock washer having opposed upper and lower surfaces,
wherein the lower surface has an array of radially extending
engagement teeth. The lock washer also forms an axial aperture for
receiving the threaded body portion of the fastener. The axial
aperture has at least one flat inner surface cooperating with the
at least one longitudinally extending flat section of the threaded
body portion to prevent relative rotation of the washer and
threaded body portion. The fastening device further includes a
threaded lock nut for rotatably mating with the threaded body
portion. The lock nut has opposed upper and lower surfaces. The
upper surface of the threaded lock nut has at least one flexible
pawl member for ratcheted engagement with the array of radially
extending engagement teeth on the lower surface of the lock
washer.
[0005] In another embodiment, the subject technology is directed to
a fastening device including a fastener having a head portion and
an elongated threaded body portion extending axially from the head
portion. A lock member has a lower surface with a plurality of
ratchet teeth. The lock member couples to the body portion for
axial movement but is fixed rotationally. A threaded lock nut
rotatably mates with the threaded body portion. The lock nut has an
upper surface having at least one pawl tooth for engagement with
the plurality of ratchet teeth. The lock member may have an axial
aperture having at least one flat inner surface cooperating with
the at least one longitudinally extending flat section of the
threaded body portion. The lock member may be integral with the
head portion. In one embodiment, the fastening device includes a
plate defining a recess, wherein the lock member couples into the
recess to be fixed rotationally.
[0006] In still another embodiment, the subject technology is
directed to a fastening device including a fastener having a head
portion and an elongated threaded body portion extending axially
from the head portion. At least one fastener tooth couples to the
fastener in a rotationally fixed manner. A locking structure has at
least one locking tooth for ratchet engagement with the at least
one fastener tooth. The at least one fastener tooth may be on a
distal end of a pawl arm extending from the head portion or on a
lock washer that is keyed to the fastener. The at least one
fastener tooth may be a plurality of ratchet teeth. The at least
one locking tooth may also be on a distal end of a pawl arm
extending from the locking structure. Alternatively, the locking
structure is a plate having an axial recess and the at least one
locking tooth is a plurality of radially extending ratchet teeth
facing a lower surface of the head portion.
[0007] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure
will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the
following detailed description, wherein only exemplary embodiments
of the present disclosure are shown and described, simply by way of
illustration of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the
present disclosure. As will be realized, the present disclosure is
capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details
are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all
without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings
and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and
not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the
subject invention pertains will more readily understand how to make
and use the fastening device of the subject invention, preferred
embodiments thereof will be described in detail hereinbelow with
reference to the following drawings.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the fastening device of
the subject technology in an assembled condition, wherein the lock
washer and lock nut are positioned on the body of the fastener.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fastening device of the
subject technology, with the lock washer and lock nut axially
aligned and separated from the fastener body for ease of
illustration.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fastening device of the
subject technology, as viewed from above, with the lock washer and
locking nut axially separated and displaced from the fastener body
for ease of illustration.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fastening device of the
subject technology, as viewed from below, with the lock washer and
locking nut axially separated and displaced from the fastener body
for ease of illustration.
[0013] FIG. 5 is an end view of a plurality of configurations of
elongated threaded body portions for use with fastening devices of
the subject technology.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side view of another fastening device of the
subject technology assembled to fixedly retain to exemplary plate
structures.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the fastening device of FIG.
6.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line "8"-"8" of FIG.
7.
[0017] FIG. 9 is an enlarged detailed view of the area in circle
"9" of FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the fastening device of
FIG. 6, with the lock washer and locking nut axially aligned and
separated from the fastener body for ease of illustration.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the fastening device
of FIG. 6, with the threaded body portion extending through a plate
and the lock washer and lock nut axially aligned and separated from
the fastener body for ease of illustration.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a side view of another fastening device of the
subject technology assembled to fixedly retain to exemplary plate
structures.
[0021] FIG. 13 is an enlarged detailed view of the area in circle
"13" of FIG. 12.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the fastening device of
FIG. 12, with the lock washer and locking nut axially aligned and
separated from the fastener body for ease of illustration.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the fastening device
of FIG. 12, with the plate, the lock washer, and the lock nut
axially aligned and separated from the fastener body for ease of
illustration.
[0024] FIG. 16a is a perspective view of a tool for assembling
and/or disassembling the fastening device of FIG. 12.
[0025] FIG. 16b is an enlarged detailed view of the area in circle
"16b" of FIG. 16a.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of still another fastening
device with the lock washer and locking nut axially aligned and
separated from the fastener body for ease of illustration.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the fastening device
of FIG. 17, with the lock washer, and the lock nut axially aligned
and separated from the fastener body for ease of illustration.
[0028] FIG. 19a is a top view of a locking nut of the fastening
device of FIG. 17.
[0029] FIG. 19b is a cross-sectional view of a locking nut of the
fastening device of FIG. 17.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of yet another fastening
device of the subject technology utilizing a lock plate.
[0031] FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the fastening device
of FIG. 20.
[0032] FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of yet still another
fastening device with the pawl integral to the head of the threaded
fastener in accordance with the subject technology.
[0033] FIG. 23 is a side view of a threaded fastener with the
ratchet integral thereto for the fastening device of FIG. 22.
[0034] FIG. 24a is a top view of a plate structure with the ratchet
integral thereto for the fastening device of FIG. 22.
[0035] FIG. 24b is a cross-sectional side view of the plate
structure of FIG. 24a taken along line "24b"-"24b".
[0036] FIG. 25 is a bottom perspective view of yet still another
fastener with the pawl integral to the head thereof for a radial
engagement configuration in accordance with the subject
technology.
[0037] FIG. 26 is a top view of a plate structure with the ratchet
integral thereto for use with the fastener of FIG. 25.
[0038] FIG. 27a is a bottom perspective view of yet still another
fastener with the pawl integral to the head thereof for a radial
engagement configuration in accordance with the subject
technology.
[0039] FIG. 27b is a top view of the fastener of FIG. 27a.
[0040] FIG. 28a is a top view of a plate structure with the ratchet
integral thereto for use with the fastener of FIG. 27a.
[0041] FIG. 28b is a sectional view of the plate structure of FIG.
28a taken along line "28b"-"28b".
[0042] FIG. 28c is a sectional perspective view of the plate
structure of FIG. 28a.
[0043] FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of yet still another
fastening device aligned with a driving tool for inserting and
removing the fastener in accordance with the subject
technology.
[0044] FIG. 30a is a perspective view of the fastener of FIG.
29.
[0045] FIG. 30b is a side view of the fastener of FIG. 29.
[0046] FIG. 30c is a top view of the fastener of FIG. 29.
[0047] FIG. 30d is an enlarged perspective view of the area in
circle "30d" of the fastener in FIG. 30a.
[0048] FIG. 30e is a sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 30b
taken along line "30e"-"30e".
[0049] FIG. 31a is a perspective view of the plate structure of
FIG. 29.
[0050] FIG. 31b is a top view of the plate structure of FIG.
31a.
[0051] FIG. 31c is a sectional view of the plate structure of FIG.
31b taken along line "31c"-"31c".
[0052] FIG. 32a is a perspective view of the driving tool of FIG.
29.
[0053] FIG. 32b is an enlarged perspective view of the area in
circle "32a" of the driving tool in FIG. 32a.
[0054] FIG. 32c is a top view of the driving tool of FIG. 29.
[0055] FIG. 32d is a side view of the driving tool of FIG. 29.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0056] The present disclosure overcomes many of the prior art
problems associated with threaded fasteners. In general, threaded
fasteners are used to fixedly connect two or more pieces in a
variety of applications such as, without limitation, with surgical
implants, industrial applications, and building applications. Among
other features and benefits, the disclosed ratchet locking
mechanisms for threaded fasteners facilitate quick and easy
installation while providing a reliably secured tightness with the
ability to remove the fastener if desired. The advantages, and
other features of the technology disclosed herein, will become more
readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the
following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments
taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth
representative embodiments of the present invention and wherein
like reference numerals identify similar structural elements.
[0057] All relative descriptions herein such as upward, downward,
left, right, up, down, length, height, width, thickness and the
like are with reference to the Figures, and not meant in a limiting
sense. Additionally, the illustrated embodiments can be understood
as providing exemplary features of varying detail of certain
embodiments, and therefore, features, components, modules,
elements, and/or aspects of the illustrations can be otherwise
combined, interconnected, sequenced, separated, interchanged,
positioned, and/or rearranged without materially departing from the
disclosed fastener assemblies. Additionally, the shapes and sizes
of components are also exemplary and can be altered without
materially affecting or limiting the disclosed technology.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 1, a fastening device constructed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention and
designated generally by reference numeral 10. Fastening device 10
includes a threaded fastener 12 in the form of a carriage bolt or
the like, which includes an elongated threaded body portion 14
extending from a slotted head portion 16. Those skilled in the art
will readily appreciate that the head portion 16 of fastener 12
could take any conventional form known in the art including, for
example, a hexagonal head.
[0059] With additional reference to FIGS. 2 through 4, fastening
device 10 further includes an annular lock washer 30 having opposed
upper and lower surfaces 32a, 32b, and an axial aperture 34 for
receiving the threaded body portion 14 of fastener 12. It is
envisioned that the lock washer 30 is a split washer defining a
radial gap 35. However, the lock washer 30 may be a continuous
ring. The threaded body portion 14 includes a pair of diametrically
opposed, longitudinally extending flat sections 14a, 14b and the
axial aperture 34 of lock washer 30 includes a pair of
diametrically opposed flat surfaces 34a, 34b. The longitudinally
extending flat sections 14a, 14b of the threaded body portion 14
and the flat surfaces 34a, 34b of aperture 34 cooperate to inhibit
rotational movement of the lock washer 30 relative to the threaded
body portion 14, while permitting axial movement of the lock washer
30 relative to the threaded body portion 14 during placement of the
fastening device 10 in a structure. The lower surface 32b of lock
washer 30 includes an array of circumferentially disposed, radially
extending engagement teeth 38, effectively defining an annular rack
or ratchet gear. Each tooth 38 is triangular in shape and,
preferably, substantially a right triangle with a hypotenuse 38a
facing generally axially and a leg 38b being substantially parallel
to the threaded body portion 14 when engaged.
[0060] Fastening device 10 further includes a locking nut 50 that
is threadably associated with the threaded body portion 14 of
fastener 12 and includes opposed upper and lower surface portions
52a, 52b. The upper surface portion 52a of locking nut 50 includes
a pair of diametrically opposed, cantilevered arcuate pawl arms
54a, 54b. The pawls arms 54a, 54b have pawl teeth pairs 56a, 56b,
respectively, that are configured for ratcheted engagement with the
array of radial engagement teeth 38 on the lower surface 32b of
lock washer 30. The lower surface portion 52b of lock nut 50
defines a hexagonal fitting 55 for interaction with a turning tool
such as a conventional wrench or socket (not shown). It should be
readily appreciated that preventing the lock washer 30 from
rotating on the threaded body portion 14 of fastener 12, while
allowing the lock washer 30 to freely travel longitudinally on the
body portion 14, allows the lock nut 50 to engage the washer 30,
but the nut 50 cannot loosen once the ratcheting pawl arms 54a, 54b
of the nut 50 engage the radial teeth 38 of the washer 30 in a
tight manner. The pawl teeth pairs 56a, 56b can slide across the
hypotenuse 38a of the ratchet teeth 38 during tightening but are
prevented from backing up by engagement with the leg 38b of the
ratchet teeth 38.
[0061] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that while
the means for preventing the lock washer 30 from rotating relative
to the threaded body 14 has been illustrated and described as a
pair of diametrically opposed flat sections 14a, 14b on the body
and corresponding flat surfaces in the washer aperture 34, other
means can also be employed to prevent rotation of the lock washer
30 relative to the threaded body 14. For example, there could be
one flat section on the threaded body 14 and one flat surface in
the aperture 34 of washer 30. There could be three or more flat
sections on the threaded body 14 and a corresponding number of flat
sections in the aperture 34 of the washer 30. Alternatively, the
body 14 could include one or more longitudinal concavities and one
or more corresponding convexities on the inner diameter of the
washer 30.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 5, an end view of a plurality of
configurations of elongated threaded body portions 14 for use with
fastening devices is shown for further illustration. Each column
60a-e utilizes a different configuration of locking feature 64a-e
and each row 62a-d varies the number of times that the locking
feature is utilized. As can be seen, the threaded body portion 14
in row 62b and column 60a is shown in FIGS. 1-4. The locking
feature 64a is basically a flat portion that is utilized once (row
62a, column 60a) or repeated various times although for simplicity
only a maximum of four repetitions (row 62d, column 60a) are shown.
Similarly the other locking features of a circular cut (column
60b), a groove cut (column 60c), a wedge or keyhole cut (column
60d), or a triangular cut (column 60e) and the like can be utilized
any number of times.
[0063] Now referring to FIG. 6, a side view of another fastening
device 110 of the subject technology assembled is shown. As will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the
fastening device 110 utilizes similar principles to the fastening
device 10 described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals
preceded by the numeral "1" are used to indicate like elements. The
following description is directed to the primary differences of the
fastening device 110, which in comparison to the fastening device
10 is the use of a hex head 116 on the threaded fastener 112, a
single pawl tooth 156a, 156b on each pawl arm 154a, 154b of the
locking nut 150, and a solid ring lock washer 130. The fastening
device 110 is shown fixedly retaining two exemplary plate
structures 180a, 180b. It is also noted that a slot 155 to create a
flexibility in the pawl arm 154a is also relatively shorter in the
fastening device 110 as compared with the fastening device 10 shown
above. FIGS. 7-11 illustrate various other views to more fully
appreciate the structure and operation of the fastening device
110.
[0064] Referring now particularly to FIG. 9, an enlarged detailed
view of the area in circle "9" of FIG. 6 is shown to illustrate the
pawl tooth 156a of the pawl arm 154a engaged in the teeth 138 of
the lock washer 130. The pawl tooth 156a is configured to also have
a leg 157b flush against the leg 138b of the corresponding ratchet
tooth 138 to prevent loosening of the lock nut 130. However, a
hypotenuse 157a of the pawl tooth 156a may still move forward over
the hypotenuse 138a of the ratchet tooth 138 by deflection of the
pawl arm 154a into the pawl slot 155. It is also envisioned that a
radial hole or other feature can be provided in the pawl teeth
156a, 156b so that the pawl teeth 156a, 156b may be pushed or
pulled downward into the pawl slot 155 in order to allow the lock
nut to be removed after tightening.
[0065] Now referring to FIG. 12, a side view of another fastening
device 210 of the subject technology assembled is shown. As will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the
fastening device 210 utilizes similar principles to the fastening
devices 10, 110 described above. Accordingly, like reference
numerals preceded by the numeral "2" are used to indicate like
elements. The following description is directed to the primary
difference of the fastening device 210, which in comparison to the
fastening devices 10, 110 is a radial arrangement of the ratchet
teeth 238 and pawl teeth 256a, 256b as opposed to a face to face
arrangement.
[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, top and bottom perspective
views of the fastening device 210, with the lock washer 230 and
locking nut 250 axially aligned and separated from the fastener
body 214, are shown, respectively. The lock washer 230 includes an
optional base plate 231 with which the lock washer ratchet teeth
238 are integral. The teeth 238 are located on the outer
circumference of the lower portion 233 of the lock washer 238.
[0067] The locking nut 250 forms a cavity 235 into which the lower
portion 233 of the lock washer 230 fits so that the base plate 231
rests against the locking nut 250 and the lock washer ratchet teeth
238 are aligned with the locking nut pawl teeth 256a, 256b. In one
embodiment, the fit between the lock washer 230 and locking nut 250
is such that the combination may be sold and treated during
installation as an integral unit. In such a case, distal curved
hooks 237 on the pawl arms 254a, 254b allow using a tool (see FIG.
16a) to splay the pawl arms 254a, 254b radially outward during
insertion of the lock washer 230. The same tool may also be
utilized to splay the pawl arms 254a, 254b radially outward in
order to remove the locking nut 250 after tightening.
[0068] Referring now particularly to FIG. 13, an enlarged detailed
view of the area in circle "13" of FIG. 12 is shown to illustrate
the lock washer 230 and locking nut 250 after assembly and
tightening of the fastening device 210. When assembled, the ratchet
teeth 238 and the locking nut pawl teeth 256a, 256b again form a
ratchet and pawl that allows tightening of the fastening device 210
but prevents loosening due to the interaction between the lock
washer 230 and locking nut 250. During tightening, as the locking
nut 250 rotates about the lock washer 230, the pawl arms 254a, 254b
deflect radially outward to traverse across the teeth 238 of the
lock washer 230. However, the configuration of the ratchet and pawl
is such that travel only proceeds in the tightening direction
without undue force.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 16a and 16b, perspective and enlarged
detailed views of a tool 270 for assembling and/or disassembling
the fastening device 210 are shown, respectively. The tool 270 has
a shaft 276 extending between a proximal handle 272 and a distal
working portion 274. The distal working portion 274 includes a
socket aperture 278 for coupling to the locking nut 250 in a
traditional manner. The working portion 274 also include
diametrically opposed posts 279a, 279b that couple into the curved
hooks 237 on the pawl arms 254a, 254b such that upon loosening the
locking nut 250 with the tool 270, the pawl arms 254a, 254b are
flexed radially outward to disengage the ratchet and pawl
mechanism.
[0070] Now referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, top and bottom perspective
exploded views of another fastening device 310 of the subject
technology are shown. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary
skill in the pertinent art, the fastening device 310 utilizes
similar principles to the fastening devices 10, 110, 210 described
above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral
"3" are used to indicate like elements. The following description
is directed to the primary difference of the fastening device 310,
which in comparison to the fastening devices 210 is a varied
configuration of the locking washer 330 and lock nut 350.
[0071] The lock washer 330 includes a base plate 331 with an
annular wall 333 extending therefrom. The lock washer ratchet teeth
338 are formed on the inner radius of the annular wall 333. Three
optional flanges 335 extend from the lower end of the annular wall
333 to facilitate retaining the locking nut 350 therein.
[0072] The locking nut 350 is sized to fit within the annular wall
333 of the lock washer 330 so that the lock washer ratchet teeth
338 are aligned with the locking nut pawl teeth 356a, 356b. In one
embodiment, the optional flanges 335 are welded into place after
assembly to permanently fix the lock washer 330 and locking nut 350
as an assembly.
[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 19a and 19b, top and cross-sectional
views of the locking nut 350 are shown, respectively. It is noted
that the cross-sectional view of FIG. 19b passes through the pawl
arms 354a, 354b. The locking nut 350 defines slotted apertures 351
aligned with circular holes 353 in the pawl arms 354a, 354b.
Consequently, a removal tool (not shown) may include two posts that
can be inserted through the slotted apertures 351 into the circular
holes 353. As the two posts are moved radially inward, the pawl
arms 354a, 354b splay radially inward to remove the pawl teeth
356a, 356b from the ratchet teeth 338 of the lock washer 330 in
order to remove the locking nut 350 after tightening.
[0074] Now referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, top and bottom perspective
exploded views of another fastening device 410 of the subject
technology are shown. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary
skill in the pertinent art, the fastening device 410 utilizes
similar principles to the fastening devices 10, 110, 210, 310
described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by
the numeral "4" are used to indicate like elements. The following
description is directed to the primary difference of the fastening
device 410, which is incorporation of features to rotationally
couple the plate structure 480 and the lock washer 430.
[0075] The lock washer 430 includes ratchet teeth 438 but rather
than having a cylindrical circumference, the circumference is
interrupted by opposing shoulders 445. The plate structure 480
forms a recess 447 sized and configured to receive the lock washer
430. Because of the non-cylindrical shapes of the lock washer 430
and recess 447, the lock washer 430 is stopped from rotational
movement therein. As a result, the flat section 414b of the
threaded body portion 414 is optional. During deployment, the
ratchet and pawl operation between the lock washer 430 and locking
nut 450 occurs equally as effectively as noted above with just the
recess 447 of the plate structure 480 preventing lock washer 430
rotation.
[0076] Now referring to FIG. 22, a top perspective exploded view of
another fastening device 510 of the subject technology is shown. As
will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent
art, the fastening device 510 utilizes similar principles to the
fastening devices 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 described above.
Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral "5"
are used to indicate like elements. The following description is
directed to the primary difference of the fastening device 510,
which is incorporation of pawl arms 554a, 554b into the fastener
head 516.
[0077] Referring additionally now to FIG. 23, a side view of the
threaded fastener 512 is shown. The fastener head 516 defines the
pawl arms 554a, 554b in an outer circumference thereof. The
fastener head 516 also defines a hexagonal axial recess 517, best
seen in FIG. 22, for cooperating with an allen wrench or like
driving tool (not shown).
[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 24a and 24b, top and cross-sectional
views of the plate structure 580 are shown. The plate structure 580
incorporates the ratchet teeth 538 into the bottom of a recess 547.
It is envisioned that the plate structure 580 can be any shape or
configuration such as a bar, band, plate and the like depending
upon the desired application.
[0079] Referring again to FIG. 22, the threaded body portion 514 is
a self tapping design so that the fastener 512 can pass through the
plate structure 580 and threadably engage a structure opposite
thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the threaded body portion
514 has machine threads that mate into machine threads of the plate
structure 580. Upon the fastener head 516 reaching the ratchet
teeth 538 in the plate structure 580, the teeth 556a, 556b of the
pawl arms 554a, 554b engage the ratchet teeth 538 to prevent
reversal of the fastener 512 in the normal course. In an
alternative embodiment, a radial hole is provided in the pawl arms
554a, 554b to allow inserting a tool and pulling the pawl arms
554a, 554b upward to disengage the ratchet and pawl, thereby
allowing reversal of the fastener 512.
[0080] Now referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, a bottom perspective
exploded view of another fastener 612 and a top view of a plate
structure 680 of the subject technology are shown. As will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the
fastener 612 and plate structure 680 utilize similar principles to
the fastening devices described above and like reference numerals
preceded by the numeral "6" are used to indicate like elements. The
primary differences relate to providing the ratchet and pawl
engagement in a radial manner while incorporating the pawl arms
654a, 654b into the fastener head 616.
[0081] In the plate structure 680, the ratchet teeth 638 are again
disposed in the recess 647 but located in the sidewall rather than
the bottom of the recess 647. The fastener head 616 is sized and
configured to fit into the recess 647 so that the pawl teeth 656a,
656b of the pawl arms 654a, 654b engage with the ratchet teeth
638.
[0082] Now referring to FIGS. 27a-28c, various views of another
fastener 712 and a plate structure 780 of the subject technology
are shown. The primary differences are that the pawl arms 754a,
754b extend radially outward from the fastener head 716 and the
recess 747 has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape (best seen in
FIG. 28b). The combination of the radially extended pawl arms 754a,
754b within the trapezoidal recess 747 may create an effective
capture of the fastener head 716 therein so that once combined, the
fastener 712 is coupled to the plate structure 780. A radially
engaging ratchet and pawl version could equally as well utilize the
radially extended pawl arms.
[0083] Now referring to FIG. 29, a top perspective exploded view of
another fastening device 810 being attached to an object 808 in
accordance with the subject technology is shown. The object 808
could be any size or shape and preferably includes a pilot hole 809
to facilitate easy insertion of the fastener 812. As will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the
fastening device 810 utilizes similar principles to the fastening
devices described above and like reference numerals preceded by the
numeral "8" are used to indicate like elements. The following
description is directed to the primary differences of the fastening
device 810, which is incorporation of the pawl arms 854a, 854b into
a rim 860 of the threaded body portion 814 of the fastener 812.
[0084] Referring now to FIGS. 30a-e, various views of the fastener
812 of FIG. 29 are shown in detail. The rim 860 between the head
816 and body portion 814 includes the pawl arms 854a, 854b. The
pawl arms 854a, 854b are formed by slots 855 with radially
extending distal teeth 856a, 856b. The pawl arms 854a, 854b also
define an axial slot 862a, 862b adjacent the teeth 856a, 856b. As
best seen in FIG. 30e, the pawl teeth 856a, 856b are triangular
with legs 861a, 861b and a hypotenuse 865a, 865b that engage the
ratchet teeth 838.
[0085] As best seen in FIGS. 30c-e, the fastener head 816 has axial
apertures 864a, 864b that extend at least into if not through the
rim 860. The axial apertures 864a, 864b also include notches 866a,
866b that align with the axial slots 862a, 862b on the pawl arms
854a, 854b that allow the fastener 812 to be reversible as
described below. In an alternative embodiment, the fastener 812
does not have axial slots in the pawl arms or notches in the
apertures of the head so that the fastener is not reversible. The
fastener head 816 also forms a traditional hexagonal recess
817.
[0086] Referring now to FIGS. 31a-c, various views of the plate
structure 880 are shown. The plate structure 880 is particularly
suited to couple with the fastener 812 to form a ratchet and pawl
engagement. The recess 847 is countersunk to compliment the shape
of the fastener head 816. The ratchet teeth 838 are arranged
vertically to interact with the pawl arm teeth 856a, 856b during
tightening of the fastener 812.
[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 32a-d various views of the driving
tool 870 for tightening and removing the fastener 812 are shown.
The shaft 872 is hexagonal to couple with the recess 817 of the
fastener head 816. The driving tool 870 includes two projections
877a, 877b on the distal working portion 874. Each projection 877a,
877b includes a tip 879a, 879b sized to insert into the respective
axial slots 862a, 862b of the pawl arms 854a, 854b when the
projections 877a, 877b are fully inserted into the axial apertures
864a, 864b of the fastener head 816. Once the projections 877a,
877b are fully inserted, the driving tool 870 can be rotated to
tighten or remove the fastener 812 as desired. A standard hex tool
can also be used to tighten the fastener 812 with the pawl arm
teeth 856a, 856 ratcheting on the ratchet teeth 838.
[0088] During tightening the fastener 812, the driving tool shaft
876 engages the fastener head 816 so that the fastener 812 can be
rotated. The fastener 812 would self tap into the object 808 and
bring the rim 860 into the recess 847. In an alternative
embodiment, the fastener 812 has machine threads that mate into
corresponding machine threads in object 808. Similar to above, the
pawl teeth 856a, 856b and ratchet teeth 838 would interact to allow
tightening but prevent loosening unless the loosening force is
applied by the driving tool 870.
[0089] To remove the fastener 812, the driving tool 870 is fully
inserted into the fastener head 816 so that the tips 879a, 879b of
the projections 877a, 877b press into the axial slots 862a, 862b.
As best envisioned with respect to FIG. 30e, a counter-clockwise
rotation of the driving tool 870 would force the pawl arms 854a,
854b to deflect radially inward so that the legs 861a, 861b of the
pawl teeth 856a, 856b move radially inward until touching a
sidewall 863a, 863b of the axial apertures 864a, 864b. As a result,
the pawl teeth 856a, 856b are disengaged from the ratchet teeth 838
and the fastener 812 is able to be rotated out.
[0090] The fastening device technology described herein has
unlimited application in industry and other uses. Particularly
advantageous applications will involve use near motors or moving
equipment in which vibration may cause loosening of traditional
fasteners such as in automotive applications, aerospace
applications, and manufacturing machinery. The present fastening
device technology is also well suited for medical applications such
as attaching pedicle screws to spinal rods, attaching spinal plates
and fracture plates, fixing artificial joints like hips and knees,
and the like.
[0091] While the subject invention has been described with respect
to preferred and exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art
will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications
can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or
scope of the invention as described herein and as defined by the
appended claims.
* * * * *