FASTENING DEVICE AND VEHICLE

The disclosure concerns a fastening device configured for fastening a container to a vehicle. The fastening device comprises: a first band end and a second band end, a compression spring, an abutment for the compression spring, a tightening member, and an elongated element. The first band end, the second band end, the compression spring, and the abutment are arranged along a longitudinal axis of the elongated element. The abutment is displaceable by the tightening member along the longitudinal axis in a direction towards the first band end to compress the compression spring. The fastening device comprises a stop surface configured for preventing further displacement of the abutment when the abutment reaches a predetermined distance from the first band end.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a fastening device configured for fastening a container to a vehicle. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a container and a fastening device.

BACKGROUND

A container may be connected to a structure utilising a fastening device that includes a band arrangement connected to the structure. One or more bands of the fastening device may extend at least partially around the container.

One type of container connected to a structure in this manner may be a pressure vessel.

A tension in the one or more bands around at least part of the container ensures that the container is securely held by the one or more bands and thus, securely attached by the fastening device to the structure. A clamping force provided by the fastening device causes the tension in the one or more bands.

It may be difficult to provide an appropriate clamping force in a fastening device comprising one or more bands extending at least partially around a container.

One common fastening device provides a rigid fixation. Using such a fastening device, it is possible to control an initial clamping force. However, in case of a pressure vessel, a diameter of the pressure vessel i.e., the container increases as it is pressurized. Consequently, the clamping force and the tension in the one or more bands increase as well. Since the at least one band is of low elasticity, the clamping force increase steeply and puts considerable additional stress on the fastening device.

Such a steep increase in clamping force may be avoided in a different kind of known fastening device. This fastening device includes a spring and expands as a diameter of the container increases. Thus, the clamping force and the tension in the one or more bands only increases within a limited range of an initial force/tension as the container diameter increases.

However, the initial clamping force may be difficult to set for instance, at an assembly line and/or during service when reconnecting the container with the fastening device after having opened the fastening device.

SUMMARY

It would be advantageous to achieve a fastening device overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. In particular, it would be desirable to provide a fastening device that enables the application of an appropriate clamping force for securing a container. To better address one or more of these concerns, a fastening device and a vehicle having the features defined in the independent claims is provided.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a fastening device configured for fastening a container to a vehicle. The fastening device comprises a band arrangement configured for extending at least partially around the container, the band arrangement comprising a first band end and a second band end. The fastening device further comprises a compression spring, an abutment for the compression spring, a tightening member, and an elongated element having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis. The elongated element is connected to the first band end and extends towards and beyond the second band end. The abutment is arranged on the elongated element. The first band end, the second band end, the compression spring, and the abutment are arranged along the longitudinal axis. The compression spring is arranged between the second band end and the abutment. The second band end is arranged between the first band end and the compression spring. The abutment is displaceable by the tightening member along the longitudinal axis in a direction towards the first band end to compress the compression spring. The fastening device comprises a stop surface configured for preventing further displacement of the abutment when the abutment reaches a predetermined distance from the first band end.

Since the fastening device comprises the stop surface configured for preventing further displacement of the abutment when the abutment reaches a predetermined distance from the first band end, the compression spring can only be compressed a predetermined amount. Accordingly, it is ensured that a predetermined clamping force is provided by the fastening device.

More specifically, when fastening the container to the vehicle, the first and second band ends are arranged at least partially around the container and the tightening member is tightened such that the abutment is displaced to compress the compression spring. The stop surface ensures that the displacement of the abutment stops when the abutment reaches the predetermined distance from the first band end. Thus, a predetermined clamping force provided by the compression spring is always ensured when the tightening member is tightened.

In addition to the above, the present fastening device, inter alia since it provides the predetermined clamping force, may provide one or more of the following advantages: A more secure fastening device. No risk, or at least a minimal risk, to apply too large a clamping force, which could damage the band arrangement. No risk, or at least a minimal risk, to apply too small a clamping force, which could cause the fastening device to loosen e.g., due to vibrations. Reduce the cost of mounting a container with fastening device since the predetermined clamping force is easily and quickly applied in the present fastening device.

The fastening device, as defined above, is in an assembled but not finally tightened state, such as when positioned around a relevant container but prior to being tightened. Once the abutment has been displaced by the tightening member and compressed the compression spring, the abutment is positioned at the predetermined distance from the first band end.

Also, since the fastening device comprises the compression spring, the fastening device is configured for a limited increase in the clamping force in case the container is a pressure vessel, a diameter of which increases when a pressure inside the vessel increases.

Accordingly, the container may be a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel may be made from metal, such as steel, or from a composite material, such as a carbon fibre reinforced material. In the latter case, the pressure vessel may expand more when under pressure than in the case of a vessel made of metal.

The term container, however, is to be interpreted broadly and may include a tank, a vessel, a housing of a vehicle component such as a battery, a utility box, etc.

The fastening device may be configured for connecting the container to a chassis of a vehicle.

During mounting of the fastening device, tightening of the tightening member causes the abutment to be displaced towards the first band end and the fastening device to provide a clamping force around the container.

The band arrangement may comprise one band member, which in turn comprises the first and second band ends. Alternatively, the band arrangement may comprise a first and a second band member, the first band member comprising the first band end and the second band member comprising the second band end.

As mentioned above, the band arrangement is configured for extending at least partially around the container. Accordingly the length of the band arrangement is determined by the relevant container and optionally also by the relevant structure, to which the container is to be connected with the fastening device. Generally, a larger container may require a longer band arrangement than a smaller container.

A tension in the band arrangement ensures that the container is securely connected to the vehicle. A clamping force that causes the tension in the band arrangement is provided by the compression spring when the tightening member is tightened.

The compression spring, the abutment for the compression spring, the tightening member, and the elongated element are arranged to connect the first band end with the second band end.

Also, the compression spring, the abutment, the tightening member, and the elongated element are arranged to provide a clamping force between the first and second band ends when the tightening member is tightened during use of the fastening device.

More specifically, since the elongated element is connected to the first band end, the reaction force to the compression force of the compression spring when the tightening member is tightened, presses the second band end in a direction towards the first band end thus, provides the clamping force.

In accordance with different embodiments, the tightening member and elongated element may be devised in various ways as explained in further detail below.

During use of the fastening device, the compression spring is compressed between the second band end and the abutment. Put differently, the compression spring is configured to provide a separating force between the second band end and the abutment.

This is achieved by the above-mentioned displacement of the abutment by the tightening member along the longitudinal axis in the direction towards the first band end. Accordingly, in the same displacement the abutment is also displaced towards the second band end.

The first band end may be that end of the band arrangement closest to the second band end. Similarly, the second band end may be that end of the band arrangement closest to the first band end.

The predetermined distance from the first band end ensures that the compression spring is compressed to provide a predetermined clamping force when the fastening device is mounted at least partially around a container. However, the exact reference point for the predetermined distance is not of importance. What matters is that the compression spring always will be compressed to provide a predetermined clamping force i.e., that the clamping force applied is repeatable for each mounting of the fastening device.

The particular clamping force to be provided by the compression spring is determined for each particular construction case and depends inter alia on the relevant container to be connected by the fastening device and under what operating conditions the fastening device is used. Specifically, the reduction in length of the compression spring and the force constant of the compression spring determine the clamping force.

The abutment forms part of an element, a member, or similar that directly receives pressure from the compression spring when the tightening member is tightened.

In accordance with different embodiments, the stop surface may be provided in various ways as explained in further detail below.

According to embodiments, the second band end may be provided with an opening extending along the longitudinal axis. The elongated element may extend through the opening. In this manner, the second band end may be provided along the longitudinal axis which provides conditions for a compact and secure fastening device.

Accordingly, the compression spring may be aligned with the second band end to ensure an even distribution of the clamping force along the longitudinal axis.

According to some embodiments, the tightening member may comprise the elongated element and the tightening member may be threadedly connected at the first band end.

In such embodiments, the elongated element may be a screw extending along the longitudinal axis. In this manner, a simple and cost-efficient fastening device is provided capable of providing a predetermined clamping force in a quick and simple manner.

Alternatively, according to some embodiments, the tightening member may be threadedly engaged with the elongated element.

In such embodiments, the tightening member may be a nut configured to be threaded onto the elongated element, at an end portion thereof opposite to first the band end. In this manner, a simple and cost-efficient fastening device is provided capable of providing a predetermined clamping force in a quick and simple manner.

According to some embodiments, the fastening device may comprise a sleeve arranged concentrically around part of the elongated element, the sleeve having a shorter length along the longitudinal axis L than the elongated element. The sleeve may comprise the stop surface at an axial end thereof. In this manner, a length of the sleeve may be utilised for providing the predetermined distance from the first band end so as to obtain the predetermined clamping force in a quick and simple manner.

Alternatively, according to embodiments, the elongated element may comprise a diameter difference portion. The diameter difference portion may comprise the stop surface. In this manner, a length along the elongated element, starting at the diameter difference portion, may be utilised for providing the predetermined distance from the first band end.

According to embodiments, the fastening device may comprise a washer arranged concentrically with the longitudinal axis. The washer may comprise the abutment. In this manner, the abutment may be provided in a convenient manner.

Moreover, the provision of the abutment at the washer, and accordingly, the compression spring abutting against the washer may ensure that during tightening of the tightening member, torque is not transferred or at least transferred to a lesser degree to the compression spring. Thus, during tightening of the tightening member, the compression spring is substantially only subjected to a compressive force and at least to a lesser degree to torque and thus, not rotated.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a container, wherein the container is fastened to a chassis of the vehicle by a fastening device according to any one of aspects and/or embodiments discussed herein.

Thus, it is ensured that a predetermined clamping force is provided by the fastening device in a manner as discussed above.

Further features of, and advantages with, the invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and/or embodiments of the invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

The vehicle1may be any kind of vehicle configured for land-based propulsion, such as e.g., a bus, a truck, a heavy truck, a car, or a train. InFIG.1, the vehicle1is illustrated as a heavy load vehicle in the form of a truck.

The vehicle1comprises a container4. The container4is secured to a chassis3of the vehicle1by at least one fastening device2according to any one of aspects and/or embodiments discussed herein.

In the illustrated embodiments, the container4is secured to the chassis3with two fastening devices2. Each of the fastening devices2may be a fastening device2in accordance with one of embodiments discussed below with reference toFIGS.2-7b.

According to some embodiments, the container4may be a gas tank4configured for receiving and accommodating compressed gas. As discussed herein, the fastening device2is able to absorb an increase in gas tank4diameter, caused by an internal gas pressure in the gas tank4, with a limited increase in a clamping force around at least part of the gas tank4.

The gas in the gas tank4may be a gaseous fuel, such as natural gas or biogas, to be combusted in a combustion engine of the vehicle1. Alternatively, the gas may be compressed air utilised e.g., in a brake system of the vehicle1.

A further alternative is that the gas in the gas tank4may be a hydrogen fuel to be combusted in a combustion engine of the vehicle or to be supplied to a fuel cell for a reaction therein to provide electricity for an electrical vehicle.

According to alternative embodiments, the container4may be any other type of container connected to the cassis3of the vehicle1, such as a battery box.

The number of fastening devices2used for connecting the container4to the chassis3may be selected in order to provide a secure fastening of the relevant container4and may depend on the size and weight of the container4.

FIGS.2aand2billustrate fastening devices2according to embodiments.FIG.2ashows an isometric view of a container4secured to a non-shown structure by four fastening devices2.FIG.2bshows a side view of the container4with one fastening device2visible.

Depending on the relevant container to be secured to the structure, the number of fastening devices2may be other than four fastening devices2.

In the embodiments ofFIGS.2aand2b, each fastening devices2is of a first kind. Again, the fastening device2is utilised for securing a container4, such as a gas tank4, to a structure, such as a vehicle chassis.

In the fastening device2of the first kind, a band arrangement5comprises separate first and second band members7,7′. The first band member7comprises a first band end8. The second band member7′ comprises a second band end10, see further below with reference toFIGS.4-7b.

FIGS.3aand3billustrate fastening devices2according to embodiments.FIG.3ashows an isometric view of a container4secured by four fastening devices2.FIG.3bshows a perspective view of one fastening device2.

In the embodiments ofFIGS.3aand3b, each fastening devices2is of a second kind. Again, the fastening device2is utilised for securing a container4, such as a gas tank4, to a non-shown structure, such as a vehicle chassis.

In the fastening device2of the second kind, a band arrangement5comprises one band member9. The band member9comprises a first band end8and a second band end10, see further below with reference toFIGS.4-7b.

FIG.4shows an exploded view of a fastening device2according to embodiments. The fastening device2may be of the first kind discussed above with reference toFIGS.2aand2bor of the second kind discussed above with reference toFIGS.3aand3b.

Accordingly, the fastening device2is configured for fastening a container to a structure, such as a chassis of a vehicle and comprises a band arrangement5configured for extending at least partially around the container. The band arrangement5comprises a first band end8and a second band end10.

The band arrangement5may be made from a metal, such as steel.

The fastening device2further comprises a compression spring16, an abutment18for the compression spring16, a tightening member20, a stop surface24, and an elongated element30having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis L.

Various embodiments of the fastening device2including the above-mentioned features will be discussed in the following with reference toFIGS.4-7b. In all embodiments, during use of the fastening device2, a predetermined clamping force is provided by the fastening device2. This is due to the provision of the stop surface24, which is configured for preventing further displacement of the abutment18as it reaches a predetermined distance from the first band end8, when the abutment18is displaced by the tightening member20to compress the compression spring16. Thus, the compression spring16can only be compressed a predetermined amount to provide the predetermined clamping force.

Such a predetermined amount of compression of the compression sprig16is provided as the fastening device2is assembled and tightened around a relevant container.

When the container is a pressure vessel, a diameter and circumference thereof increase as the pressure inside the container increases. The clamping force provided by the compression spring increases depending on the increase in circumference of the container and the force constant of the compression spring16.

With reference toFIGS.4-7b, and the embodiments disclosed therein, the first band end8, the second band end10, the compression spring16, the abutment18for the compression spring16, the tightening member20, the stop surface24, and the elongated element30are arranged in the following manner:The elongated element30is connected to the first band end8and extends towards, and beyond the second band end10.The abutment18is arranged on the elongated element30.The first band end8, the second band end10, the compression spring16, and the abutment18are arranged along the longitudinal axis L.The compression spring16is arranged between the second band end10and the abutment18.The second band end10is arranged between the first band end8and the compression spring16.

Moreover, the abutment18is displaceable by the tightening member20along the longitudinal axis L in a direction towards the first band end8to compress the compression spring16.

More specifically, the compression spring16is compressed between the second band end and the abutment18.

The compression spring16may be arranged directly at the second band end10or at a distance from the second band end10e.g., at a distance as provided by one or more members and/or elements as discussed below.

The elongated element30may be directly or indirectly connected to the first band end18.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, the fastening device2comprises the stop surface24, which is configured for preventing further displacement of the abutment18when the abutment18reaches a predetermined distance D from the first band end8during mounting of the fastening device2.

According to some embodiments, the stop surface24may be provided at an axial end of a sleeve26, as illustrated inFIGS.4,5a, and5b. According to some embodiments, the stop surface24may be provided at a diameter difference portion28of the elongated element30, as illustrated inFIGS.6a-7b.

According to some embodiments, the tightening member20may comprise the elongated element30, as illustrated inFIGS.4,5a,5b,7a, and7b. According to some embodiments, the tightening member20may be threadedly engaged with the elongated element30, as illustrated inFIGS.6aand6b.

Example embodiments and their particulars will be discussed in the following with reference toFIGS.4and5a-7b.

The elongated element30may be connected to the first band end8in any suitable manner.

In the illustrated embodiments, a securing member12in the form of a cylinder extending with its axis perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L of the elongated element30is arranged in a sling15of the band arrangement5. The sling15being arranged at the first band end8.

The elongated element30is connected to the securing member12e.g., by a threaded connection between the elongated element30and the securing member12.

One alternative may be for the elongated element30to be connected with a nut at the first band end8e.g., by arranging the nut along the longitudinal axis30and securing it at the first band end8possibly using further elements.

As clearly visible in the exploded view ofFIG.4, the second band end10may be provided with an opening11extending along the longitudinal axis L. The elongated element30extends through the opening11.

The opening11provides for the elongated element30to extend through the second band end10and thus, for the second band end10to be arranged at a level of the longitudinal axis L. Accordingly, the second band end10may be arranged along the longitudinal axis L.

A guiding member14may be provided at the second band end10. The guiding member14may be arranged in a sling13at the second band end10of the band arrangement5.

The guiding member14may be provided with a through hole22having an axis aligning with the longitudinal axis L. Thus, the elongated element30may extend through the through hole22.

Accordingly, besides being arranged between the second band end10and the abutment18, the compression spring16may be arranged between the guiding member14and the abutment18.

The guiding member14may be provided in the form of a cylinder extending with its axis perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L.

FIGS.5aand5billustrate cross sections through a fastening device2according to embodiments. InFIG.5athe compression spring16is schematically shown in an un-compressed state and inFIG.5bthe compression spring16is schematically shown in a compressed state. These embodiments are also shown inFIG.4. Accordingly, in the following reference is also made toFIG.4.

In these embodiments, the tightening member20comprises the elongated element30and the tightening member20is threadedly connected to the first band end8. For instance, the tightening member20may be threadedly connected with the securing member12to the first band end8.

Accordingly, the tightening member20may be a screw.

As mentioned above, in these embodiments, the fastening device comprises a sleeve26arranged concentrically around part of the elongated element30.

The sleeve26may be slidingly arranged on the elongated element30.

The sleeve26has a shorter length along the longitudinal axis L than the elongated element30. The sleeve26comprises the stop surface24at an axial end thereof.

Accordingly, when during mounting of the fastening device2, the abutment18is displaced by the tightening member20along the longitudinal axis L in a direction towards the first band end8and the compression spring16is gradually compressed, the stop surface24prevents further displacement of the abutment18when the abutment18reaches the predetermined distance D from the first band end8.

More specifically, the sleeve26is arranged to remain in a specific position along the longitudinal axis L in relation to the first band end8. That is, an axial end of the sleeve26opposite to the axial end being provided with the stop surface24, cannot be displaced in a direction away from the compression spring16beyond a predetermined axial position at the first band end8. For instance, the sleeve26may abut against the first band end8or against the securing member12. Alternatively, the sleeve26as such may be fixed to the first band end8.

Thus, inter alia the length of the compression spring16, the force constant of the compression spring16, and the length of the sleeve26determine the clamping force provided by the fastening device2.

According to embodiments, the fastening device2may comprising a distance element32arranged between the second band end10and the compression spring16. The distance element32may be provided with a through hole34arranged along the longitudinal axis L, and the elongated element30may extend through the through hole34. In this manner, the distance element32may position the compression spring16in a suitable position along the longitudinal axis L in relation to the second band end10.

Suitably, in embodiments comprising the sleeve26, also the sleeve26extends through the through hole34. The sleeve26may be slidingly received in the through hole34of the distance element32.

According to embodiments, the distance element32may be provided with a circumferential recess36concentrically with the longitudinal axis L, the circumferential recess36being arranged for receiving an end of the compression spring16. In this manner, the distance element32may provide a seat for the compression spring16. Thus, a concentric position of the compression spring16in relation to the longitudinal axis L may be provided.

In the illustrated embodiments, the circumferential recess36is provided in a radially extending surface of the distance element32.

According to embodiments, the distance element32may be provided with a funnel-shaped recess37at the through hole34. In this manner, the elongated element30and/or the sleeve26may be guided into the further through hole34during assembly of the fastening device2.

The funnel-shaped recess37may be provided at an axial end of the distance element32facing towards the compression spring16and the abutment18.

In these embodiments, the fastening device2comprises a washer38arranged concentrically with the longitudinal axis L. The washer38comprises the abutment18.

According to embodiments, the abutment18may be provided at a circumferential recess40of the washer38, the circumferential recess40of the washer40being arranged for receiving an end of the compression spring16. In this manner, the washer38may provide a seat for the compression spring16. Thus, a concentric position of the compression spring16in relation to the longitudinal axis L may be provided at the abutment18.

According to embodiments, the washer38may be provided with a further circumferential recess42concentrically with the longitudinal axis L, the further circumferential recess42of the washer38being arranged for receiving an end of the sleeve26. In this manner, a seat for the sleeve26may be provided at the washer38with a concentric position of the sleeve26in relation to the longitudinal axis L.

More specifically, when the tightening member20has been tightened to compress the compression spring16with the abutment18at the predetermined distance D from the first band end8, as shown inFIG.5b, the stop surface24at the axial end of the sleeve26abuts against the washer38in the further circumferential recess42.

FIGS.6aand6billustrate cross sections through a fastening device2according to embodiments. InFIG.6athe compression spring16is schematically shown in an un-compressed state and inFIG.6bthe compression spring16is schematically shown in a compressed state.

In these embodiments, the tightening member20is threadedly engaged with the elongated element30.

Accordingly, the tightening member20may be a nut and the elongated element30may be provided with treads for receiving the nut at an axial end of the elongated element30opposite to the first band end8.

The elongated element30comprises a diameter difference portion28. The diameter difference portion28comprises the stop surface24.

The diameter difference portion28is provided at an end portion of the elongated element30opposite to the first band end8.

A length along the elongated element30, between the first band end8and the diameter difference portion28, provides the predetermined distance D from the first band end8.

During mounting of the fastening device2, the tightening member20is threaded onto the elongated element30to compress the compression spring16until the stop surface24at the diameter difference portion28prevents further displacement of the abutment18.

Accordingly, when during mounting of the fastening device2, the abutment18is displaced by the tightening member20along the longitudinal axis L in a direction towards the first band end8and the compression spring16is gradually compressed, the stop surface24prevents further displacement of the abutment18when the abutment18reaches the predetermined distance D from the first band end8.

Thus, inter alia the length of the compression spring16, the force constant of the compression spring16, and the predetermine distance D determine the clamping force provided by the fastening device2.

According to embodiments, the tightening member20may comprise the abutment18. In this manner, a radially extending surface of the tightening member20, i.e. of the nut, may form the abutment18.

In a similar manner to the washer38discussed above with reference toFIGS.5aand5b, the abutment18may be provided at a circumferential recess (not shown) of the tightening member20, the circumferential recess of the tightening member20being arranged for receiving an end of the compression spring16.

According to some embodiments, a sleeve may be provided instead of the diameter difference. That is, an elongated element30without a diameter difference may be provided in an embodiment comprising the threadedly engaged tightening member20as discussed with reference toFIGS.6aand6b, in combination with a sleeve26providing a stop surface24as discussed with reference toFIGS.4-5b.

According to some embodiments, a distance member32as discussed above with reference toFIGS.5aand5bmay be provided in the embodiments comprising the elongated element and the threadedly engaged tightening member20as discussed with reference toFIGS.6aand6b.

FIGS.7aand7billustrate cross sections through a fastening device2according to embodiments. InFIG.7athe compression spring16is schematically shown in an un-compressed state and inFIG.7bthe compression spring16is schematically shown in a compressed state.

Similar to the embodiments ofFIGS.4-5b, the tightening member20comprises the elongated element30. Accordingly, again the tightening member20may be a screw.

In these embodiments, the elongated element30comprises a diameter difference portion28. The diameter difference portion28comprise the stop surface24.

The diameter difference portion28is provided at an end portion of the elongated element30at the first band end8.

Thus, during mounting of the fastening device2, the tightening member20/elongated element30is threadedly engaged with at the first band end8e.g., with the securing member12to compress the compression spring16until the stop surface24at the diameter difference portion28prevents further displacement of the abutment18.

A length between the abutment18at the head of the screw and the diameter difference portion28provides the predetermined distance D from the first band end8, when the tightening member20has been fully threadedly engaged at the first band end8such that the stop surface24abuts at the first band8e.g., against the securing member12.

Accordingly, when during mounting of the fastening device2, the abutment18is displaced by the tightening member20along the longitudinal axis L in a direction towards the first band end8and the compression spring16is gradually compressed, the stop surface24prevents further displacement of the abutment18when the abutment18reaches the predetermined distance D from the first band end8.

Thus, inter alia the length of the compression spring16, the force constant of the compression spring16, and the predetermine distance D determine the clamping force provided by the fastening device2.

According to embodiments, the tightening member20may comprise the abutment18. In this manner, a radially extending surface of tightening member20, i.e. a head of the screw, may form the abutment18.

According to some embodiments, a distance member32as discussed above with reference toFIGS.5aand5bmay be provided in the embodiments comprising the tightening member as discussed with reference toFIGS.6aand6b.

Various features of the embodiments ofFIGS.4-7bmay be combined in other ways than discussed above. For instance a washer38with the abutment18may be provided in the embodiments ofFIGS.6a-7binstead of providing the abutment18at the tightening member20. The fastening device2according to the embodiments herein may be assembled to a vehicle1by an assembler or an assembling machine to hold a container4relative to the vehicle1.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.