Apparatus for anti-loosening joints

This invention is an apparatus of bolt and nut for anti-loosening joints by using a variety of mechanisms to grip the shank of said bolt and simultaneously to grab onto said nut in order to prevent said nut from turning loose.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is solely my personal invention and is not made with or related to any federal funding.

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In virtually all aspects of industrial manufacturing and construction, joining of plurality of parts is widely needed. However, the environment in which said joining takes place may be less than desirable, such as a condition with constant vibrations. As vibrations increase the possibility of loosening tightened bolts and nuts, various designs and methods have been created and applied, e.g., serrated washers, wedge-lock washers, and castellated nuts. These designs and many others offer their utility in a great number of applications. However, they have their limitations and disadvantages. For instance, serrated washers cannot be tightened too much, since too much pressure will flatten said serrated washers which will lose their anti-loosening ability and will become ordinary washers in practical terms. Wedge-lock washers offer great anti-loosening resistance, but they cannot be used to join parts with extremely hard surfaces, due to the fact that the grooves on said wedge-lock washers cannot “bite” into said extremely hard surfaces. Castellated nuts provide the desired capability to hold the load while preventing any loosening of the joint. Nevertheless, installation of said castellated nuts requires a significant amount of manual work and plenty space around said joint for a drill to be used to drill a hole in the bolt. Moreover, it is difficult to make the inserted wire pin fit snugly into the slots of said castellated nut, which would allow said castellated nut to turn backward slightly and reduce the grip of said castellated nut on the joint. Other types of self-tightening nuts have also been invented, such as King Nut design developed by Izushi of Japan. Said King Nut design involves a guide ring over a nut, which inevitably means more manufacturing efforts and higher production cost. Some efforts have also been made to patent some anti-loosening joints, such as patent application (WO2013191376A1. Application PCT/KR2013/004170) and patent application (CN104454913A. Application CN201410728584.4A). These patent applications either involve a complicated nut design or complicated thread pattern on the bolt.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is an apparatus of bolt and nut for anti-loosening joints by using a variety of mechanisms to grip the shank of said bolt and simultaneously to grab onto said nut in order to prevent said nut from turning loose.

It is important to note that the contents in the figures listed above are meant to clearly illustrate this invention, its functioning, and its components and parameters, and thus may not be necessarily proportional or true to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As for the anti-loosening joints in this invention, three design approaches are explained below.

First Design Approach (claims1-7)

FIG.1shows the functioning of a design that comprises (a) a bolt11(FIG.1) having a shank12(FIG.1) with male thread13(FIG.1) and pin-groove means14(FIG.1) for securing a filler pin, (b) at least one elongated filler pin of predetermined dimensions15(FIG.1), and (c) a nut16(FIG.1) that may comprise at least one flat face, a female thread17(FIG.1) compatible with said male thread13(FIG.1), and at least one slot18(FIG.1). As shown inFIG.1, said pin-groove means comprises at least one longitudinal groove14(FIG.1) on said shank12(FIG.1). Said at least one elongated filler pin15(FIG.1) fits into said at least one longitudinal groove14(FIG.1) to geometrically form a substantially circular cross section of said shank12(FIG.1), and thus said at least one elongated filler pin15(FIG.1) will not move on said shank12(FIG.1). Further, said at least one elongated filler pin15(FIG.1) comprises thread-locking means19(FIG.1) for attaching to said female thread17(FIG.1) and also nut-locking means20(FIG.1) for attaching to said at least one slot18(FIG.1). Moreover, said at least one elongated filler pin15(FIG.1) is bendable and able to retain its bended shape. As shown inFIG.1, said thread-locking means19(FIG.1) of said at least one elongated filler pin15(FIG.1) comprises the same of said male thread13(FIG.1) to mate with said female thread17(FIG.1) of said nut16(FIG.1). And said nut-locking means20(FIG.1) comprises a part of said at least one elongated filler pin15(FIG.1) that is bent to fit into said at least one slot18(FIG.1) of said nut16(FIG.1).

FIG.3displays an alternative option of said first design approach in which said pin-groove means33(FIG.3) assumes the shape of a cutout section on said shank31(FIG.3), rather than said at least one longitudinal groove14(FIG.1) mentioned previously. Said at least one elongated filler pin34(FIG.3) comprises a structure that fits into said pin-groove means33(FIG.3) to geometrically form a substantially circular cross section of said shank31(FIG.3) and also said thread-locking means35(FIG.3) comprises the same of said male thread32(FIG.3) to mate with said female thread39(FIG.3) of said nut38(FIG.3). As in the second design option (middle drawing) ofFIG.2, said at least one elongated filler pin34(FIG.3) or said thread-locking means35(FIG.3) thereof can also comprise a predetermined material of predetermined malleability to be threaded by said nut38(FIG.3) when said nut38(FIG.3) is torqued into said shank31(FIG.3). A part of said at least one elongated filler pin34(FIG.3) is bendable and able to retain its bended shape to fit into said at least one slot40(FIG.3) of said nut38(FIG.3). As shown inFIG.3, one part36(FIG.3) of said at least one elongated filler pin34(FIG.3) is bended and also comprises an optional bevel37(FIG.3) to help bend itself when pushed downward.

Second Design Approach (claims8-10)

FIG.4demonstrates the functioning of a design of a nut43(FIG.4) that comprises groove-locking means44(FIG.4) for attaching to shank-groove means42(FIG.4) on said shank41(FIG.4). As shown inFIG.4, said shank-groove means comprises at least one longitudinal groove42(FIG.4) on the shank41(FIG.4). Said groove-locking means44(FIG.4) comprises at least one flap of predetermined dimensions, and further said at least one flap44(FIG.4) is bendable and able to retain its bended shape in said at least one longitudinal groove42(FIG.4). Once said nut43(FIG.4) is screwed on said shank41(FIG.4), said at least one flap44(FIG.4) is bent into said at least one longitudinal groove42(FIG.4) to prevent said nut43(FIG.4) from moving on said shank41(FIG.4). Additionally, said at least one flap44(FIG.4) may also comprise an optional bevel45(FIG.4) to help bend itself when pushed downward.

Third Design Approach (claims11-25)

FIG.5demonstrates the functioning of a design that comprises (a) a bolt51(FIG.5) having a shank52(FIG.5) with a male thread53(FIG.5) and washer-groove means54(FIG.5), (b) a nut55(FIG.5) with a female thread56(FIG.5) compatible with said male thread53(FIG.5) and at least one flat face, and (c) a security washer57(FIG.5) with shank-locking means58(FIG.5) for attaching to said shank52(FIG.5) and nut-gripping means59(FIG.5) for attaching to said nut55(FIG.5). As shown inFIG.5, said washer-groove means comprises at least one longitudinal groove54(FIG.5) on said shank52(FIG.5). Said shank-locking means comprise a serrated inner opening58(FIG.5) that is smaller in diameter than said shank52(FIG.5) by a predetermined margin and has predetermined elasticity. Said nut-gripping means comprises a pre-formed structure59(FIG.5) of predetermined dimensions to fit closely at least one flat face of said nut55(FIG.5). Once said nut55(FIG.5) is screwed on said shank52(FIG.5) and said security washer57(FIG.5) is pushed down said shank52(FIG.5) onto said nut55(FIG.5), said serrated inner opening58(FIG.5) unidirectionally grabs hold of said male thread53(FIG.5) with a part of said serrated inner opening58(FIG.5) gripping into said at least one longitudinal groove54(FIG.5) to prevent said security washer57(FIG.5) from moving on said shank52(FIG.5). At the same time, said pre-formed structure59(FIG.5) fits closely said at least one flat face of said nut55(FIG.5) to prevent said nut55(FIG.5) from moving on said shank52(FIG.5).

Many other viable design options for said security washer also exist, including design options that are described in the following figures. The same functioning of said shank-locking means remains valid and applicable and thus will not be elaborated graphically in as many details as inFIG.5.FIG.6shows a security washer design option in which said nut-gripping means comprises a pre-formed sleeve68(FIG.6) of predetermined dimensions to encompass snugly said nut65(FIG.6), and said shank-locking means comprise a serrated inner opening67(FIG.6) that is smaller in diameter than said shank62(FIG.6) by a predetermined margin and comprises predetermined elasticity. When said nut65(FIG.6) is screwed onto said shank62(FIG.6) on said bolt61(FIG.6), said security washer66(FIG.6) is pushed down said shank62(FIG.6) onto said nut65(FIG.6). As described previously, said serrated inner opening67(FIG.6) unidirectionally grabs hold of said male thread63(FIG.6) with a part of said serrated inner opening67(FIG.6) gripping into said at least one longitudinal groove64(FIG.6) to prevent said security washer66(FIG.6) from moving on said shank62(FIG.6). Furthermore, said pre-formed sleeve68(FIG.6) encompasses snugly said nut65(FIG.6) to prevent said nut65(FIG.6) from moving.

FIG.7illustrates a security washer design option in which said nut-gripping means comprises an outer flange78(FIG.7) of predetermined dimensions and said outer flange is bendable and able to retain its bended shape, and said shank-locking means comprise a serrated inner opening77(FIG.7) that is smaller in diameter than said shank72(FIG.7) by a predetermined margin and has predetermined elasticity. Said outer flange78(FIG.7) could be substantially larger in diameter than said nut72(FIG.7) by a predetermined margin to facilitate easy bending. When said nut75(FIG.7) is screwed onto said shank72(FIG.7) of said bolt71(FIG.7), said security washer76(FIG.7) is pushed down said shank72(FIG.7) onto said nut75(FIG.7). As described previously, said serrated inner opening77(FIG.7) unidirectionally grabs hold of said male thread73(FIG.7) with a part of said serrated inner opening77(FIG.7) gripping into said at least one longitudinal groove74(FIG.7) to prevent said security washer76(FIG.7) from moving on said shank72(FIG.7). Said outer flange78(FIG.7) is bended to press onto said nut75(FIG.7) to prevent said nut75(FIG.7) from moving.

FIG.8describes a security washer design option in which said nut85(FIG.8) comprises at least one slot86(FIG.8). Said nut-gripping means on said security washer87(FIG.8) comprises at least one protruding ridge89(FIG.8) that meshes into said at least one slot86(FIG.8) on said nut85(FIG.8). Said shank-locking means on said security washer87(FIG.8) comprise a serrated inner opening88(FIG.8) that is smaller in diameter than said shank82(FIG.8) by a predetermined margin and has predetermined elasticity. When said nut85(FIG.8) is screwed onto said shank82(FIG.8) of said bolt81(FIG.8), said security washer87(FIG.8) is pushed down said shank82(FIG.8) onto said nut85(FIG.8). As described previously, said serrated inner opening88(FIG.8) unidirectionally grabs hold of said male thread83(FIG.8) with a part of said serrated inner opening88(FIG.8) gripping into said at least one longitudinal groove84(FIG.8) to prevent said security washer87(FIG.8) from moving on said shank82(FIG.8). Said at least one protruding ridge89(FIG.8) meshes into said at least one slot86(FIG.8) on said nut85(FIG.8) to prevent said nut85(FIG.8) from moving.

FIG.9displays a security washer design option in which said nut-gripping means comprises a glue interface98(FIG.9) of predetermined dimensions, and said shank-locking means comprise a serrated inner opening97(FIG.9) that is smaller in diameter than said shank92(FIG.9) by a predetermined margin and has predetermined elasticity. When said nut95(FIG.9) is screwed onto said shank92(FIG.9) of said bolt91(FIG.9), said security washer96(FIG.9) is pushed down said shank92(FIG.9) onto said nut95(FIG.9). As described previously, said serrated inner opening97(FIG.9) unidirectionally grabs hold of said male thread93(FIG.9) with a part of said serrated inner opening97(FIG.9) gripping into said at least one longitudinal groove94(FIG.9) to prevent said security washer96(FIG.9) from moving on said shank92(FIG.9). Said glue interface98(FIG.9) is pressed onto said nut95(FIG.9) and securely sticks to said nut95(FIG.9) to prevent said nut95(FIG.9) from moving.

FIG.10exhibits a security washer design option in which said nut-gripping means comprises a moldable interface108(FIG.10) that has predetermined dimensions and also hardens within a predetermined period of time after it is exposed to air or a predetermined chemical, and said shank-locking means comprise a serrated inner opening107(FIG.10) that is smaller in diameter than said shank102(FIG.10) by a predetermined margin and has predetermined elasticity. When said nut105(FIG.10) is screwed onto said shank102(FIG.10) of said bolt101(FIG.10), said security washer106(FIG.10) is pushed down said shank102(FIG.10) onto said nut105(FIG.10). As described previously, said serrated inner opening107(FIG.10) unidirectionally grabs hold of said male thread103(FIG.10) with a part of said serrated inner opening107(FIG.10) gripping into said at least one longitudinal groove104(FIG.10) to prevent said security washer106(FIG.10) from moving on said shank102(FIG.10). Said moldable interface108(FIG.10) is pressed onto said nut105(FIG.10) and forms a hardened mold over said nut105(FIG.10) to prevent said nut105(FIG.10) from moving.

FIG.11elaborates a security washer design option in which said security washer115(FIG.11) comprises a pre-formed sleeve117(FIG.11) to encompass a nut, and said shank-locking means comprises a zig-zag structure116(FIG.11) of predetermined dimensions and predetermined elasticity. Said zig-zag structure116(FIG.11) in the top graph is shown in a horizontal position for illustration purposes, whereas it is bended downward in real applications. As shown inFIG.11, said washer-groove means comprises at least one longitudinal groove112(FIG.11) on said shank111(FIG.11). With its predetermined dimensions and predetermined elasticity, preferably said zig-zag structure116(FIG.11) fits in said at least one longitudinal groove112(FIG.11) to geometrically form a substantially circular cross section of said shank111(FIG.11), so that said zig-zag structure116(FIG.11) easily grabs hold of said female thread114(FIG.11) of said nut113(FIG.11) and said security washer115(FIG.11) will be unable to move on said shank111(FIG.11). It is important to note that the dimensions of said zig-zag structure116(FIG.11) can be somewhat different from what is exactly needed to geometrically form a circular cross section of said shank111(FIG.11) thanks to its predetermined dimensions and predetermined elasticity, in order to grab hold of said female thread114(FIG.11). When said nut113(FIG.11) is screwed onto said shank111(FIG.11), said security washer115(FIG.11) is pushed down said shank111(FIG.11) onto said nut113(FIG.11). Said zig-zag structure116(FIG.11) goes into said at least one longitudinal groove112(FIG.11) and consequently grabs hold of said female thread114(FIG.11) to secure said security washer115(FIG.11) on said nut113(FIG.11) and said zig-zag structure116(FIG.11) also prevents said security washer115(FIG.11) from moving on said shank111(FIG.11). As shown inFIG.11, said pre-formed sleeve117(FIG.11) of predetermined dimensions encompasses said nut113(FIG.11) to prevent said nut113(FIG.11) from moving.

My invention offers at least three significant advantages over the current designs. The first advantage is that the anti-loosening joint is permanent and will not become loose over time. The second advantage is that all design approaches can be applied in tight spaces in which drilling a hole through the shank of a bolt after the nut is screwed on is not feasible (For example, such a drilling process is required in the case of castellated nuts). The third advantage is that some design options can easily be retro-fitted to all existing bolt/nut joints without removing or replacing the existing bolts and nuts. For instance, the third design approach would only require two simple steps for retro-fitting: (1) grinding a groove in the shank of a bolt and (2) applying a security washer that is suitable for the situation on hand.

The foregoing description of my invention, including the accompanying drawings, is related only to some of the exemplary, preferred embodiments, and selected applications of this invention, while its true scope, as set forth in the claims listed below, is intended to include all possible or plausible applications, configurations, options, modifications, and embodiments, and is not limited to those of the examples, applications, configurations, options, embodiments, and functions described above. Similarly, said drawings shall be considered as illustrative in nature and shall not be interpreted to be as restrictive as graphically depicted, and the configurations, options, features, functionalities that are shown in said drawings and/or are described above can be combined in a design, application, or embodiment as needed. As being illustrative in nature, said drawings and their contents may not be necessarily proportional or true to scale.