Abstract:
A nut ( 10 ), comprising: a female thread ( 34 ) for threading a bolt ( 14 ) thereinto; a head ( 52 ) surrounding the female thread ( 34 ), for holding the female thread ( 34 ), for allowing rotating the bolt ( 14 ) in relation to the female thread ( 34 ); and a self-tapping thread ( 36 ), for threading the nut ( 10 ) through an object ( 18 ), the self-tapping thread ( 36 ) characterized in not providing linear pacing in relation to the object ( 18 ) upon rotation therebetween upon completing the threading therebetween, wherein the self-tapping thread ( 36 ) may comprise the female thread ( 34 ) for threading the bolt ( 14 ) therethrough, thereby allowing connecting the nut ( 10 ) to the object ( 18 ) and then moving the bolt ( 14 ) in relation to the object ( 18 ), thereby allowing fixing the object ( 18 ) to a building structure ( 20 ) at an adjustable distance ( 40 ).

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of building construction. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for fixing an object to a building structure. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    In various cases, objects, such as plates or profiles of drywall construction, are fixed to building construction, such as to the ceiling, in a distance from the building construction. 
         [0003]    The adjustment of the plate to the building construction typically applies two nuts, each at another side of the plate. 
         [0004]    This fixing is disadvantaged in that one of the nuts is disposed behind the plate. 
         [0005]    The method described above has not yet provided satisfactory solutions to the long felt need for convenient fixing of objects at a distance from the building structure. 
         [0006]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for convenient fixing of objects at a distance from the building structure. 
         [0007]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to the above-mentioned and other problems of the prior art. 
         [0008]    Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a nut ( 10 ), comprising:
       a female thread ( 34 ) for threading a bolt ( 14 ) thereinto;   a head ( 52 ) surrounding the female thread ( 34 ), for holding the female thread ( 34 ), for allowing rotating the bolt ( 14 ) in relation to the female thread ( 34 ); and   a self-tapping thread ( 36 ), for threading the nut ( 10 ) through an object ( 18 ), the self-tapping thread ( 36 ) characterized in not providing linear pacing in relation to the object ( 18 ) upon rotation therebetween upon completing the threading therebetween,   wherein the self-tapping thread ( 36 ) may comprise the female thread ( 34 ) for threading the bolt ( 14 ) therethrough, thereby allowing connecting the nut ( 10 ) to the object ( 18 ) and then moving the bolt ( 14 ) in relation to the object ( 18 ) either by rotating the bolt ( 14 ) in relation to the nut ( 10 ), or by rotating the nut ( 10 ) in relation to the object ( 18 ), thereby allowing fixing the object ( 18 ) to a building structure ( 20 ) at an adjustable distance ( 40 ).       
 
         [0014]    The character of the self-tapping thread ( 36 ) of not providing linear pacing in relation to the object ( 18 ) upon rotation therebetween upon completing the threading therebetween, may comprise a space ( 48 ) between an internal binding end ( 44 ) of the self-tapping thread ( 36 ) and an adjacent surface ( 38 ) of the nut ( 10 ), the space ( 48 ) being substantially larger than a thickness ( 84 ) of the object ( 18 ), for allowing the object ( 18 ) rotate within the space ( 48 ). 
         [0015]    The nut ( 10 ) may further comprise an elastic washer ( 46 ), disposed in the space ( 48 ), for limiting movement between the self-tapping thread ( 36 ) and the object ( 18 ) upon completing the threading therebetween. 
         [0016]    The character of the self-tapping thread ( 36 ) of not providing linear pacing in relation to the object ( 18 ) upon rotation therebetween upon completing the threading therebetween, may comprise an internal binding ( 44 C) being thinner than the other bindings ( 44 B), thereby upon rotating the nut ( 10 ) in relation to the object ( 18 ) in the closing direction ( 64 ), a bending ( 88 ) in a hole ( 54 ) in the object ( 18 ) bends the end ( 90 ) of the internal binding ( 44 C), thereby removing the bending ( 88 ) of the object ( 18 ) from the gap ( 86 ) between the bindings ( 44 B,  44 C) of the self tapping thread ( 36 ). 
         [0017]    A tool ( 60 ) may be provided
       for rotating the bolt ( 14 ) threaded into the inventive nut ( 10 ), upon rotating to the closing direction ( 64 ), and   for releasing the bolt ( 14 ) therefrom upon rotating to the opening direction, the tool ( 60 ) comprising;   a first female thread ( 62 ), for threading a male thread ( 66 ) of the bolt ( 14 ) thereinto; and   a tightening element ( 32 ) pressing the male thread ( 66 ) of the bolt ( 14 ) outside from the female thread ( 62 ),   thereby providing friction therebetween.       
 
         [0023]    The gripping tool ( 60 ) may further comprise;
       a male thread ( 42 ), for pressing the tightening element ( 32 ); and   a second female thread ( 68 ) fitting to the male thread ( 42 ), wherein paces ( 70 ) of the male ( 42 ) and second female ( 68 ) threads are significantly greater than a pace of the thread ( 66 ) of the bolt ( 14 ),   thereby opening the male thread ( 42 ) from the second female thread ( 68 ) for releasing the tightening element ( 32 ), before opening the bolt ( 14 ).       
 
         [0027]    In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for fixing an object ( 18 ) to a building structure ( 20 ), the method comprising the steps of;
       connecting a nut ( 10 ) to the object ( 18 ), the connection characterized in no linear pacing between the nut ( 10 ) and the object ( 18 ) upon rotation therebetween;   fixing a wall socket ( 16 ) to the building structure ( 20 );   screwing a bolt ( 14 ) into the nut ( 10 ) and into the wall socket ( 16 ) until fixing the bolt ( 14 ) to the wall socket ( 16 ), while not allowing rotation of the nut ( 10 ); and   upon the fixing of the bolt ( 14 ) to the wall socket ( 16 ), rotating the nut ( 10 ), for adjusting the distance ( 40 ) between the object ( 18 ) and the building structure ( 20 ).       
 
         [0032]    The reference numbers have been used to point out elements in the embodiments described and illustrated herein, in order to facilitate the understanding of the invention. They are meant to be merely illustrative, and not limiting. Also, the foregoing embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated in conjunction with systems and methods thereof, which are meant to be merely illustrative, and not limiting. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0033]    Preferred embodiments, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are described herein in conjunction with the following drawings: 
           [0034]      FIG. 1  depicts a prior art self threading nut and a plate into which the nut is threaded. 
           [0035]      FIG. 2  depicts a self threading nut according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a plate into which the nut is threaded. 
           [0036]      FIG. 3  depicts a nut, according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a metal profile for fixing the screw thereinto. 
           [0037]      FIG. 4  depicts the first, second and third step, for fixing of the profile of  FIG. 3  to a wall or to a ceiling by the nut of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 5  depicts the fourth step of adjusting of the distance of the profile of  FIG. 3  to the wall or ceiling of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 6  depicts a tool for rotating the long bolt, and for later releasing the long bolt from the tool. 
           [0040]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the tool of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 8  is an assembled view of the tool of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the tool of  FIG. 7 , including the nut and bolt of  FIG. 3 . 
       
    
    
       [0043]    It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0044]    The present invention will be understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments (“best mode”), which are meant to be descriptive and not limiting. 
         [0045]    For the sake of brevity, some well-known features, methods, systems, procedures, components, circuits, and so on, are not described in detail. 
         [0046]      FIG. 1  depicts a prior art self threading nut and a plate into which the nut is threaded. 
         [0047]    The term “self-tapping thread” refers herein to a thread having a widening perimeter, for producing a thread in a substance by rotation of the thread in relation to the substance. 
         [0048]    The term “self-tapping nut” refers herein to a nut having a self-tapping thread. 
         [0049]    A prior art self-tapping nut includes a self-tapping thread, in which except for the external binding  44 A, the widths  80  of all the bindings, including the internal binding  44 D and the central bindings  44 B are substantially equal; and the width  92  of each gap  86  between the bindings is substantially equal to the width  80  of the bindings. 
         [0050]    The internal binding  44 D reaches the surface  38  of head  52 . 
         [0051]    Upon insertion of the self-tapping thread into a pre-fitted hole  54  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of a plate  18  having a thickness  84 , substantially equal to width  92  of gap  86 , the external binding  44 A produces a local bending  88 , which enlarges further by the central bindings  44 B. 
         [0052]    Bending  88  inserts into gap  86  between the bindings ( 44 A,  44 B,  44 D), and leads the threading, either to close the nut until the last binding  44 D contacts surface  38  or a washer, or to open the thread. 
         [0053]      FIG. 2  depicts a self threading nut according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a plate into which the nut is threaded. 
         [0054]    In contrast to conventional self-tapping threads, the internal binding  44 C of the self-tapping thread  36  of a nut  10  according to the present invention, does not reach the surface  38  of head  52 . There is no end to self-tapping thread  36 , i.e., there is a space  48 , along the entire width of the thread, between the internal binding  44 C of self-tapping thread  36  and surface  38  of head  52 . 
         [0055]    Production of space  48  forms the internal binding  44 C of nut  10  to be thinner than that of bindings  44 B. 
         [0056]    Upon insertion of self-tapping thread  36  into the pre-fitted hole  54  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of plate  18  having the thickness  84 , substantially of the gap  86 , the external binding  44 A produces the local bending  88  of plate  18 , which enlarges further by the central bindings  44 B. 
         [0057]    Bending  88  of plate  18  inserts into gap  86  between the bindings ( 44 A,  44 B,  44 C), and leads the threading, to provide linear motion of closing nut  10 . Once bending  88  reaches space  48 , the linear movement ceases. 
         [0058]    Since the internal binding  44 C is relatively thin, upon further closing of nut  10 , bending  88  of plate  18  bends the end  90  of the internal binding  44 C. Thus, the internal binding  44 C no longer leads bending  88  of plate  18  within gap  86 , even upon rotating nut  10  to be opened. 
         [0059]    Thus, nut  10  is rotatable in relation to plate  18 , even though nut  10  is not releaseable from profile  18 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the nut of  FIG. 2 , and the metal plate or profile for fixing the screw thereinto, and a bolt. 
         [0061]    Nut  10  preferably includes an elastic washer  46 , disposed in the space  48  between the internal binding  44 C of self-tapping thread  36  and surface  38  of head  52 . Elastic washer  46  is intended for limiting movement between the self-tapping thread  36  and plate/object  18  upon completing the threading therebetween. The limiting of the movement avoids vibrations. 
         [0062]    Nut  10  includes a female thread  34  for threading thereinto a bolt  14  having a male thread  66  fitting thereto; head  52  including a plurality of surfaces  50 , such as hex surfaces for rotating nut  10 ; and the self-tapping thread  36 , for producing bending  88 , depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the pre-fitted hole  54  of plate or profile  18 . 
         [0063]    Self-tapping thread  36  is hollow and includes female thread  34  allowing inserting bolt  14  therethrough, as depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 4  depicts the first, second and third step, for fixing of the profile of  FIG. 3  to a wall or to a ceiling by the nut of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0065]    At the first step, the installer fixes nut  10  to profile  18 . As explained in  FIG. 3 , nut  10  is free to rotate in relation to profile  18 , even though nut  10  is conventionally not releaseable from profile  18 . 
         [0066]    At the second step, the installer fixes a wall plug  16  to the ceiling  20  or wall or other building structure. 
         [0067]    At the third step, the installer screws thread  66  (depicted in  FIG. 3 ) of bolt  14  into female thread  34  (depicted in  FIG. 3 ) of nut  10  in relation to nut  10 . While threading bolt  14  into nut  10 , head  52  of nut  10  is to be held by a spanner  56 . Typically, washer  46  may be sufficient for not requiring spanner  56  for not allowing rotation of nut  10  this case. The installer further rotates bolt  14  into wall plug  16  until being fixed thereto. 
         [0068]    At the end of the third step, bolt  14  does not allow changing the distance  40  between wall or ceiling  20  and profile  18 , since bolt  14  is not any more rotatable. 
         [0069]      FIG. 5  depicts the fourth step of adjusting of the distance of the profile to the wall or ceiling of  FIG. 4 . 
         [0070]    At the fourth step, the installer rotates nut  10  in relation to bolt  14  (which is not any more rotatable), for adjusting the distance of profile  18  to ceiling  20 . 
         [0071]    At the fifth step, the installer may remove the screw driver from bolt  14 , and may cut the remainder of bolt  14 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 6  depicts a tool for rotating the long bolt, and for later releasing the long bolt from the tool. 
         [0073]    A one-directional rotating tool  60  may grip bolt  14 , upon rotating bolt  14 , through the one-directional rotating tool  60 , towards the ceiling; and may release bolt  14  upon “attempting” to rotate bolt, through the one-directional rotating tool  60 , to the opposite direction. An electric screw driver  78  may rotate the bottom element  28  of one-directional rotating tool  60  via a hex element  30  of bottom element  28 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the tool of  FIG. 6 . 
         [0075]    A male thread  72  of hex element  30  is permanently fixed to a female thread  74  of the bottom element  28 . 
         [0076]    Upon rotating hex element  30  to the closing direction depicted by arrow  64 , the male thread  66  of bolt  14  is inserted into a female thread  62  of the top element  22  of tool  60 . 
         [0077]    Male thread  66  of bolt  14  and female thread  62  of the top element  22  of gripping tool  60  are tightened one towards the other by a tightening element  32 , being pressed by the bottom element  28 . 
         [0078]    Rotation of the bottom element  28  rotates a male thread  42  thereof into a female thread  68  of the top element  22 . 
         [0079]    This rotation of the bottom element  28  also presses the central element  32 , named above the “tightening element”. 
         [0080]    Central element  32  presses male thread  66  of bolt  14  outside from female thread  62  of the top element  22  of tool  60 , thereby providing friction therebetween, thus making the separation between them difficult. 
         [0081]    In addition to this difficulty, upon rotating hex element  30  opposite to arrow  64 , male thread  42  opens in relation to female thread  68  thereof before male thread  66  of bolt  14  opens in relation to female thread  62  of top element  22 ; this, since the pace  70  of threads  42  and  68  is significantly larger than the pace of threads  66  and  62 . 
         [0082]    Thus, threads  68  and  42  have an easier opening extent, since threads  42  and  68  have smaller friction length and area therebetween than the friction length and area of threads  66  and  62 . Thus, threads  42  and  68  open, one from the other, by a smaller pressure than any other thread in the system, and therefore it opens first. 
         [0083]      FIG. 8  is an assembled view of the tool of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the tool of  FIG. 7 , including the nut and the bolt of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0085]    The opening of thread  42  of the bottom element  28  from thread  68  of the top element  22  does not separate the bottom element  28  from the top element  22 , due to a protrusion  24  of the bottom element  28  and a protrusion  26  of the top element  22 , being blocked one by the other. 
         [0086]    The opening of thread  42  of the bottom element  28  from thread  68  of the top element  22  releases the tightening of male thread  66  of bolt  14  towards female thread  62  of the top element  22  by central element  32 , thus releasing bolt  14 . 
         [0087]    In the figures and/or description herein, the following reference numerals (Reference Signs List) have been mentioned:
       numeral  10  denotes a nut, according to one embodiment of the present invention;   numeral  12  denotes a prior art self threading nut;   numeral  14  denotes an elongated bolt;   numeral  16  denotes a wall plug;   numeral  18  denotes a metal profile or a plate or another object, to be hung to a building structure;   numeral  20  denotes the ceiling or wall or other building structure, for fixing the object thereto;   numeral  22  denotes the top element of the gripping tool; the terms “top” and “bottom” refer to hanging the profile on the ceiling, being at the top;   numeral  24  denotes a protrusion of the bottom element;   numeral  26  denotes a protrusion of the top element;   numeral  28  denotes the bottom element of the gripping tool;   numeral  30  denotes a hex element;   numeral  32  denotes the central element of the gripping element;   numeral  34  denotes a female thread in the nut;   numeral  36  denotes a self-tapping thread;   numeral  38  denotes a surface of the head of the nut;   numeral  40  denotes the distance between the profile and the ceiling;   numeral  42  denotes a male thread;   numeral  44 A denotes the first binding, being the external binding, of the self-tapping thread;   numeral  44 B denotes the bindings except for the external and the internal bindings of the self-tapping thread;   numeral  44 C denotes the internal binding of the self-tapping thread;   numeral  46  denotes a washer, which may be of silicon, for increasing the friction;   numeral  48  denotes a space between the internal binding of the self-tapping thread of a nut and a surface of the nut;   numeral  50  denotes a surface of the head of the nut;   numeral  52  denotes the head of the nut;   numeral  54  denotes a hole in a plate, perimeter thereof fitted to the self-tapping thread;   numeral  56  denotes a spanner;   numeral  58  denotes a bearing;   numeral  60  denotes a gripping tool;   numeral  62  denotes a female thread;   numeral  64  denotes an arrow;   numeral  66  denotes a male thread of the bolt;   numeral  68  denotes a female thread;   numeral  70  denotes the pace of the thread;   numeral  72  denotes a male thread;   numeral  74  denotes a female thread;   numeral  78  denotes a screw driver;   numeral  80  denotes the width of a binding;   numeral  84  denotes the thickness of the metal profile or the plate or the other object, to be hung to the building structure;   numeral  86  denotes the gap between the bindings of the thread;   numeral  88  denotes a local bending in the hole in the plate;   numeral  90  denotes the end of the internal binding; and   numeral  92  denotes the width of the gap between the bindings of the thread.       
 
         [0130]    In the description herein, the following references have been mentioned: 
         [0131]    The foregoing description and illustrations of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the above description in any form. 
         [0132]    Any term that has been defined above and used in the claims, should to be interpreted according to this definition. 
         [0133]    The reference numbers in the claims are not a part of the claims, but rather used for facilitating the reading thereof. 
         [0134]    These reference numbers should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any form.