Patent Publication Number: US-6666116-B1

Title: Self-supporting retaining device for threaded fastener assembly

Description:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention involves a device for retaining the position of a nut or head of a threaded fastener assembly during the tightening or loosening thereof. The device can be mated to the nut or head of the fastener assembly and released, wherein it will thereafter support itself and retain the nut or head, allowing the user of the device to use both hands to manipulate the nut or head on the opposite end of the fastener assembly. 
     In fastening operations, especially in fastening operations utilizing a threaded fastener assembly such as a bolt and nut, the position of the fastener assembly often is not conducive to proper ergonomic manipulation by a user thereof. For example, when using a bolt and nut, the length of the bolt may make it difficult for a user to simultaneously reach both the bolt head and the nut attached to the threaded end of the bolt. It is also possible, due to the structure through which the bolt passes, that one or both of the bolt head and the nut may be obstructed from the view of the user. This can result in the user blindly searching for either the bolt head or the nut, such as by feeling for one or the other. In such situations, it is not only difficult for the user to comfortably and safely perform a fastening or loosening operation, but it may even be difficult for the user to engage either the bolt head or nut of the fastener assembly with the proper tools. 
     It is also possible when using a double-ended fastener, such as a bolt and nut, that the user may be required to observe the position of either the bolt head or the nut. For example, the bolt head may have a marking or other position indicator that is required to be aligned with some other feature of the structure through which the bolt passes. Similarly, it may be necessary to observe the nut during the fastening or loosening operation. If the bolt head and nut are either spaced at too great a distance, the view thereof is obstructed, or both, the user may not be able to properly manipulate the fastener assembly. For example, if the bolt head and nut are spaced at too great a distance, the user may not be able to observe the bolt head while maintaining the position of the nut. Similarly, if the view of the bolt head and/or the fastener is obstructed by some other structure, it may be necessary to observe both the bolt head and the nut while fitting a tool thereto. However, when both the bolt head and the nut cannot be viewed simultaneously, it may not be possible to maintain control over each tool that must be used to manipulate the fastener assembly. Hence, it can be seen that situations may occur wherein a user cannot physically simultaneously operate both a tool engaged with the bolt head and a tool engaged with the nut of the fastener assembly. 
     What is needed then, is a device for maintaining the position of a nut or bolt head without continuing physical contact by the user. Available tools are not designed to engage a bolt head or nut without user interaction. It is true that a wrench or socket may in certain situations remain engaged with a bolt head or nut after release by a user thereof. However, it is difficult, if not impossible in most situations for the wrench or socket to secure the position of the bolt head or nut, while also remaining engaged therewith as the fastener assembly is tightened or loosened. Typically, any tool that is left unrestrained on a bolt head or nut will rotate along with the bolt head or nut as the fastener assembly is rotated by the user. Thus, any tool left unrestrained on a bolt head or nut will also likely become dislodged upon contact with a neighboring structure. Consequently, it is desirable to have a device that may be placed into self-supporting and mating engagement with either a bolt head or a nut, such that the device is able to maintain its position and restrain the bolt head or nut without user interaction. 
     The present invention is designed to perform such a function. The present invention comprises a device having a first portion that can be placed into mating engagement with either the bolt head or nut of a threaded bolt-type fastener assembly. The device also has a second portion that is adapted to engage a structure that neighbors the component or components to which the fastener assembly is installed. The second portion is preferably extendable or retractable to allow it to properly communicate with the neighboring structure. The second portion is also preferably biased toward either an extended or retracted position, such that after the second portion is placed into proper contact with the structure, the device will independently remain in the installed (mated) position on the bolt head or nut. Once the device is installed, the bolt head or nut on the opposite end of the fastener assembly may be rotated by the user. Because the device is able to independently retain the position of the bolt head or nut to which it is installed, tightening or loosening of the fastener assembly may be accomplished by manipulating only the bolt head or nut on the opposite end thereof (i.e., there is no need for the user to maintain the position of the bolt head with a first tool while simultaneously tightening the nut with a second tool). 
     Preferably, the device employs a socket component on the first portion for engaging and retaining the particular fastener assembly element. The socket component may be permanently affixed to the first portion, such as by welding. Alternatively, the socket component may be attached to the first portion by means of a typical socket retaining post. Such structures are commonly utilized on ratcheting socket wrenches to allow the releasable connection of various sockets. In this manner, the device may be used on bolts having a multitude of bolt head and nut sizes. In lieu of the socket component, the device may also employ an open-end or box wrench component to engage and retain the bolt head or nut. 
     To use the device, for example, to secure the position of a bolt head during the tightening of a nut element of a fastener assembly, the user first places the socket component over the bolt head. The second portion of the device may then be extended (or retracted) as necessary to initially clear the neighboring structure with which it will engage. The device may then be rotated by turning the device and the loose bolt head. The second portion may then be released, whereby a biasing means will encourage the second portion toward its natural position. A protruding leg or other structure on the second portion is preferably provided to engage with the structure, such that the position of the device will be maintained and the device will be prevented from rotating. The user may then proceed to tighten the fastener assembly by rotating the nut with the proper tool. After tightening is completed, the second portion of the device may again be extended (or retracted) to provide adequate clearance for withdrawal of the socket from the bolt head, and the subsequent removal of the device. 
     The device of the present invention may be used in virtually any situation wherein a threaded fastener assembly having a bolt head and nut, or a combination of nuts, is used in sufficient proximity to an adjacent structure with which the device can make contact. In one particular application, the present device can be used to assist in securing a substantially hidden fastener assembly used in the rear suspension of an automobile. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments, wherein like reference numerals across the several views refer to identical or equivalent features, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a self-supporting retaining device of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is left side elevation view of the device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view of the device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged view in partial cross-section, showing a portion of the device in operation; and 
     FIG. 7 shows the device of FIG. 1 engaged with a neighboring structure during use. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) 
     One embodiment of a self-supporting retaining device according to the present invention can be seen by reference to FIGS. 1-5. As can be observed, the retaining device  10  consists primarily of a first portion  20 , provided to engage and retain a bolt head or nut, to which is connected a second portion  30 , provided to support and prevent rotation of the device by engaging an adjacent structure or feature. The first portion  20  is provided with a bolt head or nut retaining component  40 , that is attached at or near a first end of a connecting member  50 . The connecting member is shown here to be of substantially square shape, but other shapes are also possible. Preferably, the retaining component  40  consists of a socket. However, it is also possible that the retaining component may consist substantially of an open end or box wrench-type component (not shown). The retaining component  40  may be permanently attached to the connecting member  50 , such as by welding. Alternatively, the retaining component  40  may be releasably attached to the connecting member  50  so that the retaining device  10  can be applied to bolt heads and nuts of various size. When the retaining component  40  is a socket, a socket retaining post (not shown) may be affixed to the connecting member  50  such that different sockets may be removably attached thereto. Socket retaining posts are commonly employed on ratcheting socket wrenches and similar tools to provide for socket interchangeability. The socket retaining post may employ a spring-loaded ball  60  to assist in retention of the socket. 
     A handle, which in this particular embodiment comprises a knob  70 , is preferably affixed to the connecting member  50  substantially opposite the retaining component  40 . The knob  70  allows a user of the retaining device  10  to locate the retaining component  40  onto the bolt head or nut of the fastener assembly with which it will be employed. The knob  70  also allows the user thereof to remove the retaining device  10  once tightening or loosening of the fastener assembly is complete. Other types of handles may also be utilized, so long as the handle allows the user to properly manipulate the retaining device  10 . 
     The second portion  30  acts as a securing device and is provided to engage a structure near the location of the fastener assembly, thereby securing the retaining device  10  to the bolt head or nut and preventing rotation of the device while the bolt head or nut on the opposite end of the fastener assembly is tightened or loosened. The second portion  30 , preferably has an outer guideway  80  through which passes a securing member  90 . The securing member  90  and the guideway  80  are preferably arranged in a substantially concentric relationship, such that the securing member is slidably disposed through the guideway. The securing member  90  and the guideway  80  may be of a variety of shapes, such as the substantially square shape shown in FIGS. 1-5. Preferably, however, rotation of the securing member  90  within the guideway  80  is either prevented by the relative shape of each component, or is prevented by an additional structure or structures attached to one or both of the guideway and securing member. 
     Preferably, a biasing means is provided to encourage the securing member  90  to remain in either an extended or retracted position. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the securing member  90  is biased toward a retracted position. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, the biasing means comprises a spring  100 , although other means may also be employed. Such other biasing means may include, for example, different types of springs, compressed gas or compressed hydraulic fluid within the guideway  80  acting against a portion of the securing member  90 , elastic members, or magnetic or various other suitable devices. In this particular embodiment of the device  10 , the spring  100  is disposed between an actuating knob  110  located at a first end of the securing member  90 , and a spring stop  120  located at a first end of the guideway  80 . Although not essential to the device, the actuating knob  110  makes it easier for a user thereof to extend the securing member  90 . The spring stop  120  acts to retain the position of one end of the spring  100 , and may also act to limit the travel of the securing member  90  through the guideway  80 . A second spring stop  130  may be disposed at the base of the actuating knob  110 , or the actuating knob itself may act as a second spring stop. 
     An engagement element  140 , such as the post shown, is preferably provided at the second end of the securing member  90 . The engagement element  140  allows the securing member  90  to engage a structure or other component in the vicinity of the fastener assembly onto which the device  10  is installed. The engagement element  140  is not to be limited to the post shown in FIGS. 1-5, but rather may be of a multitude of sizes and shapes depending on the particular application in which the device  10  is employed. It is contemplated that in certain embodiments, the engagement element  140  may be adjustable in both length and direction in order to provide for maximum compatibility. It is also contemplated that a variety of interchangeable engagement elements may be utilized as needed, and removably attached to the second end of the securing member  90 , such as by means of a socket retaining post (as described above) or a similar retaining device. 
     A release element  150  may also be located near the second end of the securing member  90 . The release element  150  is provided to facilitate disengagement of the securing member  90  from the neighboring structure with which it is engaged. During tightening of a fastener assembly to which the retaining device  10  is installed, the torque exerted on the fastener assembly will often force a portion of the securing member  90  into forceful contact against the structure with which it is engaged. This force can make it difficult to slidably move the securing member  90  during removal of the retaining device  10 , as a portion of the surface of the securing member and the structure with which it is engaged may experience significant frictional resistance. The release element  150  is designed to minimize the contact areas between the securing member and the structure to which it is attached. In this particular embodiment, the release element  150  comprises a substantially spherical body, so that the contact area between the surface of the securing member and the structure to which it is engaged is minimized. Other shapes are also possible, however. It is also contemplated that low friction materials or coatings may be employed on the contacting surface(s) of the securing member  90  and/or the contacting surface of the release element  150  to further facilitate disengagement of the securing element from the structure. Although not essential, a retracting stop  160  may be located at the second end of the guideway  80  to limit the retracted position of the securing member  90 . 
     As can be observed by reference to FIG. 7, the retaining device  10  of the present invention is designed to be applied to a threaded fastener assembly after the body  170  of the fastener assembly has been inserted through the component  180  or components that it is to secure. This particular embodiment of the retaining device  10  is designed to be installed specifically to a nut or bolt head of such a threaded fastener assembly. For example, in a securing (tightening) operation, the fastener body is inserted through the component  180  to be secured, and a nut  190  is applied to the threaded end thereof. The retaining device  10  is then installed to the head  200  of the fastener body while the fastener assembly remains in a substantially loose position, such that the entire fastener assembly may be rotated with the retaining device. The retaining device  10  is preferably installed by grasping the handle  70  and placing the retaining component  40  into mating engagement with the bolt head  200 . Preferably, the securing member  90  is then extended from the guideway  80  by depressing the actuating knob  110  and is temporarily maintained in such a position by the user. The retaining device  10  may then be rotated, along with the entire fastener assembly, until the securing member  90  is properly positioned with respect to a neighboring structure  210  with which it will become engaged. Upon allowing the securing member  90  to return toward its retracted position, the engagement element  140  attached to the securing member will maintain the securing member in contact with the neighboring structure  210 , whereby the force of the biasing means  100  will support the retaining device  10  to allow it to remain in a position mated to the bolt head  200 . The user may then move to a position where the opposite side of the fastener may be properly operated upon, whereupon the user will have both hands free to tighten the nut  190  by whatever means are appropriate. The retaining device  10  will maintain its position, and will retain the head  200  and integral fastener body so that the nut  190  may be tightened by the user. Upon completion of the tightening operation, the securing member  90  is extended by the user, thereby providing sufficient clearance so that the retaining component  40  can be withdrawn from the bolt head  200  and the retaining device  10  can be removed. It should be understood that while use of the retaining device is described above with the device applied to the bolt head  200  of a threaded fastener assembly, the device could also be installed on the nut  190  portion of the fastener assembly with equally acceptable results. It should also be appreciated that use of the device is not limited to the tightening of a fastener assembly, as the device can also be used to retain the position of a bolt head or nut during a loosening operation. 
     Certain embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above. However, it should be realized that other embodiments are also possible. For example, the size and orientation of each portion of the device may be constructed to comport with the conditions prevalent at a particular application. The securing device portion of the device may have a retractable, rather than an extendable securing member, or the securing member may be fixed. Thus, the scope of the invention is not to be considered limited by the above disclosure, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention as evidenced by the following claims.