Improved Means for Locking Nuts on Bolts.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Dec., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 20th Aug., 1891- lccepted, 24.h Oct., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Means for Locking Nuts on Bolts.
I, THOMAS CLARK PALMER, of Croxton House, 27 Mackenzie Street.
Melbourne, in the Colony of Victoria, Clerk, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows :-
This invention relates to those classes of nuts which are provided with means
whereby they may be locked or held upon their bolts so that they cannot shake
loose or come off accidentally.
Its object is to provide a simple and inexpensive lock nut which can be easily
rotated in one direction, but is effectually prevented from accidental rotation in the
opposite direction, although means are provided to enable it to be screwed off the
bolt when required.
It consists in certain improved means for locking nuts on bolts.
These means are-
First, -A nut lock, and
Second, A nut having a certain provision in it for the purpose of enabling said
nut lock to engage with it.
The said nut lock consists of a tapped ring of metal adapted to screw on a bolt.
and having a projection at one part of either its inner or its outer peripheries,
terminating in a shoulder. This nut lock does not necessarily consist of a complete
ring of metal, inasmuch as the ring may be split or a small piece may be cut out.
of it so as to make it an imperfect ring. And further the projection, instead of
being on its periphery, may if preferred be on its face, and finally it is susceptible
of several other modifications which are hereinafter described.
The nut which forms the second part of my invention is made either with a
recess in or a projection on its face corresponding to the shape of the nut lock for
the purpose of enabling this latter to engage with it.
According to my invention I provide the nut to be locked with a recess in its
outer face into which the tapped ring or nut lock hereinbefore referred to is fitted.
This recess is provided with an eccentric or cam-shaped side or part whilst the
tapped ring or nut lock is formed with a correspondingly shaped projection on its
outer periphery. In practice the nut lock is fitted inside said recess in the nut and
is screwed on to the bolt therewith, it being obvious that this can easily be accom-
plished by reason of the shoulder at the rear end of the cam or eccentric shaped
part of the nut coming into contact with a corresponding shoulder on the rear end
of the cam-shaped or eccentric projection on the tapped metal ring or nut lock and
so carrying the latter round with it.
When my improved lock nut has been screwed sufficiently far along the bolt, a
slight backward turn is given to it in order to lock it upon the bolt by causing the
inclined or cam-shaped or eccentric surface of the tapped ring or nut lock to wedge
between the bolt and the inclined or cam-shaped or eccentric surface of the nut,
thus effectually preventing any further backward rotation.
In order that this nut may be unscrewed from the bolt when required, I form
two recesses, one in the side of the metal ring or nut lock and the other in the side
of the hereinbefore mentioned recess in the nut, and I arrange said recesses in such
a manner as that when said nut lock and nut are in their unlocked positions said
recesses will agree with or be in apposition to each other, thus allowing a small pin
or other projection to be inserted in the hole formed by said recesses so as to
connect said nut lock and nut, and so enable them to be screwed off together

page_text: If preferred, instead of the tapped metal ring or nut lock being constructed in
the form of a continuous ring, it may be split oridivided.
Or instead of being fitted inside a recess, the tapped metal ring or nut lock may
be fitted outside a projection on the nut, cam-shaped, inclined or eccentric surfaces
being provided on said ring or nut lock and nut as before, so that in the event of
the latter tending to unscrew it would become jambed between the eccentric surface
of said nut lock and the bolt and would thereby be prevented from any further
backward rotation. At the same time it can easily be unscrewed if required by
keeping the shoulders at the rear ends of the eccentric surfaces in engagement
with each other, which can be accomplished by .holding the "flats" on the sides of
the nut and tapped ring or nut lock in line with each other by the aid of the
spanner employed for unscrewing them.
According to a modification of my invention the hereinbefore mentioned
eccentric shaped projection on the periphery of the nut lock is substituted by a
wedge-shaped or inclined surface on the face of the tapped metal ring or nut lock
and the hereinbefore mentioned eccentric recess in the nut is substituted by a
correspondingly shaped recess in the face of said nut so that in the event of the
latter tending to unscrew it will ride up the inclined surface -on said nut lock and
will thereby become jambed, and so be prevented from any further movement, as
will be well understood. At the same time by moving the shoulder at the rear end
of said inclined surface until it engages with the shoulder at the rear end of the
inclined recess the nut and nut lock can be unscrewed easily with the aid of a
spanner.
It will be obvious that if preferred some of the arrangements hereinbefore
described may be reversed, that is, the eccentric projection may be formed on the
nut and the corresponding eccentric recess in the tapped ring or nut lock.
Another modification of my invention consists in undercutting that part of the
recess of the nut which is adjacent to an inclined recess in said nut, so that said
part overhangs the nut lock slightly and thus as the side of said nut lock is raised
by said inclined recess it will be forced in towards the bolt by said undercut part,
and will thereby be more securely jambed between the nut and bolt, as will be well
understood by all persons skilled in the art to which my invention relates.
In another modification having the same object as the one just described, a split
or divided tapped ring or nut lock encircles the bolt and is provided with over-
lapping ends. One of these said ends is formed with an eccentric projection which
fits inside a corresponding recess in the nut, and one of said ends is formed with a
projection having one side inclined, whilst the other overlapping end of said nut
lock is formed with a recess preferably corresponding in shape to said projection.
This recess is also formed with one side inclined to correspond with the inclined
side of said projection, and the whole is so arranged as that when the nut is turned
backwards to lock it upon the bolt said eccentric surfaces will force the over-
lapping ends of the nut lock in toward the bolt, and will thereby draw the nut lock
tightly around the bolt by reason of the inclined surfaces of the just mentioned
projection and recess in its ends sliding along each other.
In nearly all the cases.above described it will be obvious that the eccentric or
inclined projection may be dispensed with, a comparatively small projection on the
nut or nut lock, as the case may be, being arranged to ride up the eccentric or
inclined surfaces.
Dated this Twenty-third day of October One thousand eight hundred..and

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Means for Locking Nuts on Bolts.
I, THOMAS CLARK PALMER, of Croxton House, 27 Mackenzie Street, Mel-
bourne in the Colony of Victoria, Clerk, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to those classes of nuts which are provided with means
whereby they may be locked or held upon their bolts so that they cannot shakë
loose or come off accidentally.
Its object is to provide a simple and inexpensive lock nut which can be easily
rotated in one direction, but is effectually prevented from accidental rotation in the
opposite direction, although means are provided to enable it to be screwed off the
bolt when required.
It consists in certain improved means for locking nuts on bolts.
These means are:-
First, A nut lock, and
Second, A nut having a certain provision in it for the purpose of enabling said
nut lock to engage with it.
This said nut lock consists of a tapped ring of metal adapted to screw on a bolt,
and having a projection at one part of either its inner or its outer peripheries
terminating in a shoulder. This nut lock does not necessarily consist of a complete
ring of metal, inasmuch as the ring may be split or a small piece may be cut out
of it, so as to make it an imperfect ring. And further, the projection, instead of
being on its periphery, may if preferred be on its face, and finally, it is susceptible
of several other modifications which are hereinafter described and claime.l.
The nut, which forms the second part of my invention, is made either with a
recess in or a projection on its face corresponding to the shape of the nut lock for
the purpose of enabling this latter to engage with it.
Referring to the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1, is a side elevation of a right-hand screw-threaded bolt provided with a
nut lock embodying my invention.
Figure 2 is a plan of said lock nut.
Figure 3 is a vertical central section on line 3 3, Figure 2, showing said lock nut
applied to the end of a right-hand screw-threaded bolt.
Figure 4 is a plan, and
Figure 5 a side elevation of the tapped ring of metal or nut lock which, as
above stated constitutes one of the essential features of my invention.
Figures 6 and 7 are respectively a plan and a side elevation of one of the divided
or split tapped metal rings or nut locks above referred to.
Figure 8 is a plan on a larger scale of that form of my invention which is
illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, and showing the nut lock in its unlocked position.
Figure 9' is a similar view to Figure 8, but showing the nut lock in its locked
position.
Figure 10 is a plan of a modification of my invention in which the nut lock fits
outside a projection on the nut instead of inside a recess in the nut, and is shown in
its locked position, and
Figure 11 is a similar view to Figure 10, but showing said nut in its unlocked
position.
Figure 12 is a vertical central section on line 12-12, Figure 10, showing said
modification of my invention applied to the upper end of a right-hand screw-
threaded bolt.
Figure 13 is a vertical central section of the tapped ring or nut lock shown in
10

page_text: Figures 14 and 15 are side elevations, and
Figure 16 is a plan of another modification of my invention in which the nut
lock is made with an inclined projection on its face instead of on its periphery, and
in which the nut is made to correspond therewith. Figure 14 shows same in its
unlocked and Figures 15 and 16 in its locked position.
Figure 17 is a similar view to Figure 2, but showing a modification wherein an
eccentric projection is provided on the nut and a corresponding recess is formed
in the tapped ring or nut lock instead of, as in said Figure 2, the eccentric recess
being in the nut and the projection on the nut lock.
Figure 18 is a corresponding view to Figure 15, but showing the nut lock
arranged inside a recess in the upper or outer face of the nut instead of alongside
the lower or inner face thereof.
Figure 19 is a plan of the arrangement shown in Figure 18, and
Figure 20 is a horizontal section on line 20-20, Figure 19.
Figure 21 is a plan of a nut with a nut lock so arranged as to be drawn tightly
around the bolt in the event of said nut tending to come off.
Figure 22 is also a plan of a nut, showing that one of the inclined or eccentric
surfaces hereinbefore referred to may be dispensed with.
Similar letters of reference indicate the same or corresponding parts in all the
figures.
Referring first to Figures 1 to 5,
A represents a right-hand screw-threaded bolt and B a nut thereon, whilst
C represents my tapped ring or nut lock. In the arrangement shown in these
figures, the nut B is provided with a recess bin its outer face, into which the tapped
ring or nut lock C is fitted. This recess is provided with an eccentric or cam-
shaped side or part whilst the tapped ring or nut lock C is formed with a
correspondingly shaped projection e' on its outer periphery, as clearly illustrated in
Figures 2, 4, 8, and 9. In practice, the nut lock C is fitted inside the recess b in
the nut B and is screwed on to the bolt A therewith, it being obvious that this can
easily be accomplished by reason of the shoulder at the rear end of the cam or
eccentric shaped part of the nut B coming into contact with a corresponding
shoulder c² on the rear end of the cam-shaped or eccentric projection c¹ on the
tapped metal ring or nut lock C and so carrying the latter round with it.
When my improved nut lock has been screwed sufficiently far along the bolt A,
a slight backward turn is given to it in order to lock it upon the bolt by causing
the inclined, or cam-shaped or eccentric surface c¹ of the tapped ring or nut lock Č
to wedge between the bolt A and the inclined or cam-shaped or eccentric surface b¹
of the nut B, thus effectually preventing any further backward rotation, as will be
well understood on reference to Figure 9.
In order that this nut may be unscrewed from the bolt when required, I form
two recesses D-D, one in the side of the metal ring or nut lock C and the other
in the side of the recess in the nut B, and I arrange said recesses in such a
manner as that when said nut lock C and nut B are in their unlocked positions said.
recesses will agree with or be in apposition to each other, as illustrated in Figure 8,
thus allowing a small pin or other projection to be inserted in the hole formed by
said recesses so as to connect said nut lock and nut and so enable them to be
screwed off together.
If preferred, instead of the tapped metal ring or nut lock C being constructed in
the form of a continuous ring, as shown in Figure 4, it may be split or divided, as
illustrated in Figure 6.
Or instead of being fitted inside a recess, such as b, Figures 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9, the
tapped metal ring or nut lock C may be fitted outside a projection bon said nut, as
illustrated in Figures 10, 11 and 12, cam-shaped, inclined or eccentric
surfaces being provided on said ring or nut lock and nut as before, so that
in the event of the latter tending to unscrew it would become jambed between the
eccentric surface of said nut lock C and the bolt A and would thereby be
prevented from any further backward rotation. At the same time it can easily be
=

page_text: unscrewed if required, by keeping the shoulders at the rear ends of the eccentric
surfaces in engagement with each other, which can be accomplished by
holding the "flats" on the sides of the nut B and tapped ring or nut lock C in
line with each other by the aid of the spanner employed for unscrewing them.
Another modification of my invention is illustrated in Figures 14, 15, wherein
the eccentric-shaped projection on the periphery of the nut lock, as shown in
Figures 1, 2, 8, and 9, is substituted by a wedge-shaped or inclined surface c¹ on
the face of the tapped metal ring or nut lock C and wherein the eccentric recess
in the nut B, as shown in said Figures, is substituted by a correspondingly shaped
recess in the face of the nut B so that in the event of the latter tending to
unscrew, it will ride up the inclined surface con said nut lock C and will thereby
become jambed and so be prevented from any further movement, as will be well
understood. At the same time, by moving the shoulder at the rear end of the
inclined surface until it engages with the shoulder c² at the rear end of the
inclined surface c' the nut and nut lock can be unscrewed easily with the aid of a
spanner.
It will be obvious that if preferred the arrangements illustrated in Figures 1
to 12 may be reversed, that is, the eccentric projection may be formed on the nut
in Figures 1 to 8, and the corresponding eccentric recess in the tapped ring or nut
lock, as is clearly illustrated in Figure 17, wherein represents said eccentric
projection on said nut and represents the corresponding recess in the nut lock, in
which said projection fits, as shown.
From this illustration the corresponding alteration of the arrangements shown
in Figures 10 to 13 and 14 to 16 will be easily understood, it being borne in mind
that the eccentric or inclined projections and the correspondingly shaped
recesses may be substituted for each other, that is, the projections may be on
the nuts and the recesses in the nut locks.
Another modification of the arrangement shown in Figures 14 to 16 is shown in
Figures 18 to 20, wherein the nut lock C is fitted inside a recess formed in the
upper or outer face of the nut B instead of being arranged alongside the lower or
inner face thereof, as in the former one.
An additional feature of this modification consists in undercutting that part of
the recess of the nut which is adjacent to the inclined recess b', as shown at 1,³,
that is, said part overhangs the nut lock slightly so that as the side of said nut
locks raised by the inclines '-c' it will be forced in towards the bolt by said
undercut part and will thereby be more securely jambed between the nut B and
bolt A, as will be well understood by all persons skilled in the art to which my
invention relates.
Another modification having the same object as the one just described is
illustrated in Figure 21, wherein a split or divided tapped ring or nut lock C
encircles the bolt and is provided with overlapping ends, as shown. One of these
said ends is formed with an eccentric projection which fits inside a corresponding
recess in the nut B and one of said ends is formed with a projection having
one side inclined as shown, whilst the other overlapping end of said nut lock is
formed with a recess preferably corresponding in shape to the projection /.
This recess is also formed with one side inclined to correspond with the inclined
side of the projection and the whole is so arranged as that when the nut B is
turned backwards to lock it upon the bolt the eccentric surfaces 6-¹ will force
the over-lapping ends of the nut-lock in towards the bolt, as in the
arrangements illustrated in Figures 1 to 13, and will thereby draw the nut lock C
tightly around the bolt by reason of the inclined surfaces of the projection and
the recess in its ends sliding along each other.
In nearly all the cases above described it will be obvious that the eccentric or
inclined projection may be dispensed with, a comparatively small projection c¹
on the nut or nut lock, as the case may be, being arranged to ride up the
eccentric or inclined surfaces 6', as illustrated in Figure 22.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is
First. A tapped ring or nut lock (such as C) formed with a cam-shaped or
eccentric projection (such as c¹) on its outer periphery in combination with a screw-
threaded nut having a recess (such as 6) into which said tapped ring or nut lock
can be fitted, said recess being formed with a cam-shaped or eccentric part (such
as ) corresponding with the projection on said uut lock, substantially as and for
the purposes specified, and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 of my drawings.
Second. A tapped ring or nut lock (such as C) formed with a cam-shaped or
eccentric projection (such as c¹) on its inner periphery in combination with a screw-
threaded nut having a projection formed with one part (such as ') cam-shaped or
eccentric to correspond with the projection on said nut lock, substantially as and
for the purposes specified and as illustrated in Figures 10 to 13 of my drawings.
Third. A tapped ring or nut lock having an inclined projection (such as c¹) on
its leading face in combination with a screw-threaded nut having a corresponding
incline (such as 61) cut or otherwise formed in its rear face, substantially as and for
the purposes specified and as illustrated in Figures 14, 15, and 16 of my drawings.
Fourth. A tapped ring or nut lock having a cam-shaped or eccentric surface
(such as e¹) in combination with a nut provided with an eccentric or other suitably
shaped projection (such as 1) arranged to. ride over said eccentric surface on said
ring or nut lock, the whole being so constructed and arranged as to lock said nut
upon the bolt, substantially as and for the purposes herein described and explained
and as illustrated in my drawings.
Fifth. A tapped ring or nut lock formed with an inclined or eccentric surface
arranged to bear against some part of a nut in the event of the latter being rotated
backwardly in combination with a nut (such as B) formed with a recess (such as D)
said nut lock also being provided with a similar recess, and both being so arranged
as that when the nut is in its unlocked position said recesses will come opposite to
each other and so enable a pin or the like to be inserted in them, substantially as
and for the purposes herein described and explained and as illustrated in Figures 1
to 9 of my drawings.
Sixth. A tapped ring or nut lock fitted into a recess in the rear face of a nut
and having a projection (such as c¹) on its forward face arranged to ride up an
incline (such as ') cut or otherwise formed in the rear face of said nut, the whole
being constructed and arranged substantially as and for the purposes herein
described and explained and as illustrated in Figures 18 to 20 of my drawings.
Seventh. A tapped ring or nut lock having a projection (such as c') on its
forward face in combination with a nut (such as B) formed with a recess (such as b)
in its rear face into which said ring or nut lock can be fitted, said recess being
formed with an inclined surface (such as ') and its sides being undercut as at 6³,
the whole being constructed and arranged substantially as and for the purposes
herein described and explained and as illustrated in Figures 18 to 20 of my
drawings.
b
Eighth. A tapped ring or nut lock (such as C) having overlapping ends one of
which is provided with a projection (such as 3) fitting into a recess (such as *) in
the other end of said ring, said projection and said recess being formed with
inclined sides, and either said ring or else the nut to which it is applied, being
formed with an incline (such as cor ¹) so that in the event of said nut turning
backwards it will draw the said ring or nut lock tightly around the bolt, substan-
tially as and for the purposes herein described and explained and as illustrated in
Figure 21 of my drawings.
Itated this Tenth day of Tule One thousand