Patent Description:
An alternative method of fastening the rim to the hub is used to facilitate faster wheel changes by using a single larger nut assembly in the center of a wheel, such as that shown in <FIG> (Prior Art). The center wheel nut assembly has been used on racecars and high-end automobiles. The center wheel nut assembly requires higher and more accurate installation torque. Various versions and designs of center wheel nut assemblies for automotive rims already exist, such as that shown in FIG. A (Prior Art), a commercially available centerlock wheel nut assembly from Porsche AG ("Porsche Nut Assembly A"), as disclosed in <CIT>,.

Porsche Nut Assembly A includes a central nut 11A and a cone ring 4A. Central nut 11A includes a center bore 1A, trapezoidal threads 2A and a torque engagement 13A. Cone ring 4A includes a circular area 14A, bores 5A, an inner circular area 6A, a conical area 7A and an expansion slot 21A. Porsche Nut assembly A may also include: a washer 3A formed between central nut 11A and cone ring 4A; and a retaining ring 8A to hold the components together.

Porsche Nut Assembly A is assembled as shown in FIG. Porsche Nut Assembly A is installed on a wheel (rim) 12A as follows. An O-ring 16A and an adapter 17A are placed with in a center bore 20A of wheel 12A. An O-ring 17A is placed in and Assembled Porsche Nut Assembly A' is tightened with a standard driver (not shown) within center bore 20A. An O-ring 18A and a cap 19A are placed over Assembled Porsche Nut Assembly A'. Document <CIT> shows a further center wheel nut of the prior art, which wheel nut comprises a slit cone or split washer for pressing against the wheel.

Current methods of tightening center wheel nut assemblies of the prior art are difficult and prone to errors. They involve using very large, cumbersome, manual torque wrenches or torque multipliers that react on the wheel, ground or elsewhere. These tools require high physical exertion on the part of the installer making worker fatigue a real concern. Current torque multipliers need to react on the rim itself which could potentially damage the rim or the ground which may cause dangerous and unwanted side loads. Automobile brakes must be locked with an accessory to prevent unwanted tire rotation during installation. In general, complex procedures must be followed. This video link shows a common method of using a large torque wrench.

Improved center wheel nut apparatus, drivers, systems and methods are needed.

Summary The invention is a self-reacting center wheel nut assembly with the features of claim <NUM>. An embodiment of such a self-reacting center wheel nut assembly includes: a center wheel nut; a reaction ring and a lock collar assembly. The reaction ring is formed between the center wheel nut and the lock collar assembly. The self-reacting center wheel nut assembly may also include a washer and O-rings. The self-reacting center wheel nut assembly improves and simplifies wheel bolt tightening; uses the lock collar assembly as a reaction point by transferring opposing torque generated during installation and removal through the reaction ring, which is reacted on by a dual sleeved drive assembly; may be used with HYTORC electric battery powered torque multiplier gun/tools to deliver quick, accurate and precise torque; eliminates the need for external reaction points such as the rim or ground, thereby eliminating side loads and damage to the wheel; is fully sealed and lubricated; eliminates vehicle movement and the need to lock the brakes; reduces operator fatigue and chances of injury associated with large torque wrenches; and saves operator time and energy.

The invention(s) of the present application may be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:.

As shown in <FIG>, by way of example only, a self-reacting center wheel nut assembly <NUM> includes: a center wheel nut <NUM>; a reaction ring <NUM>; and a lock collar assembly <NUM>. Reaction ring <NUM> is formed between center wheel nut <NUM> and lock collar assembly <NUM>. Assembly <NUM> may also include a washer <NUM> and O-rings <NUM> and <NUM>. Assembly <NUM> improves and simplifies wheel bolt tightening; uses lock collar assembly <NUM> as a reaction point by transferring opposing torque generated during installation and removal through reaction ring <NUM>, which is reacted on by a dual walled drive assembly; may be used with HYTORC electric battery powered torque multiplier gun/tool to deliver quick, accurate and precise torque; eliminates the need for external reaction points such as the rim or ground, thereby eliminating side loads and damage to the wheel; is fully sealed and lubricated; eliminates vehicle movement and the need to lock the brakes; reduces operator fatigue and chances of injury associated with large torque wrenches; and saves operator time and energy.

Center wheel nut <NUM> is a modified version of central nut 11A of Porsche Nut Assembly A of the prior art. Center wheel nut <NUM> is formed as a hollow cylindrical body having a first end <NUM> to nonrotatably engage with an action (or torque input) portion of a driver assembly (not shown) and a second end <NUM> to rotatably engage with an inner threaded surface of a hollow shaft of a hub of a wheel (not shown).

First end <NUM> includes an outer engagement means <NUM> which may be formed as a polygonal formation, which in this case are radially dispersed lobes. Engagement means <NUM> allows for rotational coupling with the action portion of the torque input device. First end <NUM> also includes an inner engagement means <NUM> which may be formed as a polygonal formation, which in this case are indentions. Engagement means <NUM> allows for click-in connection with the action portion of the torque input device through the driver assembly.

Second end <NUM> includes an outer engagement means <NUM> which in this case are external threads. Engagement means <NUM> allows for threaded engagement with the hollow shaft of the hub of the wheel. Second end <NUM> also includes an inner engagement means <NUM> which may be formed a polygonal formation, which in this case are splines. Engagement means <NUM> allows for rotational coupling of a wheel adaptor (not shown) that rests within the hub of the wheel.

Center wheel nut <NUM> also has a flanged portion <NUM> formed between first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. A channel <NUM> around an outer edge of flanged portion <NUM> accepts an O-ring <NUM>. HYTORC modified the shape and size of portion(s) of the Porsche Nut, including flanged portion <NUM>, to accommodate for the addition of reaction ring <NUM>. Such modification(s) does not weaken center wheel nut <NUM> since the portion(s) which receives compressive stress has not materially changed.

Generally, in order for center wheel nut assembly <NUM> to fit in the standard rim (wheel), inter alia, the outside diameter and/or thickness of the nut portion of the Porsche Nut is reduced. Specifically, the section of the Porsche Nut used as an O-ring seal gland and as a means to keep the tapered collet washer attached is removed. Secondary O-ring <NUM> is added to, inter alia, seal out external contaminents, seal in lubricants and act as a snap ring to keep center wheel nut <NUM> attached to reaction ring <NUM>.

Reaction ring <NUM> is formed as a hollow cylindrical body having a first end <NUM> to nonrotatably engage with a reaction portion of the driver assembly and a second end <NUM> to nonrotatably engage with lock collar assembly <NUM>.

First end <NUM> includes an upper engagement means <NUM> which may be formed as a polygonal formation, which in this case are radially dispersed castellations. Engagement means <NUM> allows for rotational coupling with the reaction portion of the torque input device through the driver assembly. The walls of the castellations are angled (dovetailed) to create a low (short) profile which would pull themselves tighter together as a moment is applied. This modification resists slipping off which would normally be a concern with such a short feature.

Second end <NUM> includes a lower engagement means <NUM> which may be formed as a polygonal formation, which in this case are radially dispersed lobes. Engagement means <NUM> allows for rotational coupling with lock collar assembly <NUM>. Second end <NUM> also includes an inner engagement means <NUM> which may be formed as a polygonal formation, which in this case are indentions. Engagement means <NUM> allows for click-in connection with lock collar assembly <NUM>.

Reaction ring <NUM> also has an outer edge <NUM> formed between first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. A channel <NUM> around outer edge <NUM> accepts an O-ring <NUM>. O-ring <NUM> is added to, inter alia, seal out external contaminents, seal in lubricants and act as a snug fit with a tapered recess in the center of the wheel.

Lock collar assembly <NUM> is a modified version of cone ring 4A of Porsche Nut Assembly A of the prior art. Lock collar assembly <NUM> is formed as a hollow cylindrical tapered body having a first end <NUM> to nonrotatably engage with reaction ring <NUM> and a second end (or outer surface) <NUM> to engage with the tapered recess in the center of the wheel, which matches its shape. Lock collar assembly <NUM> also includes an inner smooth surface <NUM> to nonrotatably engage with an outer smooth surface of the shaft of the hub of the wheel.

First end <NUM> includes an upper engagement means <NUM> which may be formed as a polygonal formation, which in this case are radially dispersed lobes. Engagement means <NUM> allows for rotational coupling with engagement means <NUM> of reaction ring <NUM>. First end <NUM> also includes an outer engagement means <NUM> within portions of upper engagement means <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, by way of example only, outer engagement means may be formed as a retaining formation, which in this case are indentions with retaining springs <NUM> held in place by spring pins. Engagement means <NUM> allows for click-in connection with engagement means <NUM> or reaction ring <NUM>. Second end (or outer surface) <NUM> engages with the tapered recess in the center of the wheel, which matches its shape.

Lock collar assembly <NUM> also includes a circumferential engagement means <NUM> which may be formed as a expansion/compression formation, which in this case are radially dispersed full and/or partial slots (or cut-outs). Engagement means <NUM> works in tandem with inner smooth surface <NUM> to nonrotatably engage with the outer smooth surface of the shaft of the hub of the wheel. Lock collar assembly <NUM> also may include a continuous, circuitous groove formation <NUM> formed on an upper surface <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, by way of example only, self-reacting center wheel nut assembly <NUM> may also include a smooth washer <NUM>. Smooth washer <NUM> is shown formed between a smooth lower surface of flanged portion <NUM> of center wheel nut <NUM> and upper surface <NUM> of lock collar assembly <NUM>. Smooth washer <NUM> helps to relieves friction while turning center wheel nut <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, by way of example only, an alternative embodiment of self-reacting center wheel nut assembly <NUM> includes an engagement means <NUM> to nonrotatably attach the reaction ring and the lock collar assembly. In this alternative embodiment, engagement means <NUM> includes set screws <NUM> formed within bores <NUM> and <NUM> of the reaction ring and the lock collar assembly, respectively.

As shown in <FIG>, by way of example only, are various views of a self-reacting center wheel nut dual driver assembly <NUM> of the present application. Driver assembly <NUM> includes an inner self-reacting center wheel nut socket <NUM> and an outer self-reacting center wheel nut reaction sleeve <NUM> coupled together via a socket coupling means <NUM>. Socket <NUM> and sleeve <NUM> are cooperatively and relatively rotatable in opposite directions. Note that socket <NUM> is a modified version of the driver of Porsche Nut Assembly A of the prior art. Socket coupling means <NUM>, in this case, is formed as a set screws formed within a bores of sleeve <NUM> which rests within a channel formed on socket <NUM>. Various views of socket <NUM> and sleeve <NUM> are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively.

As shown in <FIG>, by way of example only, is a reaction arm-free torque power tool <NUM> for either tightening, loosening or both tightening and loosening of self-reacting center wheel nut assemblies of the present application, like <NUM>, including: a turning force generating mechanism; a drive to transfer the turning force; and a dual driver assembly of the present application, like <NUM>. Power tool <NUM> may be either manually, electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically driven. Power tool <NUM> may include either: a HYTORC® ICE®; a HYTORC® AVANTI®; a HYTORC® STEALTH®; a HYTORC® XXI®; a HYTORC® jGUN®; a HYTORC® FLIP-Gun®, a HYTORC® THRILL® Gun; a HYTORC® Z® Gun; a HYTORC® FLASH® Gun; or a HYTORC® Lithium Series® Gun.

As shown in <FIG>, by way of example only, a system <NUM> for fastening objects includes: self-reacting center wheel nut assemblies of the present application, like <NUM>; and torque power tool <NUM> having a dual driver assembly of the present application, like <NUM>.

Generally, a self-reacting center wheel nut assembly includes: a center wheel nut having a first end to nonrotatably engage with an action portion of a driver assembly and a second end to rotatably engage with a wheel; a reaction ring having a first end to nonrotatably engage with a reaction portion of a driver assembly and a second end to nonrotatably engage with the lock collar assembly; and a lock collar assembly having a first end to nonrotatably engage with the reaction ring and a second end to nonrotatably engage with the wheel.

The application includes a novel and non-obvious center wheel nut design that adds a self-reaction feature to the nut. HYTORC Reaction Washer technology is further advanced with an added part to transfer the reaction force from the centering collar behind the nut to an exposed location beside the nut tightening feature. Note that this invention could be used anywhere a collet like device is tightened to a very high torque.

Apparatus <NUM> operates with driver assembly <NUM> as follows and as shown in <FIG>, by way of example only. The center wheel nut is turned clockwise and threads down onto a hollow shaft of the hub. This hub has matching threads on the inside and the outside of the hub is smooth. The tapered collet washer is split and has cuts along its outside which allow it to expand for a tight fit over the hub outside.

As the center nut is tightened, it pushes the tapered collet washer down into a matching tapered recess on the center of the rim (wheel). So as the nut is being tightened, the tapered collet washer is simultaneously putting pressure axially onto the wheel to hold it against the hub and also being squeezed tightly around the outside of the hub, keeping everything centered.

Similar to HYTORC Washer technology, apparatus <NUM> takes advantage of the tapered collet washer that resists turning in the opposite direction as the nut during a coaxial tightening operation.

In accordance with the invention, the reaction ring is added to apparatus <NUM>, which allows for coaxial reaction off of the tapered collet washer, respectively of the lock washer assembly. The reaction ring and tapered collet washer are coupled rotationally by a number of reaction lobes. These lobes could just as easily be a spline, or any number of other mechanical and/or geometric means of attaching the two parts together.

<CIT> (published as <CIT>) discloses, inter alia, a torque power tool for tightening and/or loosening of an industrial threaded fastener including: a motor to generate a turning force; a drive to transfer the turning force; a turning force multiplication mechanism assembly; and a yoke-style shifter assembly to shift the tool into any torque mode from lower and/or higher resistance and/or speed. <CIT> discloses, inter alia, a portable torque power tool including: a motor to generate a turning force; a drive to transfer the turning force; a turning force multiplication mechanism assembly to multiply the turning force; a shifter assembly to shift the tool between a lower speed / higher torque (LSHT) mode and a higher speed / lower torque (HSLT) mode; a torque transducer to measure torque output from a portion of the turning force multiplication mechanism assembly; wherein torque output is controlled by the torque transducer in LSHT mode; and wherein torque output is controlled by motor current in HSLT mode.

<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose, inter alia, Applicant's HYTORC® Z® System which involves: tools having multispeed / multi-torque modes with torque multiplication and vibration mechanisms without use of external reaction abutments; a force transfer means to yield in-line co-axial action and reaction for use with such tools; driving means and shifting means capable of attaching to washers under the nut for use with such tools and force transfer means; associated washers and fasteners for use with such tools, force transfer means and driving means; and related accessories for use with such tools, force transfer means, driving means, washers and fasteners.

The HYTORC® Z® System includes the following: Z® Washers located under nuts or bolt heads of various types having engageable perimeters of multiple shapes, sizes, geometries and serrations, such as washer/fastener radius engagement differentials, and frictionally biased faces with relatively higher friction against the flange surface and relatively lower friction against the nut, such as friction coefficient increasing treatment means of various types, sizes and locations; HYTORC Z® Guns incorporating a powerful impact mechanism and a precise torque multiplier in the same tool combining rapid rundown with calibrated torque; HYTORC® Z® Sockets with dual drive coaxial action and reaction having outer sleeves to react on Z® Washers and an inner sleeves to turn nuts or bolt heads; HYTORC® Z®Spline Adapters and Reaction Plates for backwards compatibility with HYTORC®'s torque/tension systems including the AVANTI® and ICE® square drive systems, the STEALTH® limited clearance system, the pneumatic jGUN® series, the FLASH® Gun and LITHIUM Series electric multipliers and more; the combination of HYTORC® Z® Washer and the HYTORC® Z® Dual Friction Washer™ including a dual friction-enhanced face washer and/or the HYTORC® Z® Nut/Bolt for counter-torque under a nut or bolt head on the other side of the joint; HYTORC® Z® Dual Drive Offset Links for tight clearances while using HYTORC®'s torque/tension systems; HYTORC® Z® Vibration Mechanisms applied thereof; Z®-Squirter® Washers; HYTORC® Z® Washer and Nut Assemblies; and any combinations thereof. Further disclosures include: Tapered Fastener Assemblies; Tapered Torsional Couplings; Two-Part Tapered Nut Assemblies; and Two-Part Tapered Thread Nut Assemblies. Tool A, and variations thereof, may be used with Applicant's HYTORC® Z® System.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above. The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilized for realizing the invention in diverse forms thereof. Note that there may be slight differences in descriptions of numbered components in the specification.

The present invention has been generally described with reference to the accompanying figures, in the form of nut assembly <NUM>, driver <NUM> and tool <NUM>. In the figures, certain layers, components or features may be exaggerated for clarity, and broken lines illustrate optional features or operations unless specified otherwise. In addition, the sequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the figures and/or claims unless specifically indicated otherwise. In the drawings, the thickness of lines, layers, features, components and/or regions may be exaggerated for clarity and broken lines illustrate optional features or operations, unless specified otherwise.

As used herein, the singular forms, "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It will be understood that when a feature, such as a layer, region or substrate, is referred to as being "on" another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another feature or element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being "connected", "attached" or "coupled" to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly connected", "directly attached" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. The term "about" refers to +/-variations of less than <NUM>%, typically +/-<NUM>%. The term "substantially" refers to +/-variations of less than <NUM>%, typically +/-<NUM>%.

It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the present application and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

The term "cordless" or "handheld" or "portable" power tool refers to power tools that do not require plug-in, hard wired electrical connections to an external power source to operate. Rather, the cordless power tools have electric motors that are powered by on-board batteries, such as rechargeable batteries. A range of batteries may fit a range of cordless tools. Embodiments of the present invention are particularly suitable for industrial fastening tools such as for example, screwdrivers, ratchets, and nutrunners.

Claim 1:
A self-reacting center wheel nut assembly (<NUM>) including:
a center wheel nut (<NUM>);
a reaction ring (<NUM>); and
a lock collar assembly (<NUM>).
the center wheel nut (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) to nonrotatably engage with an action portion of a driver assembly (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>) to rotatably engage with a wheel;
the reaction ring (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) to nonrotatably engage with a reaction portion of a driver assembly (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>) to nonrotatably engage with the lock collar assembly (<NUM>); and
the lock collar assembly (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) to nonrotatably engage with the reaction ring (<NUM>) and a tapered second end (<NUM>) to nonrotatably engage with a matching tapered recess in the center of a wheel.