Patent Description:
Tool-driven threaded fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, are ubiquitous in industry. Such fasteners may come loose and require use of tools for assembly and disassembly, and/or torque monitoring equipment to prevent under or over tightening. One exemplary use of a threaded nut and stud is illustrated in <CIT>, which is directed to a glassware manufacturing apparatus including a nut threaded to a stud of a baffle manifold wherein the stud extends through a collar of a baffle arm. Other attempts to couple a baffle manifold to a baffle arm include threaded or threadless clamp collars, and baffle collars pinned to the manifold stud. But such attempts also require tools for assembly and disassembly.

<CIT> describes a locking assembly with a mounting ring having at least one notch and at least one groove having an entrance adjacent to the notch.

<CIT> describes an improved structure multi-cut type lamp pipe connector componentry comprised of a lock ring, a mounting joint engaged to the bottom end of the lock ring, a threaded tube fastened at the interior section of the mounting joint, and a nut fastening a fixing ring at the bottom end of the mounting joint.

A general object of the present disclosure, in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, is to provide a threadless nut, which does not necessarily require use of tools or torque monitoring equipment, for example for mounting the baffle manifold on the baffle arm of a glassware forming machine. Further examples include vehicle lug nuts, faucet spout nuts, or any application where tools and torque monitoring are not desired.

The object is achieved by subject matter of claim <NUM>.

The present disclosure embodies a number of aspects that can be implemented separately from or in combination with each other.

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure a threadless nut is provided with the features as defined in claim <NUM>.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a quick-connect/disconnect arrangement for mounting a baffle manifold on a baffle arm of a glassware forming machine includes a baffle arm having an aperture, and a baffle manifold having a segment extending through the aperture and permitting rotation of the baffle manifold with respect to the baffle arm. The arrangement also includes the threadless nut according to claim <NUM>. A bayonet connection is provided between the threadless nut and the baffle manifold segment.

The disclosure, together with additional objects, features, advantages and aspects thereof, will be best understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which:.

<FIG> illustrates a baffle arm assembly <NUM> of a glassware forming machine that may be similar to that disclosed in <CIT>, except for features of the present disclosure, which will be described in detail below. The assembly <NUM> includes a baffle holder manifold <NUM> suspended from ends of a baffle arm <NUM> and a link arm <NUM>. The baffle arm <NUM> includes a collar <NUM> defining an aperture through which a segment <NUM> of the manifold <NUM> extends. The segment <NUM> is rotatable within the aperture of the collar <NUM> to allow rotation of the baffle manifold <NUM> with respect to the baffle arm <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a quick-connect/disconnect arrangement for mounting the baffle manifold <NUM> on the baffle arm <NUM>. For example, a threadless nut <NUM>, according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is secured to the segment <NUM> to couple the manifold <NUM> to the baffle arm <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail below, the nut <NUM> may be coupled to the segment <NUM> via a bayonet connection. The collar <NUM> may also include a bushing, bearing, or the like (not shown) to facilitate rotation of the manifold segment <NUM> and the threadless nut <NUM> with respect to the collar <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the segment <NUM> includes a threadless stud <NUM> to extend beyond an upper surface of the collar <NUM> and to be coupled to the threadless nut <NUM>. (As used herein, directional words such as top, bottom, front, rear, behind, upper, lower, radial, circumferential, lateral, longitudinal, transverse, vertical, horizontal, and the like are employed by way of description and not necessarily limitation.

Referring to <FIG>, the stud <NUM> includes two or more circumferentially spaced lugs <NUM>. The lugs <NUM> may have end surfaces <NUM>, side surfaces <NUM>, and fillets <NUM> therebetween. The end surfaces <NUM> may be excurvate in shape and may define a major diameter of the stud <NUM>. The side surfaces <NUM> also may be excurvate and may be axial extensions of a minor diameter <NUM> (<FIG>) of the stud <NUM>. The fillets <NUM> may be incurvate and may define smooth transitions between the end and side surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the stud <NUM>. As shown, the stud <NUM> may be chamfered to promote good assembly of the nut <NUM>. For example, the stud <NUM> may be chamfered between a top surface <NUM> and the end surfaces <NUM> and fillets <NUM>. Any other suitable configuration of the segment <NUM> and stud <NUM> may be used. For example, although the illustrative stud <NUM> includes two diametrically opposed lugs <NUM>, a stud may include three or more circumferentially spaced apart lugs.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the nut <NUM> generally includes a longitudinal axis A, a collar <NUM>, and a cap or lock <NUM> carried by the collar <NUM> in any suitable manner. For example, the lock <NUM> is coupled to the collar <NUM> in a rotationally fixed but axially movable manner. The nut <NUM> may be a generally cylindrical device, wherein the collar <NUM> and the lock <NUM> may be generally cylindrical components. As shown in <FIG>, the nut <NUM> also includes a spring <NUM> to bias the collar <NUM> and the lock <NUM> in a general direction away from one another, and a retainer <NUM> to retain the lock <NUM> to the collar <NUM>. To assemble the nut <NUM>, the spring <NUM> is disposed between the collar <NUM> and the lock <NUM>, the lock <NUM> is compressed against the spring <NUM> and the collar <NUM>, and the retainer <NUM> is coupled to the lock <NUM> while the lock <NUM> is compressed against the collar <NUM>. Once the retainer <NUM> is coupled to the lock <NUM>, compression on the lock <NUM> may be released. Thus, the nut <NUM> may be a self-contained assembly.

Referring generally to <FIG>, the collar <NUM> includes an axially extending wall <NUM> extending axially between first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>, and a stepped passage <NUM> surrounded by the wall <NUM>. The passage <NUM> may be defined by a minor diameter <NUM>, a first counterbore <NUM>, and a second counterbore <NUM> (<FIG>) that define a radially extending wall <NUM>. The collar <NUM> also includes lugs <NUM> projecting axially from the axially extending wall <NUM> at the first end <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and <FIG> the lock <NUM> includes an axially extending wall <NUM> (<FIG>) extending between first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) and a radially extending lug flange <NUM> that extends radially outwardly from the wall <NUM> and including lug pockets <NUM>. The lock <NUM> also includes a barrel outer diameter <NUM> (<FIG>) to cooperate with the minor diameter <NUM> of the collar <NUM>, and a shoulder outer diameter <NUM> (<FIG>) to cooperate with the first counterbore <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. The lock <NUM> further includes a retainer groove <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) in the wall <NUM> adjacent the second lock end <NUM>. The lock <NUM> also carries translational retention lugs <NUM> (<FIG>) and rotational retention lugs <NUM>, wherein the translational retention lugs <NUM> are disposed circumferentially between the rotational retention lugs <NUM>. For example, the lock <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM> from which the lugs <NUM>, <NUM> inwardly project. The lugs <NUM>, <NUM> define stud lug seats <NUM> and semi-circumferential stud lug clearance passages <NUM> therebetween. The two stud lug seats <NUM> correspond to the two stud lugs <NUM> of the stud <NUM> of <FIG>, but any suitable quantity of corresponding seats <NUM> and lugs <NUM> may be provided.

As assembled, and referring to <FIG>, the lock <NUM> is rotationally coupled to the collar <NUM> by the collar lugs <NUM>, which axially extend into the lug pockets <NUM> of the lock <NUM> and are axially movable therein. The rotational retention lugs <NUM> are disposed in the radial fillets <NUM> of the stud <NUM> and cooperate with the radial end and side surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the stud <NUM> to resist rotation of the nut <NUM> with respect to the stud <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the spring <NUM> is disposed between the radially extending flange <NUM> of the lock <NUM> and the radially extending wall <NUM> of the collar <NUM> to bias the lock <NUM> and collar <NUM> in a general direction away from each other. The spring <NUM> also biases the threadless nut <NUM> with respect to the baffle manifold segment <NUM> to resist rotation of the threadless nut <NUM> with respect to the segment <NUM> absent compression of the spring <NUM>. The spring <NUM> may be a wave spring. For example, the spring <NUM> may be a C200-M1 wave spring available from Smalley Steel Ring Company of Lake Zurich, IL. Any other suitable type of spring may be used, including coil springs, elastomeric springs, or the like.

As also shown in <FIG>, the retainer <NUM> is disposed in the retainer groove <NUM> of the lock <NUM> such that the retainer <NUM> is disposed in the second counterbore <NUM> of the collar <NUM> and engages the radially extending wall <NUM> in a free state of the nut <NUM>. The retainer <NUM> may be a snap ring. For example, the retainer may be a M2400 external retaining ring available from Truarc Company LLC of Phillipsburg, NJ. In another embodiment, the retainer <NUM> may be an integral portion of the lock <NUM>, for example, a flange which may be upset, for example, after assembly of the collar <NUM>, lock <NUM>, and spring <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the second end <NUM> of the collar <NUM> rests against a surface, for example, a surface of the baffle arm collar <NUM>. Also, the translational retention lugs <NUM> are disposed behind the stud lugs <NUM> to axially retain the nut <NUM> to the stud <NUM>. Furthermore, the rotational locking lugs <NUM> are disposed adjacent the stud lugs <NUM> and axially overlap the side surfaces <NUM> of the stud lugs <NUM>.

When it is desired to decouple the nut <NUM> from the stud <NUM>, the lock <NUM> is compressed toward the collar <NUM> against the bias force imposed by the spring <NUM>. Eventually, as the lock <NUM> is displaced toward the collar <NUM>, the rotational retention lugs <NUM> become rotatably movable with respect to the stud lugs <NUM> when the rotational retention lugs <NUM> have axially moved with respect to the stud lugs <NUM> so as to axially clear the stud lugs <NUM>. For example, the top surfaces <NUM> of the rotational retention lugs <NUM> axially clear bottom surfaces <NUM> of the stud lugs <NUM> to permit the nut <NUM> to be rotated with respect to the stud <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, when the nut <NUM> is rotated about <NUM> degrees, the stud lugs <NUM> may pass through the stud lug clearance passages <NUM> between the lugs <NUM>, <NUM> so that the nut <NUM> may be removed from the stud <NUM>.

To replace the nut <NUM>, the nut <NUM> is placed over the stud <NUM> so that the stud lugs <NUM> pass through the stud lug clearance passages <NUM> between the lugs <NUM>, <NUM>, the nut <NUM> is advanced against the baffle arm collar <NUM> so that the lock <NUM> is compressed against the nut collar <NUM> such that the top surfaces <NUM> of the rotational retention lugs <NUM> axially clear the bottom surfaces <NUM> of the stud lugs <NUM> to permit the nut <NUM> to be rotated with respect to the stud <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, when the nut <NUM> is rotated about <NUM> degrees the translational retention lugs <NUM> are disposed behind the stud lugs <NUM> such that when the compression on the lock <NUM> is released, the spring <NUM> advances the lock <NUM> against the stud lugs <NUM> so as to seat the stud lugs <NUM> in the lug seats <NUM> axially against the translational retention lugs <NUM> and circumferentially against and between the rotational retention lugs <NUM>.

Accordingly, as assembled to the stud <NUM>, the collar <NUM> is an axially stationary and circumferentially rotatable member of the nut <NUM>, whereas the lock <NUM> is a member of the nut <NUM> that is both axially translatable and circumferentially rotatable.

<FIG> illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of <FIG> and may be used within the exemplary environment of <FIG>, and like numerals between the embodiments designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, much of the common subject matter will generally not be repeated here and the embodiments are incorporated by reference into one another.

Referring now to <FIG>, a nut <NUM> generally includes a collar <NUM> and a lock <NUM> carried by the collar <NUM> in any suitable manner. For example, the lock <NUM> is coupled to the collar <NUM> in a rotationally fixed but axially movable manner. The nut <NUM> may be a generally cylindrical device, wherein the collar <NUM> and the lock <NUM> may be generally cylindrical components.

As shown in <FIG>, the nut <NUM> also includes a spring <NUM> to bias the collar <NUM> and the lock <NUM> in a general direction away from one another, and a retainer <NUM> to retain the lock <NUM> to the collar <NUM>. To assemble the nut <NUM>, the spring <NUM> is disposed between the collar <NUM> and the lock <NUM>, the lock <NUM> is compressed against the spring <NUM> and the collar <NUM>, and the retainer <NUM> is coupled to the collar <NUM> while the lock <NUM> is compressed. Once the retainer <NUM> is coupled to the collar <NUM>, compression on the lock <NUM> may be released. Thus, the nut <NUM> may be a self-contained assembly.

Referring generally to <FIG>, the collar <NUM> includes an axially extending wall <NUM> extending between first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>, a stepped passage <NUM> surrounded by the wall <NUM> and defined by a radially extending wall <NUM> (<FIG>) having inner surfaces <NUM> (<FIG>) to cooperate with corresponding portions of the lock <NUM> (<FIG>), a counterbore <NUM> for the spring <NUM> (<FIG>), and a shoulder <NUM> therebetween. The collar <NUM> also includes a retainer groove <NUM> in the wall <NUM> adjacent the first end <NUM>. The wall <NUM> may include alternating castellations and openings (not shown) circumferentially spaced in the first end <NUM> to assist with removal of the retainer <NUM>. The collar <NUM> also includes translational retention lugs <NUM> extending radially inwardly from the radially extending wall <NUM>. The lugs <NUM> project inwardly from the inner surfaces <NUM> and may be semi-circumferential or arcuate and may be stepped to include pilot portions <NUM> and lug engagement portions <NUM> that project axially beyond the shoulder <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lock <NUM> includes an axially extending wall <NUM> (<FIG>) extending between first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>. The lock <NUM> further includes a radially extending flange <NUM> that extends radially outwardly from the axially extending wall <NUM> to cooperate with the spring <NUM> (<FIG>). The lock <NUM> also includes a barrel outer diameter <NUM> to cooperate with the minor diameter <NUM> of the collar <NUM> (<FIG>), and a flange outer diameter <NUM> to cooperate with the counterbore <NUM> of the collar <NUM> (<FIG>). The lock <NUM> additionally may include a radially extending wall <NUM> to assist with manual depression of the lock <NUM> toward the collar <NUM>. Alternatively, the wall <NUM> may be omitted and/or a radially outwardly extending flange may be provided, for example, similar to that of the first exemplary embodiment. The lock <NUM> also carries rotational locking lugs <NUM>, wherein the translational retention lugs <NUM> may be disposed circumferentially between the rotational retention lugs <NUM> in assembly. For example, the lock <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM> from which the lugs <NUM> inwardly project. As best shown in <FIG>, the lugs <NUM> include sides <NUM> that may be disposed approximately <NUM> degrees with respect to one another, and a radiused nose <NUM> between the sides <NUM>. The lugs <NUM> may be axially spaced from the second end <NUM> and/or from the flange <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the lock <NUM> is rotationally coupled to the collar <NUM> by the translational retention lugs <NUM> of the collar <NUM> being disposed in the interruptions of the wall <NUM> of the lock <NUM> and between the rotational locking lugs <NUM> of the lock <NUM> and are axially movable with respect thereto. The lugs <NUM>, <NUM> define stud lug seats <NUM> and stud lug clearance passages <NUM> therebetween. As shown in <FIG>, the rotational locking lugs <NUM> are disposed in the fillets <NUM> of the stud <NUM> and cooperate with the radial end and side surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the stud <NUM> to resist rotation of the nut <NUM> with respect to the stud <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second end <NUM> of the collar <NUM> locates against the baffle arm collar <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the spring <NUM> is disposed between the flange <NUM> of the lock <NUM> and the radially extending wall <NUM> of the collar <NUM> to bias the lock <NUM> and collar <NUM> in a general direction away from each other. The spring <NUM> also biases the threadless nut <NUM> with respect to the baffle manifold segment <NUM> to resist rotation of the threadless nut <NUM> with respect to the segment <NUM> absent compression of the spring <NUM>. The spring <NUM> may be a wave spring. For example, the spring may be a C200-L3-S17 wave spring available from Smalley Steel Ring Company of Lake Zurich, IL. Any other suitable springs may be used, including coil springs, elastomeric springs, or the like.

As also shown in <FIG>, the retainer <NUM> is disposed in the retainer groove <NUM> of the collar <NUM> such that the retainer <NUM> cooperates with the radially extending flange <NUM> of the lock <NUM> in assembly. The retainer <NUM> may be a snap ring. For example, the retainer <NUM> may be a M2300 internal retaining ring available from Truarc Company LLC of Phillipsburg, NJ. In another embodiment, the retainer <NUM> may be an integral portion of the collar <NUM>, for example, a flange which may be upset, for example, after assembly of the collar <NUM>, lock <NUM>, and spring <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the translational retaining lugs <NUM> are disposed behind the stud lugs <NUM> to axially retain the nut <NUM> to the stud <NUM>. Also, the pilot portions <NUM> cooperate with a pilot diameter <NUM> of the segment <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the rotational locking lugs <NUM> are disposed adjacent the stud lugs <NUM> and axially overlap the side surfaces <NUM> of the stud lugs <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when it is desired to decouple the nut <NUM> from the stud <NUM>, the lock <NUM> is compressed toward the collar <NUM> against the bias force imposed by the spring <NUM>. Eventually, as the lock <NUM> is displaced toward the collar <NUM>, the rotational retention lugs <NUM> become rotatably movable with respect to the stud lugs <NUM> when the rotational retention lugs <NUM> have axially moved with respect to the stud lugs <NUM> so as to axially clear the stud lugs <NUM>. For example, top surfaces <NUM> of the rotational locking lugs <NUM> axially clear bottom surfaces <NUM> of the lugs <NUM> to permit the nut <NUM> to be rotated with respect to the stud <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, when the nut <NUM> is rotated about <NUM> degrees the stud lugs <NUM> may pass between the lugs <NUM>, <NUM>. Accordingly, the nut <NUM> may be removed from the stud <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

To replace the nut <NUM>, the nut <NUM> is placed over the stud <NUM> so that the stud lugs <NUM> pass between the lugs <NUM>, <NUM>, the nut <NUM> is advanced against the baffle arm collar <NUM> so that the lock <NUM> is compressed against the nut collar <NUM> such that the top surfaces <NUM> of the rotational locking lugs <NUM> axially clear bottom surfaces <NUM> of the lugs <NUM> to permit the nut <NUM> to be rotated with respect to the stud <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, when the nut <NUM> is rotated about <NUM> degrees the translational retaining lugs <NUM> are disposed behind the stud lugs <NUM>. Then, the compression on the lock <NUM> is removed so that the spring <NUM> advances the lock <NUM> against the stud lugs <NUM> so as to cradle the stud lugs <NUM> or seat the stud lugs <NUM> circumferentially between the rotational locking lugs <NUM>.

Accordingly, the collar <NUM> is an axially stationary and circumferentially rotatable member of the nut <NUM>, whereas the lock <NUM> is a member of the nut <NUM> that is both axially translatable and circumferentially rotatable.

A comparison of <FIG> and <FIG> reveals a functional difference between the embodiments. As shown in <FIG>, when the segment <NUM> of the baffle manifold <NUM> moves in an axial direction, for example, due to sudden engagement or disengagement of the manifold <NUM> with another portion of a glassware forming machine, the lock <NUM> will also move relative the collar <NUM>. This is because a space S is provided between the lock <NUM> and the segment <NUM> to allow axial disengagement and circumferential clearance of the radial retaining lugs (not shown) with respect to the stud lugs <NUM>. Such "play" may be acceptable for many applications. However, in applications where such play is undesirable, the embodiment shown in <FIG> may be preferred.

Referring again to <FIG>, there is just enough axial spacing between axial surfaces of the segment pilot diameter <NUM> and the stud lugs <NUM> to permit engagement and disengagement of the translational retaining lugs <NUM> therebetween. Also, the lock <NUM> is located against the collar <NUM> of the baffle arm <NUM>. Accordingly, for all intents and purposes, the lock <NUM> does not move relative to the nut collar <NUM> or the baffle arm collar <NUM>.

The collars <NUM>, <NUM> and locks <NUM>, <NUM> may be manufactured, for example, by machining from blanks, near net or investment casting, or powder metal fabrication. The collar <NUM> and lock <NUM> may be composed of, for example, AISI <NUM> steel ion nitrided to a hardness of <NUM>-<NUM> on the Rockwell C scale. The collar <NUM> and lock <NUM> may be composed of, for example, AISI <NUM> steel carburized to a hardness of <NUM>-<NUM> on the Rockwell C scale and to a depth of about <NUM>. The collars <NUM>, <NUM> and locks <NUM>, <NUM> may be manufactured in any other suitable manner and may be composed of any other suitable materials.

This application is a divisional application of European Patent Application <CIT> (<CIT>). Applicant reserves the right to go back to and claim any subject matter which is disclosed in European Patent Application <CIT> (<CIT>) within this divisional application or by way of one or more potential consecutive divisional applications, irrespective of the scope of the attached set of claims.

Claim 1:
A threadless nut (<NUM>, <NUM>), the threadless nut including:
translational retention lugs (<NUM>, <NUM>) circumferentially spaced apart and positionable behind lugs (<NUM>) of a stud (<NUM>) to axially retain the nut to the stud when said threadless nut is coupled to the stud; and
rotational retention lugs (<NUM>, <NUM>) circumferentially spaced apart and positioned adjacent to said translational retention lugs, and positionable adjacent to the stud lugs such that said rotational retention lugs are axially overlappable with respect to the stud lugs when said threadless nut is coupled to the stud,
wherein said translational and rotational retention lugs define seats (<NUM>, <NUM>) to receive the stud lugs and define passages circumferentially between said seats to allow passage of the stud lugs, said rotational retention lugs being axially movable with respect to the stud lugs, and rotatably movable with respect to the stud lugs when said rotational retention lugs are axially moved with respect to the stud lugs so as to axially clear the stud lugs.