This class is the locus for the following types of fasteners
when they are adapted for general use and are not sufficiently limited
to use with special articles or structures as to require classification
therewith:
A. An anchoring-type or holding-type fastener which expands
upon receiving a driven fastener or when driven by a tool;
B. A tool driven externally threaded fastener (e.g., bolt, screw);
C. A tool driven internally threaded fastener (e.g., nut);
D. An impact driven fastener (e.g., nail, staple);
E. A tool driven or discrete (i.e., not affixed to workpiece),
headed, elongated-shank fastener adapted to be moved along its longitudinal
axis into coaxial apertures in a workpiece, wherein the headed,
elongated-shank fastener is secured by either (1) a deformable end
(e.g., rivet), (2) means other than threads requiring rotation for
engagement (e.g., Dzus-type or quarter-turn fastener), (3) pivotable
securing means (e.g., toggle bolt), (4) retractable securing means
(e.g., ball detent fastener), or (5) a separate retaining element;
and
F. A tool deformed or tool driven fastener (e.g., cotter pin)
which is closely allied in use with the other fasteners of this
class.
This class is also the locus for a threaded bolt (i.e., externally
threaded fastener) or a threaded nut (i.e., internally threaded
fastener), either singly or interthreaded with one another, which
bolt or nut, or a mating pair thereof, is not free to turn about
the axis of its thread (i.e., its longitudinal axis), by virtue
of being (A) combined with means which restrict its rotation relative to
a coating structure, or (B) combined with means which prevent its
rotation relative to its complementary nut or bolt, respectively,
or (C) combined with means which both restruct its rotation as in
(A) and prevent its rotation as in (B). The bolt and the nut, either
single or together, are associated with a fastening function. This class
also provides for devices (e.g., washers) which are used in conjunction
with fasteners of this class and which perfects the fastening operation
thereof.
This class additionally provides for those subcombinations
(e.g., fastener heads) of its subject matter for which no other
locus exists.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
If otherwise proper for this class, fasteners capable of either
manual or tool operation (e.g., tacks) are placed in this class
and not in Class 24.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a holding device is either (a) provided
with a driving section which is disconnectable from the holding device
when a twisting force in excess of a predetermined limit is applied
thereto or (b) yieldably urged into engagement with a cooperating element
and moves into a noncooperating position upon the application of
excessive torque.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the holding device is joined to the
driving section by a destroyable member or weakened portion which
ruptures upon the application of excessive torque.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter wherein the holding device and the driving
section are joined together by a separate element usually disposed
in aligned apertures therein which shears upon the application of
torque in excess of a predetermined limit.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter wherein the holding device and the driving
section are arranged in axially spaced concentric relationship with
respect to each other and are joined together by the member or weakened
portion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein a yieldable connection is provided
between the holding device and the driving section by a connecting
means carried by or formed on either the device or the section which
connecting means either is capable of flexing within its elastic
limit or includes a yieldable biasing means which urges the connecting
means to an operative position, whereby the connecting means is
movable to an inoperative, disconnect position upon the application
of excessive torque.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein the connecting means comprises a
first tooth or toothlike member located on either the holding device
or driving section and a second tooth or toothlike member, or other
structure located on either the holding device or the driving section,
the second tooth, member, or structure being yieldably engageable
and relatively movable with the first tooth or toothlike member.
WITH MEANS TO INDICATE APPLICATION OF PREDETERMINED STRESS-STRAIN:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a holding device includes a self-contained
part which functions to permit measuring of, or to denote attainment or
loss of a desired degree of, tension, compression, or torque in
the device.
Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses for methods of measuring and testing
stresses or strains in a bolt, and for measuring and testing apparatus
not entirely a part of the fastener in situ, particularly
subclasses 141+ for means for measuring a direct push or pull on
a fastener.
Communications: Electrical,
subclass 668 for electric signaling devices not entirely a part
of a fastener in situ responsive to and controlled by the tension
or stress in the fastener.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Subject matter wherein the self-contained part includes
means having a dimension which lies substantially parallel to the
axis along which the holding device is advanced, which means is responsive
to and indicative of a change in the loading condition of the holding
means by variations in said dimension.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter wherein the self-contained part is in the
form of an annular or cylindrical member which is altered in height
to indicate the attainment, or loss of a desired degree of tension,
compression, or torque.
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the annular or cylindrical member
is axially resilient to allow an elastic reduction in height.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Subject matter wherein the resilient member is in the form
of a helically wound element which is axially compressed to indicate
the attainment of a desired degree of tension, compression, or torque.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Subject matter wherein the self-contained part carries a
distinct color producing a visual indication of the measuring attainment
or loss of a desired degree of tension, compression, or torque in
the device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Subject matter wherein the self-contained part carries or
contains a discrete means for measuring the degree of tension, compression,
or torque in the device.
TENSIONED ALONG THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS BY A COAXIAL FORCE APPLYING
DEVICE (E.G., MECHANICAL TENSIONER):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the fastener in which an apparatus
applies a stress or pull parallel to an imaginary line through the
longest dimension of the bolt, screw, nail, rivet, etc. and the
apparatus is then removed.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the longitudinal extent of a holding
device or an anchor can be increased and means are provided to effect
this increase in dimension.
(1)
Note. The increasing means of this subclass includes but
is not limited to a wedge-shaped mandrel, fluid pressure, a screw
(tapered or straight shanked) for applying and expanding force to
the holding device, cooperating sloped faces, etc.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclasses 157+ for an auger anchor insertable in the ground; and
subclasses 698+ for an anchor embedded in a settable material,
connected to a subsurface member or conformed to a specially modified
base, and see the note in subclass 698 for the line.
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, appropriate subclasses for expanding anchors or
holding devices used with tunnels. As between Classes 411 and 405,
Class 405 takes a rock bolt having means to grout it in place or
earth anchors combined with retaining walls or like structures which
are desired to be secured to the earth. In addition, Class 405
takes rock bolts combined with specific roof-supporting systems
or such bolts combined with support plates where the plates have
a roof support, e.g., load-bearing features, hangers, peculiar terrestrial coacting
features, etc. Class 405 is the repository for the support plates, per
se, which are associated with rock bolts. Class 411 takes expanding anchors,
per se, even though they are solely disclosed as being rock bolts
or such anchors associated with nominal roof support plates.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclasses 705+ for a socket type anchor having a helical feature
on its exterior surface, and see the note in subclass 698 for the
line.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter wherein the means to effect the dimension
increase includes a member having a helical rib formed on its exterior
surface which member is inserted into and causes expansion of the
spirally wound sleeve.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein the holding device or anchor has
a chamber therein, and expansion is caused by fluent pressure applied
within the chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein the holding device or anchor includes
a member which bounds the remainder of the device or anchor and
which is provided with a port through which a portion of the remainder
of the device or anchor extends to effect or enhance the securement
of the device or anchor in place.
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter wherein the portion of the remainder of the
device or anchor includes means which is bent or otherwise reshaped
to bring it into an operative position to effect or enhance securement
of the holding device or anchor.
(1)
Note. The term "deformable element" of this
and the indented subclass is inclusive of a mass of flowable material, including
granular material, which is caused to flow in a desired fashion
when a force is applied to it.
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Subject matter wherein the means which is reshaped includes
a body composed of either (a) a plastically yieldable material,
the overall configuration of which is altered when a force is applied
to the body or (b) a plurality of constituent particles which are
free to move relative to each other when a force is applied to the body.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein the anchor or device includes a pair
of oppositely disposed tapered elements which increase the circumferential extent
of the holding device or the anchor by their relative movement axially
toward or away from each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter wherein the tapered elements are disposed
within the holding device or anchor and effect expansion of the
device or anchor by moving away from each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter wherein a threaded shaft extends between
the tapered elements, and each of the elements either are provided
with thread means which coact with the shaft or are engaged by a
driving member which is provided with shaft coacting thread means
such that upon rotation of the shaft the tapered elements move towards
or away from each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter wherein cooperating means are provided on
one of the tapered elements and on the remainder of the anchor or
the holding device to prevent relative rotation therebetween.
This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Subject matter wherein a tapered element and the remainder
of the holding device or the anchor are each provided with either
a groove means or a protuberance means which cooperate to prevent
those members from turning relative to each other when the tapered
elements move toward or away from each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein the anchor or holding device is provided
with means to form an anchor or holding device receiving aperture
in a medium within which the anchor is to be secured or in the elements
or portions to be secured together.
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Subject matter wherein the anchor or holding device includes
a substantially cylindrical sleeve which has the aperture forming
means carried at one end thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein the aperture forming means is in
the form of sharp teeth peripherally arranged about the end of the
sleeve.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein the anchor or holding devices includes
either (a) a single portion or zone, composed of a plurality of
separate, expansible members, which portion or zone can have its
circumferential extent altered or (b) a plurality of spaced portions
or zones each of which can have its circumferential extent altered.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein the holding device or anchor is expanded
by moving the ends thereof toward each other so as to collapse a
sleeve structure thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Subject matter wherein the holding device or anchor is
in the form of a generally tubular member having an elongated opening
in a wall thereof and including a portion having tapered edge surfaces
adjacent an end of the elongated opening which act against the side
edges of the elongated opening to facilitate bulging of the sleeve
as the ends thereof are axially contracted.
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Subject matter wherein the holding device or anchor is in
the form of a generally tubular member one end of which is caused
to turn relative to its other end when the member is bulged.
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Subject matter wherein the holding device or anchor includes
means carried by and in addition to the expanded portion which means
is forced into penetrating or frictional engagement with a part
into which the holding device or anchor is inserted.
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Subject matter wherein the holding device or anchor is provided
either with a deformed area or area having a decreased dimension
such that during movement of ends toward each other expansion occurs
at these areas.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein a weakened area is provided on the
holding device or anchor to facilitate its separation into discrete
parts when sufficient force is applied.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter wherein a connection between the expander
element and the remainder of the holding device or anchor defines
a weakened area which fractures in response to a predetermined force.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter wherein the holding device or anchor includes
a head end opposite an insertion end thereof and wherein the expander projects
axially outwardly.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter wherein the holding device or anchor comprises
a substantially tubular element which includes a weakened area which fractures
in response to a predetermined force.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter which includes a member for moving an expander
element wherein the member is formed with a pull portion which is connected
to the remainder of the member by a weakened section which fractures
upon the application of a predetermined force thereto.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein the holding device or anchor comprises
a sleeve in the form of a tubular element having a bore which is engaged
by an expander having a wedging surface to effect expansion of the
tubular element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter wherein means are provided for holding the
expander in assembled relationship with the holding device or anchor
prior to expansion thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter wherein the expander and the holding device
or anchor are provided with mating protuberance and slot means having closed
ends whereby the slot means act to hold the expander in the assembled
condition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter wherein the means for maintaining the expander
in assembled relationship comprises a section of material spanning
an open end on the holding device or anchor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter wherein the means for holding the expander
in assembled relationship comprises an inwardly extending projection
carried by the holding device or anchor with the innermost extremity
thereof being unattached.
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter wherein means are provided for preventing
rotative movement between the sleeve and the expander.
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Subject matter wherein the expander and the sleeve are each
provided with either protuberance means or cooperating means to
restrain the protuberance in a rectilinear fashion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Subject matter wherein the guide and protuberance means
are in the form of a plurality of grooves and relatively long, narrow
ribs mating with said grooves.
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Subject matter wherein either the expander or a portion
of the sleeve is of multisided cross section, and a corner of said
cross section acts as the protuberance means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Subject matter wherein either the cooperating means or the
protuberance means includes wedging surfaces which effect or aid
in the expansion of the sleeve.
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter wherein expansion is effected by the expander
being held in a fixed position as the sleeve is axially moved relative
thereto.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter in which the movement of the tubular member
dilates around the already installed wedging surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter which includes a mover element wherein the
mover element activates the expander by means of threaded engagement therebetween.
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter wherein the expander includes a plurality
of sections of progressively increasing diameters to effect varying
degrees of expansion of the sleeve.
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter wherein an elongated, narrow aperture is
formed in the tubular element then dilated by the wedging surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 57.1. Subject matter wherein the elongated, narrow aperture has
its ends axially spaced from respective ends of the sleeve.
This subclass is indented under subclass 57.1. Subject matter wherein the slotted sleeve in which the
wedging surface contacts the tubular member in the direction that
the tubular member is inserted in an opening.
This subclass is indented under subclass 60.1. Subject matter wherein the expander into the slotted sleeve
in which the wedging surface has a projecting helical rib that matches
with a fastener rib.
This subclass is indented under subclass 60.1. Subject matter wherein the slotted sleeve in which a portion
of the sleeve has a jointed or flexible piece which rotates away
from the axis of the sleeve upon actuation of the expander.
This subclass is indented under subclass 57.1. Subject matter wherein the sleeve is formed from a single
sheet of material bent into shape with free edges of the sheet defining
the sides of the elongated narrow aperture.
This subclass is indented under subclass 57.1. Subject matter wherein the elongated, narrow aperture is
inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve.
This subclass is indented under subclass 64. Subject matter wherein the retainer means is in the form
of a ring or sleeve which extends circumferentially of the sections.
This subclass is indented under subclass 64. Subject matter wherein the retainer means comprises a strap
element having its ends secured to the respective sections.
This subclass is indented under subclass 64. Subject matter wherein the retainer means comprises a projection
on one section received in a corresponding recess in an adjacent
section.
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter wherein material of the expander or of the
sleeve is caused to plastically flow during relative axial movement between
the expander and sleeve.
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter wherein the expander includes an elongated
section as a unitary part thereof to be gripped by puller means
for moving the expander relative to the sleeve.
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter wherein the sleeve is provided with gripping
means on its exterior surface which is adapted to engage walls of
a hole in a part into which the sleeve is inserted which gripping
means prevents rotative or axial movement of the sleeve.
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Subject matter wherein the gripping means comprises the
combination of a circumferential protuberance and a protuberance
extending axially of the sleeve.
This subclass is indented under subclass 71. Subject matter wherein the gripping means is formed by being
severed and bent out from the walls of the sleeve.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter which includes a holding device or anchor
having a tapered surface thereon engaged by a mating surface on
a second member wherein relative axial movement between the two
surfaces results in a change in the transverse dimension of the
device or anchor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 75. Subject matter wherein the second member is disposed within
a longitudinal slot in the holding device or anchor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 76. Subject matter wherein the second member includes a pair
of opposed tapered surfaces which mate with surfaces on the holding
device or anchor to produce expansion in laterally opposite directions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 75. Subject matter wherein discrete means are provided for securing
the second member in assembled relationship with the holding device or
anchor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 75. Subject matter wherein the second member includes a single
tapered surface cooperating with a surface on the holding device
or anchor to cause a change in dimension in a single lateral direction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 75. Subject matter wherein distinct means are provided for moving
the second member relative to the holding device or anchor in order
to produce a wedging effect.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein the expander wherein the enlargement
or related structure at one end is connected to a sleeve-type section
having a longitudinal slot from the enlargement end to the end of
the sleeve in which the sleeve swells via the bolt, screw, nail,
etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.1. Subject matter wherein the head and legs expandable by
a fastener in which the sleeve has more than one longitudinal slot.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein the expander which is a tubular
element that has a narrow channel along the longitudinal axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.5. Subject matter wherein the sleeve with slot which includes
a projecting helical rib designed to cooperatively receive an engaging rod.
THREADED FASTENER LOCKED TO A DISCREET SUBSTRUCTURE (E.G., PLATE,
RAIL, WHEEL):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device comprising a fastener in the nature of a threaded
bolt or a threaded nut, or an interthreaded bolt and nut, and means
for either preventing or limiting the turning of the bolt or the
nut, or both of them, about its longitudinal axis relative to a
claimed substructure (e.g., a base, a panel, a surface, an art device
or, more generally, a workpiece) with which one or the other, or
both, is associated.
(1)
Note. The substructure is involved with the bolt or the nut
in performing a fastening function; for example, the substructure
may be the recipient of an object which is attached to it by the
bolt or nut, or the bolt or nut may be serving to fasten two or
more substructures together, and so forth, in some instances the
rotation restricting means, or a part thereof, is formed integrally
with the substructure.
(2)
Note. The substructure may not be claimed; however, for purposes
of classification herein, it should be treated as being present
if it performs an indispensable function in restricting the rotation
of the bolt or the nut.
Railways: Surface Track,
subclass 262 for a railway track having one or more rails and
wherein, at a butt joint between two sections of a rail, at least one
splice bar is provided and further wherein bolts and nuts, and means
for locking them against rotation, are included for connecting the
splice bar to the abutting rail sections. While this and the indented
subclasses take such structure of the splice bar or rail section
as relates to the locking thereto against rotation of one or more bolts
or nuts utilized in joining a splice bar to one or more rail sections, the
inclusion of, for example, a second, parallel rail, a tie, a tieplate,
a roadbed feature, etc., is sufficient to require classification
in Class 238.
Joints and Connections, appropriate subclasses for connections between two
or more members which involve greater specificity of the members than
merely the manner in which they are adapted to serve as the coacting substructure
for restricting the rotation of one or more bolts or nuts which
are included in the connection.
MADE, MODIFIED, OR PREPARED FOR SETTABLE MATERIAL:
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Device wherein the means comprises or includes a quantity
of a substance which is hardenable from a soft or flowable, as-applied state
into a state in which it serves to affix, or assist in affixing,
a bolt or a nut, and, in some instances, one or more additional
elements that are associated with the bolt or nut, to a substructure.
(1)
Note. Exemplary of the substances are (a) adhesives for exerting
a force which tends to keep two or more parts from separating such
as (1) a flowable as applied but air hardenable material in the nature
of a glue, (2) a normally hard but heat-softenable and subsequently
rehardenable material in the nature of solder, or (3) a predisposed
film or layer of material which, while essentially set up by the time
of its use, remains tacky on its surface, (b) compositions such
as weld rod or a chemical solvent which, with or without, respectively,
the assistance of heat, molecularly intermingle with and unite two
or more parts, and (c) a material which may be flowable when applied
but which undergoes an increase in volume upon setting up and thus forces
two or more parts into relatively rigid engagement with one another.
for a threaded fastener (i.e., a bolt or nut) and
means for restricting the rotation thereof relative to a coacting
substructure wherein the means comprises the adapting of the bolt
or nut to be fused directly to a substructure (i.e., without the
use of additional material) (e.g., a weld nut).
for a threaded bolt and nut and means for coupling
them against relative rotation wherein the means includes material
which may be a metallic coating or a quantity of fusible metal.
for a headed fastener with a nut, washer, securing
means or cap and wherein the element which is in addition to the
fastener is a cap which is attachable by fusion bonding.
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Subject matter wherein the settable material which is
forced into a space surrounding a nail, bolt, screw, etc. after
insertion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Subject matter wherein the settable material which is
applied to the exterior surface of a nail, bolt, screw, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Subject matter in which the settable material is in the
form of a gelatinous or membranous envelope, pill, lozenge, tablet,
capsule, ampoule, ampule, etc.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Fastener in which the amount of heat generated during
torquing or driving causes a change, in some cases detectable, in
the bolt or nail.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Device wherein the other element, or at least one of a plurality
thereof, comprises a member which either has a significant longitudinal dimension
(e.g., a channel) or else consists primarily of a planar surface
(e.g., a plate) and which has connected thereto, in a manner which
restricts their rotation relative to the member, a plurality of
either nuts (usually) or bolts, the member and its nuts or bolts
forming an assembly whereby the attachment of the member to a substructure
serves to fasten the plurality of nuts or bolts thereto.
(1)
Note. It is commonplace in the art of this subclass to provide
for a limited amount of movement of the nuts or bolts relative to
the member, the purpose ordinarily being to enable a more precise alignment
with their complementary bolts or nuts.
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Device wherein the assembly is provided with one or more
second, other (i.e., additional) elements for assuring that the
nuts or bolts cannot move away from their rotation restricting relationship
with the member.
(1)
Note. A single additional element may suffice to hold a plurality
of nuts or bolts to the member, or, in the alternative, each nut
or bolt may require such an element. On the other hand, the holding
of the nut or bolt to the member may require the cooperation of
a set of two or more, dissimilar, additional elements, and, as in
the previous example, one such set may hold a plurality of nuts
or bolts to the member, or each nut or bolt may require such a set
of elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Device wherein the means comprises a plurality of elements,
serially arranged more or less parallel to an outwardly facing surface
of the substructure, one of the plurality of elements serving to
restrict two bolts or nuts against rotation, and another, or each
other, of the plurality of elements serving to restrict one other bolt
or nut against rotation.
(1)
Note. While the other element, or each of them, receives
the shank of one bolt and engages the head of another (usually adjacent)
bolt, or a nut on that bolt, the one element must engage the heads
of two (usually adjacent) bolts, or the nuts on those bolts. In
order to engage the bolt heads or nuts, the element may be integrally
so configured, or it may utilize an auxiliary portion to furnish
the engagement with one of the two bolt heads or nuts; in the latter
situation, the auxiliary portion may be hinged to its element, or
it may be separable from its element and attachable thereto when
utilized for its intended purpose.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Device wherein the other element, or at least one of a plurality
thereof, comprises a member which has a longitudinal dimension greatly
in excess of any of its other dimensions (e.g., a bar, rod, strap,
wire) and which spans the distance between, and is held in engagement
with, two or more bolts or nuts, thus preventing relative rotation
of any of the bolts or nuts which it interconnects.
(1)
Note. The member, in use, may retain the primarily rodlike
configuration of the material from which it was made, or it may
be looped, reversely bent, etc., which shaping frequently is for
the purpose of engaging more than one flat side of a bolt head or
a nut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Device wherein the member is so located as to engage the
substructure-confronting surface of the head of, or of a nut on,
one or more of the bolts, and wherein the member is provided with
an abutment or related structure for engaging at least one of the
heads or nuts on a flat side thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Device wherein the other element, or at least one of a plurality
thereof, comprises a member which extends between two or more bolts
or nuts and engages them in such a manner that rotation of the bolt
or nut in one direction (e.g., unthreading) can be accomplished
only by either the application of an excessive force or the disengagement
of the member, or a portion thereof, from the bolt or nut, whereas
rotation in the opposite direction e.g., threading) requires little,
if any, more force than would be the case if the member was not
there.
(1)
Note. Exemplary of the types of member-to-bolt-or-nut engagement
are: (a) the member may engage merely a corner of a flat-sided bolt
head or nut; (b) the bolt, bolt head or nut may be formed with one
or more radial projections for engagement by the member; (c) the
bolt head or the nut may be formed with an axial extension which
carries one or more member-engaging projections; or (d) there may
be present an additional element which is coupled against rotation
to the bolt or nut and which includes one or more member-engaging
projections.
(2)
Note. The member-engaging projections of (d) of (1) Note
may be in the nature of a ratchet, in which event the member functions
as a pawl.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Device wherein the other element, or at least one of a plurality
thereof, comprises a member in the nature of either a single piece
of material or a plurality of pieces related in some fashion to
one another, which member is positioned in such a manner that a
principal surface thereof occupies a plane which parallels, or nearly
parallels, that surface of the substructure with which it is in
a facing relationship, and wherein the member includes a portion
(e.g., an arm or lip extending normally to the principal surface of
the member) for making contact with one or more planar regions formed
on the exterior of, and extending parallel to the principal axis
of, each of a plurality of bolts or nuts.
(1)
Note. In the instance of a bolt, the planar region ordinarily
is located on the head, rather than the shank.
This subclass is indented under subclass 90. Device provided with a second, other (i.e., an additional)
element which faces a region of the substructure that is opposite
to the region faced by the member, and which element limits the turning
of (a) a nut which is complementary to a bolt whose turning is limited
by the member or (b) a bolt which is complimentary to a nut whose
turning is limited by the member.
(1)
Note. Usually, the element is similar in appearance to the
member.
(2)
Note. The bolts may each enter the substructure from one
face thereof, or one or more may enter from one face and another
one or more may enter from the opposite face.
This subclass is indented under subclass 90. Device wherein those portions of the member which engage
the planar regions of the bolts or nuts are the radially inwardly
facing edges or walls of two or more passages through the member,
which passages are so located as to be either (a) entirely within
the boundaries of the member or (b) along a boundary thereof and thus
having a periphery which is not a closed figure, and wherein the
edge or wall engages at least two of the planar regions of each
bolt or nut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Device wherein the member consists of at least two coacting
pieces, one or more of which has at least one area which is contacted
by the inwardly facing (i.e., the working) surface of at least one
of the bolt heads or nuts.
(1)
Note. In the instance of a bolt which is provided with both
a primary and a secondary nut (i.e., a double nut), and the contact
of the area of one of the pieces is made by the inwardly facing
surface of the secondary, or outer nut, rather than by the inwardly
facing surface of the primary, or inner nut, classification is not
in this area (93+) but is in subclass 96 below, instead.
(2)
Note. In the case of an "undercut" nut, the
inwardly facing surface frequently is the inwardly facing surface
of the larger diameter portion, rather than the corresponding surface
of the smaller diameter portion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Device wherein that one of the pieces which has an area
contacted by the inwardly facing surface comprises a fishplate associated
with a joint between two railroad rails, which fishplate has been
modified as to become, itself, one of the coacting pieces.
(1)
Note. This subclass notes that a fishplate is treated as
comprising only substructure, because the fishplate modifications found
herein could not be ignored.
(2)
Note. On the other hand, "modified" is not
intended to include such commonly occurring fishplate features as
(a) a cavity extending longitudinally of the rail-facing side of
the fishplate or (b) a notch or equivalent provision, located along
a tie-confronting lower lip of a fishplate, for receiving a hold-down
spike.
(3)
Note. The alteration to the fishplate occasionally is merely
the provision therein of a tapped opening for receiving a bolt which
retains another one of the pieces to the fishplate.
This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Device wherein one of the pieces is resiliently or yieldably
deformable, either in whole or in part, and is deformed during its
coaction with the one or more other pieces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Device wherein the member consists of two or more coacting
pieces, at least one of which functions merely to prevent another
piece, or pieces, from moving out of operative engagement with the
bolts or nuts.
(1)
Note. While some of the art of this subclass strongly resembles
that of subclass 94 above, a closer examination will reveal that
the fishplates of this art (96) are not "special" within
the meaning of that subclass (94) and therefore are treated as comprising
only substructure; see (1) Note and (2) Note of subclass 94.
(2)
Note. The part which serves a holding function is, in some
instances, no more than a spike for anchoring a disclosed rail assembly.
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Device wherein the member consists of a single piece of
material which is, at least in part, elastically or plastically
deformable in nature and which undergoes deformation for the purpose
of being placed into, retained in, or removed from operative engagement
with the bolts or nuts.
This subclass is indented under subclass 90. Device wherein the member includes, on its surface which
is opposite to its substructure-facing surface, regions which engage
against rotation, in at least one direction, the inwardly facing
surfaces of two or more bolt heads or nuts.
(1)
Note. The engagement for restricting rotation may involve
only frictional contact.
(2)
Note. The member may include a bendable portion (e.g., a
tab) for deformation into engagement with a side of a bolt head
or a nut subsequent to assembly of the bolt or nut with the member
and the substructure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 90. Device provided with a second, other (i.e., an additional)
element for preventing the member from moving away from that position
in which it makes contact with the one or more planar, sidewardly
facing regions of each of the bolts or nuts.
This subclass is indented under subclass 90. Device provided with a second, other (i.e., an additional)
element for locating the member a slight distance apart from the
substructure.
(1)
Note. The additional element sometimes functions as a carrier
for the member, or sometimes to allow relative movement of the member,
or, at other times, for a purpose not related to either of these two.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Device wherein the other element, or at least one of a plurality
thereof, comprises a member formed either of a single piece of material
or a plurality of pieces so related to one another as to function
as a single piece, which piece or pieces are positioned in such
a manner that one principal surface thereof occupies a plane which
generally parallels an outwardly facing surface of the substructure
and wherein the opposite principal surface of the piece or pieces contains
regions which engage against rotation, in at least one direction,
the inwardly facing surfaces of two or more bolt heads or nuts.
(1)
Note. The engagement for restricting rotation may involve
only frictional contact.
(2)
Note. Occasionally, the regions of the member and the inwardly
facing surfaces of the bolt heads or nuts are provided with formations
which are complementary to one another, and, in some instances,
the formations are of the kind which resist rotation to a greater degree
in one direction of turning than in the other.
(3)
Note. In some instances, the member engages an element which
underlies the inwardly facing surface of a bolt head or a nut and
thus intervenes between the member and the surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Device including two or more elements arranged successively
along one or the other or both faces of a substructure, each element restricting
one bolt or nut but being so associated with at least one other
such element, either directly or by way of a bolt, nut or substructure,
as to restrict two or more successively arranged bolts or nuts.
(1)
Note. Frequently, the number of elements in the series thereof
equals the number of bolts or nuts in the series thereof.
(2)
Note. The art of this subclass is neither clearly plural
within the sense of subclasses 84 to 101 above, nor strictly singular
within the meaning of subclasses 103 to 165 below.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Device wherein the other element, or at least one of a plurality
thereof, comprises a member which is connected to, or otherwise
held in contact with, the substructure adjacent to, at or within
either a hole which penetrates the substructure or a pocket which
enters the substructure to an extent less than its thickness and which
member functions to locate and support a single bolt or nut in such
a manner, relative to the substructure, that the longitudinal axis
of the bolt or the nut is in alignment with the principal axis of
the hole or pocket, the purpose of the arrangement being to place
the bolt or nut in a proper position for receiving the nut or bolt,
respectively, which is intended to be placed in threaded engagement
with it.
(1)
Note. In a few instances, the member is an assembly of plural
elements functioning as one.
(2)
Note. In locating and supporting the bolt or nut relative
to the substructure, the member restricts, or assists in restricting, the
bolt or nut against axial movement in addition to its usual function
of restricting, or assisting in restricting, the bolt or nut against
rotational movement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Device wherein the substructure additionally includes a
cross passage which enters the hole or pocket from a side thereof,
which cross passage is for the purpose of moving the member, and
a nut held therein or thereon, into alignment with the axis of the
hole or pocket, and, hence, into alignment with the bolt which will be
placed into the hole or pocket.
(1)
Note. The "width" of the member-nut assembly
is greater than the diameter of the hole or pocket, thus, necessitating
the provision of a cross passage for inserting the assembly into
bolt-receiving position.
(2)
Note. The member frequently holds the nut loosely in order
to allow for limited realignment thereof when the bolt is introduced.
(3)
Note. The member-nut assembly hereof is often identified
as a "barrel nut".
This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Device provided with an additional substructure and with
means for attaching thereto against separation, but not against
rotational or limited longitudinal movement, a nut, or a bolt, which
is intended to mate with the bolt, or the nut, held to the first
substructure by the member.
(1)
Note. The second substructure may be in the nature of a panel.
(2)
Note. Included occasionally herein is means (e.g., a thread
lock) for coupling a bolt to its complementary nut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Device which includes means for restricting the turning
of the bolt relative to the nut, or vice versa, which means may
be the member or a portion thereof or may be the thread structures
of the bolt or nut or the manner in which those structures interengage.
This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Device wherein the member holds one part of a bolt in the
hole or pocket in such relation to the surface of the substructure
that another part of the bolt, which is threaded, extends outwardly therefrom.
(1)
Note. The first-mentioned part of the bolt may be the head
or a portion of the shank, threaded or unthreaded, while the last-mentioned
part is the shank, or the remainder thereof, and is threaded.
(2)
Note. The bolt of this subclass is commonly referred to as
a "stud bolt".
This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Device wherein the member is tubular in nature and has its
external surface in contact with the sidewall of the hole or pocket,
and wherein a nut is anchored to the substructure by being inserted
into the hollow interior of the member and engaged therewith.
(1)
Note. In some instances, the exterior of the nut and the
interior of the member are threaded, and the engagement of the one
with the other is of a threaded nature.
(2)
Note. Occasionally, the external surface of the member is
threaded, in which event the member may be turned into the substructure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Device wherein the member is a circular band or loop and
has, as its axis, the longitudinal axis of a nut, and wherein the
nut has a significant longitudinal dimension and is provided with
an outer surface which is threaded for engaging the sidewall of
the hole or pocket, the circular band or loop supplementing the
sidewall engagement in joining the nut to the substructure.
(1)
Note. The band or loop may encompass the nut or it may be
outwardly of an end thereof.
(2)
Note. The sidewall of the hole or pocket may be plain or
threaded.
This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Device wherein the member comprises one or more elongated
elements which extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis
of the bolt or nut and which engage the substructure at the hole
or pocket formed therein and also engage whichever of the bolt or
nut is held in the hole or pocket.
(1)
Note. Most typically, the nut takes the form of an internally
threaded sleeve which is recessed into the substructure, and the
key is at least one bar or rod inserted at the juncture of the outer
surface of the sleeve with the wall of the hole or pocket; if two
or more keys are utilized, they are spaced apart therearound.
This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Device wherein the member includes one or more parts or
regions which are movable, either resiliently or yieldably, to another
position relative to the remainder of the member for either (a)
supporting the bolt or nut in or on the member or (b) connecting
the member to the substructure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Device wherein the movable part or region is either so configured,
or formed from such a material, or both, that, when released from
the moving force, it will tend to return to its former position
(i.e., the part or region is resilient), which property is utilized
for affixing the member to the substructure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Device wherein the movable part or region is formed from
such a material that, when released from the moving force, it remains more
or less in the position into which it was moved (i.e., the part
or region is nonresilient).
(1)
Note. Typical of the art of this subclass is a member provided
with two or more locating tabs, the tabs being bendable into a position
in which they grip the edge of an aperture formed in a platelike substructure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Device wherein the other element comprises a member which
engages the substructure in a rotation restricting manner and which
has formed on or in it one or more holes, stepped surfaces, notches,
etc., which holes, etc., receive, at least momentarily as the bolt
or the nut is turned, a pivotal (either about a defined axis or
merely bendable) dog, a reciprocable pin, etc., which is mounted
on or in the bolt head or the nut (e.g., a spring loaded pin slidable
in a cavity formed in the nut eccentrically to the threaded hole
thereof).
(1)
Note. The movable pawl most frequently comprises a second,
other (i.e., an additional) element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Device wherein the movable pawl is a second, other (i.e.,
an additional) element which is so mounted on or in the bolt head
or nut that it may move back and forth relative thereto.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Device wherein the other element, or at least one of the
plurality thereof, comprises a member which engages the substructure
and which has at least one portion for contacting (a) either at
least one planar, side surface of a plural-sided bolt head or nut
or at least one formation (e.g., a corner formed by the junction
of adjacent side surfaces, a tooth, etc.) on the side of a bolt
head or nut or (b) a corresponding flat side or sidewardly facing
formation on a second, other (i.e., an additional) element which
is located on the axis of, and is caused to turn with, the bolt
head or nut, which additional element substitutes for the bolt head
or nut insofar as engagement with the member is concerned.
(1)
Note. The coaction of the member with the substructure is
an essential aspect of the member"s capability for restricting rotation
of the bolt or nut relative to the substructure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 116. Device provided with a second, other (i.e., an additional)
element, which has the one or more sidewardly facing surfaces or
formations and is located on the axis of, and turns with, the bolt head
or nut, and wherein those surfaces or formations, rather than the
sidewardly facing surfaces or formations of the bolt head or nut,
are engaged by the member.
(1)
Note. If the flats or formations are located on an extension
of the member, rather than on a separate element which is coaxial
with the member, classification is not here in subclass (117) but
is elsewhere in this area (116+).
(2)
Note. Frequently, the sidewardly facing formations of the
additional element comprise a plurality of teeth in the nature of
a ratchet.
This subclass is indented under subclass 116. Device wherein the bolt and the nut which is threadedly
engaged therewith are prevented from turning relative to one another
by a locking action which results from either (a) the character
of (1) the thread of one or both or (2) the interengagement of the
thread of one with the thread of the other, or (b) the presence,
in the threaded region, of another element which is neither the
one other element, nor is it the additional element of subclass
116 above.
This subclass is indented under subclass 116. Device wherein that portion of the member which engages
the one or more sides or formations of the bolt head or nut is the
radially inwardly facing edge or wall of a passage through the member,
the passage being located either (a) entirely within the boundaries
of the member or (b) along a boundary thereof and thus having a
periphery which is not a closed figure, the engagement, in either
case, involving at least two of the sides or formations of the bolt
head or nut.
(1)
Note. In the instance of a hexagonal bolt head or nut, the
engagement of the member therewith usually involves at least three
of the sides or formations.
This subclass is indented under subclass 119. Device provided with a second, other (i.e., an additional)
element, which additional element either connects the member to
the substructure or to the bolt head or nut or otherwise functions to
retain the member in rotation restricting engagement with the bolt
head or nut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 119. Device wherein the member, or a part thereof, is resiliently
or yieldably deformable for enabling the member to grip or otherwise
hold itself in contact with the bolt head or nut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 116. Device wherein that portion, or one or more of a plurality
thereof, of the member which engages the one or more sides or formations
of the bolt head or nut is a plastically deformable part of the
member, which part is bent or otherwise deformed into contact with
the side or formation after the member and the bolt head or the
nut have been united with the substructure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Device wherein the member also has, on or proximate to its
region which confronts the substructure, means for engaging the
substructure in such a manner that any tendency of the member to
turn relative to the substructure is either eliminated or minimized.
(1)
Note. The means may be in the nature of pointed or otherwise
sharpened projections which will tend to dig into the member-confronting
surface of the substructure.
for a member located at least in part between the
substructure and the inwardly facing surface of the bolt head or
nut, and wherein means is provided for retaining, prior to assembling
two or more of the bolt, nut and substructure with one another,
the member to one of those three components in approximately the
position it will occupy subsequent to the assembly, and further
wherein the means may comprise prongs or tabs on the member which
extend more or less normally thereto and grasp the sides of the
bolt head or nut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Device wherein the means on the member is in the form of
one or more teeth, ridges or the like, which form axial extensions
of the member, and wherein the substructure has one or more recesses,
grooves or the like for either receiving the teeth, etc., or otherwise
cooperating with them to restrict rotation of the member relative
to the substructure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 116. Device wherein that portion, or one or more of a plurality
thereof, of the member which engages one or more of the flat sides
or sidewardly facing formations of the bolt head or nut is a pawl
which is elastic in nature and is formed by bending, cutting, punching,
stamping, etc., a part of a sheet metal member away from the plane
of the remainder of the member.
(1)
Note. Most typically, the nonplanar part is depressed and
overridden by the corners of a bolt head or nut while the latter is
turning in its tightening direction, subsequent to which the part
springs back into a position whereby it blocks the path of a side
of the bolt head or nut.
(2)
Note. In several respects, the art of this subclass presents
a reversal of parts in contrast with the art of subclasses 114+ above,
the latter art having the pawl carried by the bolt head or the nut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Device wherein the sheet metal member includes, on its substructure-confronting region,
means (e.g., one or more pointed protrusions, sharp edges, etc.)
for digging into, or attempting to dig into, the surface of the
substructure in order to either eliminate or else minimize turning
of the member relative to the substructure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Device wherein the sheet metal member, or a part thereof,
moves into engagement with, and is blocked by a particular region
(e.g., an edge, a flange) of, or a specific formation (e.g., a lug) on,
the substructure, in order to either eliminate or else minimize
turning of the member relative to the substructure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 116. Device wherein either the member, or one portion of a member
which has a plurality of portions, comprises a dog, lug, pin, etc.,
for blocking the turning of the bolt head or the nut in one direction
by engaging one or more flat sides or sidewardly facing formations
thereof, but which is pivotable, slidable, deflectable or otherwise
repositionable by the bolt head or the nut to avoid blocking a turning
movement in the opposite direction on the part of either of them.
(1)
Note. (2) Note of subclass 125 above is applicable here,
also.
This subclass is indented under subclass 116. Device wherein the contact of a region on the outwardly
facing surface of the member with all or part of the inwardly facing
surface of the bolt head or nut is relied upon to contribute to the
rotation restricting function of the one or more portions of the
member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Device wherein the member consists of at least two parts
which are discrete but which work with one another to perform the
function of the member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Device wherein the member has means (e.g., a flange, one
or more linear segments on its perimeter, a projection, etc.) for
engaging the substructure, or a particular part (e.g., an edge, a
flange) thereof, or a formation (e.g., a groove, a recess) thereon,
in such a manner that any tendency of the member to turn relative
to the substructure is either eliminated or reduced.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Device wherein the other element, or at least one of a plurality
thereof, comprises a member which, or a part of which, lies between
the substructure and that surface of the bolt head or nut which
faces in the direction of the substructure for the purpose of resisting
rotation of the bolt head or nut relative to the substructure.
(1)
Note. While the coupling, by the member, of the bolt head
or the nut to the substructure obviously requires the mutual locking
together of all three, the art of this and the indented subclasses
is sometimes concerned only with the cooperative relationship of
the bolt head or nut to the member or of the member to the substructure.
In such instances, it becomes necessary to assume that a suitable
coupling exists at the other interface.
(2)
Note. The location of the member between the bolt head or
nut and the substructure does not necessarily require that the member
have two, oppositely facing, regions of contact but such is frequently
the case (e.g., the member may be a washer).
(3)
Note. "Located between", in its broadest sense,
has been construed to include the instance in which a member merely passes
through, or only protrudes into, the region in which the substructure
and the inwardly facing surface confront one another. Indented
subclass 140, for example, is predicated upon such a construction
of that phrase; in addition, other art involving a somewhat similar, elongated
element type of member, but wherein (a) the member may protrude from
either the substructure or the inwardly facing surface of the bolt
head or the nut, and (b) there is no significant entry of the member
into the inwardly facing surface or the substructure, respectively,
is found in this subclass (132).
(4)
Note. The structure discussed in (3) Note above sometimes
is in the nature of a set screw. On the other hand, subclass 83
above also contains a body of set screw art, which art is distinguishable from
the set screws of this area (132+) on the following basis:
The set screw art of subclass 83 does not involve a traversing
of, nor even an entry into, by the set screw, of the region in which
the substructure and the inwardly facing surface confront one another.
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Device wherein one or both of the member and the bolt are
either limited in, or fixed against, turning relative to the substructure,
and wherein means is provided, at least on the member, but, more
commonly, on both the member and the shank of the bolt, whereby
the two engage each other in such a manner that the turning of one
relative to the other, at least in one direction, is either eliminated
or severely limited.
(1)
Note. The member is sometimes a composite of two or more
coacting elements, one of which elements engages the substructure
and the other of which engages the shank of the bolt.
(2)
Note. The limiting or fixing of the member may involve, for
example, substructure-penetrating formations on the member, while
the limiting or fixing of the bolt may be predicated upon, for example,
the squaring of a portion of the shank for engaging an opening complementary
thereto in the substructure.
(3)
Note. The means on the shank of the bolt may comprise structure
in the nature of a flat, a keyway, a thread, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Device which includes means for retaining the member to
the bolt or the nut or the substructure in approximately the position
it will occupy subsequent to the assembly of at least two of those
three components with one another.
(1)
Note. Preassembly represents an effort to insure that the
member (e.g., a washer) will be in the right place (e.g., on a bolt)
at the right time.
(2)
Note. Preassembly with a bolt frequently is accomplished
by forming, or completing the formation of (e.g., bringing the thread"s
crest to its full diameter), the bolt"s thread after the
member has been associated with (e.g., placed upon the shank, adjacent
the head of) the bolt.
(3)
Note. While the member of this subclass is, in most instances,
free to rotate relative to the bolt, nut or substructure with which
it has been preassembled until such time as that bolt, nut or substructure is
tightened against some other one of the components, occasionally
it is found that the type of structural engagement involved in the
preassembly is of a nature which precludes relative rotation.
(4)
Note. It is sometimes found in the art of this subclass,
especially in the instance of the preassembly, with a bolt, of a member
which has variations in its axial dimension, such as a lock washer
with twisted teeth, that the bolt is so proportioned or structured
that the maximum extent to which it can be tightened during assembly
is somewhat less than the extent at which it would flatten the washer"s
teeth into the plane of the remainder of the washer, thus, avoiding the
loss of locking efficiency on the part of the teeth.
This subclass is indented under subclass 134. Device wherein the means for holding the member to the bolt,
nut or substructure comprises a second, other (i.e., an additional)
element.
for a plural element member which may resemble somewhat
the member and additional element of this subclass (135), but see
the reference to this subclass appearing there (137) for an explanation
of the fundamental difference.
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Device wherein the member is made up of two or more elements
which are so structured as to mechanically interengage, interconnect,
interlock, etc., in a manner which limits, in at least one direction,
the movement of one element with respect to at least one other element,
and wherein one or more of the elements form a closed, or a more
nearly closed than open, circle or polygon, the central axis of
which is in, or approximately in, coincidence with the principal
axis of the bolt or nut, and further wherein one or more of the
elements makes contact with the substructure or with the inwardly
facing surface of the bolt head or nut in a manner which involves
more than that represented by engaging one flat face with another such
face.
(1)
Note. In this subclass (136), that element of the member
which is in confronting relation with the inwardly facing surface
frequently is provided with, on its surface-confronting portion, teeth
or equivalent formations for increasing the resistance to turning,
at least in an unthreading direction, of the bolt or nut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 136. Device wherein the member is made up of two elements which
form a closed, or a more closed than open, circle or polygon, and
another element which is inserted between the two elements by movement
toward, and more or less at right angles to, the axis of the bolt,
the insertion of the other element serving to key the two elements
against rotation relative to one another.
(1)
Note. The usual practice in the art of this subclass is to
place the two elements on a bolt and then turn a nut tightly into place
on the bolt. The key is then inserted at the juncture of the two
elements. Having eliminated any possibility of rotation of one
of the two elements relative to the other, it is not expected that
the nut will tend to turn in an unthreading direction. To further
insure the absence of any such tendency, the substructure-confronting
element of the member often includes structure to restrict it in
rotation relative to the substructure, and the element confronting the
inwardly facing surface of the nut sometimes is provided with teeth
or equivalent formations for enhancing its engagement with the nut.
for another device of this area (132+) which
occasionally utilizes two, more or less annular, elements; in that
subclass, however, one of those elements constitutes the member,
whereas the other element serves to retain the one element (i.e.,
the member) in place.
This subclass is indented under subclass 136. Device wherein the looplike element, or one of a plurality
thereof, mounts, supports or otherwise holds another element which
includes a portion for engaging the inwardly facing surface of the
bolt head or nut, which portion is capable of some degree of movement
relative to the surface, and wherein the surface has at least one,
and usually a plurality of, steps or related formations, which formations
constitute a ratchet, whereby the movable portion of the other element
serves as a pawl for engaging the ratchet and restricting the rotation,
in at least one direction, of the bolt or nut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 136. Device wherein an element of the member is a pin, rod, wedge,
etc., which is inserted between, by movement toward and more or less
at right angles to the axis of the bolt, the confronting regions
of the looplike element and the inwardly facing surface of the bolt
head or nut, the element penetrating, at least to some extent, each
confronting region and serving to key the looplike element and the
bolt head, or the nut, to one another.
(1)
Note. Frequently, both confronting regions are provided with
a groove, recess, etc., for receiving the element; in the event,
however, that only one region has such a groove, etc., then it is
customary to utilize the element to cut (e.g., by providing it with
a sharpened edge) or otherwise form a channel, notch, etc., for its
reception in the other region.
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Device wherein the member is a nail, pin, screw, or other
element having length as its principal dimension, which element
is contained by or passes through a recess, or an aperture, respectively,
in, and extending more or less parallel to the principal axis of,
the bolt head or nut, and further wherein the element is intended
to be moved along its longitudinal axis to an extent where a portion
of it enters the substructure while another portion remains in engagement
with the bolt head or nut, and additionally wherein entry of the
element into the substructure is by way of either (a) utilizing a
recess provided therein for receiving it, or (b) having sufficient
force applied to it to cause it to penetrate the surface of the
substructure.
(1)
Note. Exemplary of the element of (a) of the definition is
a spring-loaded plunger, while the element found most commonly in
(b) is either a pointed, machine screw which is carried by an off-center, threaded
bore in the bolt head or nut, or a threadless fastener which is
impact driven into the substructure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Device wherein the member is, in whole or in part, a tonguelike
element which is accommodated in, attached to or otherwise held
by the bolt head or nut and which is pivotably, yieldably, or otherwise
movable, upon commencement of unthreading rotation of the bolt or
nut, into a position in which it engages the substructure in such
a manner as to either block or at least severely restrict movement
in that direction.
(1)
Note. The tonguelike element assumes a substructure-penetrating
attitude when called upon to block movement.
(2)
Note. While engagement of the tonguelike element with the
substructure takes place somewhat prior to reaching the tightened
position of the bolt head or nut, it does not, generally, offer
significant resistance to rotation in the tightening direction.
(3)
Note. In some instances, a single bolt head or nut may be
provided with more than one tonguelike element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Device wherein the member is in the form of a pin, rod,
wedge, etc., and is inserted between, by movement toward and more
or less at right angles to the axis of the bolt, the inwardly facing
surface of the bolt head or nut and that portion of the substructure
which confronts the surface, and further wherein a portion of the pin,
etc., lies within the surface and another portion thereof lies within
the substructure, thereby serving to key the bolt head, or the nut, to
the substructure.
(1)
Note. Most commonly, both the surface and the substructure
include a provision (e.g., a groove) for receiving their respective
portions of the pin, etc.; in some instances, however, at least
one of them lacks such a provision, in which event the pin, etc.,
may be provided with a sharpened, longitudinally extending ridge
(e.g., an edge) for forming a channel, notch, etc., as it is being
moved into place.
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Device wherein either the member or the inwardly facing
surface of the bolt head or nut includes at least one formation
(e.g., a groove, ridge, spur, etc.), and the other is provided with means
for coactingly engaging the formation or formations, the engagement
serving to prevent or limit rotation of the member and the surface relative
to one another.
(1)
Note. The engagement may be selective in nature.
(2)
Note. A mere corner, edge, etc., of the member or the surface
does not constitute a "formation" within the meaning
of this subclass; a concavo-convex relationship, however, is considered
to be proper for inclusion here.
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Device wherein the one or more formations are located on
the inwardly facing surface of the bolt head or the nut and the
means is located on the member, and either the formations or the means,
or both of them, has a sectional configuration which includes points
or lines, which points or lines are formed by the angular intersection
(usually at 90° or less) of regions of the surface or the
member (e.g., a chisel edge, cone, corner, parallel-walled channel,
rectangular tooth, ridge, V-groove, etc.).
for related structure, but wherein none of the engagement
is of, for example, the chisel-edge-to-V-groove type; in other words,
the formations and structures of that subclass 143 tend to be rounded
or otherwise gently undulating in cross section.
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Device wherein the formations on the inwardly facing surfaces
of the bolt head or the nut are in the nature of successive teeth,
each having a configuration consisting of an incline, followed by
a decline, the latter usually being a sharp (e.g., a straight) drop,
and wherein the means on the member, which means is movable in response
to a force applied thereto in a particular direction by a moving
tooth, may comprise (a) a protruding portion of the member, which portion
either is in itself resilient or else is resilient by virtue of
the nature (e.g., the material) of the member, or (b) an attachment
to the member which is movable (e.g., pivotally) relative to the
member.
(1)
Note. Exemplary of (a) above is a split washer having one
of its free ends positioned to engage the teeth, which free end
frequently is distorted or otherwise reshaped into a lip-like configuration.
This subclass is indented under subclass 145. Device wherein the member includes structure (e.g., a surface
protuberance, an arm, etc.) for entering or otherwise engaging with
a cavity, slot, etc., provided in the substructure for receiving
it, and which cavity, etc., is located, at least in part, below
the surface of the substructure.
(1)
Note. In perhaps its most simplistic manifestation, this
subclass adds, to the split washer example of (1) Note of subclass
145 above, a shoulder, inset into the substructure, for backing
up the other free end of the washer.
(2)
Note. As an alternative to forming the cavity, etc., in the
substructure, a separate plate, attached to the substructure, may
be utilized for providing such a feature; however, patents disclosing
and claiming such an alternative structure usually meet the limitations
of subclass 136 above and so will be found there.
(3)
Note. It is occasionally disclosed in the art of this subclass
that, if the substructure is of wood rather than metal, the requirement
for a cavity, etc., in the substructure may be dispensed with and
the protuberance, etc., merely be forced into the substructure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Device wherein the member consists of at least one element
in the form of an open-center figure having a principal axis which
generally coincides with the longitudinal axis of the bolt or the
nut and wherein the figure may either (a) form a closed path as
in (1) a ring or (2) a disclike element having an opening more or
less in its center and having axially facing regions of significantly
greater area than in the instance of (1); or (b) form other than
a closed path by having free ends which (1) fall short of meeting one
another or (2) pass one another and extend therebeyond.
(1)
Note. In the absence of a locus elsewhere (i.e., in an area
not involving a substructure relationship) for the member, per se,
patents claiming only the member, as well as patents claiming the member
in combination with the bolt, nut or substructure, are included
in this and the indented subclasses.
(2)
Note. A member having some degree of compressibility, but
which compressibility is achieved in a manner not provided for elsewhere
in this area (147+), will be found in this subclass (147).
(3)
Note. Included herein is a collection of art wherein the
outer periphery of the member is given some particular configuration
(e.g., rectangular, square, etc.), which configuration ordinarily
might not be deemed to be particularly relevant to the member"s
description as "an open-center figure forming a closed
or a nonclosed path".
(4)
Note. Also collected herein is a small amount of art disclosing
a washer-to-bolt-thread relationship.
for a nut and an apertured spacer therefor which
are formed adjacent to one another in a strip of material and are
then placed in axial alignment with one another by folding the strip about
an axis located between the nut and the spacer portions thereof;
while the spacer remains attached to the nut and therefore does
not qualify as an additional element for this subclass (147) and
the indented subclasses, it sometimes functions in a manner related
thereto.
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Device wherein the substructure is provided with either
a cylindrical or a conical enlargement of a portion of the bolt
shank passage, which enlargement receives either a bolt head or
a nut, and wherein the open-center figure, or one of a plurality
thereof, makes contact with some portion of the inner surface of
the enlargement.
(1)
Note. Frequently, the open-center figure is configured to
embrace a bolt head which is formed with an upwardly and outwardly
flared (e.g., a beveled), substructure-confronting surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Device wherein there are either (a) two or more open-center
figures located next to one another along the axis of the bolt or
nut, or (b) a single open-center figure which is made up of two
or more different components, parts, substances, etc.
(1)
Note. Included herein is a device of the kind wherein an
open-center figure is formed in each of the two ends of a strip of
material and the strip then folded about the mid portion of its
length to place the figures in axial alignment.
(2)
Note. In the instance of the single, composite figure, the
several components, parts, substances, etc., usually are readily
discernible as such, even though they may be rather intimately associated with
one another.
This subclass is indented under subclass 149. Device wherein either one of the two or more open-center
figures, or one of the two or more different components, parts,
substances, etc., of a single such figure, is, by composition or
configuration, more bendable, compressible, etc., than another of
the figures or another of the components, etc., of the single figure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Device wherein the open-center figure does not form a closed
path, but, instead, has two, distinct ends, and further wherein
one or both of the ends turn from the remainder of the figure in
a direction away from its principal axis.
(1)
Note. Those loops which have free ends but which fail to
meet the requirements of either this subclass (151) or subclasses
152+ below are classified elsewhere in this area on some
other basis, if applicable, or, if not, then in subclass 147 above.
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Device wherein the open-center figure does not form a closed
path, but, instead, has two, distinct ends, and further wherein
those ends pass beyond one another to the extent that, when the figure
is subjected to an axially directed load as the result of the tightening
of the bolt or nut, they will be superposed relative to one another in
a direction paralleling the principal axis of the figure.
(1)
Note. The "stressed condition" limitation
is intended to rule out those open-center figures wherein, in a
relaxed state, the ends appear to overlap, but which ends, upon
the compressing of the figure by the tightening of the bolt or nut,
move apart to the extent that there is no longer any overlap.
(2)
Note. An overlap in a radial sense, that is, where the ends
pass beyond one another but one lies farther from the principal
axis of the figure than the other, is not the type of overlap contemplated
by this subclass.
(3)
Note. (1) Note of subclass 151 above is applicable here,
also.
This subclass is indented under subclass 152. Device wherein the distinct ends of the figure, having passed
beyond one another, continue along paths in which they are axially
superposed until they have traversed a total path or about 540° or
more.
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Device wherein the open-center figure is in the nature of
a plate penetrated by a hole, and further wherein the plate shows,
in a section paralleling its outer periphery and taken before the figure
has been subjected to the pressure generated by the tightening of
the bolt or nut involved, a series of wavelike formations.
(1)
Note. The "prior to being stressed" limitation
excludes those figures which have circumferentially spaced projections
on each of their axially directed, oppositely facing regions, which
projections, if formed alternately on the two regions, may cause
the outer periphery to take on an undulating configuration upon
the application of an axial force to the figure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Device wherein the open-center figure is in the nature of
a plate penetrated by a hole, the center of the hole ordinarily
representing a point on the principal axis of the figure, and further wherein
the plate is curved in cross section in at least one direction or
is otherwise so configured in section as to place its central portion
in a different plane than some or all of its periphery, in order
that it may bend to resist a force applied more or less axially.
This subclass is indented under subclass 155. Device wherein the figure is annular in nature, and further
wherein the sectional curvature is displayed twice by a section
which contains the principal axis of the figure (i.e., the material
on one side of the central opening presents, in section, a mirror
image of the material on the other side of the opening).
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Device wherein the open-center figure does not form a closed
(i.e., a noninterrupted) path, but, instead, has two, distinct ends,
which ends, although facing more or less toward one another, are
misaligned from one another in a direction paralleling the principal
axis of the figure at such time as the figure is not subjected to
the axially directed loading imposed by the tightening of the bolt
or nut.
(1)
Note. The misalignment results most frequently from the fact
that the ends are not directed exactly toward each other; another
example, however, is that of ends which are so formed as to have
a surface area which exceeds the area of a section of the material
and wherein, when forced into abutting contact, the end surfaces
engage as to only a portion of their respective areas.
(2)
Note. The open-center figure of this subclass most commonly
takes the form of a helix of slightly less than one full turn.
(3)
Note. The provision of means (e.g., the spacing of the ends,
the configuration of the ends, etc.) for preventing the tendency,
when handled in bulk, of two or more of the open-center figures
to interlink with one another appears frequently in the art of this
subclass.
(4)
Note. The open-center figure of this subclass is occasionally
provided with a guard for confining the residue in the event of
breakage of the figure.
(5)
Note. The open-center figure of this subclass is sometimes
fabricated from twisted, rectangular or square, bar stock, thus
providing the surface of the figure with upstanding ribs which wind
about it throughout its circumference.
This subclass is indented under subclass 157. Device wherein the open-center figure is formed with two
or more projections or recesses facing the bolt or nut or facing
the substructure, or with at least one projection or recess facing
the bolt or nut and at least one other projection or recess facing
the substructure, and further wherein the projections or recesses
have a length dimension whereby they traverse, in a direction generally
paralleling that of a radian of the figure, that surface of the figure
which faces the bolt or nut or that surface thereof which faces
the substructure or both such surfaces, and additionally wherein the
plurality of projections or recesses is in addition to any such
projections or recesses as may be present at a location proximate
to either of the free ends of the figure.
(1)
Note. The limitation which excludes projections or recesses
at or immediately adjacent the free ends is necessitated by such
extremely common practices as, for example, imparting a chisel-like
shape to an end, bending an end slightly in an axial direction and
thus forming a ridge at the axis of the bend, and so forth.
for an open-center figure proper for this area (157+)
having projections in the nature of spirally wound ribs, as explained
in (5) Note of that subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 157. Device wherein the material from which the figure is fabricated
displays, in section, something other than a four-sided polygon
having 90° corners.
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Device wherein the open-center figure is a closed one of
a more or less circular nature and has regions (e.g., contact surfaces)
which face generally oppositely and which have a radial extent determined
by the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the figure, and
wherein at least one region, or at least one periphery, is formed
with a pattern of recurring changes in the figure"s dimension
in an axial direction (i.e., its effective thickness).
This subclass is indented under subclass 160. Device wherein the pattern of recurring changes in the figure"s
dimension in an axial direction is formed by a plurality of projections or
recesses which traverse one or both regions from adjacent one periphery
of such a region to adjacent the other periphery and, more often than
not, along the shortest path (i.e., a radian) therebetween.
(1)
Note. Included herein also, for example, are projections
or ridges which (a) are slightly askew to a radian or (b) describe a
somewhat curved path between the peripheries.
This subclass is indented under subclass 160. Device wherein the pattern of recurring changes in the figure"s
dimension in an axial direction is formed by a plurality of raised
or depressed portions within one or both of the regions, which portions
are spaced inwardly from the figure"s outer periphery and
outwardly from its inner periphery and are spaced from one another
along an annular path.
(1)
Note. In the instance of a figure formed (e.g., stamped)
from thin material, the structure which comprises a raised portion
within one region usually comprises a depressed portion within the
other region.
This subclass is indented under subclass 160. Device wherein the pattern of recurring changes in the figure"s
dimension in an axial direction is formed by a plurality of toothlike projections
positioned at, in or on one or both of the peripheries of the figure.
(1)
Note. The teeth frequently owe the bulk of their axial dimension
to being turned or twisted, each about its base.
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Device wherein the tooth like projections are at, in or
on both the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the figure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Device wherein the toothlike projections either are located
along the outer periphery of the figure and extend radially away
therefrom or are located along the inner periphery and extend toward
the figure"s longitudinal axis therefrom, and, in either
instance, the toothlike projections each follow generally the path
of a radian and are each given a twist about the axis of such a radian.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Device wherein the means for either preventing or limiting
turning of a specific bolt or nut relative to its substructure resides
in one or more structural characteristics (e.g., configuration, composition,
etc.) of one or another of the bolt, or the nut, or the substructure.
(1)
Note. If the structural characteristic of at least one of
the cooperating members (bolt, nut or substructure) is something more
than a flat (i.e., a bearing) surface, classification is here; however,
if both of any two cooperating members afford no more than surfaces
of a planar nature, and those surfaces are parallel to one other,
classification is elsewhere (e.g., below, as an externally, or internally, threaded
fastener, per se.)
for a collection of art wherein the means for preventing
or limiting turning resides in a structural characteristic of a
bolt, nut or substructure, as is provided for in this area (166+),
but wherein a plurality of bolts and nuts are involved.
for a threaded bolt or nut and means for restricting
the rotation of one or both relative to a coacting substructure
and wherein the means comprises at least one element which is in
addition to the bolt, nut, or substructure and also is (a) movable
relative to the bolt, nut or substructure or (b) separable therefrom
or (c) connected without distortion thereto.
for a threaded bolt and nut and means for coupling
them against relative rotation. It is appropriate to observe here
that, while the instances of coupling (a) a bolt and a nut to a
substructure, or (b) a nut to a substructure, clearly are provided
for in this area (166+) and would not get to that area (190+),
the instance of coupling (c) a bolt to a substructure sometimes
presents a less straightforward proposition, because the "substructure" may have
some attributes of a static structure (for 166+), but may
also, in other respects, appear to act very much in the nature of
a nut (for 190+); accordingly, when a situation of that
kind arises, consideration should be given to placing copies of
the patent in both areas (166+ and 190+).
This subclass is indented under subclass 166. Device wherein there is also provided, on one or the other,
or both, of the bolt or nut, thread structure of a kind which serves
to couple one to the other to restrict rotation therebetween.
(1)
Note. The thread lock of this subclass ordinarily is separate
from and not directly related to the means by which the bolt or
nut is restricted in rotation relative to the substructure.
for a threaded fastener (i.e., a bolt or nut) and
means for restricting the rotation thereof relative to a coacting
substructure and wherein the means includes a restricting member
and further wherein the member is preassembled with the substructure
at a through-passage or a recess therein for holding a bolt or nut
in coaxial relation with the through-passage or recess and additionally
wherein means (e.g., a thread lock) is provided for coupling the
bolt and the nut to one another.
for a threaded fastener (i.e., a bolt or nut) and
means for restricting the rotation thereof relative to a coacting
substructure and wherein the means includes a restricting member
and further wherein the bolt or nut, or a coaxial adjunct therefor,
has a sidewardly facing flat or formation engaged by a portion of
the member (e.g., a side lock) and additionally wherein a thread
lock is provided for coupling the bolt (or nut) to a complementary nut
(or bolt).
for a device of this area (166+), but wherein
the means includes or consists of a thread lock between a bolt and
a substructure, the latter functioning as a nut insofar as the bolt
is concerned.
for a threaded bolt and nut and means for coupling
them against relative rotation and wherein the means is proximate
to and involves the region of their threaded interengagement (i.e.,
a thread lock).
This subclass is indented under subclass 166. Device wherein the rotation restricting means either includes
as a portion thereof, or else consists wholly of, thread structure,
on one or the other or both of the bolt and the substructure with
which it is in threaded engagement, of a kind which serves to couple
one to the other.
(1)
Note. The substructure functions here as a nut insofar as
the bolt is concerned.
for a device of this area (166+), but wherein,
in addition to the means for restricting the rotation of the bolt
or nut relative to a substructure, there is also provided a thread
lock for coupling the bolt to its nut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 166. Device wherein the mass of either the head of the bolt or
of the nut is not centered on the longitudinal axis thereof, whereby,
when that axis is horizontal or significantly so, there will be
a tendency for the bolt or nut, if properly oriented, to both oppose
turning in an unthreading direction and encourage turning in the
opposite direction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 166. Device wherein the nut and structure (e.g., a washer) which
will be axially aligned therewith and positioned between the nut
and the substructure, but which remains integral with the nut, are
formed in a more or less planar length of stock material and folded
one over the other to place the aperture and the threaded opening of
the nut in alignment with one another.
(1)
Note. The inherent resiliency of the "hinge" portion
connecting the nut and apertured spacer is sometimes relied upon
to increase the resistance of the nut to turning relative to the
substructure.
(2)
Note. A plurality of spacers for the nut may be obtained
by forming plural apertures in the stock material and then folding
it over the appropriate number of times.
This subclass is indented under subclass 166. Device wherein a bolt or nut is so formed or shaped (e.g.,
with one or more flanges, projections, etc.) or otherwise adapted
to be united by fusion, without the benefit of additional material,
to a substructure, the weld involving a mutual melting and flowing
together of a portion of the material of the bolt or nut and a portion
of the material of the substructure.
(1)
Note. The art of this subclass may claim only the subcombination
of the bolt or nut.
(2)
Note. Prominent in the art of this subclass is a "weld
nut" which is, most commonly, a metallic nut having one
or more projections (e.g., lugs) which are intended to be fused
(e.g., by spot welding) to the substructure to unite the nut therewith.
for a threaded fastener (i.e., a bolt or nut) and
means for restricting the rotation thereof relative to a coacting
substructure and wherein there is provided additional material which has
a settable state; included therein is the fusible joining of a bolt
or nut to a substructure if additional material (e.g., weld rod,
chemical solvent) is utilized in doing so.
This subclass is indented under subclass 166. Device wherein the structural characteristic comprises the
formation of the nut, and of structure for retaining the nut in
a particular relationship with an aperture that is formed in the
substructure for the purpose of receiving the bolt, as a single
element, and wherein the element makes contact with the substructure
at one or more locations on each of its oppositely (i.e., outwardly)
facing surfaces.
(1)
Note. Frequently, the substructure of the definition is one
of two panels which are being joined in a facing relationship, the other
panel having an aperture for receiving a bolt as it passes through
that panel enroute to the first panel and its nut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 172. Device wherein the single element rests, in part, against
one of the surfaces of the substructure and has a portion (e.g.,
an arm, tongue, etc.) which passes through the aperture for the
bolt enroute to establishing contact with the other surface of the
substructure.
(1)
Note. The provision and utilization of at least one opening
in the substructure, which opening is in addition to the aperture
for the bolt, for the passage of a portion which is the equivalent
of the portion of this subclass, appears in subclass 172 above.
This subclass is indented under subclass 172. Device wherein the single element is, at least in part,
U-shaped for the purpose of being forced over an edge portion of
the substructure.
(1)
Note. "Edge" refers to an outer boundary
of the substructure, which substructure usually is in the nature
of a panel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 174. Device wherein the single element includes, on one of the
arms of the U, a detent, finger, lip, etc., directed toward the
other arm for engaging the periphery of the aperture provided in
the substructure for the bolt.
(1)
Note. The detent, etc., usually is for the purpose of anchoring
the element until such time as the bolt can be threaded into the
nut portion of the element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 166. Device wherein the structural characteristic comprises the
inclusion in one or more of the bolt or the nut or the substructure
of at least one region (e.g., area, portion, etc.) which is inherently
capable of (a) undergoing a significant change (e.g., a distortion)
in configuration or shape, which change may be either elastic or plastic
in nature, (b) causing such a change in another of the bolt, nut
or substructure, or (c) causing such a change in another, and,
either in reaction thereto or as a result of another force, undergoing
a change in its own configuration or shape.
(1)
Note. The capability of one region for causing deformation
in another region usually is a matter of the hardness of one relative
to that of the other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Device wherein a nut and a substructure, each having a deformable/deformation-producing region,
are joined to one another, and wherein, as a result of the joining,
the region of one deforms, or is deformed by, or both, the corresponding
region of the other.
(1)
Note. The assembly with which this and the indented subclasses
are concerned is that of the nut to the substructure prior to the
threading of a bolt with the nut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177. Apparatus wherein the nut is tubular in nature and is threaded
on its outer surface, as well as internally, the outer thread serving
to engage the nut with the substructure when the nut is inserted
thereinto.
(1)
Note. Here, the nut is often the deformation-producing one
of the cooperating members, and may, for example, deform the substructure
by creating, in an untapped bore thereof, a thread mating with its
own thread, or, if the bore is a tapped one, may be provided at
some other location with a projection, such as a flange at its outermost
end, for interfering with, and deforming, a region of the substructure.
(2)
Note. The external thread need not be continuous, and, in
fact, may be fragmentary.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177. Device wherein the nut contains a deformation producing
region which, when cooperating with a tool couple in the nature
of a ram and anvil, is adapted to act as a cutter or die and move
against the substructure, or have the substructure moved against
it, with sufficient force to create an opening in the substructure,
which opening may (a) have its periphery, or portions thereof, bent
or otherwise distorted (e.g., swaged) into a recess in an axially
directed surface of the nut for holding the nut fast to an axially
directed surface of the substructure, (b) provide an entrance to
the bore of the nut for the bolt which is to be received by the
nut, (c) be sufficiently large to receive the overall radial dimensions
of the nut and have its periphery forced radially inwardly to fixedly engage
the nut along its radially outwardly facing surfaces and thus hold
the nut in more or less coplanar relationship with the substructure,
or (d) otherwise serve in anchoring the nut to the substructure.
(1)
Note. The substructure frequently is in the nature of a panel
whose thickness is less than the axial dimension of the nut.
(2)
Note. The terms "clinching" or "clinch nut" appear
occasionally in the art of this subclass (179). While the act of
fastening a pierce nut to a substructure can properly be described
as clinching, a clinch nut is distinguishable from a pierce nut
on the basis that the former is intended to be anchored at a preexisting opening.
On the other hand, the term "pierce or clinch nut",
when properly applied, denotes a nut which can be utilized either
(a) to pierce an opening and be clinched thereat or (b) to merely
be clinched at an existing opening. Other collections of clinch
nuts are found in subclasses 180 and 183 below.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177. Device wherein the substructure is provided with an aperture
for the entry, in an axial direction, of the nut, or at least a
portion of the axial dimension thereof, and wherein the substructure
has a deformable region which comprises the periphery of the aperture,
which periphery undergoes a change in configuration, radially, or
axially, during or subsequent to the introduction of the nut thereinto.
(1)
Note. The change in configuration may be, for example, (a)
a shearing off of portions of the wall of the aperture by the forcing
thereinto of a nut having a serrated, radially outwardly facing
surface, or (b) a bending out, from the plane of the substructure,
of the material surrounding the aperture (e.g., the substructure
is a thin panel).
(2)
Note. The aperture in the instance of a substructure of greater
thickness than the axial dimension of the nut may have an enlarged
portion for the entry of the nut and another smaller portion for
the passage of the bolt shank.
(3)
Note. It is not intended to include herein deformation of
the substructure which takes place at a location removed from the
periphery of the opening; e.g., by prongs or tangs depending from
a radially outwardly extending flange formed on the nut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177. Device wherein the nut and the substructure each include
a region which is capable of undergoing a significant change in
configuration or shape and wherein the regions coact to undergo
such a change as a result of the joining.
(1)
Note. The two regions may undergo change simultaneously,
or the change may be sequential.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177. Device wherein the nut is formed of other than metallic
material (e.g., of an elastomeric composition) and is elastically
distorted, momentarily or otherwise, while being joined to the substructure.
(1)
Note. The joining frequently involves the forcing of a mounting
portion of the nut into an opening in the substructure which is
somewhat smaller than the overall dimensions, radially, of that
portion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Device wherein a nut which contains a deformable region
is joined to the substructure by the permanent distortion of that
region or a portion thereof.
(1)
Note. (1) Note of subclass 177 above is applicable here,
also.
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Device wherein the deformable/deformation-producing
region of either a bolt head or a nut occupies either a portion
of or all of that surface thereof which confronts the substructure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Device wherein the bolt head or the nut includes a plurality
of planar, sidewardly facing surfaces (e.g., for engagement by a wrench),
and wherein the inwardly facing (i.e., the working) surface of the
bolt head or the nut is given a radial dimension which is greater than
the distance separating opposite ones of the sidewardly facing surfaces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 185. Device wherein the greater radial dimension of the inwardly
facing surface, or a portion of that dimension, is in the nature
of an elastically deformable lip.
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Device wherein the substructure-confronting surface of the
bolt head or the nut includes at least one formation (e.g., a ridge,
stud, groove, hollow) which is raised or depressed in a direction
more or less normally thereto.
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Device wherein the raised or depressed formations are two
or more in number, are each located at, and extend along, a line
which approximates a radian of the surface, and are spaced more
or less the same distance apart around the surface.
HAVING STRUCTURE TO RESTRICT ROTATION OF THREADED, MATING PIECES
(E.G., NUT LOCK):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device wherein an externally threaded element and an internally
threaded element are matingly engaged through the medium of their threads,
and wherein means is provided to restrict (i.e., limit or prevent)
the rotation, in at least the unthreading direction, of one element relative
to the other.
(1)
Note. The means may range from as much as a plurality of
discrete members to as little as the configuration of the thread
of one of the elements; in the case of a plurality of such members,
only one of the members may be directly involved in the restriction
of rotation, the other, or others, often serving only an auxiliary function
(e.g., retaining the one in its operative position).
(2)
Note. Infrequently, the internally threaded element consists
of at least two, more or less distinct, cooperating parts (e.g.,
an inner, internally threaded sleeve and, interengaged in some manner
therewith, an outer shell, the latter ordinarily having flat surfaces
for engagement by a wrench), in which instance the mating, threaded
engagement required for this subclass is considered to be that of
the inner part of the composite internally threaded element with
the externally threaded element.
(3)
Note. Classification in this and the indented subclasses
is not precluded by the absence of a combination of the two threaded
elements, as long as it is clear that the coupling means is intended
for use with such a combination.
This subclass is indented under subclass 190. Device provided with one or more distinct members which
restrict one of the threaded elements from rotating by bearing against
or otherwise contacting at least one, more or less flat, radially
outwardly facing surface of that threaded element, and which member,
or at least one of them, also contacts the other threaded element
in such a manner as to restrict it, too, from rotating.
This subclass is indented under subclass 191. Device wherein the other threaded element includes at least
one, more or less flat, radially outwardly facing surface, and at
least one of the distinct members rests against or otherwise contacts
one or more of the surfaces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 192. Device wherein either (a) an inherent property of resiliency
on the part of at least one of the distinct members or (b) the presence
of a distinct element having such a capability, is relied upon for
either (1) moving the distinct member into or from its rotation
restricting position or (2) keeping the distinct member from becoming
separated from its operative association with one or the other of
the threaded elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 193. Device provided with a distinct element or device of a resilient
nature for positioning or retaining the member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 192. Device wherein the other threaded element is the externally
threaded one, and wherein at least one of the distinct members includes
an aperture which is adapted by its configuration (e.g., a square
hole) to contact one or more of the more or less flat, radially
outwardly facing surfaces provided on the other threaded element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 195. Device wherein at least one of the distinct members includes,
also, portions extending more or less normally to a plane containing
the aperture and having radially inwardly facing regions for complementarily
contacting the more or less flat, radially outwardly facing surfaces
of the one (i.e., the internally) threaded element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 191. Device wherein the one threaded element is the internally
threaded one, and the at least one, more or less flat, radially
outwardly facing surface is found on that threaded element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 197. Device wherein either (a) an inherent property of resiliency
on the part of at least one of the distinct members or (b) the presence
of a distinct element having such a capability, is relied upon for
either (1) moving the distinct member into or from its rotation
restricting position or (2) keeping the distinct member from becoming
separated from its operative association with one or the other of
the threaded elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 198. Device wherein at least one of the distinct members ordinarily
comprises a pin, wedge, clip, dog, etc., which is inserted by movement from
one side of the threaded elements toward, and more or less normally
to, their longitudinal axis, which pin, etc., usually is received
in part in each of the threaded elements and thus forms a positive
interlock therebetween.
This subclass is indented under subclass 197. Device wherein at least one of the distinct members ordinarily
comprises a pin, wedge, clip, dog, etc., which is inserted by movement from
one side of the threaded elements toward, and more or less normally
to, their longitudinal axis, which pin, etc., usually is received
in part in each of the threaded elements and thus forms a positive
interlock therebetween.
This subclass is indented under subclass 197. Device wherein the distinct member, or one of them, includes
at least one region which, when bent or otherwise reshaped, is adapted
to remain in its changed configuration (i.e., the elastic limit
of the material from which the member is formed has been exceeded).
(1)
Note. The reshaping may relate to the retaining of the member
in its operative position, rather than to the member"s function
of restricting rotation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 191. Device wherein either (a) an inherent property of resiliency
on the part of at least one of the distinct members or (b) the presence
of a distinct element having such a capability, is relied upon for
either (1) moving the distinct member into or from its rotation
restricting position or (2) keeping the distinct member from becoming
separated from its operative association with one or the other of
the threaded elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 202. Device provided with a distinct element or device of a resilient
nature for positioning or retaining the member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 190. Device provided with one or more distinct members having
a capability of restricting the rotation of at least the internally
threaded element, which member (or members) (a) is positioned outwardly,
at least in part, of the internally threaded element (relative to
the head end of the externally threaded element) and (b) cooperates
with that outwardly facing portion of the internally threaded element
to restrict the rotation thereof.
(1)
Note. The cooperation of the distinct member with the internally
threaded element may involve anything from the engagement of a flat
surface on one with a similar surface on the other to the interlocking
of rather elaborate formations or both. Infrequently, the engagement
may be that of an axially directed extension on either the element
or the member within an axially facing recess (e.g., an annular
one) in the member or element, respectively.
This subclass is indented under subclass 204. Device wherein at least one of the distinct members ordinarily
comprises a jointed pin, a hinged plate, a bendable rod, etc., which
is foldable or otherwise turnable into a position in which it usually
is received in part in each of the threaded elements for locking
one to the other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 205. Device wherein either (a) an inherent property of resiliency
on the part of the jointed pin, hinged plate, bendable rod, etc.,
or (b) the presence of a distinct element having such a capability,
is relied upon for either (1) moving the jointed pin, etc., into
or from its locking position or (2) keeping the jointed pin, etc.,
from becoming separated from its operative association with one
or the other of the threaded elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 206. Device provided with a distinct element or device of a resilient
nature for positioning or retaining the jointed pin, hinged plate,
bendable rod, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207. Device wherein the jointed pin, hinged plate, bendable rod,
etc., when in its locking position, rests in a channel, recess,
slot, etc., formed in the axially outwardly facing portion of the internally
threaded element and also in a similar formation, representing a
prolongation of the first formation, in the corresponding portion
of the externally threaded element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 204. Device wherein at least one of the distinct members ordinarily
comprises a pin, wedge, clip, dog, etc., which is inserted by movement from
one side of the externally threaded and the internally threaded
elements toward, and more or less normally to, their longitudinal axis,
which pin, etc., usually is received in part in each of the threaded
elements and thus forms a positive interlock therebetween.
This subclass is indented under subclass 209. Device wherein either (a) an inherent property of resiliency
on the part of the pin, wedge, clip, dog, etc., or (b) the presence
of a distinct element having such a capability, is relied upon for
either (1) moving the pin, etc., into or from its locking position
or (2) keeping the pin, etc., from becoming separated from its operative association
with one or the other of the threaded elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 210. Device provided with a distinct element or device of a resilient
nature for positioning or retaining the pin, wedge, clip, dog, etc.
(1)
Note. Frequently, the distinct element is a coil spring.
This subclass is indented under subclass 209. Device wherein the pin, wedge, clip, dog, etc., has at least
one region which, when bent or otherwise reshaped, is adapted to
remain in its changed configuration (i.e., the elastic limit of the
material from which the pin, etc., is formed has been exceeded).
(1)
Note. The reshaping may relate to the retaining of the member
in its operative position, rather than to the member"s function
of restricting rotation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 212. Device wherein the element is in the nature of a pin and
is split along its longitudinal axis through a substantial portion
of its length.
This subclass is indented under subclass 204. Device wherein the member takes the form of a screw (e.g.,
a machine screw) and engages the axially outwardly facing portion
of the internally threaded element either by way of a head formed
on the screw or by way of an additional member located between,
and cooperating with, the screw and the portion, and further wherein
the externally threaded element is provided with a bore which
is internally threaded and extends more or less longitudinally of
the element, which bore receives at least a portion of the shank
of the screw.
This subclass is indented under subclass 214. Device provided with an additional member (e.g., an apertured
plate, a washer, etc.) located in intervening relationship to the
screw and the axially outwardly facing portion of the internally
threaded element, thereby substituting for, or supplementing, the
screw in engaging that portion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 204. Device wherein at least one of the distinct members consists
in large part of a portion resembling a dowel, pin, rod, etc., which
portion is positioned generally parallel to the longitudinal axis
of the threaded elements and usually is received in part in each
of them, thus tending to form a positive interlock therebetween.
This subclass is indented under subclass 216. Device wherein the externally threaded element receives
the elongated portion of the member in a recess formed in its outer
surface and extending longitudinally thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 217. Device wherein the member includes a footlike portion extending
at more or less a right angle to the remainder thereof for entering
an opening formed into or through the externally threaded element
at about 90° to the longitudinal axis thereof.
(1)
Note. The footlike portion frequently performs a retaining
function.
This subclass is indented under subclass 217. Device wherein the member includes a portion which is circular
or partly circular in configuration, or can be shaped into such
a configuration, for engaging the externally threaded element along
a path representing the circumference, or a significant part of
the circumference, thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 217. Device wherein at least that part of the member which is
intended to engage the axially outwardly facing portion of the internally
threaded element is bent or otherwise deformed beyond its elastic
limit when moved into engagement with that portion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 204. Device wherein the member includes a formation in the nature
of a radially inwardly directed projection for entering a groove
or related opening formed in the externally threaded element and
extending parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, and also includes another
formation whereby it engages against rotation a depressed region
in the axially outwardly facing portion of the internally threaded element.
(1)
Note. The first mentioned formation usually has only a minimal
axial dimension.
(2)
Note. The second mentioned formation often comprises the
configuration of the outer periphery of the member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 204. Device wherein at least one of the distinct members comprises
a second internally threaded element which is in threaded engagement
with the externally threaded element and is located axially outwardly,
at least in part, of the first (i.e., the primary) internally threaded element.
(1)
Note. While the thread gripping locking members of subclasses
246+ below sometimes engage the thread of the externally
threaded element in a manner similar to that of the member of this
and the indented subclasses, the engagement there (246+)
should be, at a maximum, somewhat less that 360°. If the
threaded engagement of the member with the externally threaded element
takes place through 360° or more, classification in this
subclass (222) and the indented subclasses is indicated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 222. Device which includes means (a) formed on or carried by
one or both of the internally threaded elements, (b) consisting
of another distinct member and located between the elements, or
(c) otherwise associated with the elements, which means limits or
prevents (*) the turning of one of the elements with respect
to the other. (*) It should be observed that, in the jam
nut art, the ceasing of further turning of the internally threaded
elements relative to one another may mean that no greater degree
of coupling can be attained than that which existed at the time
that the two elements commenced to move as one.
This subclass is indented under subclass 223. Device wherein the means comprises a distinct member, such
as a pin, a portion of which resides in each of the internally threaded
elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 224. Device wherein the member includes at least one region which,
when bent or otherwise reshaped, is adapted to remain in its changed configuration
(i.e., the elastic limit of the material from which the member is
formed has been exceeded).
(1)
Note. The reshaping may relate to the retaining of the member
in its operative position, rather than to the member"s function
of preventing relative rotation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 224. Device wherein one portion of the member occupies at least
a portion of a groove, hole, slot, etc., which generally parallels
the longitudinal axis of one of the internally threaded elements,
and another portion of the member occupies a similar formation in
the other element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 223. Device wherein the means comprises one or more distinct
members of which (a) one is either a pawl (e.g., a biased arm, dog,
finger, etc.) or a ratchet (e.g., a series of teeth of asymmetrical
profile), in which event the counterpart ratchet or pawl, respectively,
is an integral part of one of the internally threaded elements, or
(b) one member is a pawl and another member is a ratchet and each
is carried, at least in part, either by one of the elements or by
yet another member cooperating with that element, and wherein, in
either (a) or (b), the function of the pawl and ratchet is to restrict
rotation to a greater degree in one direction than in the other.
(1)
Note. A pawl carried by, for example, a washer constitutes
subject matter for this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 227. Device wherein the source of bias for the pawl is the use
of material (e.g., sheet metal) having a significant degree of elasticity
for fashioning the pawl.
This subclass is indented under subclass 223. Device wherein the internally threaded elements are secured
against relative rotation by spring urged, depressible protuberance
means which are carried by one of the internally threaded elements
and which are adapted to be received in recess means in the other
such elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 223. Device wherein either of the internally threaded elements
or a washer in association therewith is wedge-shaped or has eccentrically arranged
protuberance means thereon which causes the elements in the assembly
to become tilted with respect to each other, thereby producing a
binding of the mating threads.
This subclass is indented under subclass 223. Device wherein the internally threaded elements are urged
in axially opposite directions by a springlike force to cause frictional
binding with the threads of the externally threaded element.
(1)
Note. The resilient bias may be inherent in the material
from which the elements are formed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 223. Device wherein the internally threaded elements are secured
against relative rotation by means cooperating with one or more sidewardly
facing, substantially planar surfaces on at least one of the elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 232. Device wherein the side lock comprises a portion of the
unitary structures of one of the internally threaded elements, which
portion is deformed beyond its elastic limit into engagement with
a side surface of the other of the internally threaded elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 232. Device wherein the side lock comprises an element which
is separate and distinct from the internally threaded elements.
(1)
Note. Included herein is a side lock which is spring biased
into engagement with the elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 234. Device wherein the side lock comprises an element which
surrounds at least a part of each of the internally threaded elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 234. Device wherein the side lock element assumes its locking
position by being deformed beyond its elastic limit.
This subclass is indented under subclass 223. Device wherein one of the internally threaded elements includes
an axially directed portion which enters an axially directed enlargement
of part of the axial dimension of the opening provided in the other
internally threaded element for receiving the externally threaded
element, and wherein the elements include, within the axial dimension
common to both, structural features which coact to limit or prevent
the turning, in at least one direction, of one of the elements with
respect to the other.
(1)
Note. Infrequently, another distinct member (see subclass
223 above) is located within the axial dimension common to both
of the internally threaded elements and contributes to the limiting or
preventing of turning.
This subclass is indented under subclass 237. Device wherein one of the structural features is a surface
generated about an axis (or axes, if of varying curvature) which
is offset from the longitudinal axis of the elements, and further wherein
a slight rotation of one of the elements relative to the other brings
that surface into binding engagement with a surface on the other element,
which latter surface either is not eccentric or, if eccentric, is
of a different eccentricity.
(1)
Note. The engagement of the member (here, the secondary internally
threaded element) with the axially outwardly facing portion of the
internally threaded element (here, the primary such element) required
by subclass 204 may be somewhat remote in the art of this subclass (238);
however, the eccentricity proposition involved appears sufficiently
peculiar to the jam nut concept to warrant its inclusion with that
art.
This subclass is indented under subclass 223. Device wherein both of the internally threaded elements
are formed with, on the portions thereof which occupy an axially
confronting relationship, surface configurations which interact
with each other to limit or prevent the turning, in at least one
direction, of one of the elements with respect to the other.
(1)
Note. Infrequently, another distinct member (see subclass
223 above) is located between the internally threaded elements and
contributes to the limiting or preventing of turning (e.g., by providing
one of the confronting sets of surface configurations).
This subclass is indented under subclass 239. Device wherein the surface configurations formed on each
internally threaded element comprise a plurality of projections
of the kind which, in profile, display a gradual slope leading to
the outermost region of the projection followed by a sharp (e.g.,
a perpendicular) drop to a base line.
This subclass is indented under subclass 239. Device wherein the surface configurations formed on each
internally threaded element are rounded or undulating in character.
(1)
Note. The interaction of the surface configurations may involve
only certain portions thereof at any one rotational position of
the elements relative to one another.
This subclass is indented under subclass 223. Device wherein the means preventing rotation between the
internally threaded elements comprises a portion of one of the elements
being deformed beyond its elastic limit.
This subclass is indented under subclass 223. Device wherein one of the internally threaded elements is
formed with external threads of a hand opposite to its internal
thread which are adapted to be engaged by either the other of the internally
threaded elements or by an extraneous locking means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 223. Device wherein one of the internally threaded elements has
a right-hand thread while the other has a left-hand thread, and
the externally threaded element includes threaded portions mating
with each of them.
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Device wherein the right-hand and left-hand threads on the
externally threaded element are formed in overlapping relationship
so as to define a crossed-threaded arrangement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 204. Device wherein at least one of the distinct members comprises
an element which exerts a tight holding action, usually at circumferentially
spaced locations, upon the thread of at least one of the threaded
elements.
(1)
Note. The thread which is gripped by the member ordinarily
is that of the externally threaded element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 247. Device wherein the locking member comprises a resilient
element which defines the major portion, but less than all, of a
normally closed figure such as an annulus or a polygon.
(1)
Note. The break in the figure sometimes serves to facilitate
assembly of the element with the threaded elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 248. Device wherein the split ring includes a thin, radially
inwardly facing projection which enters into a turn of the thread
of the threaded element and follows that thread through something
less than 360°.
(1)
Note. The projection may be discontinuous (e.g., a series
of inwardly directed prongs or tongues).
This subclass is indented under subclass 246. Device wherein the locking member is formed from a stock
material in the nature of a thin, metal rod which is resiliently
flexible.
This subclass is indented under subclass 251. Device wherein the coiled wire locking member includes an
end portion cooperating with means on the internally threaded element
to prevent relative rotation between the locking member and said
element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 246. Device wherein the locking member is formed with an axially
extending portion which is inclined with respect to the axis of
the threaded elements and wherein a free end of said portion is
caused to be moved into engagement with the thread on one of the
threaded elements upon the application of an axially directed force
to said portion.
(1)
Note. The tapered section may include inwardly directed tang
means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 246. Device wherein the locking member assumes the thread gripping
position upon being moved toward or from, and generally perpendicular
to, the axis of the threaded elements.
(1)
Note. The member is sometimes moved into its gripping position
by applying a radially inwardly directed force for constricting
its periphery.
This subclass is indented under subclass 254. Device wherein an additional element is provided which either
moves the locking member to cause it to grip the externally threaded
element, or secures it in that position, or both.
(1)
Note. The means is sometimes applied by moving it in an axial
direction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 246. Device wherein the locking member assumes a holding position
by being moved into engagement with the threaded element along a
path which lies in planes both perpendicular and parallel to the
axis of said element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 190. Device wherein the means comprises or includes either (a)
a metallic composition which has been applied as a layer on the
surface of at least a part of the interengaging portions of the
threaded elements, (b) a supply, or a member, of a metal which is
subjected to melting and rehardening or (c) a distinct member of
a metal which is sufficiently soft (e.g., malleable) as to yield
upon the application of a relatively small amount of force.
This subclass is indented under subclass 190. Device wherein the means comprises or includes a quantity
of a substance which is hardenable from the relatively soft or flowable state
in which it is applied to at least one of the threaded elements
into a firm or rigid state in which it holds, or assists in holding,
the threaded elements against rotation relative to one another.
(1)
Note. Included herein, for example, is the use of an adhesive
to create a force tending to hold two parts together, or the use
of a chemical solvent which, with or without the assistance of a
physical treatment (e.g., heat) molecularly intermingles with and
unites two parts.
This subclass is indented under subclass 190. Device wherein the rotation restricting means comprises
either the thread structure of one of the other of the threaded
elements, or the interaction of the threads of one element upon
the threads of the other element, or the action of an additional
element upon the threads of one or the other or both of the threaded
elements.
for a threaded fastener (i.e., a bolt or nut) and
means for restricting the rotation thereof relative to a coacting
substructure and wherein the means comprises the structure of the
bolt, nut or substructure and further wherein a bolt-to-nut thread
lock is also provided; see also the search notes of that subclass
for other subclasses of this class which include a thread lock.
for a coupled bolt and nut which includes a rotation
restricting member which coacts with the axially outwardly facing
portion of the internally threaded element and wherein that member
is an additional internally threaded element, in which art, it may be
observed, the action of one internally threaded element upon the
other, and the resultant reaction of each upon the thread of the
externally threaded element, often is the basis for the coupling
achieved.
This subclass is indented under subclass 259. Device wherein the rotation restricting means includes a
substantially annular member of more or less readily deformable
metal which is disposed in concentric relationship with the threaded
elements and moves, upon deformation, into tight engagement with
the threads of at least one of the elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 260. Device wherein the member is a washer which is concave on
one of its axially directed faces and is adapted (e.g., by having
a convex, opposite face) to be axially collapsed by the application
of a compressive force, thus causing its inner and outer peripheries
to shift radially, at least one of them moving into engagement with the
threads on one of the threaded elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 259. Device wherein the rotation restricting means includes a
helically wound resilient wire which grips the threads on one or
both of the threaded elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 259. Device wherein a discrete locking member is provided with
threads which engage complementary threads on either of the threaded
elements causing the mating threads on said elements to be biased
axially into tight, frictional engagement.
(1)
Note. The threads on the locking member may be of a different
pitch and/or hand from those on the mating threaded elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 259. Device wherein the externally threaded element includes
a section of the threads which comprises a separate element,pivotal
between a position wherein the leading threads thereon are within
the confines of the adjacent threads on the element and a second
position, initiated by engagement with the internally threaded element,
wherein at least said leading threads extend radially beyond said
adjacent threads.
This subclass is indented under subclass 259. Device wherein the rotation restricting means includes a
surface which extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis
of the threaded elements, which surface is engaged by the internally
threaded element in such a manner that movement on the part of that
element causes it to be forced into ever-tighter engagement with
the externally threaded element.
(1)
Note. The surface is usually one of revolution, such as a
cone, and may be either interrupted (i.e., a segmented cone) or continuous.
(2)
Note. The surface most often is smooth, but is, in some instances,
threaded.
for a coupled bolt and nut which includes a rotation
restricting member which coacts with the axially outwardly facing
portion of the internally threaded element, and wherein that member
is an additional internally threaded element, and further wherein there
is included a means to restrict the rotation of one internally threaded element
relative to the other one, and additionally wherein the latter means comprises
the extending of a portion of one of the elements into a recess
of the other element, which portion and recess, it may be observed,
sometimes involve a conical interface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 265. Device wherein wedging of the threads is facilitated by
the internally threaded element being longitudinally split.
(1)
Note. The splitting may divide the element into segments
which are separate and distinct.
This subclass is indented under subclass 266. Device wherein the internally threaded element is split
into segments which are separate and distinct and are disposed within
a hollow body member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 266. Device wherein the tapered surface is a portion of a distinct
member, which member is threaded and is in threaded engagement with either
the externally threaded element or the internally threaded element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 268. Device wherein the distinct member is in threaded engagement
with a thread formed on the outer surface of the internally threaded
element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 266. Device wherein the tapered surface is a portion of a distinct
member which is annular, is of a greater or a lesser axial dimension
than the internally threaded element, and has an open, axially outwardly
facing end to enable insertion and removal of that element.
(1)
Note. The tapered surface may be provided with means for
engaging, against rotation, the openings which resulted from splitting
the internally threaded element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 259. Device wherein the externally threaded element includes,
in that end which is opposite its headed end, a longitudinal bore,
cavity, slot, etc., into which a distinct member of nonuniform thickness
(e.g., a cone, a wedge, etc.) is moved for forcing a portion of
the thread of that element generally radially outwardly against
a corresponding portion of the thread of the internally threaded
element.
(1)
Note. While the distinct member ordinarily is a component
of the bolt and nut assembly, in rare cases it is a spreader tool
(e.g., a chisel) which is associated with the assembly only momentarily.
(2)
Note. While the distinct member frequently is driven into
the externally threaded element by axially directed blows, it is
sometimes pulled or pushed thereinto by the turning of the elements into
threaded interengagement.
for a structurally similar opening and member, but
wherein the expansion of the externally threaded element does not
take place in the region of its threaded interengagement with the other
element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 259. Device wherein eccentrically arranged surfaces on either
the internally or externally threaded elements or on a washer element
cause the mating threads to bind upon relative rotation between
the elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 272. Device wherein a discrete camming member is provided having
at least one end of the internally threaded element disposed therein
and wherein the camming member and the threaded elements are provided
with cooperating camming surfaces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 259. Device wherein either the internally threaded element, the
externally threaded element, or an additional member in association
therewith, is wedge-shaped, has eccentrically arranged protuberance
means thereon, or is otherwise adapted to cause the elements in
the assembly to become tilted with respect to each other, thereby
producing a binding of the mating threads.
This subclass is indented under subclass 274. Device wherein an additional member is provided for effecting
the canting of the assembly, which member may be in the nature of
a washer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 259. Device wherein the internally threaded element is physically
deformed either before, during, or after its application to the
externally threaded element to cause the mating threads to become lockingly
engaged.
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