BLIND FASTENER

Abstract

A blind fastener adapter for a conventional screw-threaded nut and screw comprises a collar and a segmented ring over the collar, the ring and collar having a tapered interface wherein relative axial movement results in a change of diameter of the ring. The adapter further includes a spring adapted to bias the collar and ring into mutual engagement; the collar and ring include means to prevent substantial relative angular movement thereof. The collar is adapted for engagement by a blind side head of the screw in use, and the ring is adapted for blind side engagement of the perimeter of a hole.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to a blind fastener and particularly to a blind fastener adapter for a conventional screw-threaded nut and screw.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Blind fasteners are well known, and comprise devices insertable from one side through a hole in a member, and having means to anchor the device on the distal side of the hole. A screw-threaded component may be included, to tighten the device to the member. Such fasteners are utilised where access is available from one side only, and may for example clamp members together or be used to provide an anchorage. Typically a blind fastener includes a proximal side screw-threaded component having a screw-threaded distal (or blind) side anchorage arranged for close fitting passage through a hole. Once through the hole, the distal side anchorage changes form so as to resist withdrawal thereof, whereupon the proximal side component is tightened to firmly attach the fastener. The distal side fastener may for example comprise a folding component which is adapted to pass through the hole in folded form, and open out on the distal side to a diameter larger than the hole.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to the disclosure, there is provided a blind fastener adapter for a conventional screw-threaded nut and screw, the adapter comprising a collar and a segmented ring over the collar, the ring and collar having a tapered interface wherein relative axial movement results in a change of diameter of the ring, the adapter further including a spring adapted to bias the collar and ring into mutual engagement, the collar and ring including means to prevent substantial relative angular movement thereof, the collar bring adapted for engagement by a blind side head of the screw in use, and the ring being adapted for blind side engagement of the perimeter of a hole.

The blind side head may be a nut or the head of a male fastener, such as a machine screw or bolt. The screw may be a threaded stud, or the shank of a male fastener.

In an embodiment, the ring and collar are fixed against relative rotation by dogs; such dogs may for example comprise protrusions of one of the ring and collar, and mating recesses of the other of the ring and collar. In one embodiment protruding rails of the collar extend in the direction of the axis of rotation thereof, and engage in close fitting grooves of the ring.

The ring may have three segments, each segment being restrained by a suitable dog. Each segment may be retained against radial separation by the collar, for example by an enlarged head of a rail engageable in an undercut groove. Each segment may comprise an individually separable component retained solely by a suitable form-locking profile.

In an embodiment, the spring is a coil compression spring bearing directly on the ring in use, and sized to fit closely around the screw.

The fastener may include a further coil compression spring outboard the aforesaid coil compression spring and of a diameter insufficient to pass through a hole for which the fastener is intended. Such a further spring provides frictional bias to provide anti-rotational force for the collar, in use.

The adapter may further include a collared washer at the proximal side of the coil spring, the reduced diameter of the washer being sized to engage closely within the hole for which the fastener is intended, and the washer having an internal recess of sufficient depth to accept the spring when compressed. Such a recess avoids potential coil binding of the spring, which could affect proper tightening of the fastener.

In another embodiment, the ring has a reduced diameter portion at the proximal side so as to present a shoulder. The reduced diameter portion is also sized for close fitting engagement in the hole for which the fastener is intended, and the shoulder bears on the perimeter of the distal side of the hole in use.

A further washer may be provided proximally of the segmented ring so as to distribute spring loads applied thereto. Preferably the further washer is a close diameter fit in the hole for which the fastener is intended, and preferably is of a thickness to substantially bridge the clearance between the segmented ring and collared washer in use. Such a close fitting washer provides additional support against lateral forces acting on the fastener in use.

A blind fastener adapter according to the disclosure has the advantage of being retro-fittable to a standard machine screw, for example a bolt. This means that special threaded components are not required, and that standard specification threads with known material properties can be used. Standard machine screws are relatively inexpensive compared with special forms. Furthermore, standard fixing tools, such as socket spanners, may be used for both standard and blind fasteners. Moreover, a special supply of blind fasteners is unnecessary provided that a supply of suitable adapters is provided for those instances where a blind fastener is required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features will be apparent from the following description of an embodiment shown by way of example only in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate in elevation two variants of a fastener adapter according to the disclosure, in combination with a machine screw and nut;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded fastener adapter according to an embodiment of the disclosure in cross section, in combination with a machine screw and nut;

FIG. 4 illustrates in axial section the steps of installation of a blind fastener embodying the disclosure;

FIG. 5 corresponds to FIG. 4, and shows the fastener in full side elevation;

FIG. 6 illustrates a suitable form locking arrangement between collar and ring;

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment having a load spreading washer;

FIG. 8 shows the embodiment of FIG. 7 in axial section, and in the assembled condition;

FIG. 9 is a further alternative having a fitting spring;

FIGS. 10 to 12 show alternative gripping teeth for segments of the segmented ring;

FIG. 13 illustrates in elevation an elastomeric fitting ring of the tapered collar;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a plurality of fastener adapters having differing shouldered washer configurations;

FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the fastener adapters of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 shows a exploded side view of a fastener adapter according to an embodiment of the disclosure and a machine screw, and

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the fastener adapter and machine screw of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a fastener comprises a conventional hexagonal headed machine screw 11 having a corresponding hexagon nut 12 of the same size. Between the head of the machine screw and the nut the components of an adapter comprise in series, a tapered collar 13, a segmented ring 14, a coil compression spring 15 and a shouldered washer 16. The adapter renders the standard screw and nut suitable for blind (one-sided) installation, and may be filled to the machine screw and nut in either orientation, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the proviso that in use the fastener enters a corresponding hole collar first.

The collar 13 comprises a plain diameter portion 21 for contact with the adjacent hexagon and a tapered portion 22 having three equi-spaced protruding rails 23. Each rail has an enlarged head 24 (FIG. 6) of constant section. The rails 23 extend in the direction of the axis of the fastener, and the bore 25 of the collar allows free movement along the threads of the fastener.

The ring comprises three identical and equi-spaced segments 31 each having an undercut recess 32 (FIG. 6) for sliding engagement with the respective enlarged head 24. The internal surfaces of the segments 31 are arcuate and conical in form, so as to match the conical form of the collar 13. The proximal side of the segments is shouldered so that in use ring 14 fits closely in the distal side of a hole for which the fastener is intended.

The spring 15 is a light wire coil compression spring, which in use biases the segments of the ring 14 towards the collar 13 (downwardly as viewed in FIG. 3).

The shouldered washer 16 has a smaller diameter 41 adapted for close fitting engagement in the proximal side of a hole for which the fastener is intended. The internal diameter 42 is also relieved to accommodate the proximal end of the spring 15, and is of sufficient depth to accept the spring without coil binding. In other words the spring can be fully compressed and housed within the washer 16, for reasons which will become apparent.

In order to convert a standard fastener to blind use, the components of the assembly are assembled in the manner indicated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2—the coil spring 15 lightly biases the ring 14 and collar 13 into engagement, and the ring 14 tends to adopt a position at the base of the taper of the collar 13, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this condition, the outside diameter of the ring is greater than the plain portion 21 of the collar.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the blind fastener assembly is offered up to a hole, collar first. In the illustrated case a through hole of two plates 51, 52 is provided. The dimensions of the adapter and hexagons are selected so that the distal hexagon and collar 13 pass freely through the hole, but the ring 14 does not (FIG. 4a). Further light insertion pressure causes the spring 15 to collapse (FIG. 4b) as the collar and ring separate the segments 31 move radially inwardly in consequence of the form-locking profile of FIG. 6.

The taper is arranged so that the segments are drawn sufficiently inwardly to eventually pass through the hole (FIG. 4c) under pressure from the spring 15, whereupon the collar and ring become more closely engaged again, which in turn guides the segments to a radially outer condition in which the shouldered portion of the ring engages in the distal side of the hole (FIG. 4d).

The proximal side hexagon may now be turned to tighten the fastener by hand, a slight proximal pull being sufficient to ensure frictional drag on the distal side hexagon. The drag force may be enhanced by suitable raised formations of the areas in contact, or alternatively the collar may be arranged to lightly grip the adjacent hexagon.

Final tightening is by spanner or torque wrench, the spring being fully housed within the shouldered washer so as not to impede engagement of the ring 14 and distal side plate 52.

The hexagons are selected so as to pass through the hole, though it will be understood that this is not a functional requirement for the distal side hexagon. Furthermore, hexagon heads are not essential, and could be replaced by equivalent means such as screwdriver slots or cap heads incorporating a recessed fastener drive form. Use of the blind fastener is generally intuitive, and accordingly incorrect installation is unlikely.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener is used to clamp two plates together. However the fastener is also suitable for forming a load bearing attachment in any planar surface of which access to the distal side is restricted. In particular, fasteners embodying the disclosure may be used to provide fixings to hollow sections.

FIG. 7 shows a variation of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, in which the washer 61 is provided on the proximal side of the ring 14, and against which the light spring 15 acts. The washer 61 is selected to be of smaller diameter than the hole for which the fastener is intended, and is preferably a close fit for reasons which will become apparent. The washer 61 may include a circular recess (not shown) on the proximal side to better locate the spring so as to avoid contact with the screw threads.

The washer 61 ensures synchronised movement of the segments and, as illustrated in FIG. 8, provides additional support against lateral shearing and bearing forces which tend to tip the fastener in the hole, and are illustrated by arrows 62. The thickness of the additional washer 61 is in practice selected to suit the thickness of the hole for which the fastener is intended, taking into account an allowance for the spigot diameter of the standard shouldered washer 16 and the collar 14. FIG. 8 clearly shows how the light spring 15 is housed in a recess of the washer 16 when the components are in the assembled condition.

FIGS. 7 and 8 also illustrate that it is possible to combine the nut 12 and collar 13 into a single component comprising a threaded cone 63. External flats 64 or like features may be provided on the cone blank to facilitate holding during thread tapping.

FIG. 9 illustrates a further modification whereby an additional coil compression spring 65 is provided external to the light spring 15, and oppositely wound to avoid coil binding.

During assembly, the additional spring 65 bears on the proximal side of the material in which the hole is formed to ensure sufficient anti-rotational friction force between the distal side and the segmented ring 14. This feature may avoid the need to give a slight outward pull on the fastener during initial fastening, and can be useful where access is restricted. The additional spring 65 may be used in conjunction with the washer 61, or not, but is in any event provided with a corresponding recess in the shouldered washer 16 to obviate coil binding where the fastener is fully tightened.

A somewhat schematic representation of a preferred segment 71 is illustrated in FIG. 10 and comprises a plain diameter portion 72, a tapered portion 73 and a dovetail recess 74 which corresponds to a suitable form of the collar 13. Gripping teeth 75 of suitable form are provided at the shoulders 76 so as to engage the distal side of the hole in use, and contribute to anti-rotation during initial assembly.

The gripping teeth 75 may extend radially to a partial extent (FIG. 10), radially to a full extent (FIG. 11), axially to a partial or full extent (FIG. 12), or in both radial and axial directions as required by the circumstances of the installation.

A further enhancement is illustrated in FIG. 13, in which a composite collar and nut 63 has three equi-spaced male dovetail projections 67 at the base of which are respective groove 66. Retained by the grooves is a soft elastomeric ring 68, for example a synthetic rubber O-ring. The axial position of the grooves and the diameter of the O-ring is selected so that in the uninstalled condition, the distal side of the segmented ring 14 is prevented from bottoming on the collar, so that the outside diameter of the segmented ring is just less than the diameter of the hole. In this condition, the fastener will pass freely through to the blind side.

However, upon tightening, the ring 68 collapses or is displaced to permit the segments to come into functional engagement with the collar, either directly or through compression of the ring, and thus cause the radial movement necessary for engagement of the segmented ring 14 with the distal side of the hole. The ring 68 is essentially a single use fitting component intended to provide smooth passage of the fastener to the distal side of the hole.

It will be understood that the fitting ring 68 may also be used with a separate nut, the location feature of the ring being provided on the collar.

It will further be appreciated that the shouldered washer 16 may have different configurations depending upon the application of the blind fastener. FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a plurality of different possible shouldered washer configurations. The examples shown are not intended to be limiting, but merely illustrate a selection of possible configurations. In the examples shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 the nut 12 of the screw 11 is not shown

Examples A and B of FIGS. 14 and 15 show a shouldered washer 16 having a configuration substantially has hereinbefore described. The washer 16 includes a reduced diameter portion 41 adapted for close fitting to the sides of the hole through which fastener extends.

Example C shows a shouldered washer 16′ having a peripheral wall 78 which defines a recess 80. The hexagonal head of the machine screw 11 is received in the recess with sufficient clearance that an appropriately sized socket or box spanner can fit over the head. The height of the wall 78 is such that uppermost edge 82 of the shouldered washer 16′ extends above the head of the machine screw 11.

Example D shows a shouldered washer 16″ which is similar to that of example C. The washer 16″ differs in that the peripheral wall 78 is tapered 84 such that the washer 16″ has a semi-domed appearance.

Example E shows a shouldered washer 16′″ which is adapted for use with a countersunk screw 11. The washer 16′″ is provided with a through aperture 86 having a tapered portion 88 which accommodates the corresponding taper of the screw 11 such that the uppermost face 90 of the screw 11 is aligned substantially at the same level as the uppermost edge 82 of the washer 16′″.

Example F shows a further example of a shouldered washer 16″″ adapted for use with a countersunk screw 11. In this example the shouldered washer 16″″ is configured such that it is received in a countersunk hole 92, with the result that both the washer 16″″ and head of the countersunk screw 11 are substantially flush with the upper plate 51. The washer 16″″ is provided with tapered outer surface 94 which is dimensioned so as to be received within the countersunk hole 92.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show an alternative embodiment of a fastener adapter and machine screw in accordance with the disclosure. Features common to the previously described embodiments are identified with like reference numerals. The hexagon nut 12 is not shown.

The fastener adapter includes a shear bush 96 which is positioned intermediate the shouldered washer 16 and the spring 15. The shear bush 96 is substantially tubular and includes a through bore 98. The through bore 98 may be plain such that the bush 96 is a sliding fit over the thread of the screw 11. Alternatively, the through bore 98 may be provided with a thread such that the bush 96 may be threaded on to the thread of the screw. In use, the bush 96 is positioned in the hole extending through the two plates 51, 52 so as to increase the shear resistance of the blind fastener in the shear plane between the plates 51, 52 being fastened. It will be appreciated that the length of the bush 96 is dependent upon the thickness of the plates 51, 52.

Several modifications and alternatives have been described, and may be used independently or in combination to provide the required technical characteristics for a particular installation. In view of the foregoing description, it is evident that numerous other alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and the following claims.

Claims

1. A blind fastener adapter for a conventional screw-threaded nut and screw, the adapter comprising a collar and a segmented ring over the collar, the ring and collar having a tapered interface wherein relative axial movement results in a change of diameter of said ring, said adapter further including a spring adapted to bias said collar and ring into mutual engagement, said collar and ring including means to prevent substantial relative angular movement thereof, said collar being adapted for engagement by a blind side head of said screw in use, and said ring being adapted for blind side engagement of the perimeter of a hole.

2. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the blind side head is a nut or the head of a male fastener, such as a machine screw or bolt.

3. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the screw is a threaded stud, or the shank of a male fastener.

4. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ring and collar are fixed against relative rotation by dogs.

5. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 4 wherein the dogs comprise protrusions of one of the ring and collar, and mating recesses of the other of ring and collar.

6. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 5 wherein protruding rails of the collar extend in the direction of the axis of rotation thereof, and engage in close fitting grooves of the ring.

7. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 4 wherein the ring has three segments, each segment being restrained by a suitable dog.

8. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 7 wherein each segment is retained against radial separation by the collar.

9. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 8 wherein each segment is retained against radial separation by an enlarged head of a rail engageable in an undercut groove.

10. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the spring is a coil compression spring bearing directly on said ring in use, and sized to fit closely around said screw.

11. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 10 wherein the fastener includes a further coil compression spring outboard the aforesaid coil compression spring and of a diameter insufficient to pass through a hole for which the fastener is intended.

12. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 1 and further including a collared washer at the proximal side of said coil spring.

13. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 12 wherein a reduced diameter of said washer is sized to engage closely within the hole for which the fastener is intended, and the washer has an internal recess of sufficient depth to accept said spring when compressed.

14. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 12 and further including a tubular bush positioned between the collared washer and the proximal side of said coil spring.

15. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ring has a reduced diameter portion at the proximal side so as to present a shoulder, the reduced diameter portion also being sized for close fitting engagement in the hole for which the fastener is intended, and the shoulder bearing on the perimeter of the distal side of the hole in use.

16. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 1 wherein a further washer is provided proximally of the segmented ring so as to distribute spring loads applied thereto.

17. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 16 wherein the further washer is a close diameter fit in the hole for which the fastener is intended.

18. A blind fastener adapter as claimed in claim 16 wherein the further washer is of a thickness to substantially bridge the clearance between the segmented ring and collared washer in use.