Patent Application
20150198198
a. Technical Field
The instant disclosure relates generally to a locking nut, and more particularly to locking nut configurations that cooperate with a corresponding threaded bolt to retain a hinge used to releasably attach a toilet seat to a toilet bowl.
b. Background Art
It is known to provide a toilet seat ring and cover assembly with an integrated hinging mechanism for attachment to a toilet bowl. In this regard, known configurations involve attaching the hinging mechanisms to the bowl using a bolt or the like and a companion fastener. A problem arises, however, in that the fastener can loosen over time due to, for example, repeated raising and lowering of the hinged toilet seat.
One known approach to address this problem involves providing a rubber washer or gasket between the fastener and the underside of the toilet bowl. However, unless the fastener is tightened sufficiently, use of such rubber washers/gaskets may be ineffective at preventing loosening. Other approaches involve mechanisms to ensure that the fastener is tightened to at least a predetermined, minimum torque. However, some of these approaches are complicated and may not be optimized for use in securing a toilet seat hinge.
Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved fastener. It should be understood that the foregoing description is intended only to illustrate the present field and is therefore exemplary only and not limiting in nature in any respect.
One advantage of an apparatus, such as a locking nut, for securing a bolt according to the instant disclosure is that the locking nut limits the amount of torque to a predetermined, maximum amount. This in turn allows the user to tighten the locking nut without the risk of over-tightening (which can damage the nut and/or bolt) but can also can provide an indication that the locking has been tightened adequately. In addition, in an embodiment, the locking nut includes an integral feature that allows the user to hold and/or turn the locking nut. In addition, in an embodiment, a separate conical washer includes an inclined surface on the top thereof that can act as a bushing, which in turn can reduce or eliminate “play” of the bolt in an oversize installation hole formed in the toilet bowl.
According to an embodiment, an apparatus is configured to secure a threaded bolt to a toilet bowl and has a longitudinal axis associated therewith. The apparatus includes a nut cap, a nut middle, and a slip section. The nut cap includes an aperture disposed along the axis and has an outer wall axially-extending on a first axial side (e.g., the bottom or facing in the “down” direction). The nut middle has a threaded through-bore extending along the axis that includes threads configured to mesh with those of the threaded bolt. The nut middle also includes a plurality of circumferentially-arranged ratchet gears on an outer surface thereof. Each of the ratchet gears includes a respective first slip surface and a respective first drive surface. The slip section has a cylindrical-shaped body with an opening in which a portion of the nut middle is disposed. The slip section also includes a plurality of axially-extending and circumferentially-arranged posts. Each post has a respective free end disposed radially-inwardly of the outer wall of the nut cap (i.e., when the nut cap, nut middle, and slip section are all assembled). Each post also has a respective second slip surface and a respective second drive surface.
In a first state of the apparatus, the first slip surfaces of the ratchet gears engage the second slip surfaces of the posts while the first drive surfaces of the ratchet gears engage the second drive surfaces of the posts. In operation (e.g., tightening), in a second state of the apparatus, when a first torque in a first rotational orientation is applied to the slip section relative to the nut middle reaches a predetermined threshold, the second slip surfaces of the posts slide relative to, over and off of the first slip surfaces of the ratchet gears. In further operation (e.g., loosening), in a third state of the apparatus, when a second torque in a second rotational orientation opposite of the first rotational orientation is applied to the slip section relative to the nut middle, the second drive surfaces of the posts engage the first drive surfaces of the ratchet gears to rotate the nut middle.
The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings.
This disclosure relates to embodiments of an apparatus, hereinafter sometimes referred to as a locking nut, configured to secure a threaded bolt and/or a bolt and hinge assembly to a toilet bowl. The apparatus includes a number of features, including a torque slip feature which limits the maximum amount of torque applied to the locking nut (relative to the bolt) to a predetermined maximum torque. This feature minimizes or eliminates over-tightening, as well as provides a mechanism to ensure that the locking is adequately tightened (i.e., the user will tighten the locking nut until the slip mechanism has been actuated, thereby ensuring that the minimum torque has been reached). In a further embodiment, a sound indicating feature may be employed that emits an audible “click” or other sound that can be perceived by the user when the slip mechanism has been actuated, thereby providing feedback to the user that the locking nut has been adequately tightened.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals are used to identify identical or similar components in the various views,
Toilet seat ring 12 may be a closed ring, with a generally oval opening 20, although it should be understood that toilet seat ring 12 may comprise other configurations (e.g., a U-shaped ring configuration with the open portion of the U-shaped ring facing toward the forward part of toilet bowl 18). The construction details of toilet seat ring 12 may comprise any one of a wide variety of conventional configurations. For example, toilet seat ring 12 may have an inner core portion comprising wood, a wood derivative such as a wood flour composite, compressed fiber laminate, or other cellulosic materials such as hemp. The toilet seat ring 12 may further include a polymeric overlay, for example, polypropylene or other suitable alternative material. Toilet seat ring 12 may include further features (not illustrated), such as multiple bumpers on a lower surface facing the toilet bowl, for example.
Toilet seat cover 14 conceals an opening 20 when toilet bowl 18 is not being used, and may have a similar construction (e.g., core in combination with an overlay) as ring 12, or may be a solid construction, or may be constructed in other ways known in the art.
Toilet seat ring 12 and toilet seat cover 14 may both include further features to provide for a pivotal connection with hinges 16. For example only, both ring 12 and cover 14 may each include hinge ears (not shown) configured for attachment to a respective one of hinges 16. Further details of an exemplary toilet seat ring and cover may be seen by reference to U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,349 entitled “TOILET SEAT”, application Ser. No. 09/921,069 filed 2 Aug. 2001, owned by the common assignee of the present invention, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully set forth herein.
In the illustrated embodiment, the through-hole described above will allow the bolt 22b to freely rotate when the locking nut 24 is being tightening, unless the user uses a tool (e.g., Phillips head screwdriver, or socket/wrench) to prevent rotation of bolt 22b relative to the top-mount hinge while rotating (tightening) the locking nut. In an embodiment, however, a bolt washer 30 is provided that prevents the bolt 22b from rotating together with the locking nut 24 without the need for any tools to hold the bolt head 28. The bolt washer 30 includes an opening 32 that includes opposing flat surfaces 34 that cooperate with the corresponding flat surfaces of the enlarged hex head 28. It should be understood, however, that other configurations (e.g., shapes) may be used to accomplish the same function. In the illustrated embodiment, the top-mount hinge 16b also includes a closure 36 hinged to close the compartment of hinge 16b that houses the head 28 of bolt 22b.
One problem in a typical (conventional) installation involves an undesirable amount of “play” of the installation bolt in the typically oversized installation hole in the toilet bowl. This allows permits the bolt to move around within the hole, and even when a conventional fastener is tightened to the bolt, the large remaining clearance allows for potentially undesired movement. The nut top 40a includes a radially-inwardly, and upwardly sloping inclined surface 54 on the first axial side 50. The nut top 40a also includes a land 56 that is located radially-outwardly of the inclined surface 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the land 56 is generally flat and circumscribes the perimeter of the nut top 40a. The inclined surface 54 is configured to facilitate the centering of the installation bolt within an oversized installation hole, and further acts as a bushing in the final installation. The land 56 provides an engagement surface that abuts the underside of the toilet bowl when installed.
The nut top 40a further includes an outer wall 58 axially-extending downwardly away from the main body 46 on the second axial side 52 (best shown in
The nut top 40a further includes a keying slot 62 (best shown
The nut top 40a further includes a plurality of first segments 661, 662 that are axially downwardly projecting from the main body 46 at the second axial side 52 (best shown in
The nut middle 42a further includes a plurality (four are shown) of circumferentially-arranged ratchet gears 781, 782, 783, and 784 on an outer surface of nut middle 42a. Each of the ratchet gears 781, 782, 783, and 784 includes a respective first slip surface 80 and a respective first drive surface 82 (for clarity, surfaces 80, 82 are not identified by reference numeral on every ratchet gear 78i). As will be described in greater detail below, the slip and drive surfaces on the ratchet gears 781, 782, 783, and 784 are configured to cooperate with like surfaces on cantilevered posts of the slip section 44a, in order to achieve the torque-slip function described herein.
The nut middle 42a further includes a plurality of second segments 841, 842 that are axially upwardly projecting from the main body 70 at the first axial side 72 (best shown in
The nut middle 42a further includes at least one (two are shown) upper retaining clasps 88. Each upper retaining clasp 88 includes a respective leg 90 that is axially-extending upwards from the first axial side 72 and terminates on a respective free end thereof in a foot 92 with a overhanging lip 94. When the nut top 40a and the nut middle 42a are assembled, the upper retaining clasps 88 extend through the keying slot 62 wherein the lips 94 of each clasp 88 engage a respective ledge 64, to thereby retain the nut top 40a to the nut middle 42a. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper retaining clasps 88 are diametrically opposed.
The nut middle 42a still further includes at least one (four are shown) lower retaining clasps 96. Each lower retaining clasp 96 includes a respective leg 98 that is axially-extending downwardly from the second axial side 74 and terminates on a respective free end thereof in a foot 100 with an overhanging lip 102. The lower retaining clasps 96, as will be described in greater detail below, are configured to cooperate with and couple the nut middle 42a to the slip section 44a.
As shown in
The outer surface of the slip section 44a may be further configured with a plurality of generally flat surfaces 118, for example, in a generally-known hex head configuration for facilitating the use of a wrench or other hand tool to tighten the locking nut 24a onto an installation bolt 22.
Referring again to
First Step.
The upper retaining clasps 88 are inserted into the keying slot 62. A slight chamfer on the lower side of the entry (
Second Step.
The lower retaining clasps 96 are inserted into the central opening 106 of the slip section 44a. As the sub-assembly is moved “down” with respect to the slip section 44a, the free ends of the lower retaining clasps 96 engage guide surface 120, which deflects the feet of the lower retaining clasps 96 radially-inwardly. When the free ends of the lower retaining clasps 96 crest the shoulder 122, the legs 98 deflect or “snap” radially-outwardly wherein the overhanging lips 102 become seated on shoulder 122, thereby coupling and retaining the nut top 40a and the nut middle 42a to the slip section 44a to produce locking nut 24a.
Operation.
When no torque is applied, the locking nut 24a is in a first state, where the first slip surfaces 80 of the ratchet gears engage the second slip surfaces 112 of the cantilevered posts. Likewise, the first drive surfaces 82 of the ratchet gears engage the second drive surfaces 114 of the cantilevered posts. In operation (e.g., tightening), in a second state of the locking nut 24a, when a first torque in a first rotational orientation 126 (i.e., counter-clockwise—CCW) is applied to the slip section 44a relative to the nut middle 42 (which is in mesh with the installation bolt) and reaches a predetermined maximum torque threshold, the second slip surfaces 112 slide relative to, over and off of the first slip surfaces 80. In other words, the posts are configured to deflect, and do deflect within an elastic range at the designed torque limit. In this way, no torque above the threshold can be applied, thereby preventing over-tightening and possible damage to the nut and/or bolt. In further operation (e.g., loosening), in a third state of the locking nut 24a, another torque in a second rotational orientation 128 (i.e., clockwise—CW) opposite of the first rotational orientation 126 is applied to the slip section 44a relative to the nut middle 42a, in which case the second drive surfaces 114 engage the first drive surfaces 82 to rotate the nut middle 42a.
It should appreciated that the respective slip surfaces are inclined relative to one another, thereby providing a mechanism to deflect cantilevered posts sufficiently to allow slip when a designed torque threshold is reached. In contrast, the respective drive surfaces are substantially normal to each other and with respect to the force, thereby minimizing the occurrence of slip.
The nut top 24b may be substantially identical to the nut top 24a, and thus for brevity's sake, the figures and related description for nut top 24b will not be set forth inasmuch as reference may be made to the above description and related figures for nut top 24a.
The lower nut middle 132 further includes an increased diameter flange 146 at a “bottom” axial end thereof, which flange 146 includes an engagement surface 148. Engagement surface 148 is generally flat and lies in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to axis “A”.
The lower nut middle 132 further includes tapered surfaces 150, vertical guiding surfaces 152, a pair of coupling recesses 154, and horizontal stop surfaces 156. Features 150, 152, 154, and 156 perform a role in the assembly of upper and lower nut middles 130, 132, which method of assembly will be set forth below. It should be appreciated that in the locking nut 24b, the central bore 76 of the upper nut middle 130 is not threaded, while the central bore 76 of the lower nut middle 132 is threaded. Lower nut middle 132 further includes a lowermost end surface 158 (
Referring again to
First Step.
The upper retaining clasps 88 are inserted into keying slot 62 of nut top 40b. A slight chamfer on the lower side of the entry (see
Second Step.
The coupling clasps 1341, 1342 are inserted into top of the central opening 160 of the slip section 44b, while at the same time, the top of the lower nut middle 132 in inserted into the bottom of the slip section 44b. In this regard, the upper and lower nut middles 130, 132 are rotationally aligned by virtue of the keying extension 140 being disposed into the alignment slot 144. The upper nut middle 130 and the lower nut middle 132 are then forced together—with the slip section 44b being held in the middle. As the upper sub-assembly is moved “down” the free ends of the coupling clasps 1341, 1342 engage tapered surfaces 150, which deflects the coupling clasps radially-outwardly. The free ends of the coupling clasps 1341, 1342 are thereafter guided along vertical guiding surfaces 152. As the coupling recesses 138 of the coupling clasps 1341, 1342 reach and slide over the coupling projections 154, a return force existing in the coupling clasps 1341, 1342 (due to the previously-described deflection outwards) causes the projections 154 to snap into the respective recesses 138, and become seated. In addition, cantilevered posts 108 are disposed radially-inwardly of inner surface 60 of wall 58. The wall 58 restrains outward deflection of the free ends of the posts 108.
In the illustrated embodiment, the through-hole described above will allow the bolt 22c to pass therethrough. However, the enlarged head 28a includes surfaces 29 that are configured to cooperate with corresponding surfaces 31 of the inside compartment of the top-mount hinge 16b to impede and/or prevent free rotation of the bolt 22c relative to the top-mount hinge when the locking nut 24 is being tightening, provided the head 28a is seated in the compartment so that the surfaces 29, 31 face each other and thus engage (and interfere) to prevent rotation. It should be understood, however, that other configurations (e.g., shapes) may be used to accomplish the same function. In the illustrated embodiment, the top-mount hinge 16b also includes closure 36 hinged to close the compartment of hinge 16b that houses the head 28a of bolt 22c.
With reference to
The washer 188 further includes a conical section 200 comprising a radially-inwardly, and upwardly sloping inclined surface 202 on the first axial side 196. The washer 188 also includes a land 204 that is located radially-outwardly of the inclined surface 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the land 204 is generally flat and circumscribes the perimeter of the washer 188. The inclined surface 202 is configured to facilitate the centering of the installation bolt within an oversized installation hole, and further acts as a bushing in the final installation. The land 204 provides an engagement surface that abuts the underside of the toilet bowl when installed.
The nut cap 40c is further configured, among other things, to permit hand turning and/or holding by a user of the locking nut 24c. As shown in
With reference to
The assembly of the locking nut 24c from the constituent parts 40c, 42b (items 130, 132), and 44b involves two basic steps: first, attaching the nut cap 40c to the upper nut middle 130 to form a sub-assembly; and second, inserting the sub-assembly into the slip section 44b from the top while inserting the lower nut middle 132 into the slip section 44b from the bottom until all the parts are united.
First Step.
The upper retaining clasps 88 are inserted into keying slot 62 of nut cap 40c. A slight chamfer on the lower side of the entry slightly deflects the upper retaining clasps 88 inwardly. As the nut cap 40c is pushed down onto the upper nut middle 130, the first segments 661, 662, move “down” into the open slots 861, 862, while the second segments 841, 842 move “up” into the open slots 681, 682. When the respective free ends of the upper retaining clasps 88 emerge from the keying slot 62, the overhanging lips 94 are free to deflect outwardly again, wherein the lips 94 rest on the respective ledges 64, which couples the nut cap 40c and the upper nut middle 130 together.
Second Step.
The coupling clasps 1341, 1342 are inserted into top of the central opening 160 of the slip section 44b, while at the same time, the top of the lower nut middle 132 in inserted into the bottom of the slip section 44b. In this regard, the upper and lower nut middles 130, 132 are rotationally aligned by virtue of the keying extension 140 being disposed into the alignment slot 144. The upper nut middle 130 and the lower nut middle 132 are then forced together—with the slip section 44b being held in the middle. As the upper sub-assembly is moved “down” the free ends of the coupling clasps 1341, 1342 engage tapered surfaces 150, which deflects the coupling clasps radially-outwardly. The free ends of the coupling clasps 1341, 1342 are thereafter guided along vertical guiding surfaces 152. As the coupling recesses 138 of the coupling clasps 1341, 1342 reach and slide over the coupling projections 154, a return force existing in the coupling clasps 1341, 1342 (due to the previously-described deflection outwards) causes the projections 154 to snap into the respective recesses 138, and become seated. In addition, cantilevered posts 108 are disposed radially-inwardly of inner surface 60 of wall 58 of the nut cap 40c. The wall 58 restrains outward deflection of the free ends of the posts 108.
The operation of the locking nut 24c is substantially the same as set forth above in connection with
Although only certain embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. All directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of embodiments. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other.
While one or more particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present teachings.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/259,768, filed 23 Apr. 2014, now pending (the '768 application), which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/866,108, filed 15 Aug. 2013 (the '108 application). The '768 application and the '108 application are both hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61866108 | Aug 2013 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14259768 | Apr 2014 | US |
| Child | 14645037 | US |
