Nut connection mechanism

Abstract

Connection mechanisms and methods of use utilizing nut limiters are provided, particularly suitable for high-strength bolted connections in steel structures. The nut limiter may include a base plate and a cap for receiving the insertion of a nut, and may include deformable or removable protrusions that allow lateral movement of the nut and / or cap to accept bolts inserted non-concentrically to the nut. A method for positioning the nut limiter to be concentric with the bolt hole with accuracy within radial tolerances of the bolt hole is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 16 / 846,283, filed April 11, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, as fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosed technology generally relates to mechanisms and / or processes for securing a nut to a substrate. More specifically, the disclosed technology relates to mechanisms and / or processes for securing a nut to a portion of a substrate while allowing the nut to make limited lateral movements.

[0004] Additionally, the disclosed technology generally relates to mechanisms and / or processes for limiting the rotational movement of a nut relative to a base. More specifically, the disclosed technology generally relates to mechanisms and / or processes for limiting the rotational movement of a nut relative to a base while allowing the nut to make limited lateral movements. Background Technology

[0005] In fields such as construction, it is often necessary to use bolts and nuts to connect two or more materials. However, traditional bolting methods cannot be used when the materials are accessible from only one side. Existing methods and products for forming unilateral connections are more expensive and labor-intensive than those for forming bolted connections.

[0006] Therefore, a mechanism is needed that allows for pre-positioning and pre-attaching of the nut while preserving installation tolerances by allowing some lateral movement of the nut, so that the bolt can be screwed into the nut when only one side can be accessed, even if the bolt is initially misaligned with the nut. This and other problems are solved by embodiments of the disclosed technology as described below. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One aspect includes a nut limiter for inserting a nut into a bolt hole having a radial tolerance and subsequently attaching the nut limiter to a base plate having two sides for subsequently mounting a bolt having a shank and an end from a side of the base plate opposite to the side to which the nut limiter is attached. The nut limiter includes: one or more material portions formed to define a cavity and including a top plane and an open end, the top plane being disposed away from the base plate; the cavity being configured to receive the insertion of a nut, wherein the one or more material portions defining the cavity are shaped to rotatably restrict the nut, and the cavity being configured to include at least one position from which the nut has a degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole; the nut limiter includes one or more nut centering elements for nut centering. The component includes one or more removable or deformable material portions extending into the cavity, and said one or more removable or deformable material portions are configured to hold the nut in a position from which the nut has a degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction substantially equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole, and said one or more removable or deformable material portions can be removed or deformed so that they no longer extend into the cavity after the nut limiter is attached to the base plate, thereby allowing the nut to move in any lateral direction to accept the bolt when the bolt is inserted non-concentrically relative to the nut; wherein the nut limiter is configured to prevent the nut from dislodging from the cavity after being attached to the base plate; and wherein no portion of the nut limiter prevents direct contact between the nut and the base plate, or between the shank of the bolt and the base plate or one or more fastening plates.

[0008] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. A method of positioning a nut limiter to position the nut limiter concentrically with a bolt hole in a base plate with accuracy within radial tolerances of the bolt hole, the method comprising: inserting the nut into the nut limiter; positioning the open end of the nut limiter in flush contact with the base plate, thereby preventing the nut from being removed; inserting a bolt through the bolt hole from a side of the base plate opposite to the nut limiter, and engaging the bolt with the nut previously inserted into the nut limiter, thereby bringing the bolt and the nut into tight contact with the base plate; attaching the nut limiter to the base plate; and removing the bolt from the nut and withdrawing the bolt from the bolt hole in the base plate. The nut limiter is configured such that the nut is visible from the outside of the nut limiter after being attached to the base plate. The cavity defines a substantially equilateral hexagon. The nut centering element has sufficient rigidity and strength to substantially prevent the nut from moving in all lateral directions when subjected to a force in any lateral direction, the magnitude of which does not exceed the force acting on the nut due to gravity. The nut centering element also has sufficient flexibility to deform when the nut is subjected to a lateral force due to the contact between the bolt end and the nut, thereby allowing the nut to move laterally within the nut limiter to accept the bolt when it is inserted into the nut non-concentrically. The cavity is configured to accept the insertion of a washer in addition to the nut, and is configured such that the washer provides a degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction at least equal to the radial tolerance of the bolt hole, and is configured to prevent the washer from dislodging after being attached to the base plate. The nut limiter includes one or more washer centering elements, each including: one or more deformable material portions extending into the cavity of the nut limiter and holding the washer substantially concentric with the nut limiter; and the washer centering element having sufficient rigidity and strength to substantially prevent movement of the washer in all lateral directions when subjected to a force in any lateral direction, the magnitude of which does not exceed the force acting on the washer due to gravity; and the washer centering element having sufficient flexibility to deform when subjected to a lateral force due to the contact between the end of the bolt and the washer, thereby allowing the washer to move laterally to receive the bolt when it is inserted non-concentrically relative to the washer. The nut centering element is made of one or more materials selected from foam, cork, rubber, plastic, and felt, and the remainder (balance) of the nut limiter is made of metal.The nut centering element is adjacent to the remainder of the nut restrictor, and the nut centering element is configured to be deformable, the deformability being attributed to the shape and proportions of the nut centering element. The nut centering element is attached to the remainder of the nut restrictor using adhesive. The nut restrictor is attached to the base plate by welding. The nut centering element is attached to the remainder of the nut restrictor by engaging one or more material portions including the nut centering element. The top plane includes a hole to allow the end of the bolt to pass through the top plane after passing through the nut, the hole being shaped to engage with the one or more material portions including the nut centering element and restricting the attachment of the one or more material portions including the nut centering element to a position from which the nut centering element holds the nut in a position where the degree of freedom of movement of the nut in any lateral direction from which it originates is substantially equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole. The top plane includes a hole to allow the end of the bolt to pass through the top plane after passing through the nut. The nut limiter includes one or more recesses, protrusions, and holes, which represent one or more preferred locations for attaching the nut limiter to the base plate.

[0009] One aspect includes a nut limiter for inserting a nut into a bolt hole having a radial tolerance and subsequently attaching the nut limiter to a base plate having two sides for subsequently mounting a bolt having a shank and an end from a side of the base plate opposite to the side to which the nut limiter is attached. The nut limiter includes: one or more rigid outer portions and a movable central portion; the movable central portion is formed to define a cavity and includes a top plane and an open end, the top plane being disposed away from the base plate; the cavity is configured to receive the insertion of a nut, wherein the material of the movable central portion defining the cavity is shaped to restrict rotation of the nut; the one or more rigid outer portions include the portion of the nut limiter attached to the base plate, the one or more rigid outer portions being configured such that the degree of freedom of movement of the movable central portion in any lateral direction is substantially equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole; the one or more rigid outer portions and the movable central portion are connected by one or more flexible connectors, these flexible... The connectors have sufficient rigidity and strength to substantially prevent movement of the movable center portion in all lateral directions when subjected to a force in any lateral direction, the magnitude of which does not exceed the force exerted by gravity on the respective element. These flexible connectors also have sufficient strength to rotate and limit the movable center portion when subjected to torque generated by tightening the bolt with the nut. Furthermore, these flexible connectors have sufficient flexibility to deform when subjected to a lateral force generated by the contact between the bolt end and the nut, thereby allowing the nut to move laterally to receive the bolt when it is inserted non-concentrically relative to the nut. The nut limiter is configured to prevent the nut from dislodging from the cavity after being attached to the base plate. And no part of the nut limiter prevents direct contact between the nut and the base plate, or between the bolt shank and the base plate or one or more fastening plates.

[0010] The embodiment may include one or more of the following features. For the nut limiter, the one or more rigid external portions include one or more recesses, protrusions, and holes representing one or more preferred locations for attaching the nut limiter to the base plate. The top plane includes a hole to allow the end of the bolt to pass through the top plane after passing through the nut. The nut limiter is attached to the base plate by welding. The cavity defines a substantially regular hexagon. The cavity is configured to accept the insertion of a washer in addition to the insertion of the nut, and is configured such that the washer provides a degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction at least equal to the radial tolerance of the bolt hole, and is configured to prevent the washer from dislodging after attachment to the base plate. A method for positioning a nut limiter to position the nut limiter concentrically with a bolt hole in a base plate with accuracy within radial tolerance of the bolt hole, the method comprising: inserting a nut into the nut limiter; positioning the open end of the nut limiter flush with the base plate to prevent the nut from being removed; inserting a bolt through the bolt hole from a side of the base plate opposite to the nut limiter and engaging the bolt with the nut previously inserted into the nut limiter, thereby bringing the bolt and the nut into close contact with the base plate; attaching the nut limiter to the base plate; and removing the bolt from the nut and withdrawing the bolt from the bolt hole in the base plate.

[0011] One aspect includes a nut limiter for inserting a nut into a bolt hole having radial tolerances and subsequently attaching the nut limiter to a base plate having two sides for subsequently mounting a bolt having a shank and an end from a side of the base plate opposite to the side to which the nut limiter is attached. The nut limiter includes: one or more rigid outer portions and a movable central portion; the movable central portion is formed to define a cavity and includes a top plane and an open end, the top plane being disposed away from the base plate; the cavity is configured to receive the insertion of a nut, wherein the material defining the cavity in the movable central portion is shaped to be rotationally limited. The nut is formed; the movable center portion further has one or more radial protrusions extending away from the cavity; the one or more rigid outer portions include the portion of the nut limiter attached to the base plate and have one or more deformable protrusions, each protrusion having an end; the deformable protrusions are configured such that, before the bolt is inserted, the end of the deformable protrusion contacts the movable center portion and holds the movable center portion in a position from which the degree of freedom of movement of the movable center portion in any lateral direction is substantially equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole; the deformable protrusions also have sufficient rigidity and The rigid outer portion is strong enough to substantially prevent movement of the moving center portion in all lateral directions when subjected to a force in any lateral direction, the magnitude of which does not exceed the force acting on the respective element due to gravity. The deformable protrusion is sufficiently flexible to deform when the nut is subjected to a lateral force due to the contact between the end of the bolt and the nut, thereby allowing the nut to move laterally to receive the bolt when it is inserted non-concentrically relative to the nut. The rigid outer portion also has one or more lifting elements that do not contact the base plate, the lifting elements being in contact with the base plate. The spacing between the plates is configured to have one or more recesses; the recesses and the radial protrusions of the movable center portion are configured such that the radial protrusions engage with the recesses, and the movable center portion is rotatably restricted in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the top plane toward the open end, and the movable center portion is prevented from moving away from the base plate; wherein the nut limiter is configured to prevent the nut from dislodging from the cavity after being attached to the base plate; and wherein no part of the nut limiter prevents direct contact between the nut and the base plate, or between the shank of the bolt and the base plate or one or more fastening plates.

[0012] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. For the nut limiter, the cavity is configured to accept the insertion of a washer in addition to the insertion of the nut, and is configured such that the washer provides a degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction at least equal to the radial tolerance of the bolt hole, and is configured to prevent the washer from dislodging after being attached to the base plate. A method of positioning a nut limiter to position the nut limiter concentrically with the bolt hole in the base plate with accuracy within the radial tolerance of the bolt hole, the method comprising: inserting the nut into the nut limiter; positioning the open end of the nut limiter in flush contact with the base plate, thereby preventing the nut from being removed; inserting a bolt through the bolt hole from a side of the base plate opposite to the nut limiter, and engaging the bolt with the nut previously inserted into the nut limiter, thereby bringing the bolt and the nut into close contact with the base plate; attaching the nut limiter to the base plate; and removing the bolt from the nut and withdrawing the bolt from the bolt hole in the base plate. The cavity defines a substantially regular hexagon. The nut limiter is attached to the base plate by welding. The top plane includes a hole to allow the end of the bolt to pass through the top plane after passing through the nut. The lifting element and the deformable protrusion are different parts of the material. The lifting element and the deformable protrusion include the same part of the material. The one or more rigid outer parts are made substantially of metal, and the movable inner parts are made substantially of plastic. The one or more rigid outer parts include one or more recesses, protrusions, and holes that represent one or more preferred locations for attaching the nut limiter to the base plate.

[0013] One aspect includes a nut limiter comprising: a base plate having an inlet therein; a cap located within the inlet of the base plate; one or more connectors attached to at least one of the base plate and the cap; at least one of the connectors being configured to be movable in a lateral direction; and at least one of the connectors being configured to restrict rotation relative to the base plate about a vertical axis of the cap.

[0014] The embodiment may include one or more of the following features. For the nut limiter, the connector is configured to be deformably movable in a lateral direction. The cap includes an inlet extending through the top of the cap. The inner profile of the cap is shaped to rotatably restrict a nut located therein relative to the cap. The base plate is constructed and arranged to abut against and be attachable to a base plate, the base plate including an inlet extending through it; and at least one of the connectors is configured to hold the cap against the base plate. The inner profile of the cap is shaped to receive a circular washer therein, and the circular washer spacees the nut and the base plate. The base plate, the cap, and the connector are configured as an integral structure, and the connector includes a deformable flange. The deformable flange is parallel to and adjacent to the base plate. The deformable flange is configured to attach to a lower extremity of the base plate adjacent to the base plate, and the deformable flange has a region extending vertically away from the base plate. Lateral movement of the cap causes all of the deformable flanges to deform simultaneously. The cap is insertable into the inlet in the base plate. Lateral movement of the cap causes at least one of the connectors to move laterally. The cap is configured to be insertable into the inlet of the base plate from either side. The top of the cap is a portion of material separate from the sidewalls of the cap, and the top is attachable to the sidewalls.

[0015] One aspect includes a nut limiter implementation process comprising: providing a nut limiter having a base plate having an inlet therein; providing a cap within the inlet of the base plate; providing one or more connectors to attach the connectors to at least one of the base plate and the cap; configuring at least one of the connectors to be movable in a lateral direction; and configuring at least one of the connectors to restrict rotation relative to the base plate about a vertical axis of the cap.

[0016] The embodiment may include one or more of the following features. The nut limiter implementation process may include: extending a bolt through the inlet into a base plate; tightening the bolt with a nut; placing the nut limiter on the nut; attaching the nut limiter to the base plate; and removing the bolt. The nut limiter implementation process may include: configuring the nut limiter to allow the bolt to extend through the inlet into the base plate; configuring the nut limiter to allow tightening the bolt with a nut; configuring the nut limiter to place it on the nut; configuring the nut limiter to attach it to the base plate; and configuring the nut limiter to remove the bolt. The connector is configured to be deformably movable in a lateral direction. The cap includes an inlet extending through the top of the cap. The top of the cap is a portion of material separate from the sidewalls of the cap, the top being attachable to the sidewalls. The internal profile of the cap is shaped to rotatably restrict the nut therein relative to the cap. The base plate is constructed and arranged to abut against and be attached to a base plate, the base plate including an inlet extending therethrough; and at least one of the connectors is configured to hold the cap against the base plate. The inner profile of the cap is shaped to accommodate a circular washer therein, and the circular washer spacees the nut and the base plate. The base plate, the cap, and the connector are an integral structure, and the connector includes a deformable flange. The deformable flange is parallel to and adjacent to the base plate. The deformable flange is attached to the lower end portion of the base plate adjacent to the base plate, and the deformable flange has a region extending vertically away from the base plate. Lateral movement of the cap causes all of the deformable flanges to deform simultaneously. The cap is insertable into the inlet in the base plate. Lateral movement of the cap causes at least one of the connectors to move laterally. The cap is configured to be insertable into the inlet of the base plate from either side of the base plate.

[0017] One aspect includes a nut limiter configured to receive a nut and be attached to a base plate, the nut limiter comprising: one or more rigid outer portions and a movable central portion; the movable central portion being formed to define a cavity and including a top plane and an open end, the top plane being disposed remotely from the base plate; the cavity being configured to receive insertion of a nut, wherein the material defining the cavity of the movable central portion is shaped to rotationally limit the nut; the movable central portion further having one or more radial protrusions extending remotely from the cavity; the one or more rigid outer portions comprising the portion of the nut limiter attached to the base plate, the one or more rigid outer portions having one or more deformable protrusions, each protrusion having an end; the deformable protrusions being configured such that, prior to insertion of a bolt, the end of the deformable protrusion is aligned with the movable central portion. The moving center portion remains in contact and is held in a position from which the moving center portion has a degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction substantially equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole; the deformable protrusion is also configured to have sufficient flexibility to deform when the nut is subjected to a force in the lateral direction due to the contact between the end of the bolt and the nut, thereby allowing the nut to move laterally to receive the bolt when the bolt is inserted non-concentrically relative to the nut; the rigid outer portion also has one or more lifting elements that do not contact the base plate, the spacing between the lifting elements and the base plate being configured to have one or more recesses; and the recesses and the radial protrusion of the moving center portion are configured such that the radial protrusion engages in the recesses, thereby causing the moving center portion to be rotatably restricted.

[0018] The embodiment may include one or more of the following features. For the nut limiter, the cavity is configured to accept the insertion of a washer in addition to the insertion of the nut, and is configured such that the washer provides freedom of movement in any lateral direction at least equal to the radial tolerance of the bolt hole, and is configured to prevent the washer from dislodging after being attached to the base plate. The cavity defines a substantially regular hexagon. The nut limiter is attached to the base plate by welding. The top plane includes a hole to allow the end of the bolt to pass through the top plane after passing through the nut. The lifting element and the deformable protrusion are different portions of material. The lifting element and the deformable protrusion include the same portion of material. The one or more rigid outer portions are substantially made of metal, and the movable inner portions are substantially made of plastic. The one or more rigid outer portions include one or more recesses, protrusions, and holes, which represent one or more preferred locations for attaching the nut limiter to the base plate.

[0019] One aspect includes a nut limiter configured to receive a nut and be attached to a substrate, the nut limiter comprising: a structure configured to have a cavity, a top plane, and an open end; the cavity being configured to receive insertion of a nut; the cavity being further configured and shaped to rotatably restrict the nut, and the cavity being further configured to include at least one position in which the nut has a degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole; and a nut centering element comprising at least one deformable material portion extending into the cavity, the at least one deformable material portion being configured to hold the nut in a position from which the nut has a degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction substantially equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole; wherein the nut limiter is configured to prevent the nut from dislodging from the cavity after being attached to the substrate.

[0020] The embodiment may include one or more of the following features. For the nut limiter, the nut limiter is configured such that the nut is visible from the outside of the nut limiter after being attached to the base plate. The cavity defines a substantially equilateral hexagon. The nut centering element is configured to have sufficient flexibility to deform when the nut is subjected to a lateral force due to the contact between the bolt end and the nut, thereby allowing the nut to move laterally within the nut limiter to receive the bolt when it is inserted into the nut out of alignment. The cavity is configured to accept the insertion of a washer in addition to the insertion of the nut, and is configured such that the washer provides a degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction at least equal to the radial tolerance of the bolt hole, and is configured to prevent the washer from dislodging after being attached to the base plate. The nut limiter may include: at least one washer centering element, the at least one washer centering element comprising: at least one deformable material portion configured to extend into the cavity of the nut limiter and hold the washer substantially concentric with the nut limiter; and the at least one washer centering element being configured to have sufficient flexibility to deform when the washer is subjected to a lateral force due to contact between the end of the bolt and the washer, thereby allowing the washer to move laterally to receive the bolt when the bolt is inserted non-concentrically relative to the washer. The nut centering element is made of at least one of the following materials: foam, cork, rubber, plastic, and felt; and the remainder of the nut limiter is made of metal. The nut centering element is attached to the nut limiter using an adhesive. The structure is configured for attachment to the base plate. The structure is configured for attachment to the base plate by welding. The nut centering element is configured to be attached to the structure using an engagement mechanism configured to engage at least one material portion including the nut centering element in place. The top plane is constructed and configured with a hole to allow the end of a bolt to pass through the top plane after passing through the nut. The hole is configured and shaped to engage with the at least one material portion including the nut centering element and to restrict attachment of the at least one material portion including the nut centering element to a position from which the nut centering element holds the nut in a position where the degree of freedom of movement of the nut in any lateral direction is substantially equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole. The top plane is constructed and configured with a hole to allow the end of a bolt to pass through the top plane after passing through the nut.The nut limiter includes at least one of the following: a recess configured to indicate a preferred position for attaching the nut limiter to the base plate; a protrusion configured to indicate at least one preferred position for attaching the nut limiter to the base plate; and a hole configured to indicate at least one preferred position for attaching the nut limiter to the base plate.

[0021] One aspect includes a nut limiter implementation process comprising: configuring a nut limiter having a structure including a cavity, a top plane, and an open end; configuring the cavity to receive the insertion of a nut; configuring the cavity to rotatably restrict the nut, and further configuring the cavity to include at least one position in which the nut's degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction is equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole; and configuring a nut centering element for the nut limiter having at least one deformable material portion extending into the cavity, the at least one deformable material portion being configured to hold the nut in a position from which the nut's degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction is substantially equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole; wherein the nut limiter is configured to prevent the nut from dislodging from the cavity after being attached to a base plate.

[0022] The embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The nut limiter implementation process may include configuring the nut limiter such that the nut is visible from the outside of the nut limiter after being attached to the base plate. The cavity defines a substantially equilateral hexagon. The nut limiter implementation process may include configuring the nut centering element to have sufficient flexibility to deform when the nut is subjected to a lateral force due to the contact between the bolt end and the nut, thereby allowing the nut to move laterally within the nut limiter to receive the bolt when the bolt is inserted misaligned. The nut limiter implementation process may include configuring the cavity to accept the insertion of a washer in addition to the insertion of the nut, and providing the washer with a degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction at least equal to the radial tolerance of the bolt hole, and preventing the washer from dislodging after being attached to the base plate. The nut limiter implementation process may include: providing at least one washer centering element, the at least one washer centering element comprising: at least one deformable material portion configured to extend into the cavity of the nut limiter and hold the washer substantially concentric with the nut limiter; and the at least one washer centering element being configured to have sufficient flexibility to deform when the washer is subjected to a lateral force due to contact between the end of the bolt and the washer, thereby allowing the washer to move laterally to receive the bolt when the bolt is inserted non-concentrically relative to the washer. The nut centering element is made of at least one of the following materials: foam, cork, rubber, plastic, and felt; and the remainder of the nut limiter is made of metal. The nut limiter implementation process may include attaching the nut centering element to the nut limiter using an adhesive. The nut limiter implementation process may include attaching the structure to the base plate. The nut limiter implementation process may include welding the structure to the base plate. The nut centering element is configured to be attached to the structure using an engagement mechanism, the engagement mechanism being configured to engage at least one material portion including the nut centering element in place. The top plane is constructed and configured with a hole to allow the end of a bolt to pass through the top plane after passing through the nut, the hole being configured and shaped to engage with at least one material portion including the nut centering element and restrict attachment of at least one material portion including the nut centering element to a position from which the nut centering element holds the nut in a position where the degree of freedom of movement of the nut in any lateral direction from which it originates is substantially equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole. The top plane is constructed and configured with a hole to allow the end of the bolt to pass through the top plane after passing through the nut.The nut limiter includes at least one of the following: a recess configured to indicate a preferred position for attaching the nut limiter to the base plate; a protrusion configured to indicate at least one preferred position for attaching the nut limiter to the base plate; and a hole configured to indicate at least one preferred position for attaching the nut limiter to the base plate. The nut limiter implementation process may include: inserting the nut into the nut limiter; positioning the open end of the nut limiter flush with the base plate to prevent removal of the nut; inserting a bolt through the bolt hole from the side of the base plate opposite the nut limiter, and engaging the bolt with the nut previously inserted into the nut limiter such that the bolt and the nut are in close contact with the base plate; attaching the nut limiter to the base plate; and removing the bolt from the nut and withdrawing the bolt from the bolt hole in the base plate. The implementation process of the nut limiter may include: configuring the nut limiter to receive the nut; configuring the nut limiter to position the open end of the nut limiter flush with the base plate, thereby preventing the nut from being removed; configuring the nut limiter to insert the bolt through the bolt hole from the side of the base plate opposite to the nut limiter, and engaging the bolt with the nut previously inserted into the nut limiter, thereby making the bolt and the nut in close contact with the base plate; configuring the nut limiter to attach to the base plate; and configuring the nut limiter to remove the bolt from the nut and pull the bolt out of the bolt hole in the base plate.

[0023] The connection mechanism of an embodiment of the disclosed technology may include: a nut and a bolt, which are rotatably and removably attached to each other; and a cap. Each of the nuts and bolts may have greater elasticity than the cap, which can be inserted into the base plate by the nuts and bolts. The base plate may be configured to be welded to the surface of the substrate.

[0024] “Horizontal” is defined as “the orientation of a plane parallel to the top and / or bottom plane of the base plate” and / or “an orientation substantially perpendicular to the vertical orientation”. “Vertical” is defined as “the orientation of the plane containing the longest portion of the bolt when the bolt is screwed into the nut on the opposite side of the base plate” and / or “an orientation substantially perpendicular to the horizontal orientation”. “Elastic” is defined as “the ability to return to its original shape after deformation”.

[0025] The size of the cap can be set to hold the nut in place relative to the plate while allowing the nut to move laterally relative to the plate.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cap may further surround a washer that spacees the base plate and the nut. In various embodiments, each of the base plate and the cap may have a corresponding plurality of interlocking teeth. In a further embodiment, the cap may be twistable, thereby locking the corresponding plurality of teeth with corresponding plurality of teeth of the base plate.

[0027] In some embodiments, the base plate may have an interlocking mechanism for removably connecting to the second base plate.

[0028] In some embodiments, the nut may be further secured to the base plate by bolts, and the inlet in the base plate may be positioned laterally away from the center of the base plate, thereby making the bolt angled relative to the base plate.

[0029] In various embodiments, at least one of the cap and the base plate may have at least one deformable protrusion. In one embodiment, the deformable protrusion deforms when a bolt is inserted into a nut through the base plate. In other embodiments, the base plate may have at least one deformable protrusion, the size of which may be configured to engage around a plurality of radial flanges extending from the cap. "Deformable" is defined as "able to change its shape without breaking when a bolt is inserted therein, under the typical force of lateral movement of the nut for misalignment."

[0030] In another embodiment, the base plate may be functionally attached to the cap. In this embodiment, the plate may have a rigid outer portion that is connected to the cap via a plurality of flexible connectors extending therebetween. In other embodiments, the cap may also be the base plate, and the cap may also have deformable protrusions. “Functionally attached” is defined as “two articles attached together in such a way that each component works with the other component to perform designed features and / or designed limited ranges of motion relative to each other.”

[0031] In a further embodiment, the cap may have an upper retainer. The upper retainer may have a central structure from which a plurality of fangs extend. A plurality of flanges may extend from and below a corresponding fang among the plurality of fangs. The cap may also have a plurality of deformable protrusions. The size of each of the plurality of holes in the cap may be configured to retain a corresponding flange among the plurality of flanges. In an embodiment, the deformable protrusions are removably attached to the cap.

[0032] In other embodiments, the cap may also have an upper retainer including a central structure having a plurality of teeth extending therefrom. The upper retainer may also have a plurality of flanges extending from and beneath a corresponding tooth of the plurality of teeth, or extending from and beneath a corresponding side of the central structure. Additionally, the cap may have a hole, the edge of which may be sized to frictionally retain the flanges. The flanges extending from and beneath a corresponding tooth of the plurality of teeth may be held between a side of the cap and a side of the nut. In embodiments, the plurality of flanges are removably attached to the upper retainer.

[0033] "Frictional" is defined as "related to the force that prevents relative movement of solid surfaces and / or fluid layers and / or material elements relative to each other." "Removable attachment" is defined as "the ability to attach and detach the item to which the mentioned element is attached without impairing (altering the integrity of the physical structure)."

[0034] The steps of any apparatus or method described in this disclosure may include or consist of the following elements: which may be part or more of the elements constituting the apparatus or step. The term "and / or" includes all items connected linguistically and each item itself. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1a A top perspective view of a nut limiter according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology is shown.

[0036] Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a A three-dimensional view of the bottom of the nut limiter.

[0037] Figure 1c A bottom perspective view of a nut limiter, representing another embodiment of the disclosed technology, is shown.

[0038] Figure 2a It shows Figure 1a A top view of the nut limiter with the nut inserted.

[0039] Figure 2b The image shows the insertion of a washer. Figure 1a A horizontal sectional view of the nut limiter.

[0040] Figure 2c It shows Figure 1a Another horizontal sectional view of the nut limiter.

[0041] Figure 2d The image shows the nut being inserted. Figure 1a A horizontal sectional view of the nut limiter.

[0042] Figure 2e It shows Figure 1a Front sectional view of the nut limiter.

[0043] Figure 2f The diagram shows the insertion of a nut and a washer. Figure 1a Front sectional view of the nut limiter.

[0044] Figure 3a This illustrates the effect when a nut limiter with inserted nuts, washers, and bolts is attached to a base plate. Figure 1a Front sectional view of the nut limiter.

[0045] Figure 3b It shows Figure 1a A front sectional view of a nut limiter with nuts, washers, and bolts inserted, thereby attaching the fastening plate to the base plate.

[0046] Figure 4a A top perspective view of a nut limiter and an attached removable cap, representing other embodiments of the disclosed technology, is shown.

[0047] Figure 4b It shows Figure 4a Bottom perspective view of the nut limiter and removable cap.

[0048] Figure 4c It shows Figure 4a Top perspective view of the nut limiter without a removable cap.

[0049] Figure 4d It shows Figure 4a A 3D view of the bottom of the removable cover.

[0050] Figure 5a It shows Figure 4a Top view of the nut limiter and removable cap.

[0051] Figure 5b It shows Figure 4a A top view of a nut limiter without a removable cap and with the nut inserted.

[0052] Figure 5c It shows Figure 4a A horizontal sectional view of a nut limiter with a washer inserted.

[0053] Figure 5d It shows Figure 4a Another horizontal sectional view of the nut limiter with the nut inserted.

[0054] Figure 5e It shows Figure 4a A front sectional view of a nut limiter with inserted nuts and washers and a removable cap.

[0055] Figure 6a This illustrates the effect when a nut limiter with inserted nuts, washers, and bolts is attached to a base plate. Figure 4a Front sectional view of the nut limiter and removable cap.

[0056] Figure 6b It shows Figure 4a A front sectional view of a nut limiter with inserted nuts, washers, and bolts and a removable cap, which binds the fastening plate to the base plate.

[0057] Figure 7a A top perspective view of a nut limiter and a removable cap, representing other embodiments of the disclosed technology, is shown.

[0058] Figure 7b It shows Figure 7a Bottom perspective view of the nut limiter and removable cap.

[0059] Figure 7c It shows Figure 7a Top perspective view of the nut limiter without a removable cap.

[0060] Figure 7d It shows Figure 7a A 3D view of the bottom of the removable cover.

[0061] Figure 8a It shows Figure 7a Top view of the nut limiter and removable cap.

[0062] Figure 8b It shows Figure 7a A top view of a nut limiter without a removable cap and with the nut inserted.

[0063] Figure 8c It shows Figure 7a A horizontal sectional view of a nut limiter with a washer inserted.

[0064] Figure 8d It shows Figure 7a Another horizontal sectional view of the nut limiter with the nut inserted.

[0065] Figure 8e It shows Figure 7a A front sectional view of a nut limiter with inserted nuts and washers and a removable cap.

[0066] Figure 9a This illustrates the effect when a nut limiter with inserted nuts, washers, and bolts is attached to a base plate. Figure 7a Front sectional view of the nut limiter and removable cap.

[0067] Figure 9bThe process of inserting the bolt is shown. Figure 7a A front sectional view of a nut limiter with inserted nuts and washers and a removable cap.

[0068] Figure 9c It shows Figure 7a A front sectional view of a nut limiter with inserted nuts, washers, and bolts and a removable cap, which binds the fastening plate to the base plate.

[0069] Figure 10a A top perspective view of a nut limiter, representing another embodiment of the disclosed technology, is shown.

[0070] Figure 10b It shows Figure 10a A three-dimensional view of the bottom of the nut limiter.

[0071] Figure 11a It shows Figure 10a A top view of the nut limiter.

[0072] Figure 11b It shows Figure 10a A horizontal sectional view of a nut limiter with a washer inserted.

[0073] Figure 11c It shows Figure 10a Another horizontal sectional view of the nut limiter with the nut inserted.

[0074] Figure 11d It shows Figure 10a A front sectional view of a nut limiter with a nut and washer inserted.

[0075] Figure 11e It shows Figure 10a Right sectional view of a nut limiter with a nut and washer inserted.

[0076] Figure 12a This illustrates the effect when a nut limiter with inserted nuts, washers, and bolts is attached to a base plate. Figure 10a Right sectional view of the nut limiter.

[0077] Figure 12b It shows Figure 10a The right sectional view of the nut limiter with nuts, washers and bolts inserted, thereby attaching the fastening plate to the base plate.

[0078] Figure 12c It shows Figure 10a A horizontal sectional view of a nut limiter with nuts and bolts inserted.

[0079] Figure 13aA top perspective view of a nut limiter including a cap and a base plate is shown, the cap and base plate being an integral structure of other embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0080] Figure 13b A top perspective view of a nut limiter including a cap and a base plate is shown, the cap and base plate being an integral structure of other embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0081] Figure 14a It shows Figure 13a A top view of the nut limiter with the nut inserted.

[0082] Figure 14b It shows Figure 13a A horizontal sectional view of the cap with the washer inserted.

[0083] Figure 14c It shows Figure 13a Another horizontal sectional view of the nut cap inserted.

[0084] Figure 14d It shows Figure 13a A front sectional view of a nut limiter with a nut and washer inserted.

[0085] Figure 15a This illustrates the effect when a nut limiter with inserted nuts, washers, and bolts is attached to a base plate. Figure 13a Front sectional view of the nut limiter.

[0086] Figure 15b It shows Figure 13a A front sectional view of a nut limiter with nuts, washers, and bolts inserted, thereby attaching the fastening plate to the base plate.

[0087] Figure 16a A top perspective view of the nut limiter, including the cap and base plate, is shown.

[0088] Figure 16b It shows Figure 16a A three-dimensional view of the bottom of the nut limiter.

[0089] Figure 16c It shows Figure 16a A three-dimensional view of the top of the hat.

[0090] Figure 16d It shows Figure 16a A three-dimensional view of the top of the base plate.

[0091] Figure 17a It shows Figure 16a A top view of a nut limiter with a nut and washer inserted.

[0092] Figure 17b It shows Figure 16a A horizontal sectional view of the nut limiter with the nut inserted.

[0093] Figure 17c It shows Figure 16a The front sectional view of the nut limiter with the nut and washer inserted.

[0094] Figure 18a This illustrates the effect when a nut limiter with inserted nuts, washers, and bolts is attached to a base plate. Figure 16a Front sectional view of the nut limiter.

[0095] Figure 18b It shows Figure 16a A front sectional view of a nut limiter with nuts, washers, and bolts inserted, thereby attaching the fastening plate to the base plate.

[0096] Figure 19a A top perspective view of two nut limiters joined together by other embodiments of the disclosed technology is shown, wherein the nut limiters include two caps and a common base plate.

[0097] Figure 19b A top perspective view of a nut limiter including a cap and a base plate, showing other embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0098] Figure 19c It shows Figure 19b A three-dimensional view of the top of the base plate.

[0099] Figure 19d It shows Figure 19b A three-dimensional view of the top of the hat.

[0100] Figure 20a A top perspective view of a nut limiter including an attachable top, cap body, and base plate, illustrating other embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0101] Figure 20b It shows Figure 20a A three-dimensional view of the top of the main body of the hat.

[0102] Figure 20c It shows Figure 20a A three-dimensional view of the top of the base plate.

[0103] Figure 20d It shows Figure 20a The top perspective view of the nut limiter that can be attached to the top.

[0104] Figure 20e It shows Figure 20a A front sectional view of a nut limiter with the nut inserted. Detailed Implementation

[0105] This disclosure relates to a mechanism for securing a nut in place so that a bolt can subsequently be screwed into the nut. Furthermore, the nut can be secured in such a way that it can move in a lateral plane to correct misalignment, misalignment between holes in the base plate and the fastening plate, and / or similar situations.

[0106] Figure 1a A top perspective view of a nut limiter according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology is shown. For the purposes of this disclosure, "top" and "bottom" are opposing sides, wherein "top" is generally located at the edge of the convex side of the nut limiter, and "bottom" is generally located at the opposite edge of the concave side of the nut limiter. "Bottom" can also be described as located at the base plate, while "top" is the side of the nut limiter arranged away from the base plate.

[0107] in particular, Figure 1a A nut limiter 101 is shown that may have a top layer 102, which may include a hole 100 passing through it. Specifically, the hole 100 may be defined by a surface within the nut limiter 101. The hole 100 may be sized, constructed, arranged, positioned, and / or similarly manipulated to allow the end of the longest portion of a bolt (such as a centering bolt 125, a fastening bolt 126, and / or similar construction) to pass through it. For example, a centering bolt 125, a fastening bolt 126, and / or similar construction may be inserted into the nut limiter 101 from below and extend through the top of the inserted nut 120 and / or extend through the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101. Figure 3a and 3b (As shown in the illustration). As illustrated in this embodiment, the nut limiter 101 may have sharp corners and sharp edges. In particular, the nut limiter 101 may have multiple flat outer surfaces between its bottom and top. In various other embodiments, the corners and / or edges of the nut limiter 101 may be filed off, otherwise smoothed, softened, and / or similarly treated. In other respects, the nut limiter 101 may have any external shape.

[0108] Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a A three-dimensional view of the bottom of the nut limiter. (See image below.) Figure 1b As shown, the nut limiter 101 may have an inner wall comprising at least an upper portion and a lower portion. The nut limiter 101 may include an upper inner wall 103, which may be configured to retain and rotate the nut 120. Figure 2d(As shown in the diagram). In particular, the upper inner wall 103 of the nut limiter 101 can prevent the nut 120 from rotating beyond a certain limit. The nut limiter 101 may include a lower inner wall 104, which can be configured to retain the washer 121 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 2b (as shown in the image).

[0109] Additionally, the nut limiter 101 can be configured to be fixedly attached to a surface of a substrate such as that described herein, which is generally referred to as attachment. More specifically, the bottom surface of the nut limiter 101 can be configured to be fixedly attached to a surface of a substrate such as that described herein. In particular, the nut limiter 101 can be configured to be welded to the substrate, attached to the substrate using adhesive, attached to the substrate using mechanical fasteners, attached to the substrate using other attachment mechanisms, attached to the substrate using other attachment processes, attached to the substrate using other attachment configurations, and / or similar means.

[0110] One or more of the upper inner sidewalls 103 may have deformable elements 105 attached thereto. Specifically, the deformable element 105 may be a protrusion, defined as a flange extending from a recognizable and / or flat section of a surface or shape, and / or a similar structure to the nut limiter 101. The deformable element 105 may be configured to hold the nut 120 substantially concentrically within the nut limiter 101. If the fastening bolt 126 is inserted non-concentrically through the bolt hole 127 and the base hole 123 (e.g.) Figure 3b As shown in the diagram, the configuration of the nut limiter 101 and / or deformable element 105 allows the fastening bolt 126 to slightly displace the nut 120 in the lateral direction to correct misalignment. In this respect, "slightly" can be defined as at least twice the difference between the radii of the fastening bolt 126 and the base hole 123.

[0111] In various embodiments, deformable element 105 may be attached to all, some, or one of the upper inner sidewalls 103. Deformable element 105 may be shaped, constructed, and / or configured as a rectangular prism, cylindrical prism, and / or any other form of three-dimensional shape. A single construction of the upper inner sidewall 103 may have one or more deformable elements 105 thereon. At least one of the deformable elements 105 may be removable and / or reattachable, and may be attached by adhesive, mechanical attachment, friction attachment, and / or similar means. In other aspects, deformable element 105 may be integrally constructed with nut limiter 101, lower inner sidewall 104, upper inner sidewall 103, and / or similar portions.

[0112] Additionally, the above combination Figure 1a and Figure 1bThe illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figure 1a and Figure 1b The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0113] Figure 1c A bottom perspective view of a nut limiter, illustrating other embodiments of the disclosed technology, is shown. As shown in this embodiment, the nut limiter 101 may further include a plurality of holes 107 in the upper inner wall 103 and / or the lower inner wall 104 of the nut limiter 101. In various embodiments, the holes 107 may be located only in the upper inner wall 103 and / or only in the lower inner wall 104. The holes 107 may be defined by the surface of the nut limiter 101. In various embodiments, the holes 107 may allow for lower production costs, faster production speeds, and / or similar conditions for the nut limiter 101, and / or may allow visual confirmation that the nut 120 and / or washer 121 have been inserted into the nut limiter 101.

[0114] Additionally, the above combination Figure 1c The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figure 1c The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0115] Figure 2a It shows Figure 1a A top view of the nut limiter with the nut inserted. Figure 2b It shows Figure 1a A horizontal sectional view of a nut limiter with a washer inserted. Figure 2c It shows Figure 1a A horizontal cross-sectional view of the nut limiter is shown. The central axis 130 of the nut limiter 101 is shown. As shown in these figures, the nut 120 and / or washer 121 can be concentrically aligned with the nut limiter 101. Further as shown in these figures, the upper inner wall 103 of the nut limiter 101 can be arranged around the cavity 133 of the nut limiter 101 in a substantially equiangular hexagon with unequal side lengths, such that the distance from the central axis 130 to the midpoint of the cross-section of the upper inner wall 103 may not be equal to the distance from the central axis 130 to the midpoint of the cross-section of another configuration of the upper inner wall 103. In this embodiment, the deformable element 105 can be attached to a more distant configuration of the upper inner wall 103. In this embodiment, the nut 120 can be allowed to move slightly in the lateral direction via the deformable element 105 without requiring the deformable element 105 to be compressed to zero thickness.

[0116] Figure 2d It shows Figure 1a The figure shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of a nut limiter with the nut 120 inserted. As shown, some or all of the deformable elements 105 can be compressed by inserting the nut 120 into the nut limiter 101. When held in place by the deformable elements 105, the nut 120 can be frictionally held substantially concentrically with the nut limiter 101. In one aspect, the nut 120 can be frictionally held in place relative to the nut limiter 101 due to frictional forces and / or similar reasons.

[0117] Figure 2e It shows Figure 1a Front sectional view of the nut limiter. Figure 2f It shows Figure 1a The diagram shows a front cross-sectional view of a nut limiter with a nut and washer inserted. In the illustrated embodiment, when the nut 120 is inserted into the nut limiter 101 and held in place by the deformable element 105, the nut 120 may not contact the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101 and / or may not contact the upper inner wall 103 of the nut limiter 101, on which the deformable element 105 is not attached. In other embodiments, when the nut 120 is inserted into the nut limiter 101 and held in place by the deformable element 105, the nut 120 may contact the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101 and / or the upper inner wall 103 of the nut limiter 101, which is not configured to have the deformable element 105 attached thereto.

[0118] Additionally, the above combination Figures 2a to 2f The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figures 2a to 2f The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0119] Figure 3a This illustrates when a nut limiter with inserted nuts, washers, and bolts can be attached to a base plate. Figure 1a Front sectional view of the nut limiter. Figure 3b It shows Figure 1aThe figures show a front sectional view of a nut limiter with a nut, washer, and bolt inserted, thereby attaching a fastening plate to a base plate. As shown in these figures, before attaching the nut limiter 101 to the base plate 122, the nut limiter 101, containing the nut 120 and washer 121, can be attached to the base plate nearly concentrically with the base hole 123 in the base plate by passing the center bolt 125 through the base hole 123 and inserting it into the nut 120. In particular, the nearly concentric arrangement ensures that the lateral distance from the central axis 130 of the nut limiter 101 to the central axis 131 of the base hole 123 does not exceed the difference between the radii of the base hole 123 and the center bolt 125.

[0120] Once the nut limiter 101 has been attached to the base plate 122, the fastening plate 124 can be attached to the base plate 122 by passing the fastening bolt 126 through the bolt hole 127 and the base hole 123 and fastening it with the nut 120. When the central axis 132 of the fastening bolt 126 does not coincide with the central axis 130 of the nut limiter 101, the nut 120 can move laterally, thereby compressing the deformable element 105, thus allowing the fastening bolt 126 to pass through it and exit from the nut 120, and through the hole 100 in the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101. In this respect, the nut limiter 101 and / or the deformable element 105 can provide a self-aligning configuration.

[0121] Additionally, the above combination Figure 3a and Figure 3b The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figure 3a and Figure 3b The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0122] Figure 4a A top perspective view of a nut limiter and an attached removable cap, representing other embodiments of the disclosed technology, is shown. Figure 4b It shows Figure 4a The bottom perspective view shows the nut limiter and removable cover. Specifically, the nut limiter 101 may include a removable cover 108 and a plurality of internal protrusions 109. The removable cover 108 can be removably attached to the nut limiter 101 via the plurality of internal protrusions 109. When attached, at least a portion of the removable cover 108 may extend through the upper inner wall 103 and / or the lower inner wall 104 of the nut limiter 101. In one aspect, the removable cover 108 may be implemented as a retainer, a retaining mechanism, and / or the like.

[0123] Figure 4c It shows Figure 4aThe image shows a top perspective view of a nut limiter without a removable cap. At least some sides of the hole 100 in the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101 may be filed or otherwise ground and / or rounded so that the internal protrusion 109 of the removable cap 108 can be easily snapped into place. In this respect, the internal protrusion 109 and / or the removable cap 108 may be configured for snap-fit ​​attachment. In other embodiments, the removable cap 108 may be removably attached to the nut limiter 101 by some other mechanism, such as threads, teeth, adhesives, and / or similar means. In other embodiments, the upper inner sidewall 103 of the nut limiter 101 may have one or more deformable protrusions attached thereto.

[0124] Figure 4d It shows Figure 4a The bottom perspective view of the removable cover 108. The removable cover 108 may have a plurality of spacer protrusions 106, which may be configured to hold the nut 120 concentric with the nut limiter 101 when the removable cover 108 is attached to the nut limiter 101. In various embodiments, the spacer protrusions 106 may be removably attached to the removable cover 108. In one or more aspects, the spacer protrusions 106 may be non-deformable. In this respect, non-deformability may mean that the spacer protrusions 106 may not be made of a material having a greater elasticity level than the rest of the nut limiter 101. In this embodiment, the removable cover 108 may have three embodiments of the spacer protrusions 106 and three embodiments of the inner protrusions 109 for holding itself in place relative to the nut limiter 101. In other embodiments, the removable cover 108 may have more or fewer spacer protrusions 106 or inner protrusions 109.

[0125] Additionally, the above combination Figures 4a to 4d The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figure 4a and Figure 4d The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0126] Figure 5a It shows Figure 4a Top view of the nut limiter and removable cap. Figure 5b It shows Figure 4aThe figures show a top view of a nut limiter without a removable cap and with the nut inserted. As shown in these figures, when attached to the nut limiter 101, the spacer protrusion 106 of the removable cap 108 can contact a portion of the upper inner wall 103 of the nut limiter 101, while the inner protrusion 109 can contact the inner surface of the hole 100 in the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101. In other embodiments, the spacer protrusion 106 can be spaced apart from the upper inner wall 103 of the nut limiter 101. In any embodiment, when attached to the nut limiter 101, as shown, the removable cap 108 can be substantially concentric with the nut limiter 101 and, if inserted, with the nut 120.

[0127] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface of the sidewall of the nut limiter 101 may have a substantially isoangular and equilateral hexagonal shape. The upper inner sidewall 103 and lower inner sidewall 104 of the nut limiter 101 may also have substantially isoangular and equilateral hexagonal shapes, wherein the upper inner sidewall 103 has a cutout therein to allow insertion of a substantially circular washer 121. In other embodiments, the outer surface of the sidewall of the nut limiter 101 may be any other shape, such as circular, oval, any other polygonal, regular, or other shapes and / or similar shapes, as long as the upper inner sidewall 103 can rotatably limit the nut 120 (if inserted).

[0128] Figure 5c It shows Figure 4a A horizontal sectional view of a nut limiter with a washer inserted. Figure 5d It shows Figure 4a A horizontal sectional view of the nut limiter with the nut inserted. Figure 5e It shows Figure 4a The figures show a front cross-sectional view of a nut limiter and a removable cap with a nut and washer inserted. As shown in these figures, the nut limiter 101 may include a spacer protrusion 106. In this respect, when a nut 120 is inserted into the nut limiter 101, the nut 120 can be held substantially concentrically with the nut limiter 101 by means of the spacer protrusion 106. Furthermore, the removable cap 108 can be configured to be removed after the nut limiter 101 has been attached to the base plate 122, thereby allowing the nut 120 to move laterally within the nut limiter 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer protrusion 106 may extend to approximately half of the side of the nut 120. In various embodiments, the spacer protrusion 106 may extend above or below this portion on the side of the nut 120. In further embodiments, various individual configurations of the spacer protrusion 106 may have different lengths.

[0129] Additionally, the above combination Figures 5a to 5eThe illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figures 5a to 5e The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0130] Figure 6a This illustrates the effect when a nut limiter with inserted nuts, washers, and bolts is attached to a base plate. Figure 4a Front sectional view of the nut limiter and removable cap. Figure 6b It shows Figure 4a A front cross-sectional view of a nut limiter and a removable cap with a nut, washer, and bolt inserted, thereby attaching the fastening plate to the base plate. In some embodiments, the centering bolt 125 may be inserted after the removable cap 108 and may be attached to the nut limiter 101. In other embodiments, the removable cap 108 may be attached after the centering bolt 125 has been inserted into the nut 120 and tightened with the nut 120. The removable cap 108 and the centering bolt 125 may be removed after the nut limiter 101 has been attached to the base plate 122, thereby allowing the nut 120 to move laterally within the nut limiter 101. Once the nut limiter 101 has been attached to the base plate 122, the fastening plate 124 can be attached to the base plate 122 by passing the fastening bolt 126 through the bolt hole 127 and the base hole 123 and tightening it with the nut 120. When the central axis 132 of the fastening bolt 126 does not coincide with the central axis 130 of the nut limiter 101, the nut 120 can move laterally inside the nut limiter 101, thus allowing the fastening bolt 126 to pass through it, exit from the nut 120, and pass through the hole 100 in the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101. In other words, the above-described configuration of the nut limiter 101 is configured and constructed to be self-aligning.

[0131] Figure 7aA top perspective view of a nut limiter and a removable cap, illustrating other embodiments of the disclosed technology, is shown. The nut limiter 101 can be configured and constructed in the shape of a generally regular triangular prism with rounded corners. The nut limiter 101 may also have holes 107 at each angle in the walls of the nut limiter 101. In other embodiments, the nut limiter 101 may not have holes 107, which may be located at other portions of the nut limiter 101, and there may be a configuration of three or more holes 107 in the nut limiter 101. The removable cap 108 can be removably attached to the nut limiter 101 such that no portion of the removable cap 108 substantially does not extend through the edge of the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the removable cap 108 may have a central portion that is shaped as a generally regular triangle with rounded corners. In one or more aspects, the nut limiter 101 can be configured such that each side of the triangular central portion of the removable cap 108 may have a flap, flap structure, and / or the like.

[0132] Figure 7b It shows Figure 7a The bottom perspective view of the nut limiter and removable cap. The upper inner wall 103 of the nut limiter 101 can be in a substantially regular hexagonal shape, while the lower inner wall 104 can be in a substantially circular shape, thus corresponding to the shape of the standard configuration of the washer 121. Other shapes of the nut limiter 101 are also contemplated.

[0133] The removable cover 108 may have a plurality of internal protrusions 109 configured to hold the removable cover 108 in place when it is inserted into the hole 100 through the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101. The removable cover 108 may further have a plurality of externally configured deformable elements 105 configured to engage through external holes 99 in the top layer 102. These external holes 99 in the top layer 102 may be smaller than the hole 100 in the top layer 102 and located around the hole 100, with the central portion of the removable cover 108 above the hole 100 when the removable cover 108 is removably attached to the nut limiter 101. The deformable elements 105 may be spaced apart from the upper inner sidewall 103 when inserted into the external holes 99 in the top layer 102. The deformable elements 105 may be configured to hold the nut 120 substantially concentric with the nut limiter 101 when the nut 120 is inserted therein.

[0134] Figure 7c It shows Figure 7a Top perspective view of the nut limiter without a removable cap. Figure 7d It shows Figure 7aA bottom perspective view of the removable cap. Specifically, in this embodiment, the hole 100 in the center of the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101 can be shaped to substantially match the shape of the central portion of the removable cap 108. In other embodiments, the shape of the hole 100 in the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101 and the shape of the central portion of the removable cap 108 can both be substantially circular, oval, rectangular, and / or any other shape. In other embodiments, the shape of the hole 100 in the top layer 102 and the shape of the central portion of the removable cap 108 can be different.

[0135] In the illustrated embodiment, the external configuration of the deformable element 105 of the removable cover 108 can be in the shape of two rectangular prisms connected at an angle. This shape matches the shape of the corresponding configuration of the external hole 99 in the top layer 102. Furthermore, the corresponding configuration of the external hole 99 in the top layer 102 can coincide with the vertices of the substantially regular hexagon of the upper inner sidewall 103. In other embodiments, the deformable element 105 of the removable cover 108 can be in different shapes, such as a single rectangular prism without sharp edges, prisms of different shapes, and / or the like. The corresponding configuration of the external hole 99 in the top layer 102 can be located on the side of the substantially regular hexagon of the upper inner sidewall 103 rather than at the vertices. In other embodiments, the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101 can have only one implementing hole 100 passing through it, which includes a branch corresponding to the deformable element 105 and an internal section corresponding to the central portion of the removable cover 108.

[0136] Additionally, the above combination Figures 7a to 7d The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figures 7a to 7d The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0137] Figure 8a It shows Figure 7a Top view of the nut limiter and removable cap. Figure 8b It shows Figure 7a A top view of a nut limiter without a removable cap and with the nut inserted. Figure 8c It shows Figure 7a A horizontal sectional view of a nut limiter with a washer inserted. Figure 8d It shows Figure 7aThe figures show a horizontal cross-sectional view of a nut limiter with the nut inserted. As shown in these figures, the nut 120 can be configured and / or constructed into a regular hexagonal shape. The nut limiter 101 can be configured and / or constructed into a rounded triangular prism shape, with the corners corresponding to the three corners of the nut 120. The flaps and deformable elements 105 of the removable cover 108 can be positioned on three sides corresponding to the central portion of the removable cover 108, and can correspond to the straight edges of the nut 120 rather than the corners of the nut 120. The nut limiter 101 may include a cutout in the upper inner wall 103, which can be configured and / or constructed to provide space for the deformable element 105 to move slightly in the lateral direction as needed, thereby accommodating slight lateral movement of the nut 120 when the fastening bolt 126 is inserted into the nut 120.

[0138] Figure 8e It shows Figure 7a The figure shows a front cross-sectional view of a nut limiter and a removable cap with a nut and washer inserted. As shown, the height of the hole 107 in the side of the nut limiter 101 may be lower than the height of the lowest part of the outer configuration of the deformable element 105 of the removable cap 108. In other embodiments, at least a portion of at least one outer configuration of the deformable element 105 may overlap with at least a portion of at least one hole 107.

[0139] Additionally, the above combination Figures 8a to 8e The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the foregoing description... Figures 8a to 8e The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0140] Figure 9a This illustrates the effect when a nut limiter with inserted nuts, washers, and bolts is attached to a base plate. Figure 7a Front sectional view of the nut limiter and removable cap. Figure 9b The process of inserting the bolt is shown. Figure 7a A front sectional view of a nut limiter with inserted nuts and washers and a removable cap. Figure 9c It shows Figure 7aA front sectional view of a nut limiter and removable cap with nuts, washers, and bolts inserted, thereby attaching a fastening plate to a base plate. As shown in these figures, various aspects of the nut limiter 101 can be configured such that once the nut limiter 101 has been attached to the base plate 122, the fastening plate 124 can be attached to the base plate 122 by passing the fastening bolt 126 through the bolt hole 127 and the base hole 123 and tightening it with the nut 120. In cases where the central axis 132 of the fastening bolt 126 does not coincide with the central axis 130 of the nut limiter 101, the nut limiter 101 can be constructed and / or configured such that the nut 120 can be moved laterally, thereby bending the deformable element 105, thus allowing the fastening bolt 126 to pass through it and exit from the nut 120 and through the hole 100 in the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101. In this respect, the nut limiter 101 can provide a self-aligning configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the appearance of the fastening bolt 126 allows the removable cover 108 to be removed after passing through the hole 100 in the top layer 102. In other embodiments, the removable cover 108 may be configured to allow the fastening bolt 126 to emerge from the hole 100 in the top layer 102 without removing the removable cover 108.

[0141] Additionally, the above combination Figures 9a to 9c The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figures 9a to 9c The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0142] Figure 10a A top perspective view of a nut limiter, representing another embodiment of the disclosed technology, is shown. Figure 10b It shows Figure 10a The figures show a bottom perspective view of the nut limiter 101. As shown in these figures, the nut limiter 101 may be constructed and / or configured to be made of a folded monolithic metal or other material, and the nut limiter 101 may further include a cutout therein. The top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101 may include a hole 100, which is sized, constructed, and / or configured to allow bolts (such as centering bolts 125, fastening bolts 126, and / or the like) to pass through it. In one or more aspects, a deformable element 105 may extend downward from the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101. One or more deformable elements 105 may terminate at the lower end of a U-shaped member, which may include a horizontally extending end approximately toward (within 30 degrees radially) the center of the nut limiter 101.

[0143] The lowest layer of the nut limiter 101 may include a cutout 111, which is sized, configured, constructed, and / or similarly operated to allow a portion of the washer 121 to pass through it. The lowest layer of the nut limiter 101 may also include a lower deformable protrusion 110 that may extend horizontally, approximately toward the center of the nut limiter 101. Additionally, the lower deformable protrusions 110 may bend upwards at their ends. The lowest layer and the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101 may be connected by configuring at least two upper inner sidewalls 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper inner sidewalls 103 may be substantially vertical and may include rounded upper and lower edges connecting to the lowest and top layers 102 of the nut limiter 101.

[0144] Additionally, the above combination Figure 10a and Figure 10b The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figure 10a and Figure 10b The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0145] Figure 11a It shows Figure 10a A top view of the nut limiter. Figure 11b It shows Figure 10a A horizontal sectional view of a nut limiter with a washer inserted. Figure 11c It shows Figure 10a The figures show a horizontal cross-sectional view of a nut limiter with the nut inserted. As shown in these figures, the lower deformable protrusion 110 and cutout 111 of the nut limiter 101 can be constructed and / or configured to allow the washer 121 to move slightly laterally within the nut limiter 101 when pushed by the fastening bolt 126 inserted therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the nut 120 can be spaced apart from the upper inner wall 103 of the nut limiter 101 unless acted upon by a force pushing it laterally. When the nut 120 is pushed laterally within the nut limiter 101, the end of the deformable element 105 can be configured and / or constructed to bend, twist, and / or similarly operate away from the central axis 130 of the nut limiter 101 to allow lateral movement.

[0146] In some embodiments, the nut limiter 101 may be constructed and / or configured such that the force generated by friction between the nut 120 and the deformable element 105 is sufficient to resist the lateral force exerted on the nut 120 by gravity, keeping the nut 120 substantially concentric with the nut limiter 101. In various embodiments, the deformable element 105 and / or the lower deformable protrusion 110 may be constructed and / or configured to have greater flexibility, elasticity, and / or similar properties than the rest of the nut limiter 101, and / or may be made of a material having greater flexibility, elasticity, and / or similar properties than one or more other portions or components of the nut limiter 101.

[0147] Figure 11d It shows Figure 10a A front sectional view of a nut limiter with a nut and washer inserted. Figure 11e It shows Figure 10a The image shows a right-side sectional view of a nut limiter with a nut and washer inserted. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the front and rear sides of the nut limiter 101 may include two implementations of the lower deformable protrusion 110. In various embodiments, only one implementation of the lower portion of the deformable protrusion 110 may be located on each of the front, rear, right, and / or left sides of the nut limiter 101.

[0148] Additionally, the above combination Figures 11a to 11e The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figures 11a to 11e The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0149] Figure 12a This illustrates the effect when a nut limiter with inserted nuts, washers, and bolts is attached to the base plate. Figure 10a Right sectional view of the nut limiter. Figure 12b It shows Figure 10a The right sectional view of the nut limiter with nuts, washers and bolts inserted, thereby attaching the fastening plate to the base plate. Figure 12c It shows Figure 10aThe figures show a horizontal cross-sectional view of a nut limiter with a nut and bolt inserted. As shown in these figures, the nut limiter 101 can be configured and / or constructed such that once the nut limiter 101 has been attached to the base plate 122, the fastening plate 124 can be attached to the base plate 122 by passing the fastening bolt 126 through the bolt hole 127 and the base hole 123 and tightening it with the nut 120. In cases where the central axis 132 of the fastening bolt 126 does not coincide with the central axis 130 of the nut limiter 101, the nut limiter 101 can be constructed and / or configured such that the nut 120 allows the deformable element 105 to move laterally, bend, twist, and / or similarly, thus allowing the fastening bolt 126 to pass through it and exit from the nut 120 and through the hole 100 in the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101. In this respect, the nut limiter 101 can be provided in a self-aligning configuration.

[0150] Additionally, the above combination Figures 12a to 12c The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described combination... Figures 12a to 12c The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0151] Figure 13a A top perspective view of a nut limiter including a cap and a base plate is shown, the cap and base plate being the overall structure of other embodiments of the disclosed technology. Figure 13b A top perspective view of a nut limiter including a cap and a base plate is shown, which are integral structures of other embodiments of the disclosed technology. Specifically, embodiments of the nut limiter 101 may include a cap 112 and a base plate 113, which may be connected by a flexible connector 114. The flexible connector 114 may allow the cap 112 to move relative to the base plate 113 in one lateral direction, more than one lateral direction, and / or all lateral directions. The base plate 113 may include a welding position indicator 118. Additionally, the base plate 113 may be configured to be fixedly attached to a surface such as a substrate as described herein. More specifically, the bottom surface of the base plate 113 may be configured to be fixedly attached to a surface such as a substrate as described herein. In particular, the base plate 113 may be configured to be welded to a substrate, attached to a substrate using adhesive, attached to a substrate using mechanical fasteners, attached to a substrate using other attachment mechanisms, attached to a substrate using other attachment processes, attached to a substrate using other attachment configurations, and / or similar operations.

[0152] In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 112 of the nut limiter 101 may have an upper section that is constructed and / or configured in the shape of a regular hexagonal prism with an upper inner sidewall 103. A top layer 102 of this aspect of the nut limiter 101 may be located above the upper section and may have a hole 100 that may be configured and / or constructed wide enough to accommodate the longest segment of a bolt (such as a centering bolt 125, a fastening bolt 126, and / or the like) passing through its central portion. The cap 112 of the nut limiter 101 may also be constructed and / or configured to have a lower section in a cylindrical shape. The upper and lower sections of the cap 112 may be constructed and / or configured to accommodate the dimensions of the nut 120 and the washer 121, respectively.

[0153] exist Figure 13a In the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 113 may be constructed and / or configured in a regular triangular shape with rounded corners. Three flexible connectors 114 may be configured. In particular, the flexible connectors 114 may be constructed and / or configured to connect to the rounded corners of the base plate 113. The flexible connectors 114 may be constructed and / or configured to bend upwards when not deformed by forces of lateral twisting or moving the moving center portion of the cap 112. Three welding position indicators 118 may be implemented, each located at the rounded corners of the base plate 113. However, any number of welding position indicators 118 may be utilized in conjunction with the nut limiter 101.

[0154] exist Figure 13b In the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 113 may be constructed and / or configured in a square shape. Four flexible connectors 114 may be configured, each connected to a corner of the base plate 113. However, in this aspect of the nut limiter 101, any number of flexible connectors 114 may be implemented. When not deformed by forces that move, twist, and / or similarly manipulate the moving center portion of the cap 112 in a lateral direction, the flexible connectors 114 may lie substantially flat in the same plane as the base plate 113. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible connectors 114 may be configured and / or constructed to bend so as to elongate and then stiffen in the associated direction of tightening the fastening bolt 126 within the nut 120, corresponding to the torque applied to the nut 120 within the cap 112. Four welding position indicators 118 are implemented, each located at a corner of the base plate 113. However, this aspect of the nut limiter 101 may include any number of welding position indicators 118.

[0155] In various other embodiments, the shape of the base plate 113 and / or the number of flexible connectors 114 and / or the shape of the cap 112 and / or the number of welding position indicators 118 can be varied.

[0156] Additionally, the above combination Figure 13a and Figure 13b The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the foregoing combined text... Figure 13a and Figure 13b The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0157] Figure 14a It shows Figure 13a The figure shows a top view of the nut limiter with the nut inserted. As shown, the flexible connector 114 can be connected to the base plate 113 near the weld position indicator 118. Therefore, when the fastening bolt 126 is inserted into the nut 120 and rotated within the nut 120, the maximum amount of torque can be applied to the portion of the base plate 113 that is most securely attached to the base plate.

[0158] Figure 14b It shows Figure 13a A horizontal sectional view of the cap with the washer inserted. Figure 14c It shows Figure 13a The horizontal sectional view of the nut cap is inserted. Figure 14d It shows Figure 13a The figures show a front sectional view of a nut limiter with a nut and washer inserted. As shown in these figures, the upper inner wall 103 and the lower inner wall 104 can be constructed and / or configured to minimize the gaps between the upper inner wall 103, the lower inner wall 104 and the nut 120 and the washer 121, while allowing the nut 120 and the washer 121 to be inserted into the nut limiter 101 by hand without being engaged. Therefore, when the nut 120 and the washer 121 are inserted into the cap 112, the nut 120 and the washer 121 can be held substantially concentric with the cap 112 and / or with the nut limiter 101.

[0159] The flexible connector 114 may be constructed and / or configured to have sufficient rigidity to hold the cap 112, and the inserted nut 120 and washer 121, substantially concentric with the base plate 113 when subjected to the lateral forces of gravity. In some embodiments, the nut limiter 101 and / or the cap 112 may further include deformable protrusions to align the nut 120 and / or washer 121 concentrically with the cap 112 and / or with the nut limiter 101.

[0160] Additionally, the above combination Figures 14a to 14d The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figures 14a to 14d The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0161] Figure 15a This illustrates the effect when a nut limiter with inserted nuts, washers, and bolts is attached to the base plate. Figure 13a Front sectional view of the nut limiter. Figure 15b It shows Figure 13a The figure shows a front sectional view of the nut limiter with nuts, washers, and bolts inserted, thus attaching the fastening plate to the base plate. As shown in these figures, once the base plate 113 has been attached to the base plate 122, the fastening plate 124 can be attached to the base plate 122 by passing the fastening bolt 126 through the bolt hole 127 and the base hole 123 and tightening it with the nut 120. When the central axis 132 of the fastening bolt 126 does not coincide with the central axis 130 of the nut limiter 101, the nut 120 and cap 112 can be constructed and / or configured to move laterally, thereby deforming the flexible connector 114, thus allowing the fastening bolt 126 to pass through it and exit from the nut 120 and through the hole 100 in the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101. In this respect, the nut limiter 101 can provide a self-aligning configuration.

[0162] Additionally, the above combination Figure 15a and Figure 15b The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figure 15a and Figure 15b The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0163] Figure 16a A top perspective view of the nut limiter, including the cap and base plate, is shown. Figure 16b It shows Figure 16a A bottom perspective view of the nut limiter. In one or more aspects, the nut limiter 101 may include a cap 112. The cap 112 may be surrounded by, not connected to, and held in place by a base plate 113. In the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 113 may have deformable protrusions 116 that may engage three of the six sides of the upper portion of the cap 112, the upper portion being a regular hexagonal prism. In other embodiments, the number of deformable protrusions 116 and / or the number of sides engaged by the deformable protrusions 116 and / or the shape of the cap 112 may vary. When no force is applied laterally to the cap 112 and / or to any part of the cap, the deformable protrusions 116 can hold the cap 112 substantially concentric with the base plate 113.

[0164] The cap 112 may include a protrusion 115 extending therefrom. The base plate 113 may include a raised portion 117 corresponding to the protrusion 115, and the raised portion 117 may be configured and / or sized to allow the protrusion 115 to pass through it. The raised portion 117 may have sufficient strength to prevent the protrusion 115 from being removed from the cap 112 under the action of torque and / or vertical forces acting on any part of the cap 112 and / or placed on any part of the cap. In various embodiments, the number and / or location of the protrusions 115 and the corresponding configuration of the raised portion 117 of the cap 112 may vary.

[0165] Figure 16c It shows Figure 16a The top perspective view of the cap. The cap 112 of the nut limiter 101 may include a bottom layer from which a protrusion 115 protrudes. The top of the bottom layer may be a cylindrical portion sized to fit the washer 121. The top of this portion may be an upper portion shaped like a regular hexagonal prism.

[0166] Figure 16d It shows Figure 16a The top perspective view of the base plate is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 113 may be constructed and / or configured as a regular hexagonal shape with rounded corners, corresponding to the regular hexagonal prism shape of most of the vertical extent of the cap 112. In other embodiments, the shape of the base plate 113 may be different.

[0167] In the illustrated embodiment, the deformable protrusions 116 and the raised portions 117 can be positioned on alternating sides of a regular hexagon, such that the base plate 113 can comprise a total of three deformable protrusions 116 and three raised portions 117. Furthermore, three weld position indicators 118 can be positioned on alternating rounded corners of the base plate 113. In the illustrated embodiment, the weld position indicators 118 can be positioned on the immediate right side of each raised portion 117 to counteract the force exerted on the right side of the raised portion 117 by the correspondingly configured protrusions 115 when the fastening bolts 126 are tightened into the nuts 120 and / or washers 121 within the caps 112. In other embodiments, the number and / or position and / or order of the deformable protrusions 116 and / or raised portions 117 and / or weld position indicators 118 can vary.

[0168] Additionally, the above combination Figures 16a to 16d The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figures 16a to 16d The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0169] Figure 17aIt shows Figure 16a A top view of a nut limiter with a nut and washer inserted. Figure 17b It shows Figure 16a A horizontal sectional view of the nut limiter with the nut inserted. Figure 17c It shows Figure 16a The figures show a front cross-sectional view of a nut limiter with a nut and washer inserted. As shown in these figures, one or more of the deformable protrusions 116 of the base plate 113 can be formed, constructed, configured, and / or similarly operated in an inclined plane extending upward from the side of the base plate 113 to the corresponding side of the cap 112. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more of the deformable protrusions 116 may terminate in a second, smaller inclined plane extending upward and away from the cap 112. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the width of each deformable protrusion 116 may be larger at a portion closer to the bottom portion of the base plate 113 and smaller at a portion closer to the cap 112. In various other embodiments, the number and / or shape and / or size of the deformable protrusions 116 may vary.

[0170] Furthermore, the upper inner wall 103 and the lower inner wall 104 can be constructed and / or configured to minimize the gaps between the upper inner wall 103, the lower inner wall 104, and the nut 120 and washer 121, respectively, while allowing the nut 120 and washer 121 to be inserted into the nut limiter 101 by hand without engaging. Thus, when the nut 120 and washer 121 are inserted into the cap 112, the nut 120 and washer 121 can be held substantially concentric with the cap 112 and / or with the nut limiter 101. The deformable protrusion 116 can be configured and / or constructed to be sufficiently rigid so that when the nut 120, washer 121, and / or cap 112 are subjected to the forces of gravity in the lateral direction, the moving center portion of the cap 112 and its contents remain substantially concentric with the base plate 113.

[0171] Additionally, the above combination Figures 17a to 17c The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figures 17a to 17c The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0172] Figure 18a This illustrates the effect when a nut limiter with inserted nuts, washers, and bolts is attached to a base plate. Figure 16a Front sectional view of the nut limiter. Figure 18b It shows Figure 16aThe figures show a front sectional view of a nut limiter with a nut, washer, and bolt inserted, thus attaching the fastening plate to the base plate. As shown in these figures, once the base plate 113 has been attached to the base plate 122, the fastening plate 124 can be attached to the base plate 122 by passing the fastening bolt 126 through the bolt hole 127 and the base hole 123 and tightening it with the nut 120. When the central axis 132 of the fastening bolt 126 does not coincide with the central axis 130 of the nut limiter 101, the nut 120 and / or the cap 112 can be moved laterally, allowing the fastening bolt 126 to pass through it and exit from the nut 120 and through the hole 100 in the top layer 102 of the nut limiter 101. In this respect, the nut limiter 101 can provide a self-aligning configuration. When the cap 112 moves laterally due to the force of the fastening bolt 126, this movement can deform one or more of the deformable protrusions 116. The movement may further cause the cap 112 to become spaced apart from at least one deformable protrusion 116, and / or cause at least one of the protrusions 115 to be laterally displaced relative to the raised portion 117 of the base plate 113.

[0173] Additionally, the above combination Figures 18a to 18b The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figure 18a and Figure 18b The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0174] Figure 19a A top perspective view of two nut limiters joined together according to other embodiments of the disclosed technology is shown. The nut limiters include two caps and a common base plate. As shown in the figure, various aspects of this disclosure may include a configuration in which two caps 112 are constructed and / or configured to share a common configuration of a base plate 113 having two portals. In other embodiments, two or more configurations of caps 112 may share a common configuration of base plate 113, such that caps 112 may be arranged in a line and / or grid. In other embodiments, multiple base plates 113 may be constructed and / or arranged in embodiments to be removably and reattached, such that two base plate 113 configurations can be connected and disconnected at least 10 times while maintaining their respective original dimensions and shape. The base plates 113 may be connected by one or more mechanisms such as teeth, latches, links, and / or the like. In other embodiments, the base plate 113 may be connected by process, structure, configuration and / or similar means that cannot be reversed without changing the shape and / or size of at least one configuration of the base plate 113, such as welding.

[0175] Figure 19b A top perspective view of a nut limiter including a cap and a base plate, according to other embodiments of the disclosed technology, is shown. In this embodiment, both the base plate 113 and the cap 112 of the nut limiter 101 can have protrusions 119 and 115 in a "tooth" shape. Protrusions 115 and 119 can be constructed and / or configured to be sized and shaped such that, when viewed from the top, the cap 112 can be twisted counterclockwise relative to the base plate 113 and can be locked together. Furthermore, protrusions 115 and 119 can be constructed and / or configured to be sized and shaped to remain locked together unless the central portion of the cap 112 of the nut limiter 101 is twisted clockwise relative to the base plate 113. In some aspects, protrusions 115 and 119 can be radial protrusions.

[0176] Figure 19c It shows Figure 19b A three-dimensional view of the top of the base plate. Figure 19d It shows Figure 19b The top perspective view of the cap. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 119 of the base plate 113 is shaped to hold the cap 112 against the base plate 122 when the nut limiter 101 is attached thereto. The base plate 113 may include at least one configuration of a weld position indicator 118, such as a recess on each side of its periphery. In other embodiments, the base plate 113 may have weld position indicators 118 in a region of the base plate 113, and / or may have more or fewer weld position indicators 118. In some embodiments, the protrusion 119 of the base plate 113 may be constructed and / or configured to be radially deformable (e.g., flexible along a line passing through the center of the base plate 113 and through a corresponding protrusion of the protrusion 119), such that if a lateral force is applied to the nut 120 therein due to the insertion of the fastening bolt 126, the cap 112 may move in a lateral direction.

[0177] In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 112 of the nut limiter 101 may have a lower portion including a lower inner sidewall 104, which may be constructed and / or configured in a cylindrical shape, and the cap 112 of the nut limiter 101 may have an upper portion including an upper inner sidewall 103, which may be constructed and / or configured in a regular hexagonal prism shape. The top layer 102 of the cap 112 may have a hole 100 passing through its center, which may be wide enough to accommodate the longest portion of a bolt (such as a centering bolt 125 or a fastening bolt 126) passing through it. In the illustrated embodiment, the “teeth” of the protrusion 115 of the moving center portion of the cap 112 may be constructed and / or configured to extend from the lower portion of the cap 112. In other embodiments, the height of the lower circular portion of the cap 112 may be constructed and / or configured to be equal to the height of the protrusion 115 of the cap 112.

[0178] Additionally, the above combination Figures 19a to 19d The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figures 19a to 19d The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0179] Figure 20a A top perspective view of a nut limiter, including a top, a cap body, and a base plate, is shown, illustrating other embodiments of the disclosed technology. Figure 20b It shows Figure 20a A three-dimensional view of the top of the main body of the hat. Figure 20c It shows Figure 20a A three-dimensional view of the top of the base plate. Figure 20d It shows Figure 20a A top perspective view of the attachable top of the nut limiter. In one or more aspects, the nut limiter 101 may include a cap comprising a cap body 140 and an attachable top 141, the cap being surrounded by, not connected to, and / or held in place by, a base plate 113. In the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 113 may have deformable protrusions 116 that engage four of the six sides of the cap body 140. In other embodiments, the number of deformable protrusions 116 and / or the number of sides engaged by the deformable protrusions 116 and / or the shape of the cap body 140 may vary. When no force is applied in the lateral direction to the cap body 140 and / or any portion thereof, the deformable protrusions 116 can hold the cap 112 substantially concentric with the base plate 113. The attachable top 141 may include, for example, two barbed serrations 142 configured to insert into channels 143 of the cap body 140. The barbed serrations 142 engage with the cap body 140 to prevent removal of the attachable top 141. A protrusion 144 may engage with a shelf 145 to prevent deformation of the cap body 140 due to torque applied by a nut 120 disposed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 144 and shelf 145 are hexagonal. In other embodiments, the protrusion 144 and shelf 145 may have different shapes, including interlocking shapes in some cases.

[0180] The cap body 140 may include a protrusion 115 extending therefrom. The base plate 113 may include a raised portion 117, which may be constructed and / or configured to have an opening corresponding to the protrusion 115 and sized to allow the protrusion 115 to pass through it. The raised portion 117 may be constructed and / or configured to have sufficient strength to prevent the protrusion 115 from being removed therefrom by torque and / or vertical forces on any part of the cap 112 and / or any part therein.

[0181] Figure 20e It shows Figure 20a The bottom sectional view of the nut limiter with the nut inserted. The attachable top 141 can be attached to the cap body 140. The ends of the barbs 142 and the corresponding surfaces of the cap body 140 can be constructed and / or configured as bevels to prevent the barbs 142 from disengaging from the cap body 140 if an upward force is applied to the attachable top 141.

[0182] Additionally, the above combination Figures 20a to 20c The illustrated nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features associated with any other figure in this disclosure. Furthermore, the above combination... Figures 20a to 20c The described nut limiter 101 may further include any one or more features described in this disclosure.

[0183] Therefore, this disclosure describes several different embodiments of a nut limiter that is constructed, configured, arranged, and / or similar to those described herein to allow for pre-positioning and pre-attaching of nuts, while also preserving installation tolerances by allowing some lateral movement of the nut so that bolts can be screwed into the nut when access is only possible from one side.

[0184] Any one or more components of the nut limiter 101 described herein may be made of a variety of materials, including one or more metals, one or more plastic materials, one or more composite materials, one or more synthetic materials, and / or similar materials. Additionally, the nut limiter 101 may be manufactured using any number of manufacturing techniques, including machining, molding, 3D printing, and / or similar techniques.

[0185] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “substantially” is defined as “at least 95 percent” of the term it modifies, except in the case of the phrase “substantially concentric”. “Substantially concentric” is defined as “a deviation from perfect concentricity within 5 percent”.

[0186] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "nearly concentric" is defined as "concentric within a dimension equal to the difference between the radius of the base hole and the shank of the bolt inserted therein".

[0187] Any apparatus or aspect of this technology may "include" or "comprise" the items it modifies, whether or not it is explicitly stated so.

[0188] When the term "or" is used, it creates a group containing any one of the terms connected by the conjunction, as well as the two terms connected by the conjunction.

[0189] While the disclosed technology has been specifically described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed technology. The described embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative rather than restrictive. All variations within the meaning and equivalence of the claims are to be incorporated within the scope of the claims. Any combination of methods and apparatus described herein is also conceivable and within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A nut limiter for inserting a nut into a bolt hole having radial tolerances and then attaching the nut limiter to a base plate having two sides, so as to subsequently install a bolt having a shank and an end from a side of the base plate opposite to the side to which the nut limiter is attached, the nut limiter comprising: One or more material portions are formed to define a cavity and include a top plane and an open end, the top plane being disposed away from the base plate; The cavity is configured to receive the insertion of a nut, wherein the one or more material portions forming to define the cavity are shaped to rotatably restrict the nut, and the cavity is configured to include at least one position from which the nut has a degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole; The nut limiter includes one or more nut centering elements, each comprising one or more removable or deformable material portions extending into the cavity, and the one or more removable or deformable material portions being configured to hold the nut in a position from which the nut has a degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction substantially equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole, and the one or more removable or deformable material portions being removable or deformable so that they no longer extend into the cavity after the nut limiter is attached to the base plate, thereby allowing the nut to move in any lateral direction to accept the bolt when the bolt is inserted non-concentrically relative to the nut; The nut limiter is configured to prevent the nut from dislodging from the cavity after it is attached to the base plate; and Wherein, no part of the nut limiter prevents direct contact between the nut and the base plate, or between the bolt shank and the base plate or one or more fastening plates.

2. A method for concentrically positioning the nut limiter of claim 1 to the bolt hole in the base plate with accuracy within the radial tolerance of the bolt hole, the method comprising: Insert the nut into the nut limiter; The open end of the nut limiter is placed flush with the base plate to prevent the nut from being removed. Insert the bolt from the side of the base plate opposite to the nut limiter, through the bolt hole, and engage the bolt with the nut previously inserted into the nut limiter, such that the bolt and the nut are in close contact with the base plate; Attach the nut limiter to the base plate; and Remove the bolt from the nut and pull the bolt out of the bolt hole in the base plate.

3. The nut limiter according to claim 1, wherein, The nut limiter is configured such that the nut is visible from the outside of the nut limiter after it is attached to the base plate.

4. The nut limiter according to claim 1, wherein, The cavity defines a substantially equilateral hexagon.

5. The nut limiter according to claim 1, wherein, The nut centering element has sufficient rigidity and strength to substantially prevent the nut from moving in all lateral directions when subjected to a force in any lateral direction, the magnitude of which does not exceed the force acting on the nut due to gravity. Furthermore, the nut centering element has sufficient flexibility to deform when the nut is subjected to a lateral force due to the contact between the end of the bolt and the nut, thereby allowing the nut to move laterally within the nut limiter to accept the bolt when it is inserted into the nut non-concentrically.

6. The nut limiter according to claim 1, wherein, The cavity is configured to accept the insertion of a washer in addition to the insertion of the nut, and is configured such that the washer provides a degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction that is at least equal to the radial tolerance of the bolt hole, and is configured to prevent the washer from coming off after being attached to the base plate.

7. The nut limiter according to claim 6, wherein, The nut limiter includes one or more washer centering elements, the washer centering elements comprising: One or more deformable material portions extending into the cavity of the nut limiter and holding the washer substantially concentric with the nut limiter; and The washer centering element has sufficient rigidity and strength to substantially prevent the washer from moving in all lateral directions when subjected to a force in any lateral direction, the magnitude of which does not exceed the force acting on the washer due to gravity. Furthermore, the washer centering element has sufficient flexibility to deform when subjected to a lateral force due to the contact between the end of the bolt and the washer, thereby allowing the washer to move laterally to accept the bolt when it is inserted non-concentrically relative to the washer.

8. The nut limiter according to claim 1, wherein, The nut centering element is made of one or more materials selected from foam, cork, rubber, plastic, and felt, and the remainder of the nut limiter is made of metal.

9. The nut limiter according to claim 1, wherein, The nut centering element is adjacent to the rest of the nut limiter, and the nut centering element is configured to be deformable, which is attributed to the shape and proportions of the nut centering element.

10. The nut limiter according to claim 1, wherein, The nut centering element is attached to the remainder of the nut limiter using adhesive.

11. The nut limiter according to claim 1, wherein, The nut limiter is attached to the base plate by welding.

12. The nut limiter according to claim 1, wherein, The nut centering element is attached to the remainder of the nut limiter by engaging one or more material portions including the nut centering element.

13. The nut limiter according to claim 12, wherein, The top plane includes a hole to allow the end of the bolt to pass through the top plane after passing through the nut. The hole is shaped to engage with one or more material portions including the nut centering element and restricts the attachment of the one or more material portions including the nut centering element to a position from which the nut centering element holds the nut in a position where the degree of freedom of movement of the nut in any lateral direction from which it originates is substantially equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole.

14. The nut limiter according to claim 1, wherein, The top plane includes a hole to allow the end of the bolt to pass through the top plane after passing through the nut.

15. The nut limiter according to claim 1, wherein, The nut limiter includes one or more recesses, protrusions, and holes, which represent one or more preferred locations for attaching the nut limiter to the base plate.

16. A nut limiter for inserting a nut into a bolt hole having radial tolerances and then attaching the nut limiter to a base plate having two sides, so as to subsequently install a bolt having a shank and an end from a side of the base plate opposite to the side to which the nut limiter is attached, the nut limiter comprising: One or more rigid external parts and a moving center part; The moving center portion is formed as a defined cavity and includes a top plane and an open end, the top plane being disposed away from the base plate; The cavity is configured to receive the insertion of a nut, wherein the material defining the movable central portion of the cavity is shaped to restrict the rotation of the nut; The one or more rigid external portions include the portion of the nut limiter attached to the base plate, and the one or more rigid external portions are configured such that the degree of freedom of movement of the moving center portion in any lateral direction is substantially equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole; The one or more rigid outer portions and the movable center portion are connected by one or more flexible connectors. These flexible connectors have sufficient rigidity and strength to substantially prevent the movable center portion from moving in all lateral directions when one or more of the nut and the movable center portion are subjected to a force in any lateral direction, the magnitude of which does not exceed the force due to gravity acting on the respective element. These flexible connectors also have sufficient strength to rotate and restrict the movable center portion when subjected to torque generated by tightening the bolt with the nut. Furthermore, these flexible connectors have sufficient flexibility to deform when the nut is subjected to a lateral force generated by the contact between the bolt end and the nut, thereby allowing the nut to move laterally to accept the bolt when the bolt is inserted non-concentrically relative to the nut. The nut limiter is configured to prevent the nut from dislodging from the cavity after it is attached to the base plate; and Wherein, no part of the nut limiter prevents direct contact between the nut and the base plate, or between the bolt shank and the base plate or one or more fastening plates.

17. The nut limiter according to claim 16, wherein, The one or more rigid external portions include one or more recesses, protrusions, and holes, which represent one or more preferred locations for attaching the nut limiter to the base plate.

18. The nut limiter according to claim 16, wherein, The top plane includes a hole to allow the end of the bolt to pass through the top plane after passing through the nut.

19. The nut limiter according to claim 16, wherein, The nut limiter is welded to the base plate.

20. The nut limiter according to claim 16, wherein, The cavity defines a generally regular hexagon.

21. The nut limiter according to claim 16, wherein, The cavity is configured to accept the insertion of a washer in addition to the insertion of the nut, and is configured such that the washer provides a degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction that is at least equal to the radial tolerance of the bolt hole, and is configured to prevent the washer from coming off after being attached to the base plate.

22. A method for positioning the nut limiter of claim 16, positioning the nut limiter concentric with the bolt hole in the base plate to an accuracy within the radial tolerance of the bolt hole, the method comprising: Insert the nut into the nut limiter; The open end of the nut limiter is positioned flush with the base plate to prevent the nut from being removed; A bolt is inserted through the bolt hole from the side of the base plate opposite to the nut limiter, and the bolt is engaged with the nut previously inserted into the nut limiter, thereby bringing the bolt and the nut into close contact with the base plate; The nut limiter is attached to the base plate; as well as Remove the bolt from the nut and pull the bolt out of the bolt hole in the base plate.

23. A nut limiter for inserting a nut into a bolt hole having radial tolerances and then attaching the nut limiter to a base plate having two sides, so as to subsequently install a bolt having a shank and an end from a side of the base plate opposite to the side to which the nut limiter is attached, the nut limiter comprising: One or more rigid external parts and a moving center part; The moving center portion is formed as a defined cavity and includes a top plane and an open end, the top plane being disposed away from the base plate; The cavity is configured to receive the insertion of a nut, wherein the material defining the cavity in the movable central portion is shaped to rotatably restrict the nut; The movable center portion also has one or more radial protrusions that extend away from the cavity; The one or more rigid external portions include the portion of the nut limiter attached to the base plate and have one or more deformable protrusions, each protrusion having an end; The deformable protrusion is configured such that, before the bolt is inserted, the end of the deformable protrusion contacts the moving center portion and holds the moving center portion in a position from which the moving center portion has a degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction that is substantially equal to at least twice the radial tolerance of the bolt hole. The deformable protrusion also has sufficient rigidity and strength to substantially prevent the moving center portion from moving in all lateral directions when one or more of the nut and the moving center portion are subjected to a force in any lateral direction, the magnitude of which does not exceed the force acting on the respective element due to gravity, and the deformable protrusion has sufficient flexibility to deform when the nut is subjected to a lateral force due to the contact between the end of the bolt and the nut, thereby allowing the nut to move laterally to accept the bolt when the bolt is inserted non-concentrically relative to the nut; The rigid outer portion also has one or more lifting elements that do not contact the base plate, and the gap between the lifting elements and the base plate is configured to have one or more recesses; The recess and the radial protrusion of the movable center portion are configured such that the radial protrusion engages with the recess, and the movable center portion is rotatably restricted in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the top plane toward the open end, and the movable center portion is prevented from moving away from the base plate. The nut limiter is configured to prevent the nut from dislodging from the cavity after it is attached to the base plate; and Wherein, no part of the nut limiter can prevent direct contact between the nut and the base plate, or between the bolt shank and the base plate or one or more fastening plates.

24. The nut limiter according to claim 23, wherein, The cavity is configured to accept the insertion of a washer in addition to the insertion of the nut, and is configured such that the washer provides a degree of freedom of movement in any lateral direction that is at least equal to the radial tolerance of the bolt hole, and is configured to prevent the washer from coming off after being attached to the base plate.

25. A method for positioning the nut limiter of claim 23, positioning the nut limiter concentric with the bolt hole in the base plate to an accuracy within the radial tolerance of the bolt hole, the method comprising: Insert the nut into the nut limiter; The open end of the nut limiter is positioned flush with the base plate to prevent the nut from being removed; A bolt is inserted through the bolt hole from the side of the base plate opposite to the nut limiter, and the bolt is engaged with the nut previously inserted into the nut limiter, thereby bringing the bolt and the nut into close contact with the base plate; The nut limiter is attached to the base plate; as well as Remove the bolt from the nut and pull the bolt out of the bolt hole in the base plate.

26. The nut limiter according to claim 23, wherein, The cavity defines a generally regular hexagon.

27. The nut limiter according to claim 23, wherein, The nut limiter is attached to the base plate by welding.

28. The nut limiter according to claim 23, wherein, The top plane includes a hole to allow the end of the bolt to pass through the top plane after passing through the nut.

29. The nut limiter according to claim 23, wherein, The lifting element and the deformable protrusion are different parts of the material.

30. The nut limiter according to claim 23, wherein, The lifting element and the deformable protrusion comprise the same portion of material.

31. The nut limiter according to claim 23, wherein, The one or more rigid outer parts are made primarily of metal, and the movable inner parts are made primarily of plastic.

32. The nut limiter according to claim 23, wherein, The one or more rigid external portions include one or more recesses, protrusions, and holes, which represent one or more preferred locations for attaching the nut limiter to the base plate.

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