Screw fastener

Abstract

This application relates to a screw-fastening device. A screw-fastening device for tensioning a safety cable includes a body having a pair of opposing ends, each end having a threaded hole. The screw-fastening device also includes a pair of connectors, each connector having a threaded shaft configured to be received in the threaded hole at one of the pair of opposing ends of the body. The screw-fastening device also includes a handle connected to the body. The handle is movable between a retracted position and an operating position. In the operating position, the handle is configured to facilitate rotation of the body about a longitudinal axis of the body.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on August 5, 2020, with a priority date of August 7, 2019, application number 202080055423.7, entitled "Screw Snap Device".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority to UK Patent Application No. 1911308.3, filed on 7 August 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a screw fastening device, and more particularly to a screw fastening device for tensioning high-altitude safety equipment, such as lifelines or safety lines extending between anchor points. Background Technology

[0004] Technical considerations In high-altitude safety applications, screw-lock devices are used to tension lifelines, such as safety lines extending between anchor points. A screw-lock device has a first threaded element connected to one end of the lifeline and a second threaded element connected to the anchor point. The threaded elements are received in corresponding threaded holes at opposite ends of the screw-lock body or chassis. When the screw-lock body or chassis rotates about its axis in a first direction, the threaded elements are pulled into the screw-lock body or chassis, thereby tensioning the safety line. Rotation of the screw-lock in the opposite direction causes the threaded elements to move away from each other and loosens the safety line.

[0005] See Figure 1 The figure shows a safety cable device that uses a prior art screw thread 1 to tension a safety cable 2 between two anchor points 3 and 4. In the illustrated safety cable device, a malleable energy absorber 5 is positioned at the midpoint between the screw thread 1 and the adjacent anchor point 3. The energy absorber 5 is fixed to a first screw thread connector in a screw threaded connector. The other screw thread connector is fixed to the lifeline 2.

[0006] As described above, when the screw fastener body or chassis rotates about its axis in the first direction, the threaded screw fastener connector is pulled into the screw fastener body or chassis, thereby tensioning the safety cable 2. Rotation of the screw fastener 1 in the opposite direction causes the threaded elements to move away from each other and loosens the safety cable 2. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, improved screw fastening devices have been designed.

[0008] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a screw-fastening device for tensioning a safety cable may include: a body having a pair of opposing ends, wherein each end has a threaded hole; a pair of connectors, wherein each connector has a threaded shaft configured to be received in the threaded hole at one of the pair of opposing ends of the body; and a handle connected to the body. The handle is movable between a retracted position and an operating position. In the operating position, the handle may be configured to facilitate rotation of the body about its longitudinal axis.

[0009] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle can move 90 degrees between a retracted position and an operating position.

[0010] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle may be pivotally connected to the body via a pivot connector mounted in a support boss of the body.

[0011] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, in the retracted position, the longitudinal axis of the handle may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0012] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, in the retracted position, the handle may be nested in a receiving recess within the body.

[0013] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, in the operating position, the longitudinal axis of the handle may be substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0014] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, rotating the handle in the operating position along a first direction can cause the body to rotate about a longitudinal axis, thereby extending the paired connectors beyond the body.

[0015] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, rotating the handle in the operating position along the second direction can cause the body to rotate about the longitudinal axis, thereby causing the paired connectors to retract into the body.

[0016] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the diameter of the first connector in a pair of connectors may be smaller than the diameter of the second connector in the pair of connectors.

[0017] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the threaded shaft of the first connector in a pair of connectors may have an elongated axial bore, which is configured to accommodate the threaded shaft of the second connector in the pair of connectors.

[0018] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the threaded shaft of the second connector in a pair of connectors can be fully accommodated within the elongated axial bore of the threaded shaft of the first connector in the pair of connectors at the maximum tension position of the connector.

[0019] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle may be fixed in the receiving recess by a semi-interference fit or a resilient clamping fit.

[0020] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a securing device may be provided to hold the handle in the retracted position.

[0021] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the end of each connector in a pair of connectors may be a buttonhole.

[0022] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle may be integrally connected to the body.

[0023] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a screw fastener device is provided, including a rotating handle mounted on a plate on the device.

[0024] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the rotating handle on the plate can be mounted to the chassis or body of the screw fastener.

[0025] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the rotating handle on the board can move between a stowed position and an unfolded position.

[0026] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, in the retracted position, the handle can be oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw-on chassis or body.

[0027] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, in the unfolded position, the handle may be oriented substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the screw-on chassis or body.

[0028] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle may preferably be movable between a retracted position and an extended position while always remaining connected to the device. For this purpose, the handle may be pivotally connected and pivotally movable between the retracted and extended positions.

[0029] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle may be pivotally mounted near its proximal end in a region of one longitudinal end of the screw-on chassis or body, and when positioned in a retracted orientation, the handle extends along most of the length of the chassis or body from the pivot mount.

[0030] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, in the retracted position, the proximal portion of the handle may be mounted to the chassis or body of the screw fastener, and the portion of the handle spaced apart from the proximal portion may be nested or accommodated in a recess on the chassis or body of the screw fastener.

[0031] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the screw fastener may have a first thread tensioning element and a second thread tensioning element, each of which is received within a corresponding threaded hole in the screw fastener base or body. When tensioning the screw fastener, one of the first and second thread tensioning elements becomes received within a longitudinal hole disposed in the other of the first and second thread tensioning elements.

[0032] The provided screwdriver features an integrated operating handle and tensioning element that work synergistically, with the operating handle and tensioning element configured to house one threaded element within another. This is because the overall length of the screwdriver body or chassis can be shorter, while allowing for a handle of sufficient length to accommodate the opposite ends of the screwdriver body or chassis. This allows for overall weight optimization.

[0033] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a tensioning element configured to house one threaded element within another also means that only one threaded shaft is exposed to potential damage during transport, and having a threaded shaft with a hollow hole also significantly reduces the weight of the screw thread.

[0034] Further non-limiting embodiments or aspects are set forth in the following numbered clauses: Clause 1. A screw fastening device for tensioning a safety cable, the screw fastening device comprising: a body having a pair of opposite ends, wherein each end has a threaded hole; a pair of connectors, wherein each connector has a threaded shaft configured to be received in a threaded hole at one of the pair of opposite ends of the body; and a handle connected to the body, wherein the handle is movable between a retracted position and an operating position, and wherein, in the operating position, the handle is configured to facilitate rotation of the body about a longitudinal axis of the body.

[0035] Clause 2. The screw fastening device according to Clause 1, wherein the handle is movable 90 degrees between a retracted position and an operating position.

[0036] Clause 3. A screw fastening device according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the handle is pivotally connected to the body via a pivot connector mounted in a support boss of the body.

[0037] Clause 4. A screw fastening device according to any one of Clauses 1-3, wherein, in the retracted position, the longitudinal axis of the handle is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0038] Clause 5. A screw fastening device according to any one of Clauses 1-4, wherein, in the retracted position, the handle is nested in a receiving recess within the body.

[0039] Clause 6. A screw fastening device according to any one of Clauses 1-5, wherein, in the operating position, the longitudinal axis of the handle is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0040] Clause 7. A screw fastening device according to any one of Clauses 1-6, wherein the handle, when rotated in the operating position in a first direction, causes the body to rotate about a longitudinal axis, thereby extending the paired connectors beyond the body.

[0041] Clause 8. A screw fastening device according to any one of Clauses 1-7, wherein rotating the handle in the operating position in a second direction causes the body to rotate about a longitudinal axis, thereby causing the paired connectors to retract into the body.

[0042] Clause 9. A screw thread assembly according to any one of Clauses 1-8, wherein the diameter of the first connector in the pair of connectors is smaller than the diameter of the second connector in the pair of connectors.

[0043] Clause 10. A screw thread assembly according to any one of Clauses 1-9, wherein the threaded shaft of the first connector in the pair of connectors has an elongated axial bore, the elongated axial bore being configured to receive the threaded shaft of the second connector in the pair of connectors within the elongated axial bore.

[0044] Clause 11. A screw thread device according to any one of Clauses 1-10, wherein the threaded shaft of the second connector in the pair of connectors is fully received within the elongated axial bore of the threaded shaft of the first connector in the pair of connectors at the maximum tension position of the connector.

[0045] Clause 12. A screw fastening device according to any one of Clauses 1-11, wherein the handle is fixed in the receiving recess by a semi-interference fit or a resilient clamping fit.

[0046] Clause 13. The screw fastening device according to any one of Clauses 1-12 further includes a securing device for securing the handle in the retracted position.

[0047] Clause 14. A screw thread assembly according to any one of Clauses 1-13, wherein the end of each of the paired connectors is a buttonhole.

[0048] Clause 15. A screw thread according to any one of Clauses 1-14, wherein the handle is integrally connected to the body.

[0049] Clause 16. A screw fastening device, comprising a rotating element or handle mounted on a plate on the screw fastening device.

[0050] Clause 17. A screw fastening device according to Clause 16, wherein the rotating element or handle on the plate is mounted to the chassis or body of the screw fastening device.

[0051] Clause 18. The device according to Clause 16 or 17, wherein a rotating element or handle on the plate is movable between a stowed position and an unfolded position.

[0052] Clause 19. A device according to any one of Clauses 16-18, wherein, in the retracted position, the rotating element or handle is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw-on base or body.

[0053] Clause 20. An apparatus according to any one of Clauses 16-19, wherein, in the unfolded position, the rotating element or handle is oriented substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the screw-on chassis or body.

[0054] Clause 21. A device according to any one of Clauses 16-20, wherein the rotating element or handle is pivotally movable between a stowed position and an unfolded position.

[0055] Clause 22. An apparatus according to any one of Clauses 16-21, wherein a rotating element or handle is pivotally mounted near its proximal end in a region of a longitudinal end of a screw-on chassis or body, and when positioned in a retracted orientation, the rotating element or handle extends along a substantial portion of the length of the chassis or body from the pivotal mounting.

[0056] Clause 23. A device according to any one of Clauses 16-22, wherein, in the retracted position, the proximal portion of the rotating element or handle is connected and mounted to the chassis or body of the screw fastener, and the portion of the handle spaced apart from the proximal portion is nested or received in a recess on the chassis or body of the screw fastener.

[0057] Clause 24. An apparatus according to any one of Clauses 16-23, wherein the apparatus comprises a first threaded tensioning element and a second threaded tensioning element, each threaded tensioning element being received in a corresponding threaded hole in a screw base or body, and wherein, when the apparatus is tensioned, one of the first threaded tensioning element and the second threaded tensioning element becomes received in a longitudinal hole provided in the other of the first threaded tensioning element and the second threaded tensioning element.

[0058] Clause 25. An altitude safety system comprising a device for tensioning a safety cable according to any one of Clauses 16-24.

[0059] These and other features and characteristics of the screw fastener and its manufacturing method described herein will become more apparent from the following description, claims, and drawings, which are all part of this application, wherein similar reference numerals are used to denote corresponding parts in different figures. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are intended for explanation and illustration only. Attached Figure Description

[0060] The screw fastener will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary and non-limiting embodiments or aspects, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a safety cable system that incorporates a traditional screw fastener device based on existing technology; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A close-up schematic diagram of an existing screw thread device; Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of a screw fastener device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure, wherein the screw fastener device is shown in a first configuration; Figure 4 Based on some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the screw fastener assembly; Figures 5A to 5D These are views of a screw fastener assembly based on some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure; and Figure 6 yes Figures 5A to 5D The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the screw thread assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0061] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “one,” and “the” include plural indicators unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0062] Spatial or directional terms such as “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” “up,” and “down” refer to the embodiments or aspects shown in the accompanying drawings, but should not be construed as limiting, as the illustrated embodiments or aspects may take various alternative orientations.

[0063] All figures used in the specification and claims should be understood to be modified in all cases by the term "about." "About" means within ±25% of the stated value. However, it should not be regarded as a limitation on any analysis of the values ​​under the doctrine of equivalence.

[0064] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein should be understood to include both the starting and ending values, and any and all subranges or subratios contained therein. For example, a stated range or ratio of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges between a minimum value of 1 (inclusive) and a maximum value of 10 (inclusive); that is, all subranges or subratios begin with a minimum value of 1 or greater and end with a maximum value of 10 or less. The ranges and / or ratios disclosed herein represent averages over the specified ranges and / or ratios.

[0065] The terms “first”, “second”, etc., do not refer to any particular order or sequence, but rather to different conditions, characteristics, or elements.

[0066] All references mentioned in this article are incorporated by way of citation.

[0067] The term "at least" is a synonym for "greater than or equal to".

[0068] As used in this article, "at least one" is a synonym for "one or more". For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B or C" means any one of A, B or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B or C. For example, "at least one of A, B and C" includes A alone; or B alone; or C alone; or A and B; or A and C; or B and C; or all three of A, B and C.

[0069] The terms "comprise" and "comprising" do not exclude the presence of other elements or steps besides those listed as a whole in any claim or specification. In this specification, "comprise" means "includes" or "including".

[0070] As used herein, the term “parallel” or “substantially parallel” means a relative angle of 0° to 5°, or 0° to 3°, or 0° to 2°, or 0° to 1°, or 0° to 0.5°, or 0° to 0.25°, or 0° to 0.1°, if extended to a theoretical intersection, such as between a slender object and a reference line, between two objects (if extended to a theoretical intersection) or between a slender object and a reference line, including the stated values.

[0071] As used herein, the terms “perpendicular,” “transverse to,” “substantially perpendicular,” or “substantially transverse to” mean that the relative angle between two objects at their actual or theoretical intersection point is 85° to 90°, or 87° to 90°, or 88° to 90°, or 89° to 90°, or 89.5° to 90°, or 89.75° to 90°, or 89.9° to 90°, including the values ​​recorded.

[0072] The discussion of the various embodiments and aspects may describe certain features as “particularly” or “preferred” within certain limitations (e.g., “preferred,” “more preferred,” or “even more preferred” within certain limitations). It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to these particular or preferred limitations, but covers the entire scope of the various embodiments and aspects described herein.

[0073] This disclosure includes, constitutes, or substantially comprises any combination of the following embodiments or aspects. Various embodiments or aspects of this disclosure are illustrated in separate drawings. However, it should be understood that this is merely for ease of illustration and discussion. In practice, one or more embodiments or aspects illustrated in one drawing may be combined with one or more embodiments or aspects illustrated in one or more other drawings.

[0074] See the attached diagram, and first see... Figure 1 The figure shows a safety cable device that uses a prior art screw fastener 1 to tension a safety cable 2 between two anchor points 3 and 4. Figure 1 In the safety rope system shown, a malleable energy absorber 5 is positioned at the midpoint between the screw fastener 1 and the adjacent anchor point 3. However, this is merely exemplary. The energy absorber 5 is secured to a first screw thread connector in a screw threaded connector system. Another screw thread connector is secured to the lifeline 2. The lifeline 2 is typically much longer than shown in the figure than the screw fastener 1 and energy absorber 5. In use, for example, a user attaches a personal lifeline to a harness to the safety rope 2 and can then pass along the safety rope 2 in a secured manner.

[0075] As described above, when the screw fastener body or chassis rotates about its axis in the first direction, the threaded screw fastener connector is pulled into the screw fastener body or chassis, thereby tensioning the safety cable 2. Rotation of the screw fastener in the opposite direction causes the threaded elements to move away from each other and loosens the safety cable 2. Screw fastener devices 1 known in the prior art, such as... Figure 2 As shown. The screw thread device 1 includes a body or base 7, each having a separate threaded hole at its opposite ends for receiving a corresponding screw thread shaft 8 of the corresponding screw thread connector 9. The end of the threaded screw thread connector 9 is a buttonhole 10. Figure 2 The screw fastener 1 is shown at its maximum tension. The eyelet 10 is located near the opposite end of the screw fastener base or body 7, and the ends of the threaded shafts are close to or abutting each other.

[0076] Now go to Figures 3-4 The figure illustrates a screw fastening device 101 according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure. The screw fastening device 101 includes a body or chassis 107 having separate threaded holes at opposite ends for receiving corresponding threaded shafts 108 of corresponding screw fastening connectors 109. The ends of the threaded screw fastening connectors 109 are eyelets 110. Figures 3-4 The screw fastener 101 is shown at its maximum untensioned position. The buttonhole 110 extends as far away from the opposite end of the screw fastener base or body 107 as possible, and the ends of the threaded shaft 108 are as far apart as possible.

[0077] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the screw fastener 101 has a handle 111 mounted to a body or chassis 107. The handle 111 is pivotally mounted via a pivot connector 112 in a support boss 113 located at the end of the screw fastener body or chassis 107. The handle 111 can pivot 90 degrees about the pivot connector 112, from... Figure 3 The retracted position shown is pivoted to Figure 4 The operating position is shown. In the retracted position, the longitudinal axis of the handle 111 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw fastener body or chassis 107. In the retracted position, the free end 111a of the screw fastener handle 111 is nested in the receiving recess 114, which is located at the end of the body or chassis 107 opposite to the pivot mount 112. In the retracted position, the handle 111 can be secured by a fixing device so that the handle 111 will not protrude outward or swing to the operating position. For example, the free end 111a can be received in the recess 114 with a semi-interference fit or a resilient clamping fit. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, other fixing devices may also be used.

[0078] When pivoted to the operating position, the handle 111 protrudes outward by 90 degrees and acts as a lever to secure to the screw fastener body or chassis 107, allowing the screw fastener body or chassis 107 to rotate about its longitudinal axis, thereby increasing or releasing tension on the safety cable 2 by pulling the connectors 109 together or forcing them apart.

[0079] Typically, in existing technologies, screws need to be tensioned to a greater extent than can be achieved by hand alone. Therefore, installers usually need to carry and use specific screw tensioner tools, which are carried separately and used for removal from the field after the screws have been tightened. If these tools are misplaced or forgotten, there is a risk that the screw tensioner 101 will not be properly tightened, thereby compromising the integrity of the entire safety system.

[0080] The screw fastening device 101 described herein avoids this situation because the tightening tool (lever handle 111) is integrally mounted to the screw fastening device 101 and cannot be misplaced. The handle 111 can be easily and safely extended from the retracted position to the operating position and can be returned to the retracted position after use.

[0081] See Figure 5- Figure 6 The figure shows a screw fastening device 101 according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure. This screw fastening device is related to... Figures 3-4 The screw fastener 101 shown is similar, as the handle 211 is also integrally and pivotally mounted to the screw fastener base or body 207 via a pivot mount 212. Therefore, Figure 5- Figure 6The screw-on device shown has all the inventive advantages of an integrated handle / lever. Further advantageously, in Figure 5- Figure 6 In the screw thread assembly shown, one of the threaded shafts 208a has a reduced diameter and can be (substantially completely) accommodated within an elongated axial hole 208c provided in the other threaded shaft 208b (see [reference]). Figure 5C This means that when the screw is tightened to its maximum extent ( Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5D In this arrangement, one shaft is essentially completely housed within another. The threaded shafts engage only in threaded holes at the ends of the screw fastener body or chassis 207, and the shafts are not threaded together. One shaft is simply housed within another without any threaded drive engagement. The effect of this is that the total length of the screw fastener body or chassis 207 from one end to the other is half that of the previously described embodiment for the same overall tension effect. This means that the safety cable 2 can extend a longer distance and terminate closer to the anchor points 3, 4, and also reduces the overall weight of the screw fastener assembly.

[0082] The provided screwdriver assembly, featuring an integrated operating handle 211 and a tensioning element, works synergistically, with the handle 211 and tensioning element configured to house one threaded element 208a within another threaded element 208b. This is because the overall length of the screwdriver body or chassis 207 can be shorter, while allowing for a handle 211 of sufficient length to extend between the opposite ends of the screwdriver body or chassis. This allows for optimization of the overall weight of the screwdriver assembly.

[0083] Non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure have been described in detail herein. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and substitutions can be made to the embodiments or aspects without departing from the concept disclosed above. These modifications are intended to be included in the following claims unless the claims expressly state otherwise in their language. Therefore, the specific embodiments or aspects described in detail above are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of this disclosure, which is given by the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all their equivalents.

Claims

1. A screw thread system, comprising: Safety rope; A body having a pair of opposite ends, wherein each end has a threaded hole; A pair of connectors, wherein each connector has a threaded shaft configured to be received in a threaded hole at one end of the pair of opposite ends of the body, and each connector is configured to be coupled to a portion of the safety cord; A handle connected to the main body; The handle is movable between a retracted position and an operating position. In the operating position, the handle is configured to facilitate rotation of the body about its longitudinal axis, and the handle protrudes outward by 90 degrees and serves as a lever fixed to the body so that the body can rotate about its longitudinal axis to increase or release tension in the safety cable by pulling the connectors together or forcing the connectors apart. as well as A fixing device is provided to secure the handle in the retracted position so that the handle does not protrude outward or swing to the operating position. The handle is integrally and pivotally mounted at one end of the body via a pivot connector, wherein the body includes an integral pivot mounting support for the handle, wherein one end of the handle is connected to the pivot mounting support via the pivot connector, and the handle is movable 90 degrees between the retracted position and the operating position. The handle is restricted from rotating beyond the operating position, i.e., restricted from rotating further away from the retracted position, by contact between the pivoting support of the body and the handle in the operating position. The diameter of the first connector in the pair of connectors is smaller than the diameter of the second connector in the pair of connectors, and the threaded shaft of the second connector in the pair of connectors has an elongated axial bore, the elongated axial bore being configured to receive the threaded shaft of the first connector in the pair of connectors within the elongated axial bore.

2. The screw fastening system according to claim 1, wherein in the retracted position, the longitudinal axis of the handle is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.

3. The screw thread system according to claim 1, wherein in the operating position, the longitudinal axis of the handle is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body.

4. The screw thread system according to claim 1, wherein the handle is fixed in the receiving recess by a semi-interference fit or a resilient clamping fit.

5. The screw thread system of claim 4, wherein a portion of the handle spaced apart from the proximal portion of the handle is nested in the receiving recess opposite to the proximal portion.

6. The screw thread system of claim 1, wherein the end of each of the paired connectors is a buttonhole.

Images