Backscrew protector for torque limiting nuts

Abstract

A torque limiting nut is provided that is an integrated assembly having a washer, a threaded component, and a tool interface. A back-out protector engages the tool interface and the washer to prevent back-out after the nut is seated.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 915,122, filed October 15, 2019, entitled "TORQUE-LIMITING NUT," which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 069,635, filed October 13, 2020, entitled "TORQUE-LIMITING NUT," which relates to the subject matter of the "TORQUE-LIMITING NUT," and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 250,104, filed September 29, 2021, entitled "REVERSE THREADING PROTECTORS FOR A TORQUE-LIMITING NUT," the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein. [Background technology]

[0002] A nut assembly is a well-known tool that is commonly used to hold an object in place. Nut assemblies may be used in a variety of applications. In one application, a nut assembly may be used to hold a wheel end assembly onto a spindle or onto a vehicle axle.

[0003] Generally, a nut assembly includes a nut and a washer that are operatively coupled together. The nut of the nut assembly is typically a metal or composite part with a threaded hole. The threads operatively engage corresponding threads on, for example, a spindle. The nut assembly is threaded onto the spindle and tightened against an object (wheel end) to hold the object in place.

[0004] Tightening a nut assembly to hold a wheel end assembly on a spindle is conceptually simple yet complex. The nut assembly needs to be tightened to a certain torque that provides enough seating force to hold the nut assembly in place and preload the bearings, but too much torque can damage parts or make them difficult to remove, depending on the implementation. Many nut assemblies, including spindle nut assemblies, require complicated procedures and the use of a torque wrench to properly seat the nut assembly against the object (wheel end).

[0005] Even when properly tightened, wheel end assemblies operate in harsh operating environments, one characteristic of which is vibration, which can cause some parts of the nut assembly to back out (commonly known as back-off).

[0006] In light of this background, there is a need for a back-off protector for a torque limiting spindle nut that prevents unwanted back-off while still allowing removal of the torque limiting spindle nut. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the problems in the conventional techniques described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This Summary is intended to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary, as well as the preceding Background, are not intended to identify key or critical aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] In some aspects of the present technology, a back-up protector for a torque limiting spindle nut is provided. The back-up protector is capable of engaging a tool interface and a washer to prevent back-up after the nut is seated. The engagement includes a first portion on the tool interface and a second portion on the washer.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first portion is a male component and the second portion is a female component. The male portion may be one or more protrusions or nibs. The female portion may be one or more depressions or recesses. The female portion may include one or more depressions with asymmetrical slopes.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first portion is a male component and the second portion is a female component. The male component may be a ratchet mechanism. The female component may be one or more recesses. The recesses may be formed by wedge-shaped ramps on the outer peripheral sidewall of the washer. The ratchet mechanism may include a lever and an arm operatively coupled as a rocker arm. The arm terminates in a hook that engages with at least one recess when the lever is unseated. When the lever is seated, the arm disengages the hook from the recesses.

[0012] The thread-back protector may also include a locking pin in some embodiments that extends through the tool interface and engages a recess in the base of the washer.

[0013] These and other aspects of the systems and methods of the present invention will become evident upon consideration of the detailed description and drawings herein.

[0014] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention, including preferred embodiments, are described with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the various drawings unless otherwise specified. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a torque limiting nut according to the technology of the present application. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a torque limiting nut according to the technology of the present application. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the torque limiting nut of FIG. 1A. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1B is another exploded view of the torque limiting nut of FIG. 1A. [Figure 4] 1B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the torque limiting nut of FIG. 1A. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1B illustrates a connection between a threaded component of the torque limiting nut of FIG. 1A and a tool interface. [Figure 6] ~ [Figure 7] 6 shows the force components associated with tightening and loosening the torque limiting nut of FIG. 1A shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of another torque limiting nut in accordance with the technology of the present application. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a torque limiting nut having a backthread protector in accordance with the technology of the present application. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates the tool interface of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 shows a detail of the interface between the tool interface and the washer of FIG. 9. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a torque limiting nut having another thread-back protector in accordance with the technology of the present application. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows details of the tool interface and washer of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of a torque limiting nut having another thread-back protector in accordance with the technology of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The technology of the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification and illustrate certain exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the technology of the present application. However, the embodiments may be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Thus, the following detailed description should not be construed in a limiting sense.

[0017] The technology of the present application is described with particular reference to back-out protectors for vehicle spindle nuts. However, the technology described herein may be used in applications other than those specifically described herein. For example, the technology of the present application may be applicable to any device in which back-out is a concern. Furthermore, the technology of the present application is described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein that is deemed "exemplary" should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, unless otherwise specified, all embodiments described herein should be considered exemplary.

[0018] 1A and 1B, a diagram of a torque limiting nut assembly 100 according to the technology of the present application is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the torque limiting nut is a torque limiting spindle nut 100 designed to engage a spindle to seat a wheel end assembly. In general, however, the terms torque limiting nut and torque limiting spindle nut are used interchangeably. The torque limiting spindle nut 100 includes a threaded component 110, a washer 120, and a tool interface 130. The torque limiting spindle nut 100 has a bore 140, and the threaded component 110 has an internal thread 112 along the bore 140. The internal thread 112 is configured to engage a corresponding thread on a spindle in this particular example. However, the torque limiting spindle nut assembly 100 may be configured for other applications. The washer 120 of the torque limiting spindle nut 100 includes an anti-rotation device 150. Anti-rotation device 150 may be a tang 152 as shown in Figure 1A, or a flat 154 as shown in Figure 1B. Anti-rotation device 150 is shaped to engage with a similar anti-rotation feature on the device (e.g., spindle, etc.) into which threaded component 110 threads. Other key / keyway type features are possible, tang 152 and flat 154 are just two examples.

[0019] 2 shows an exploded view of the torque limiting spindle nut 100. The torque limiting spindle nut 100 includes a threaded component 110, a washer 120, and a tool interface 130, which is shown here as an octagonal tool interface, although any tool interface is possible. As will be further described below, the washer 120 and the threaded component 110 are held together by a retention device 210, which includes a groove 212 on the outer diameter of the threaded component 110, an aligned groove on the inner surface of the washer 120 (shown below in FIG. 4), and a retaining ring 216 (shown below in FIG. 4) configured to fit into both the groove 212 and the aligned groove to hold the threaded component 110 and the washer together.

[0020] The threaded component 110 has a cylindrical body 220 with a bore 140 having an internal thread 112. The cylindrical body terminates at a washer side 222 in a flange-like portion 224. The groove 212 is formed on an outer diameter of the flange-like portion 224 of the threaded component 110. The cylindrical body has an outer sidewall 226 with a plurality of axially extending detents 228 thereon. The axially extending detents 228 are sized to receive a corresponding plurality of engagement members 230, which in this exemplary embodiment are pins 230. The pins 230 are illustrated as elongated cylindrical members, but may be balls, as shown in FIG. 8, or other shapes. The description herein is directed to an embodiment in which the engagement members 230 are pins 230 as illustrated.

[0021] The tool interface 130 has an internal bore 232 configured to cooperatively engage the cylindrical body 220 of the threaded component 110. The internal bore 232 has a number of axially extending recesses 234 that are generally aligned with a number of axially extending detents 228. The number of pins 230 engage both the detents 228 and the recesses 234, as will be further described below. The internal bore 232 also has a spring groove 236. The spring groove 236 is shown approximately midway along the internal bore 232, but may be located anywhere along the internal bore 232. The spring groove 236 is open to the recesses 234. A resilient member 238, such as a garter spring, is located within the spring groove 236. The resilient member 238 creates a compressive force that tends to seat the pin 230 in the detents 228. In some embodiments, the pin 230 may or may not have a seating groove 240 sized to engage the resilient member 238. An integral ring 242 engages an integral channel 244 on the outer sidewall 226 of the cylindrical body 220. The integral ring 242 prevents the tool interface 130 from disengaging from the threaded component 110. In some embodiments, the threaded component 110 may have a crimped or rolled lip on the top end of the cylindrical body 220 in place of the integral ring 242.

[0022] 3 shows another exploded view of the torque limiting spindle nut 100. FIG. 3 shows the threaded component 110, the washer 120, the tool interface 130, the retaining ring 216, a cylindrical body 220 having a flange-like piece 224 with a groove 212 on its outer diameter, an integral channel 244, an outer sidewall 226 having a number of axially extending detents 228, a number of pins 230, a resilient elastomer 238, and an integral ring 242.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the torque limiting spindle nut 100. As best seen in FIG. 4, the washer 120 has an outer diameter sidewall 402 and a base surface 404 extending radially inward. The outer diameter sidewall 402 has an aligned groove 408 on an inner surface 406. The aligned groove 408 is aligned with a groove 212 on the outer diameter of the threaded component 110. A retaining ring 216 is fitted into both the groove 212 and the aligned groove 408, and is a retention device 210 that holds the washer 120 and the threaded component 110 together. The base surface 404 has a base surface hole 410 that has a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the hole 140 of the threaded component 110. The outer diameter sidewall 402 and the base surface 404 are sized and shaped to receive the flange-like piece 224 of the threaded component 110.

[0024] The tool interface 130 has a bottom surface 412 that engages a top surface 414 of the flange-like part. The spring groove 236 of the tool interface 130 is shown having a resilient member 238, shown in this example as a garter spring 238. The resilient member 238 exerts a compressive force on the pin 230 tending to seat the pin 230 in the axially extending detent 228 of the threaded component 110.

[0025] 4 also shows the integration ring 242 in the integration channel 244. As mentioned above, crimping or rolling the top end 420 of the cylindrical body 220 after the tool interface 130 is mated to the threaded component 110 can be an alternative to the integration ring 242.

[0026] FIG. 5 shows details of the engagement between the tool interface 130 and the threaded component 110. FIG. 5 shows a set of detents 228, a recess 234, and a pin 230. A resilient member 238 in a spring groove 236 is shown exerting a compressive force on the pin 230 tending to seat the pin 230 in the detents 228. The recess 234 is open to the spring groove 236. The recess 234 has a pin seat 502 and a radially extending recess wall 504 that extends approximately 90° to a tangent of the internal bore and extends from the pin seat 502 to the internal bore 232 (see FIG. 2). The recess 234 has a second recess wall 506 that is angled relative to the radially extending recess wall 504. The angle that it makes with the radially extending recess wall 504 may be about 25-50 degrees in some embodiments, and about 10-85 degrees in other embodiments, with the angle being preferably between 30-60 degrees, and in this example about 45 degrees.

[0027] The tightening of the torque limiting spindle nut onto the spindle is described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the threaded component 110 and the tool interface 130 at one pin 230. The pin 230 is seated within the detent 228 of the threaded component 110 and within the recess 234 of the tool interface 130. The resilient member 238 creates a compressive force tending to seat the pin 230 within the detent 228. A force is applied to the tool interface 130 to rotate the tool interface 130 in the direction indicated by arrow A. The radially extending recess wall 504 contacts the pin 230 and the resilient member 238, forcing the pin 230 into the detent 228, creating a friction fit between the tool interface 130 and the threaded component 110. As the tool interface 130 rotates, more friction is required as the nut is tightened onto the spindle. A force acts against the compressive force of the resilient member 238, as indicated by arrow B. Once a predetermined force (torque limit) is reached, the rotational force tending to unseat pin 230 overcomes the compressive force of resilient member 238 and pin 230 moves out of detent 228 and at least partially into pin seat 502. Once pin 230 has moved out of detent 228, tool interface 130 is no longer in frictional engagement with threaded component 110 and further rotation of tool interface 130 does not further tighten threaded component 110 on the spindle.

[0028] Loosening the torque limiting spindle nut 100 from the spindle will now be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the threaded component 110 and the tool interface 130 at one pin 230. The pin is seated in the detent 228, but the torque is at a maximum. Loosening the nut 100 applies a rotational force to the tool interface 130, as shown by arrow C. Initially, the tool interface 130 is rotating at the limit torque, and the pin 230 will first move against the resilient member 238, which will attempt to disengage the pin 230 from the detent 228. However, due to the angle of the second recess wall 506, as the tool interface 130 rotates in the direction shown by arrow C, the pin 230 will come into contact with the second recess wall 506, which will force the pin 230 into the detent 228, as shown by arrow D, creating a frictional engagement between the tool interface 130 and the threaded component 110. This allows the torque limiting spindle nut 100 to be disengaged from the spindle.

[0029] FIGURE 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a portion of another torque limiting spindle nut 800. FIGURE 8 illustrates a threaded component 802 and a tool interface 804. The threaded component 802 has a cylindrical body 806 with a bore 808 having an internal thread. The threaded component 802 has an annular, radially extending flange-like portion 810 at a first end 812 of the cylindrical body 806. The flange-like portion 810 has a plurality of spaced apart detents 814 on a tool interface face 816 of the flange-like portion 810.

[0030] The tool interface 804 has a number of axially extending recesses 818 corresponding to the number of spaced apart detents 812. The recesses 818, in some embodiments, are holes in the tool interface 804. A number of engagement members 820 (e.g., balls 820 as shown) are located within the detents 814 and extend at least partially into the recesses 818 (or holes 818). Within the axially extending recesses 818 (or holes 818) are a number of compression members 822, with first ends 824 of the compression members 822 in contact with the engagement members 820 and second ends 826 opposite the first ends 824 engaging with a lip 828 (or bottom surface 828 of the holes) at a distal end 830 of the tool interface 804, which in some embodiments may engage a retaining ring 832. A compression member 822 (illustrated as a coil spring) generates a compressive force tending to seat the engagement member 820 within the detent 814, creating a frictional engagement between the tool interface 804 and the threaded component 802. When a torque limit is reached, the engagement member 820 is forced against the compression member 822 and disengages from the detent 814, and thus the frictional engagement between the tool interface 804 and the threaded component 802 is released when the torque limit is reached.

[0031] As can be seen from the figures above, a threaded component when engaged with a spindle is held by thread-to-thread friction and seating forces. Vibrations in the system (e.g., vehicle vibrations) or other forces can cause the threaded component to unthread on the spindle, sometimes referred to as backing out or backing off.

[0032] FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of a torque limiting nut assembly 900 according to the technology of the present application. The torque limiting nut assembly 900 is similar to the torque limiting nuts 100 and 800 described above, and such similarities will not be repeated here. In general terms, the torque limiting nut 900 includes, for example, a threaded component 110 (802), a washer 120, and a tool interface 130 (804). The torque limiting spindle nut 900 has a bore 140, and the threaded component 110 has an internal thread 112 along the bore 140. The internal thread 112 is configured to engage with a corresponding thread on a spindle in this particular example. However, the torque limiting spindle nut assembly 100 may be configured for other applications besides a spindle or axle.

[0033] The washer 120 and threaded component 110 are held together by a retention device 210, as previously described. The retention device includes a groove 212 on the outer diameter of the threaded component 110, an aligned groove on the inner surface of the washer 120, and a retaining ring 216 configured to fit into both the groove 212 and the aligned groove to hold the threaded component 110 and the washer together.

[0034] The tool interface 130 has an internal bore 232 that is shaped to cooperatively engage the cylindrical body 220 of the threaded component 110. An integration ring 242 engages an integration channel 244 on the outer sidewall 226 of the cylindrical body 220. The integration ring 242 prevents the tool interface 130 from backing out of the threaded component 110. In some embodiments, the threaded component 110 may have a crimped or rolled lip on the top end of the cylindrical body 220 in place of the integration ring 242.

[0035] The torque limiting nut assembly 900 also includes a backlash protector 902, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. The backlash protector 902 includes a first portion 904 on the tool interface 130 and a second portion 906 on the washer 120. The first portion 904 may be a male component 904 as shown, which engages with the second portion 906, which is a female component 906. The first portion 904 is a protrusion 904 in this example, such as a nib 904 extending from a surface of the tool interface, as shown. The second portion 906 is a recess 906, such as a beveled surface 906 as shown (as shown in Figures 11 and 9). The second portion 906 is sized to cooperatively engage with the first portion 904. The bevel 906 may be asymmetrical as shown, with the first bevel 908 being approximately parallel to the radius of the washer 120, for example, and the second bevel 910 being angled relative to the first bevel 908. The second portion 906 is located at the junction of the tool interface with the washer 120, specifically on a circumferential rim 912 located at the outer peripheral edge 914 (FIG. 9) of the washer 120. The first bevel 908 has a high angle (e.g., about 80-110 degrees) relative to the direction of loosening the threaded portion 110 to resist backout or unscrewing. The second bevel 910 has a lower angle (e.g., about 25-75 degrees) to allow for tightening of the torque limiting nut assembly 900. The first portion 904 and the second portion 906 may be reversed. That is, the second portion 906 may be on the tool interface 130 and the first portion 904 may be on the washer 120 .

[0036] When the torque limit nut assembly 900 is installed, for example, on a spindle (not shown), the first portion 904 (male portion 904) seats within the second portion 906 (female portion 906). When the torque limit nut assembly 900 is seated, the first beveled surface 908 abuts the first portion 904, providing resistance to back-threading. Conversely, when the torque limit nut assembly 900 is seated, the first portion 904 engages the second beveled surface 910, thereby requiring less force to move the first portion relative to the second portion so that the torque limit nut assembly 900 can be installed.

[0037] FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of another torque limiting nut 1000 according to the technology of the present application. The torque limiting nut assembly 1000 is similar to the torque limiting nuts 100 and 800 described above, and such similarities will not be repeated here. In general, the torque limiting nut 1000 includes, for example, a threaded component 110 (802), a washer 120, and a tool interface 130 (804). The torque limiting nut assembly 1000 has a bore 140, and the threaded component 110 has an internal thread along the bore 140. The internal thread is configured to engage with a corresponding thread on a spindle in this particular example. However, the torque limiting spindle nut assembly 100 may be configured for other applications other than a spindle or axle.

[0038] The torque limiting nut assembly 1000 includes a thread back protector 1002 that includes a first portion 1004 on the washer 120 and a second portion 1006 on the tool interface 130 (although the first and second portions may be reversed), as best seen in FIG. 13. The first portion 1004 includes a peripheral sidewall 1007 of the washer 120 that has a plurality of recesses 1008 formed by a plurality of wedge shaped ramps 1010 (serrations) and a plurality of stop walls 1012. The second portion 1006 includes a ratchet feature 1014.

[0039] The ratchet mechanism 1014 has a lever 1016 hinged to the tool interface 130 on a lever seat 1018. The lever seat 1018 has a beveled surface and a hole 1022 through which a pin 1024 extends. The lever 1016 has at least one tang 1026 with a hole (which may be a blind hole) that engages with the pin 1024. The beveled surface 1020 has a resilient member 1027 that is compressed and tends to bias the lever 1016 out or away from the lever seat 1018. The lever seat 1018 may have a resilient member seat (shown but not numbered) on the beveled surface. An arm 1028 extends from the opposite face of the lever 1016 and terminates in a hook 1030 that has a tapered or rounded outer surface. The lever 1016 and arm 1028 act as a rocker arm, and when the lever 1016 is seated on the lever seat 1018, the arm 1028 lifts the hook 1030 off the outer circumferential sidewall 1006, disengaging the ratchet mechanism 1014. The lever 1016 is seated, for example, when a tool (not shown) is engaged from above the tool interface 130. When the tool is removed, a resilient member 1026 (which may be a compression spring, coil spring, etc.) biases the lever 1016 away from the lever seat 1018, thereby lowering the arm 1028 and causing the hook 1030 to engage the stop wall 1012. The hook engaging the stop wall resists unscrewing. When a tool, such as a wrench, is applied to thread the torque limiting nut onto the spindle, in this example the tool engages the lever causing the arm to lift, thereby disengaging the pawl mechanism and allowing the nut to be tightened.

[0040] 14 shows a partially exploded view of a torque limiting nut assembly 1100, which is broadly similar to the torque limiting nut assemblies described above, and such similarities will not be repeated here. The torque limiting nut assembly 1100 includes at least a tool interface 130 and a washer 120, similar to those described above.

[0041] The torque limiting nut assembly 1100 has a thread back protector 1102. The torque limiting nut assembly 1100 may be considered to be consistent with any of the torque limiting nuts described above. The thread back protector 1102 includes a locking pin 1104 that threads into a locking hole or channel in the tool interface 130, and the locking pin 1104 may be considered to be the first portion 1104 of the thread back protector 1102. The rotatable locking pin 1104 terminates in a washer engagement protrusion 1106. A base 1108 of the washer 120 engages a base 1110 of the tool interface 130. The base 1108 of the washer 120 has at least one (and typically more than one) recess 1112 sized to cooperatively engage with a washer engagement protrusion 1106 on the end of the locking pin 1104, which recess or recesses 1112 may be considered to be a second portion of the thread back protector 1102. When the torque limit nut assembly 1100 is installed on a shaft (e.g., a spindle axle in this example), the locking pin 1104 rotates from a free position to an engaged position. In the engaged position, the washer engagement protrusions 1106 seat in the corresponding recesses 1112. The washer engagement protrusions seated in the recesses 1112 resist rotation of the tool interface 130 relative to the washer, preventing thread back. To disengage the torque limit nut assembly 1100, the locking pin 1104 is rotated in the opposite direction from the engaged position to the free position. In the free position, the torque limit nut assembly 1100 can be loosened (or tightened). In some embodiments, the locking pin 1104 may be biased with a resilient member 1114, such as a spring, to seat the washer engagement protrusion 1106. When biased with the resilient member 1114, the biasing force may be sufficient to resist back-threading while allowing the torque limit nut assembly 1100 to be intentionally loosened with a tool applied to the tool interface. Also, in some embodiments, the torque limit nut assembly 1100 may include a locking pin stop 1116 that prevents over-rotation of the locking pin 1104.

[0042] A first example of the technology described herein includes a torque limiting nut with a backthread protector including a threaded component, a tool interface having an internal bore sized to receive a cylindrical body of the threaded component, and a washer having an annular sidewall, wherein the threaded component, the tool interface, and the washer are an integrated assembly with the backthread protector, the backthread protector including a first portion on the tool interface and a second portion on the washer, the first portion and the second portion operatively sized to engage and prevent backthreading of the tool interface relative to the washer.

[0043] In a second embodiment of the technology described herein, which includes the first embodiment, the second portion is on the annular side wall of the washer.

[0044] In a third embodiment of the technology described herein, including the first or second embodiments, the first portion is a male component and the second portion is a female component, the male and female components being operatively sized to mate with one another when the torque limiting nut with back-off protector is seated therein.

[0045] In a fourth embodiment of the technology described herein, which includes all of the first through third embodiments, the male component is at least one nib.

[0046] In a fifth embodiment of the technology described herein, which includes all of the first through fourth embodiments, the at least one nib is a plurality of nibs.

[0047] In a sixth embodiment of the technology described herein, which includes all of the first through fifth embodiments, the female component is at least one recess.

[0048] In a seventh embodiment of the technology described in this specification, which includes all of the first to sixth embodiments, the at least one recess is a plurality of recesses.

[0049] In an eighth embodiment of the technology described herein, which includes all of the first through seventh embodiments, the recess includes a pair of asymmetrical slopes, at least one of the asymmetrical slopes being approximately parallel to the direction in which the male component extends from the tool interface.

[0050] In a ninth embodiment of the technology described herein, including the first embodiment, the second portion is on an outer circumferential surface of the washer.

[0051] In a tenth embodiment of the technology described in this specification, which includes the first and ninth embodiments, the first portion includes a ratchet mechanism and the second portion includes a plurality of recesses on the outer circumferential surface.

[0052] An eleventh embodiment of the technology described herein includes a torque limiting nut with a backthread protector including a threaded component, a tool interface having an internal bore sized to receive a cylindrical body of the threaded component, and a washer having an outer circumferential surface, wherein the threaded component, the tool interface, and the washer are an integrated assembly with the backthread protector, the backthread protector including a first portion on the tool interface and a second portion on the outer circumferential surface of the washer, the first portion and the second portion operatively sized to engage and prevent backthreading of the tool interface relative to the washer.

[0053] In a twelfth embodiment of the technology described in this specification, including either the first embodiment or the eleventh embodiment, the first portion includes a ratchet mechanism and the second portion includes a plurality of recesses on the outer circumferential surface.

[0054] In a thirteenth embodiment of the technology described in this specification, including the first embodiment, the eleventh embodiment, and / or the twelfth embodiment, each of the multiple recesses is formed by a wedge-shaped slope.

[0055] In a fourteenth embodiment of the technology described in this specification, which includes the first embodiment and / or any of the eleventh to thirteenth embodiments, the pawl mechanism includes a lever and an arm terminating in a hook, and the lever and arm act as a rocker arm, whereby when the lever is seated, the arm is raised to disengage the hook from the multiple recesses, and when the lever is not seated, the arm is lowered to engage the hook in at least one of the multiple recesses.

[0056] In a fifteenth embodiment of the technology described in this specification, including the first embodiment and / or the eleventh to fourteenth embodiments, the pawl mechanism includes a lever base, and the lever base has an elastic member that biases the lever away from the lever base.

[0057] In a sixteenth embodiment of the technology described in this specification, including the first embodiment and / or the eleventh to fifteenth embodiments, the elastic member is a spring.

[0058] A seventeenth embodiment of the technology described herein includes a torque limiting nut with a backthread protector including a threaded component, a tool interface having an internal bore sized to receive a cylindrical body of the threaded component, and a washer, wherein the threaded component, the tool interface, and the washer are an integrated assembly with the backthread protector, the backthread protector including a first portion on the tool interface and a second portion on the washer to prevent backthreading.

[0059] In an 18th embodiment of the technology described herein, including the 1st embodiment, the 11th embodiment, and / or the 17th embodiment, the first portion includes a locking pin extending through the locking hole and the second portion includes a base on the washer having at least one recess, whereby the locking pin extends through the locking hole and engages with the at least one recess.

[0060] In a 19th embodiment of the technology described in this specification, including the 1st embodiment, the 11th embodiment, the 17th embodiment, and / or the 18th embodiment, the lock pin is threaded into the lock hole and has an engaged position that prevents back-threading and a free position that allows rotation of the torque limiting nut.

[0061] In a twentieth embodiment of the technology described in this specification, including the first embodiment, the eleventh embodiment, and / or the seventeenth to nineteenth embodiments, the tool interface includes a lock pin stopper that prevents overthreading of the lock pin.

[0062] In a twenty-first embodiment of the technology described in this specification, including the first embodiment, the eleventh embodiment, and / or the seventeenth to twentieth embodiments, the locking pin is spring loaded.

[0063] Although the present technology has been described in specific terms for certain structures and materials, it should be understood that the present invention as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures and materials described. Rather, those specific aspects are described as implementations of the claimed invention. Since various embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention is hereinafter referred to as the appended claims. Unless otherwise specified, all numerical values ​​or expressions (e.g., numerical values ​​or expressions expressing dimensions, physical properties, etc.) used in this specification (other than the claims) should be understood to be modified in all instances by the word "approximately". At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter described in this specification or claims that is modified by the word "approximately" should be construed at least in light of the number of significant digits recited and by applying ordinary approximation techniques. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein should be understood to encompass and support claims reciting any and all subranges, or any and all individual values ​​subsumed within those subranges. For example, if a stated range is 1 to 10, this should be considered to encompass and support a claim recited in any and all subranges or individual values ​​between and / or including the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10 (i.e., all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or greater and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, etc.), or any value between 1 and 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, etc.)).

Claims

1. a threaded component; a tool interface having an internal bore sized to receive the cylindrical body of the threaded component; a washer having an annular sidewall; Including, the threaded component, the tool interface, and the washer are an integrated assembly having a thread back-up protector, the thread back-up protector comprising: a first portion on the tool interface; a second portion on the washer, the first portion and the second portion operatively sized to engage and prevent unthreading of the tool interface relative to the washer; and Including, Torque limiting nut with back-out protector.

2. The torque limiting nut with back-off protector of claim 1 , wherein said second portion is on an annular side wall of said washer.

3. 3. The torque limiting nut with backlash protector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first portion is a male component and the second portion is a female component, the male component and the female component being operatively sized to mate with one another when the torque limiting nut with backlash protector is seated.

4. The torque limiting nut with back-off protector according to claim 3 , wherein the male component is at least one nib.

5. The torque limiting nut with back-off protector according to claim 4 , wherein the at least one nib is a plurality of nibs.

6. The torque limiting nut with back-off protector of claim 3 , wherein the female component is at least one recess.

7. The torque limiting nut with back-off protector according to claim 3 , wherein the at least one recess is a plurality of recesses.

8. 4. The torque limiting nut with back-thread protector according to claim 3, wherein the recess includes a pair of asymmetrical bevels, at least one of the asymmetrical bevels being generally parallel to a direction in which the male component extends from the tool interface.

9. The torque limiting nut with back-off protector according to claim 1 , wherein the second portion is on an outer peripheral surface of the washer.

10. 10. The torque limiting nut with back-off protector of claim 9, wherein the first portion includes a pawl mechanism and the second portion includes a plurality of indentations on the outer circumferential surface.

11. 11. The torque limiting nut with a thread back-off protector according to claim 9 or 10, wherein each of the plurality of recesses is formed by a wedge-shaped slope.

12. 10. The torque limiting nut with thread-back protector of claim 9, wherein the pawl mechanism includes a lever and an arm, the arm terminating in a hook, the lever and the arm acting as a rocker arm, whereby when the lever is seated, the arm is raised to disengage the hook from the plurality of recesses, and when the lever is not seated, the arm is lowered to engage the hook with at least one of the plurality of recesses, the pawl mechanism preferably including a lever base, the lever base having a resilient member that biases the lever away from the lever base, the resilient member may be a spring.

13. 2. The torque limiting nut with backthread protector of claim 1, wherein the first portion includes a locking pin extending through a locking hole of the tool interface, and the second portion includes a base of the washer having at least one recess, the locking pin extending through the locking hole and engaging the at least one recess to prevent backthreading of the tool interface.

14. The torque limiting nut with a back-thread protector according to claim 13, wherein the locking pin is threaded into the locking hole and has an engaged position that prevents back-threading and a free position that allows rotation of the torque limiting nut.

15. 15. The torque limiting nut with back-thread protector according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the tool interface includes a lock pin stopper that prevents over-threading of the lock pin.

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