A fastener for a one-sided bolt system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fastener for securing an object to a structure, the object having an aperture and the structure having an elongate opening in alignment with the aperture. The fastener comprises a bolt having a head and a threaded shank extending from the head, wherein the head is dimensioned to fit the elongate opening, a nut threadingly received by the threaded shank, a locking component having a central opening for passing the threaded shank through the central opening and positioned intermediate of the head and the nut, wherein the locking component includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein when the head and the first portion is inserted into the elongate opening of the structure, rotation of the nut in a first direction causes the head to rotate from a first position to a second position, and further rotation of the nut in the same direction causes the head in its second position to be displaced towards the nut and retained within the first portion to prevent movement of the head in the first direction and a direction opposed to the first direction.

Description

A FASTENER FOR A ONE-SIDED BOLT SYSTEMTechnical Field[0001| The present disclosure generally relates to a one-sided bolt system. More particularly, it relates to a fastener for a one-sided blind bolt system.Background

[0002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] A blind-sided mounting assembly or a blind-sided bolt system typically refers to a type of fastening or locking mechanism that involves the use of a bolt or fastener that can be secured or tightened from only one side. In traditional bolted systems, access to both sides of the joint or material being fastened is needed in order to install and tighten the bolt.

[0004] A one-sided blind bolt system can be useful in various applications, such as when securing components within machinery, structures, channel or rail type structures or other assemblies where it’s difficult to access both sides. One-sided blind bolt systems often include specialized fasteners, such as blind rivets, captive nuts, or certain types of threaded inserts. These fasteners are designed to be inserted and tightened from one side while providing a secure connection on the opposite side. The specific design and use of onesided blind bolt systems can vary depending on the application and requirements, but thekey feature is the ability to secure or fasten something without the need for access to both sides of the material or joint.

[0005] The typical process for installing new wear liners or replacing wear liners involves using bolts inserted through pre-drilled mounting holes in the chute wall. This procedure generally necessitates access from both sides of the chute wall: one side for the liner installation within the chute and another side for attaching and tightening the nuts.

[0006] In some applications like ore mining, cement plants and other similar industry where water and chemicals are used in separation and refining processes, the protection of the fastener head from corrosion and chemical attack is important. Lengthy and unplanned shutdowns due to bolting system failures are not operationally and economically feasible in industries these industries

[0007] In traditional bolting systems, the bolt is inserted from the back of a chute structural wall or inserted from the front. The nut needs to be placed on the bolt and precautions are taken to ensure that the nut and threads are aligned. Any misalignment leads to thread damage requiring a significant amount of time to fix.

[0008] Traditionally, pre-drilled mounting holes in the chute structural wall were used, requiring the production of very accurate matching wear liners. This required that thousands of holes are aligned between the mounting holes in the structural wall and holes of the wear plates, which posed a unique challenge in the installation process. Various techniques, such as laser scans and manual measurements of hole-to-hole distance were employed.

[0009] However, in certain situations, gaining access to the outer wall can be challenging or simply not practical. Factors like height limitations or structural constraints, such as thechute wall being affixed to a concrete backing, can pose difficulties. To address these access issues, there has been a growing adoption of blind-sided bolt installation methods instead of welding it permanently which introduce another challenge to grind or cut during replacement and maintenance wear plates, proposed blind-sided bolting enable the entire fastening process to occur from inside the chute without the need to access the outer chute wall. The bolts or fasteners are installed with the wear liners, typically through a 90 degree turn after insertion through the mounting hole in the chute wall and the bolt is locked in place by a nut

[0010] In one example application, one-sided bolt systems are used in transfer chutes used in ore mining in material handling systems that divert material flow between a process plant, conveyors and the like. The transfer chutes are normally subject to wear and are lined with wear-resistant materials to reduce maintenance intervals. In an example scenario where single-sided or blind-sided fasteners are used, an access is obstructed by an object, for example, a concrete wall of an ore handling chute used in the mining industry, a structure wall may be welded on to the concrete wall. To secure an object, for example, a wear liner, to the structure wall, a T-shaped bolt is used. The bolt is inserted through a keyhole shaped aperture and rotated 90 degrees to lock it in place. To prevent the head from rotating when the nut is being tightened, one or two pins or protrusions are formed on the outer surface of the structure wall.

[0011] Other techniques are designed to try to lock the bolt in place at the 90 degrees turn position. For example, the rotation and lock are achieved based on the friction of bolt and nut mating threads. Or in other techniques, the arrangements are made to rotate the nut first in at 90 degree and install the nut but precautions need to be taken to ensure the nut doesn’t reverse / unthread rotation which can cause the miss-position of nut head from required position. However, as the installer is not able to access or view the interior of the bolt,there is no guaranteed or dependable way to ensure that the bolt is locked in place at the 90-degree required position. As a result, bolts get loose over time through vibration, stress and corrosion and ingress of dust and particulate matter in the area surrounding the bolt and nut. Due to limited access to the bolt once it is installed, it is also difficult to conduct inspection and maintenance on the fasteners. This can cause severe consequences such as causing the wear liner to be displaced from the chute wall. Moreover, since the condition of the bolting system is unknown, it is not possible to plan maintenance operations accurately. Accidents are inevitable which leads to expensive unplanned shutdown in operations.

[0012] While one-sided blind bolt systems may be the answer to many problems in the industry, they pose the following challenges:Slip between fastening objects over time creates shear and tear-out forces on the bolt causing eventual bend and deformation of the bolt in one-sided bolt systems. This is due to the tightening torque from components that causes clamping and interference forces, friction, compression and other external multidirectional forces between the surfaces of the fastening objects. Temperature expansion and contraction of components also play a major role in creating slip between fastening objects.It is difficult to keep the torque of the bolt system constant throughout the service life of the bolt system and they are inclined to loosening because of change in temperature, uneven and unpredicted material contraction and expansion under stress. They are also subject to corrosion and chemical attacks that are not easy to prevent. Unlike normal bolt systems, the one-sided bolt follows the path used to insert in bolt and eventually falls off under minor loosening.Difficulty in ensuring the head remains perpendicular or 90 degrees to a receiver hole shape in the structural wall in one-sided bolt systems. It is common for the bolt to be short of its 90 degrees rotation (eg., due to visibility issues) which results in less overlap between head and structural wall surface which can result in rotation of the head over time due to loosening of the nut. This can cause the head to rotate back to its installation position and pass through the receiver hole Tn other cases, it may result in deformation or even breaking of head during the tightening process and in such a situation, the bolt system cannot provide the strength it was designed for.Corrosion or chemical attacks are some issues which cause bolt systems to fail and lead to expensive unplanned shutdowns.Slip between fastening objects (eg. wear liners) caused by gravity and multidirectional forces in moving heavy stones in conveyers and transfer chutes in ore mining. Current techniques to mitigate slip between fastening objects include use of dowel pins to secure the fastening objects to each other. However, use of dowel pins requires more control over tolerance and accuracy during production and installation and it is not feasible to use dowel pins in every application.Where a slip occurs between fastening objects, the alignment of the fastening objects are lost which makes it even more difficult to remove the single sided bolt until the fastening objects are aligned. If multiple bolts are used its required to remove all bolts until alignment is achieved, causing undue delays and downtime in replacement or maintenance of the fastening objects.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention attempts to overcome at least in part some of the aforementioned problems and to provide for an improved approach for addressing the foregoing challenges.Summary of the Invention

[0014] Tn accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a fastener for securing an object to a structure, the object having an aperture and the structure having an elongate opening in alignment with the aperture. The fastener comprises a bolt having a head and a threaded shank extending from the head, wherein the head is dimensioned to fit the elongate opening, a nut threadingly received by the threaded shank, a locking component having a central opening for passing the threaded shank through the central opening and positioned intermediate of the head and the nut, wherein the locking component includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein when the head and the first portion is inserted into the elongate opening of the structure, rotation of the nut in a first direction causes the head to rotate from a first position to a second position, and further rotation of the nut in the same direction causes the head in its second position to be displaced towards the nut and retained within the first portion to prevent movement of the head in the first direction and a direction opposed to the first direction.

[0015] According to various embodiments, the head has an elongate shape, and the head and the first portion are substantially aligned to fit the elongate opening.

[0016] According to various embodiments, the first portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from the second portion, the first portion and the second portion including a space therebetween to receive the head in the second position.

[0017] According to various embodiments, the first protrusion and the second protrusion each includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface facing inwardly to the opposed protrusion, and the outer surface adapted to operatively engagethe elongate opening, wherein the head in its second position is retained within the inner surfaces of the first and second protrusions.

[0018] According to various embodiments, the second portion includes a base dimensionally bigger than the elongate opening and dimensioned to fit the aperture.100191 According to various embodiments, each protrusion includes an end portion adapted to engage the head to keep the head and the first portion substantially aligned to fit the elongate opening

[0020] According to various embodiments, the end portion is a projection.

[0021] According to various embodiments, the head has an elongate shape and is substantially aligned to its longitudinal axis in the first position.

[0022] According to various embodiments, the first position is a releasable position for removing the fastener from the aperture and the elongate opening so as to remove the object from the structure.

[0023] According to various embodiments, the head is substantially 90 degrees to its longitudinal axis in the second position such that the head is unable to pass through the elongate opening.

[0024] According to various embodiments, the at least one protrusion includes a ramp that increases in height from one end of the protrusion to an opposed end of the protrusion. [ 00251 According to various embodiments, the head has an upper surface and a lower surface, the head including a bevel located on at least one side of the lower surface for engagement with the end portion, and wherein the bevel includes a longitudinal surface angled from the horizontal place of the bolt to provide a resistance to prevent the locking component from further rotation in one direction.

[0026] According to various embodiments, further rotation of the nut in the same direction causes the head in its second position to abut an inner face of the elongate opening thereby clamping the object to the structure.

[0027] According to various embodiments, the second portion includes a cylindrical base having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a top seal surrounding the circumference of the top surface for engagement with an outer face of the elongate opening.

[0028] According to various embodiments, the second portion further includes a bottom seal surrounding the circumference of the bottom surface.

[0029] According to various embodiments, the nut includes a threaded bore configured to correspondingly engage with the threaded shank at an inlet of the nut, whereby rotation of the nut in the first direction causes the head to be displaced towards the nut.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for securing an object to a structure with a fastener, the object having an aperture and the structure having an elongate opening in alignment with the aperture. The fastener comprises an elongate bolt having a head and a threaded shank extending from the head, wherein the head is dimensioned to fit the elongate opening, a nut threadingly received by the threaded shank, a locking component having a central opening for passing the threaded shank through the central opening and positioned intermediate of the head and the nut, wherein the locking component includes a first portion and a second portion. The method comprises inserting the head and the first portion into the elongate opening of the structure such that the first portion extends into the elongate opening, rotating the nut in a first direction to cause the head to rotate from a first position to a second position; rotating the nut further in the same direction to cause the head in its second position to be displaced towards the nut and retained within the first portion to prevent movement of the head in the first direction and a direction opposed to the first direction thereby clamping the object to the structure.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the head has an elongate shape, and the head and the first portion are substantially aligned to fit the elongate opening.[ 00321 According to various embodiments, the first portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from the second portion, the first portion and the second portion including a space therebetween to receive the head in the second position.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the first protrusion and the second protrusion each includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface facing inwardly to the opposed protrusion, and the outer surface adapted to operatively engage the elongate opening, wherein the head in its second position is retained within the inner surfaces of the first and second protrusions.

[0034] According to various embodiments, the second portion includes a base dimensionally bigger than the elongate opening and dimensioned to fit the aperture.

[0035] According to various embodiments, each protrusion includes an end portion adapted to engage the head to keep the head and the first portion substantially aligned to fit the elongate opening.

[0036] According to various embodiments, the end portion is a projection.[ 00371 According to various embodiments, the head has an elongate shape and is substantially aligned to its longitudinal axis in the first position.

[0038] According to various embodiments, the first position is a releasable position for removing the fastener from the aperture and the elongate opening so as to remove the object from the structure.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the head is substantially 90 degrees to its longitudinal axis in the second position such that the head is unable to pass through the elongate opening.

[0040] According to various embodiments, the at least one protrusion includes a ramp that increases in height from one end of the protrusion to an opposed end of the protrusion.

[0041] According to various embodiments, the head has an upper surface and a lower surface, the head including a bevel located on at least one side of the lower surface for engagement with the end portion, and wherein the bevel includes a longitudinal surface angled from the horizontal place of the bolt to provide a resistance to prevent the locking component from further rotation in one direction.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the second portion includes a cylindrical base having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a top seal surrounding the circumference of the top surface for engagement with an outer face of the elongate opening.

[0043] According to various embodiments, the second portion further includes a bottom seal surrounding the circumference of the bottom surface.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the nut includes a threaded bore configured to correspondingly engage with the threaded shank at an inlet of the nut, whereby rotation of the nut in the first direction causes the head to be displaced towards the nut.

[0045] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a wear liner assembly adapted to be secured to a structure having an elongate opening, the wear liner assembly comprising a wear liner secured to a backing plate, wherein the wear liner and the backing plate include at least one hole therethrough, a fastener adapted for insertion through the at least one hole, the fastener comprising a bolt having a head and a threaded shank extending from the head, wherein the head is adapted to fit the elongate opening, a nut threadingly received by the threaded shank, a locking component having a first portion and a second portion, the locking component including a central opening for passing the threaded shank through the central opening and positioned intermediate of the head and the nut, wherein the first portion is adapted to be inserted into the elongate opening of the structure and to receive the head within the first portion when the wear liner is secured to the structure.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0046] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. The dimensions of the various features or elements may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In thefollowing description, various embodiments of the invention will be better understood with reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the non-limiting examples and the accompany drawings, in which:100471 Figure la illustrates a side view of a single sided bolt system with fastening tool in various stages according to various embodiments;

[0048] Figure 1 b illustrates a perspective view of a structural wall with a receiver having a receiver cavity according to various embodiments;

[0049] F igure 2a shows a perspective view of a bolt according to various embodiments;

[0050] Figure 2b shows a top view of a bolt according to various embodiments;

[0051] Figure 3a shows a perspective view of another bolt according to various embodiments;

[0052] Figure 3b shows a perspective view of a tapper bolt according to various embodiments;

[0053] Figure 4a shows a front view of a locking component according to various embodiments,

[0054] Figure 4b shows a plan view of a locking component according to various embodiments,[ 00551 Figure 4c shows a front perspective view of a locking component according to various embodiments;

[0056] Figure 4d shows a rear perspective view of a locking component according to various embodiments;

[0057] Figure 5a shows a perspective view of another locking component according to various embodiments;

[0058] Figure 5b shows a rear perspective view of the locking component of Figure 5a according to various embodiments;

[0059] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the locking component according to various embodiments;

[0060] Figure 7a shows a front view of a configurable locking component according to various embodiments;

[0061] Figure 7b shows a pair of protrusions according to various embodiments;

[0062] Figure 7c shows a base of a locking component according to various embodiments;

[0063] Figure 7d shows a base insert for a locking component according to various embodiments;

[0064] Figure 8a is a perspective cross-sectional view of a section of the locking component and bolt in a pre-installation position according to various embodiments;

[0065] Figure 8b is a side view of the locking component and bolt in a pre-installation position according to various embodiments;[0066| Figure 8c is a perspective view of the locking component and bolt in a preinstallation position according to various embodiments;

[0067] Figure 9a is perspective view of a locking component and bolt in a preinstallation position according to various embodiments;

[0068] Figure 9b is side perspective view of a locking component and bolt in a preinstallation position according to various embodiments;

[0069] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a section of the locking component and bolt in the pre-installation position according to various embodiments;

[0070] Figure 1 la is a perspective view of a bolt assembly in a pre-installation position according to various embodiments;

[0071] Figure l ib is a perspective view of a bolt assembly in transition to a locked position according to various embodiments;

[0072] Figure 11c is a perspective view of a bolt assembly in a locked position according to various embodiments;[0073| Figure 1 Id is another perspective view of a bolt assembly in a locked position according to various embodiments;

[0074] Figure 12 shows a plan view of a bolt assembly in a pre-installation position according to various embodiments;

[0075] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a bolt assembly in an insertion position according to various embodiments;[ 00761 Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a bolt assembly in a locked position according to various embodiments;

[0077] Figure 15 shows another perspective view of a bolt assembly in a locked position according to various embodiments;

[0078] Figure 16 shows a plan view of a bolt assembly in a locked position according to various embodiments;

[0079] Figure 17a shows a front perspective view of a receiver according to various embodiments;

[0080] Figure 17b shows a rear perspective view of the receiver of Fig. 17a according to various embodiments;

[0081] Figure 18a shows a front perspective view of a nut according to various embodiments,

[0082] Figure 18b shows a rear perspective view of a nut according to various embodiments,[ 00831 F igure 19a shows a rear perspective view of a tightening attachment for the bolt system according to various embodiments;

[0084] Figure 19b shows a front perspective view of a tightening attachment for the bolt system according to various embodiments;

[0085] Figure 20a shows a perspective view of a rail channel according to various embodiments,

[0086] Figure 20b shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a bolt assembly in a locked position in a rail channel according to various embodiments; and

[0087] Figure 20c shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a bolt assembly in an insertion position in a rail channel according to various embodimentsDetailed Description

[0088] Reference will now be made in detail to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the embodiment, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended description. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0089] In the specification the term “comprising” shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term “including” and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term “comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises”.

[0090] In the specification, the term “engage” and its variants including “engagement”, “engages”, “engaging” and “engaged” as used herein are to be interpreted to include engagement by touching, rubbing or abutting including engagement in one or more of an axial, radial, tangential and circumferential direction, and includes engagement through an intermediary such as a component positioned or sandwiched between the e.g. counter face and head of the blind-sided fastener.

[0091] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Furthermore, the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

[0092] Certain terminology used in the description is for convenience in reference only and shall not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right, and left refer to the disclosed subject matter as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. The terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meaning. Like references numbers denote like features, components, or elements throughout the various embodiments.[ 00931 In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the term “and / or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a, ”an,” and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”[ 00941 Features that are described in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar features in the other embodiments. Features that are described in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly beapplicable to the other embodiments, even if not explicitly described in these other embodiments. Furthermore, additions and / or combinations and / or alternatives as described for a feature in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar feature in the other embodiments.

[0095] In the context of various embodiments, the articles “a”, “an” and “the” as used with regard to a feature or element include a reference to one or more of the features or elements.

[0096] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.[ 00971 To achieve the stated features, advantages and objects, the present invention is directed to a fastener for a blind-sided bolt system.

[0098] The present disclosure tackles some problem areas commonly encountered in blind-sided bolt systems. The present disclosure discloses a fastener for a one-sided blind bolt system that is designed to prevent ingress of particulate matter, water or chemicals in the bolt system and to prevent the fastener from being detached from the object even while it is loose. Additionally, the present disclosure also mitigates or prevents slips between fastening objects that can cause bolt alignment issues which can lead to eventual bolt deformation or difficulty in removing bolts for replacement or maintenance purposes. The present disclosure also addresses the problem of the installer who may be unsure if the bolt is in the locked position due to limited view of the head of the bolt during the process of installation. If the bolt is not in its locked position after the installation process, the bolt may loosen more quickly than it normally would over time and cause failure of the wear liner.

[0099] Additionally, the present invention intends to address the aforesaid problems and challenges with the following solutions:• Ensure the bolt in a one-sided bolt system remains in its locked position throughout the service life.• Prevent loosening of the bolt caused by vibration, temperature changes and stress.• Return the fastener to an installation position to allow a locking component to exit a elongate opening in the structure wall.• Provide more contact area to prevent deformation of bolt under slip mitigation and increase the ability to handle more shear force on bolt.• Provide more overlapping contact area between the head and fastening object without sacrificing the head size.• Reduce the need to use a tapered head as the remedy to avoid bolt alignment issues. Manufacturing of tapered head and the corresponding aperture shape in the receiver is not cost effective and requires more accuracy in installation.• Provide airtight sealing of head, bolt threads and nut threads to prevent corrosion and chemical attacks and contaminants within head and receiver cavity.• Eliminate the use of dowel or stopper pins to mitigate over and under rotation of heads during the service life.• In the case of wet tightening of the bolting system, where oil or grease is used to reduce friction between joint surfaces, there is no deformation of the stopper pm. This is because the friction between the head and the structural wall does not contribute to the tightening process, and all the tightening torque is transferred to the stopper pin.• Single handed fast installation and tightening process.• The design’s ability to permanently or electromagnetically pick, latch, and unlatch makes it compatible with robotic systems.• Independent locking of both bolt and nut makes it suitable to be used under tough and heavy vibration area application.

[0100] The proposed invention does not let the bolt come out until it is fully disengaged by loosening the nut and locking component past the engagement depth in the elongate opening cavity.1001011 The proposed invention does not let the bolt come out until it is fully disengaged by loosening the nut and locking component past the engagement depth in the elongate opening cavity.

[0102] The proposed invention ensures that when head is installed in the engagement member the free space around it is sealed and protected from the ingress of contaminants.

[0103] The proposed invention facilitates both installation and removal of the bolt into and out of the engagement member so as to allow efficient and effective removal and replacement of any such items mounted using this method.

[0104] The proposed invention allows for easy removal of the locking component and bolt when the nut is loosened.

[0105] Figure la illustrates a side view of components of a one-sided blind bolt assembly employing a fastening tool in various stages according to various embodiments. Figure lb illustrates a perspective view of a structural wall with a receiver having a receiver cavity according to various embodiments. The one-sided blind bolt system may include, but is not limited to, an engagement member or a receiver 31 mounted in a structure wall 30, various assembly combinations 10a, 10b, 10c, lOd comprising a bolt, a locking component and a nut for being received by the engagement member 31. Throughout the specification, engagement member 31 and receiver 31 are used interchangeably and refer to the same component. The engagement member 31 and receiver 31 can be integrated aspart of the structure wall 30 or as a separate piece for embedding in an opening of a structure wall 30. Each assembly combination 10a, 10b, 10c, and lOd will be explained in detail hereinafter. The structure wall 30 includes an elongate opening 32 that extends through the receiver 31. The elongate opening (since it receives the head of the bolt during the installation or insertion position) is defined by a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of a head of the bolt that is inserted into the elongate opening 32. The cross-sectional shape, when viewed from the front or the rear of the structure wall 30, may include but not limited to, a stadium shape or a stadium shape having a protrusion on each of its parallel sides. During the process of installation, the installer will utilize a fastening tool 20, for example a corded assembly tool, with a tightening attachment 21 to insert one of the assembly combinations 10a, 10b, 10c, 1 Od, through the receiver 31 in the structure wall 30 and rotate the bolt 90 degrees in a clockwise direction in order to secure the bolt in a locked position.

[0106] Figure 2a shows a perspective view of a bolt 11 according to various embodiments. Figure 2b shows a top view of a bolt according to various embodiments. With reference to the aforesaid figures, the bolt 11 is a T-shaped bolt and is a type of bolt shaped like the letter “T” with a head 19 and a threaded shank 15 extending from the head 19. When the bolt is viewed from the top, as shown in Figure 2b, the head 19 has a length k, a width w. The bolt 11 may have at least one elongated side, but preferably two, giving it a T-shape and providing a balancing force to keep the bolt and nut aligned along the central axis. More than two elongated sides can also be used, and the number of locking component lobes or protrusions may increase accordingly. The head 19 has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface is facing upwards away from the threaded shank 15 and the lower surface is facing downwards towards the threaded shank 15. When the bolt 11 is viewed from the front, the head 19 has a height r. The shape of the head 19 is important as it allows the bolt to be inserted into a elongate opening 32 that has a corresponding shape to the head 19 in an insertion position at 0 degrees and then rotated90 degrees to a locked position. In the locked position, as the elongate opening 32 is the same shape as the head 19, it cannot be pulled out without rotating the head 19 to its original position. In an embodiment, the bolt 11 includes a bevel 18 on a base of the head 19. In some embodiments, the bevel 18 is a sloping or a slanted surface and can be a curved surface or a linear surface. In some embodiments, the bevel 18 can extend along the longitudinal edge or the length k of the elongate head 19. In some embodiments, the bevel 18 can be located on one side (for example, one side of the base) of the head or on both sides of the base of the head 19. When the bolt 11 is viewed from the front, the head 19 includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a planar surface 14. In an embodiment, the bevel 18 is angled from the longitudinal plane of the bolt 11 for engaging a locking component and to ensure a smooth path for the head 19 to transition from an insertion position and finally to a locked position. Additional details of the engagement of the bevel 18 with the locking component will be explained later. The bevel 18 is an angled surface located on the bottom surface at the base of the head and is designed to ensure that the locking component and the head is secured in a pre-installation position prior to when the fastener is inserted into the elongate opening. In some embodiments, the bevel 18 includes a surface angled from a longitudinal plane of the bolt or threaded shank whereby the bevel 18 provides a small resistance force to prevent the locking component from further rotation in one direction. In some embodiments, the head includes a countersunk tapered contact face on the underside of the head. The tapered contact face is angled from the longitudinal axis of the head and this angle is complementary to the end portion of the first protrusion of the locking component.

[0107] Figures 3a and 3b show perspective views of other bolt types according to various embodiments. With reference to Figure 3a, the bolt 11 is a T-shaped bolt and is a type of bolt that has a head 19 shaped like a ‘T’ and a threaded shank 15 extending from the head 19. In this embodiment, the bolt 11 has an upper surface and a lower surface 16 that includes a bevel 18. As opposed to the bevel 18 of Figure 2, the bevel 18 extends on aportion of the base of the elongate head 19. In some embodiments, the bevel 18 is a sloping or a slanted surface and can be a curved surface or a linear surface. With reference to Figure 3b, the bolt 11 is tapered bolt that has a head 19 shaped like the letter “Y” and a threaded shank 15 extending from the head 19. When the bolt is viewed from the front, the elongate head 19 has a height r. In this embodiment, the bolt 11 has a lower surface 16 that includes a bevel 18. As opposed to the bevel 18 of Figure 2, the bevel 18 is located on a portion of the lower surface of the head 19. In some embodiments, the bevel 18 is a sloping or a slanted surface and can be a curved surface or a linear surface.

[0108] According to various embodiments, a bolt seal 17 is provided on one end of the threaded shank 15 in the proximity of the base of the head. In some embodiments, the bolt seal 17 made of an elastomeric material and can be an O-ring or the like. The bolt seal 17 serves a dual purpose. First, it is used to provide a seal between shank 15 and a passage 51 of the locking component 50 and prevents any dust or chemical passing through the thread of the bolt to reach the head cavity. The second purpose is to allow the locking component 50 when it is in a locked position to further prevent any rotational displacement of the locking component 50 or loosening of the locking component 50 and nut over time. This will be explained in further detail hereinafter.

[0109] Figures 4a and 4b show a front view and a plan view of a locking component 50 respectively according to various embodiments. Figures 4c and 4d show perspective views of a locking component according to various embodiments. With reference to the aforesaid figures, the locking component 50 includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes the upper section of the locking component and is dimensioned to fit the elongate opening of the structure wall. The first portion extends from the second portion that includes a base 57 that includes a central opening 51 through its central axis XX. The second portion is dimensionally larger than the first portion and the elongate opening since it is designed not to enter the elongate opening Tn some embodiments, thebase 57 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. With reference to Figure 4a, 4b, and 4c, the second portion has a top surface 59 and a bottom surface 58. The first portion has at least one protrusion 60 extending from the top surface 59 of the base 57. In an embodiment, the first portion includes a first protrusion 60 and a second protrusion 60 where each protrusion 60 extends from the second portion, and each protrusion 60 is at least substantially identical to each other. The term “at least substantially identical” is to be understood to mean in particular that the protrusions have an identical shape and preferably an identical size apart from deviations caused by the manufacturing process. Each protrusion 60 is located on opposing sides of the base 59 or on opposing sides of the top surface 59. Each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion includes an inner surface 56 and an outer surface. In an embodiment, the inner surface 56 of the first protrusion faces the inner surface of the second protrusion or the protrusion opposite the first protrusion. In operation, the protrusions receive the head of the bolt between the protrusions when the nut is rotated or tightened when securing the object to the structure wall.

[0110] According to various embodiments, the height of the protrusion increases from one end of the protrusion (h) to the opposed end of the protrusion (H) along the length L of the protrusion. In one embodiment, the increase in height from the smaller height h to the larger height H is non-linear and increases in a manner to accommodate the rotational movement of the head of the bolt from an insertion position to a locked position. In some embodiments, the length L of the protrusion 60 is at least equivalent or smaller than the width of the head 19 in order for the head 19 and the protrusion 60 to be received by the elongate opening 32 in the structure wall. Details of the combination of the locking component and bolt will be provided later. In one embodiment, the height of the protrusion increases (from h to H) in a non-linear manner, for example, a spiral or a curved manner. Where the height of one protrusion increases from a smaller height h to a larger height H, the height of the other protrusion on the opposing side of the base will increase similarly from a smaller height h to a larger height in a clockwise direction.

[0111] In one embodiment, the protrusion 60 includes a ramp 68 having a ramp surface area that engages with the head of the bolt. Specifically, the protrusion 60 includes an end portion 67 that engages the head of the bolt in a pre-installation position, details of which will be provided later. The end portion 67 is the portion of the protrusion 60 or the ramp 68 that is at the highest point, H, of the protrusion 60 and serves an important function because it provides a point of engagement with the head in the pre-installation position Tn one embodiment, the end portion 67 is substantially parallel with the top surface 59 of the base 57. In other embodiments, the end portion is non-linear and can be curved or it can converge to a tip. In other embodiments, the end portion 67 is inclined at an angle from the bolt axis to allow for the head of the bolt and the locking component to hold together during the pre-installation position. In other embodiments, the end portion 67 is a face that is substantially perpendicular or inclined at an angle to the bolt axis to provide frictional contact to keep the head of the bolt against the face For example, the face can be inclined at an angle of 83 degrees from the bolt axis. The ramp surface area faces inwards towards the central opening 51. In other embodiments, the end portion can be a face that has a secondary ledge protruding from the face to provide a more positive lock between the end portion and the head. In an embodiment, each protrusion 60 has a length L and each end of the protrusion along its length has a planar surface that extends substantially perpendicularly to and from the base 57. In an embodiment, the planar surface on the opposed ends of the protrusion 60 are aligned with the width of the head of the bolt, details of which will be provided later. The protrusion 60 includes an inner surface and an outer surface extending along the length L of the protrusion. In one embodiment, the inner surface 56 and the outer surface are non-planar or curved. The inner surface 56 faces the central opening 51 and the outer surface faces away from the central opening 51. According to various embodiments, the locking component 50 is used with T-shaped bolts like those shown in Figures 2a and 3a, and as will be explained in further details later on.

[0112] Figures 5a, 5b and 6 show perspective views of another locking component 50 according to various embodiments. With reference to the aforesaid figures, the locking component 50 has a second portion including a base 57 that includes a central opening 51 through its central axis XX. In some embodiments, the base is but not limited to a cylindrical shape. The base 57 has a top surface 59 and a bottom surface 58. On its top surface 59, at least one protrusion 60 extends from the top surface of the base. In an embodiment, each protrusion extends from the top surface 59, and each protrusion is at least substantially identical to each other. The term “at least substantially identical” is to be understood to mean in particular that the spiral protrusions have an identical shape and preferably an identical size apart from deviations caused by the manufacturing process. The use of a single protrusion may result in an imbalance of forces, causing the bolt’s center and the locking component to tilt and misalign. Each protrusion 60 is located on opposing sides of the base 57 or on opposing sides of the top surface 59.

[0113] In some embodiments, the height of the protrusion 60 increases from one end of the protrusion to the opposed end of the protrusion along the length L of the protrusion. The increase in height from the smaller height h to the larger height H is non-linear and increases in a manner to accommodate the rotational movement of the bolt from an insertion position to a locked position. In some embodiments, the length L of the protrusion 60 is at least equivalent or smaller than the width of a head in order for the head and the protrusion 60 to be received by the elongate opening 32 of the structure wall. Details of the combination of the locking component and bolt will be provided later. In one embodiment, the height of the protrusion increases (from h to H) in a non-linear manner, for example, in a spiral or a curved manner. In one embodiment, the protrusion 60 includes an inner ramp 52 that increases in height from one end of the protrusion to the opposed end of the protrusion along its length. In some embodiments, the inner ramp 52 has a first surface that extends upwards from the top surface. The inner ramp 52 faces substantially towards the passage 51 of the base 57. In one embodiment, the protrusion includes an outer ramp 53that increases in height from one end of the protrusion to the opposed end of the protrusion along its length. The outer ramp 53 is located next to the inner ramp 52. The outer ramp 53 includes a second surface that extends alongside the first surface of the inner ramp. Both the inner ramp and its first surface and the outer ramp and its second surface converges at an end portion 67. In other words, the first surface of the inner ramp 52 and the second surface of the outer ramp 53 have surfaces that converge and end at the end portion 67. The end potion 67 is defined as a tip The end portion, as defined earlier, is a portion that is at the highest point H of the protrusion 60 or locking component 50. In an embodiment, the surface of the inner ramp 52 faces substantially towards the inner circumference of the base or the central opening 51 while the second surface of the outer ramp 53 faces substantially away from the inner circumference of the base. The outer ramp 53 has an adjacent planar surface 55 that is perpendicular to the top surface 59. The adjacent planar surface 55 and the curved surfaces of the inner ramp 52 and the outer ramp 53 all converge substantially at the tip The tip plays a crucial role as it engages with the head to keep the head and the locking component in the pre-installation position so that the head and locking component can be inserted into the elongate opening easily. The locking component must move straight into the elongate opening to allow the inner ramp to cause a 90-degree rotation of the head. More details will be provided hereinafter. In one embodiment, the inner ramp 52 has an inner surface 56 adjacent to its curved surface. The inner surface 56 is circumferentially aligned with the central opening 51 and faces the bolt when engaged.

[0114] According to various embodiments, the locking component 50 is used with tapered bolts or Y-shaped bolts like those shown in Figure 3b. The tapered bolt when used with the locking component of figures 5a, 5b and 6, allows the achievement of a selfaligned bolt system and provides more overlapping surface area between the head and the structure wall when in the locked position. Mitigating slip or misalignment between the fastening objects, i.e. between the structure wall and the plate can also be achieved. The tapered bolt requires the inner ramp and the outer ramp of the protrusion for it to rotatesmoothly from an insertion position to a locked position. In the pre-installation position, the end portion of the protrusion is in engagement with the bevel 18. As the head is rotated from 0 degrees to 90 degrees to the locked position, the inner ramp of the protrusion will be engaged with the bevel for it to rotate smoothly during the tightening process.

[0115] With references to figures 4a-4d, 5a-b and 6, in some embodiments, the base 57 includes two apertures 64. These apertures serve the function of allowing the locking component to be pulled out from the object if it becomes stuck due to the accumulation of dust or rust over time.. The apertures 64 also mechanically link or secure the locking component 50 with a nut to facilitate the extraction of the locking component 50 from a structure when necessary, for example, in cases where it is desired for maintenance or replacement of a plate. In some embodiments, the locking component 50 is typically made of high tensile steel but not limited to steel. In some embodiments, the radius of the apertures 64 is bigger at the top surface 59 than the bottom surface 58 of the locking component 50 to facilitate the extraction of the locking component from the elongate opening using a puller type tool (not shown). In some embodiments, the base 57 includes a top seal 90 that surrounds the circumference of the top surface 59 of the base 57. In some embodiments, the top seal 90 also partially surrounds the side surface of the base 57. The base 57 includes a bottom seal 91 that surrounds the circumference of the bottom surface 58 of the base 57. In some embodiments, the bottom seal 91 also the side surface of the base 57. In some embodiments, the seal 90, 91 is made of an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the seal 91 is made of a rubber or a spring-like material.

[0116] The top seal 90 serves to prevent water, dust and contaminants from reaching the head of the bolt during the service life of the locking component. The bottom seal 91 serves to provide a frictional push force to compress the locking component 50 against the head of the bolt to ensure the top seal 90 located at the top surface of the base makes good contact with an outer surface of the elongate opening. It also prevents the lockingcomponent from becoming loose when in the locked position. In some embodiments, the seal is a square ring or an O-ring or the like. The purpose of the bottom seal 91 is to provide friction which prevents the locking component to feely rotate and displace from preinstallation position.

[0117] In some embodiments, the inner surface 56 of the protrusion 60 includes a retractable protrusion 63 which may be but not limited to a semispherical shape. Tn an embodiment, the retractable protrusion 63 is a semispeherical-shaped protrusion extending from the inner surface 56 that is spring-biased and retractable inwards when it contacts the bolt. The retractable protrusion 63 serves to keep the locking component aligned in a preinstallation position by resiliently engaging the bolt such that the tip or the planar surface (with reference to Figures 4a-4d) is aligned with the bolt when in the installation position. This helps to install the bolt system quicker in a matter of seconds instead of the installer manually inserting the bolt and then aligning the locking component in the correct installation position Once the locking component is in the insertion position, the push of the nut will rotate the bolt in 90 degree and keep it there through whole tightening process.

[0118] According to various embodiments, a bolt seal 17 is provided on one end of the threaded shank 15 in the proximity of the base of the head. In some embodiments, the bolt seal 17 made of an elastomeric material and can be an O-ring or the like. The bolt seal 17 serves a dual purpose. First, it is used to provide a seal between shank 15 and a passage 51 of the locking component 50 and prevents any dust or chemical passing through the thread of the bolt to reach the head cavity. The second purpose is to allow the locking component 50 when it is in a locked position to further prevent any rotational displacement of the locking component 50 or loosening of the locking component 50 and nut over time. This will be explained in further detail hereinafter.

[0119] Figure 7a shows a front view of a configurable locking component 50 according to another embodiment. Figure 7b shows a perspective view of a pair of protrusions according to another embodiment. Figure 7c shows a perspective view of a base of the configurable locking component according to various embodiments. Figure 7d shows a perspective view of a base insert for the configurable locking component according to various embodiments. With reference to the aforesaid figures, the configurable locking component includes a first portion and a second portion removably detachable from the first portion. The second portion includes a base 57 can be configured to a desired thickness. The first portion includes the protrusions and the height of the protrusion 60 can be configured to a desired height. For example, in certain applications, the dimensions of the structure wall or object fastened to the structure wall, eg. wear plate, that are used are non-standard, a customizable base thickness for the locking component is desired. In this embodiment, the locking component 50 includes a base 57 that is of a minimum thickness. For example, the minimum thickness of the base can be in the range of 30mm-50mm. The minimum thickness can be predetermined based on industry standards and configured such that it is below the average height to accommodate height configurability of the base. In an embodiment, a receiver flange 94 extends from the bottom surface of the base 57 for receiving one or more base inserts 70. Each base insert 70 can be of a standard thickness, for example, 15mm. Depending on the thickness of the base desired, one or more base inserts can be added on to the receiver flange 94 to achieve the desired thickness. Each base insert 70 includes a passage extending through its central axis corresponding to the passage 51 of the base 57. When the desired number of base inserts 70 are added to the receiver flange 94, screws can be inserted into the one or more threaded passages located on the base insert to be screwed onto the base 57. The base insert 70 includes one or more threaded bores on opposing sides of the base insert configured to receive screws that can secure the base inserts 70 to the base 57. In this way, by configuring the number of base inserts 70 to be added to the base 57, a desired thickness of the base can be achieved through the thickness of the base 57 and the base inserts 70.

[0120] With reference to figures 7b and 7c, the locking component 50 includes a configurable base 57 with at least one projection 95 configured to receive a protrusion 60. The projection 95 includes one or more bores configured to receive the protrusion 60. In various embodiments, the height of the protrusions can also be configurable depending on the height of the bolt desired. In some embodiments, the configurable base 57 does not have a projection but instead one or more bores to receive the protrusion 60. The protrusion 60 includes one or more inserts 69 on the underside of the protrusion to be inserted into the one or more bores of the base 57 or the projection 95. In some embodiments, the configurable base 57 does not require a receiver flange 94 for receiving base inserts but instead the base inserts 70 can simply be screwed onto the bottom surface of the configurable base.

[0121] Figures 8a-8c show different perspective views of a bolt and a locking component in a pre-installation position according to various embodiments. The preinstallation position is a position where an installer who wishes to install the fastener comprising the bolt, locking component and nut with a fastening tool is able to do so because an end portion 67 of the protrusion of the locking component is in engagement with the head of the bolt. This means that the end portion 67, which may be the highest point of the protrusion 60, has a face that is in contact with the bolt so that the head of the bolt and the first portion of the locking component is aligned in a manner for insertion into the elongate opening. As the locking component and bolt may be rotatably displaced during the insertion process such that the end portion 67 is not properly engaged with the bevel 18 of the head 19, for example, the end portion 67 contacts the bevel 18 on the underside of the head, this may cause inefficiencies as the installer would have to adjust the end portion 67 to be aligned with the bevel 18. With reference to Figure 8b, and as mentioned previously, the width w of the head 19 is substantially equivalent to the length L of theprotrusion 60. This ensures that both the head 19 and the protrusion 60 can be inserted into the elongate opening of the structure.

[0122] In order to fix the locking component 50 and the head of the bolt in a preinstallation position so as to provide a more efficient insertion of the fastener into the elongate opening of the structure, there can be various techniques implemented to ensure that the first portion and the head remain in a fixed position during the pre-installation position, for example, using glue of thread lock compound between the head of the bolt and the end portion 67 which are designed parallel to each other or in another example, to use a sticker to ensure the end portion 67 and the head are in a fixed position. In some embodiments, the top seal and the bottom seal of the locking component 50 helps to ensure that the head and first portion remain in a fixed position, and to prevent the locking component from free rotation around the bolt. In some embodiments, the bolt 11 includes a semispherical aperture 13 for receiving a retractable protrusion 63 (shown in figures 5a and 6). This allows the retractable protrusion 63 to resiliently engage the surface of the bolt 11 before being received by the semispherical aperture 13 when it is rotated into the preinstallation position. This will assist and facilitate fixing the position of the pre-installation position.

[0123] Figure 9a shows a perspective view of a locking component and a bolt in a preinstallation position according to various embodiments. Figure 9b shows a side view of a section of the locking component and bolt of Figure 9a according to various embodiments. Figure 10 shows a side view of a section of the locking component and bolt of Figure 9a according to various embodiments. With reference to the aforesaid figures, the end portion 67, which is the highest point of the protrusion, has a tip that is in contact with the bevel 18 of the bolt to keep the head of the bolt and the first portion of the locking component in alignment. In other embodiments, the end portion 67 is in contact with the head of the bolt to keep the head and the first portion of the locking component in alignment. As the lockingcomponent and bolt may be rotatably displaced during the insertion process such that the end portion 67 is not properly engaged with the bevel 18 of the head 19, for example, the end portion 67 contacts the bevel 18 on the underside of the head, various techniques in the aforesaid paragraph may be utilised to ensure that the end portion 67 of the protrusion and the bevel 18 remains in a fixed position in the pre-installation position. As the head and the first portion of the locking component is received into elongate opening at the insertion position at 0 degrees, the head engages the end portion of the protrusion, this allows the head to be rotated smoothly between the protrusions as the bolt is being tightened

[0124] In some embodiments, a bolt seal 17 is provided on one end of the threaded shank 15 in the proximity of the base of the elongate head 19. In some embodiments, the bolt seal 17 made of an elastomeric material and can be an O-ring or the like. The bolt seal 17 serves a dual purpose. First, it is used to provide a seal between shank 15 and the passage 51 of the locking component 50 and prevents any dust or chemical passing through the thread of the bolt to reach the cavity. The second purpose is to allow the locking component 50 when it is in a locked position to further prevent any rotational displacement of the locking component 50 and loosening of the locking component 50 and nut during the tightening process

[0125] Figures I la to l id show perspective views of a fastener assembly in various positions according to various embodiments. Figures 12-15 are plan views of the fastener assembly in various stages according to various embodiments. With reference to the aforesaid figures, an embodiment of securing an object 40 to a structure 30 having a receiver 31 will be described. In some embodiments, the object 40 is a wear liner or a plate or a rail sleeper, and the structure 30 is a structural wall or rail channel. In some embodiments, the object can include more than one layer of material, for example, the object is a wear liner that includes a backing plate for securing to the structure. The fastener includes a bolt 1 1 , a locking component 50 and a nut 12. The bolt 1 1 receives the lockingcomponent 50 and the nut 12. Figure 1 la and Figure 12 show the fastener assembly in a pre-installation position. Accordingly, a nut 12 is threadingly received by a threaded shank of the bolt 11 and a locking component 50 is positioned intermediate of the nut 12 and the bolt 11. In this arrangement, the locking component 50 is adapted to travel along the threaded shank of the bolt towards the direction of the bolt 11 as the nut 12 is tightened. In the pre- installation position, the first portion of the locking component 50 will engage with the base of the head 19 to keep the locking component 50 and the bolt 1 1 aligned for insertion into the elongate opening 32. When the locking component 50 and the head 19 are substantially aligned in the pre-installation position, this means that when viewed from the top of the head 19, the first portion (i.e. the protrusions) of the locking component is substantially within the area of the head 19. In other embodiments, to ensure that the bolt and the locking component is in the pre-installation position as shown in figure I la and figure 12, the end portion 67 engages the head 19 and remain in a fixed position using the various techniques mentioned in the previous paragraphs The engagement of the locking component and the head 19 ensures that the installer would be able to proceed smoothly and efficiently to the insertion position which is to insert the head 19 into the elongate opening 32. In other embodiments, in this pre-installation position, the end portion 67, which is the highest point of the protrusion 60, is in contact with the bevel 18 of the head 19.

[0126] Figure 13 shows a plan view of the fastener assembly in the insertion position and Figure 11b shows the fastener assembly midway moving from an insertion position to a locked position In the insertion position, the head is at 0 degrees (or oriented horizontally) which is the same position as the pre-installation position. The head 19 and the first portion of the locking component 50 is inserted into the elongate opening 32 within the structure 30. In an embodiment, when the upper surface of the head 19 engages the back of the structure 30 (not shown), this signals to the installer that the fastener assembly is in the correct position. This means that the head 19 is completely within the receiver 31and the first portion of the locking component 50 is partially within the receiver 31 such that the first portion may be in engagement with the surface of the elongate opening. Since the first portion is within the elongate opening, this causes the locking component to remain in a fixed position as it is prevented from rotational displacement by the surfaces of the elongate opening. In order to affix the object 40 to the structure 30, the nut 12 includes tool recesses on its bottom surface which engages with a fastening tool for tightening the nut 12. When the nut is rotated in a clockwise direction, due to the resistive engagement between the nut 1 and the threaded shank, the head 19 attached to the threaded shank is caused to rotate in the same direction from the insertion position to a locked position. This in turn causes the locking component to be displaced towards the receiver 31 as the nut is attached to the second portion of the locking component.

[0127] With reference to Figure 14, when the head 19 is rotated from a horizontal orientation (at 0 degrees with respect to its longitudinal axis) to a vertical orientation (at approximately 90 degrees with respect to its longitudinal axis), further rotation of the nut 12 in the clockwise direction (i.e. tightening) will cause the head 19 to be displaced towards the nut 12, resulting in the head 19 in the locked position (or vertical orientation) to be retained within the first portion (or the protrusions) of the locking component. Eventually, further tightening of the nut 12 will cause the head 19 to abut against the back face of the structure thereby clamping the object 40 to the structure 30. When the head 19 is retained within the protrusions 60, it is prevented from rotational displacement in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions and remains in the locked position for the service life of the clamped object. This provides the advantage of minimal loosening of the bolt even if the nut 12 loosens over time. As the second portion of the locking component completely covers the elongate opening 32 and the receiver 31, this minimizes the ingress of dust and corrosion of the head 19 within the receiver 31.

[0128] F igures 11c, l id, 14 and 15 show the fastener assembly in a locked position. In this position, the head 19 has been rotated 90 degrees (i.e. in a vertical orientation) from its position in the insertion position and the head 19 rests in between the protrusions 60 of the locking component 50. To affix the object 40 to the structure 30, a fastening tool with a tightening attachment, details of which will be provided later, is correspondingly inserted into the tool recesses at the end of the nut 12 and then rotated clockwise to tighten the nut 12 In an embodiment, the nut 12 is tightened with an impact gun, socket wrench or spanner. Tightening the nut 12 causes the bolt to rotate due to the resistive engagement between the nut 12 and the threaded shank, which in turn causes the head 19 to rotate clockwise from the insertion position (i.e. the horizontal orientation) to the locked position (i.e. the vertical orientation). Further tightening of the nut 12 in the same direction causes the nut 12 to displace the locking component 50 deeper within the receiver 31 which in turn causes the head in its vertical orientation to be received within the two protrusions of the locking component Tn other words, the head 19 is retained within the inner surfaces of the two protrusions. As the head is elongated, this ensures that the head cannot be extracted from the receiver through the elongate opening since the elongate opening has the same corresponding shape as the head in the locked position.|00129| According to various embodiments, the nut 12 includes a spring washer 99 at its inlet that engages a bottom surface of the second portion of the locking component. The spring washer provides a cushion for the fastener assembly for expanding and contracting forces, for example, if the fastener assembly is subjected to vibration and multi-directional forces. This prevents the bolt 11 and the locking component from loosening over time. According to various embodiments, once the fastener assembly is in the locked position, the bolt end at the end of the threaded shank 15 may be exposed once the fastening object has been installed. A cover (not shown), designed to fit the exposed end of the bolt, can be positioned to shield the exposed bolt end. The cover’s end has a smaller diameter than the bolt thread, allowing the bolt threads to pass through this smaller diameter and form matingthreads on the cover’s underside The cover can be constructed from materials such as nylon or steel. The interaction between the bolt and the cover, which is affixed to the nut, generates the necessary friction to prevent the bolt assembly from loosening over time. It also prevents the entry of dust and dirt through the exposed bolt end.

[0130] Figure 16 shows a top cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly in the locked position. Further rotation of the nut 12 causes the locking component 50 to further compress the protrusions 60 inwards towards the receiver such that the top surface 59 of the base 57 of the locking component is pushed against the outer face of the receiver 32 and completely covers and seal the elongate opening 32 of the receiver 31. In some embodiments, the top seal 90 on the top surface 59 of the base 57 provides frictional force to compress the top surface 59 against the outer face of the receiver and to prevent the locking component 50 from becoming loose when in the locked position. In this way, once the elongate opening 32 is covered, ingress of particulate matter, water or chemicals from the outside can no longer enter the elongate opening 32 thereby preventing corrosion and jamming of the bolt due to matter build up surrounding the bolt over time. At the same time that the locking component 50 is moving towards the receiver 31, further rotation of the nut 12 compresses the object 40 against the structure 30 which secures the object 40 to the structure 30.

[0131] According to various embodiments, the nut 12 includes a nut seal 95 at an outlet of the nut. The nut seal 95 (which can be part of the cover designed to cover the exposed bolt end) circumferentially surrounds a threaded passage extending through the inner circumference of the nut 12. The nut seal 95 is preferably located at the outlet of the threaded passage of the nut 12. When the threaded shank 15 of the bolt is received and rotatably displaced at an inlet of the threaded passage, the bolt can be easily rotated. Once the threaded shank reaches the outlet end where it contacts the nut seal 95, the threaded shank engages the nut seal 95 and provides a greater rotational resistance. In this way, thefriction provided by the nut seal 95 against the threaded shank of the bolt allows the bolt to remain fixed in a pre-installation position or a locked position and prevents the nut 12 and the bolt 11 from free rotation. This also ensures that the end portion 67 of the protrusion 60 and the bevel 18 of the bolt remains in a fixed position in the pre-installation position. In some embodiments, the nut seal 95 can be made of an elastomeric, teflon or nylon material.

[0132] Figures 17a and 17b show a front and rear perspective view respectively of a receiver 31 according to various embodiments. Accordingly, the elongate opening 32 is dimensioned to receive the cross-sectional shape of the bolt, i.e. the cross-sectional shape of the elongate opening 32 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the head 19 of the bolt 11 to provide a passage for the head 19 to pass through the elongate opening 32. Receiver 31 can be fixed or welded to the structure 30 or the shape of the receiver 31 can be formed or machined directly on the structure 30. For example, if the cross-sectional shape of the elongated head of the bolt is a stadium shape, the elongate opening 32 is a stadium shape. Additionally, the interior of the receiver 31 is similarly dimensioned to receive the shape of the bolt, i.e. T-shaped or others of more protrusions. However, the interior of the receiver 31 is sized to accommodate the free rotation of the head of the bolt 11. With reference to figures 17a and 17b, the interior of the receiver 31 is dimensioned to receive a head of a T-shaped bolt such that the head can freely rotate after its passage through the elongate opening 32. The receiver 31 includes an inner face 33 that faces the interior of the receiver 31. When the head of the bolt passes through the elongate opening 32 in a first position, the first portion of the locking component is partially retained within the elongate opening 32 thereby preventing rotational displacement of the first portion. When the nut 12 is further tightened, the head 19 of the bolt is rotated to a second position (or a vertical orientation). Further tightening of the nut 12 will cause the head 19 to be brought within the first portion (or protrusions) so that the head 19 eventually engages with the inner face 32 to clamp the object 40 to the structure 30. The inner face 33 thereforeprovides a limit stop that prevents the head 19 from extending axially out through the elongate opening 32 when in the vertical orientation or in the locked position.

[0133] Figures 18a and 18b show a front and rear perspective view of a nut 12 according to various embodiments. The nut 12 is threaded on the threaded shank of the bolt 11 m order to fasten the nut 12 on the locking component 50 and to prevent the locking component 50 from inadvertent rotational displacement of the locking component 50 from the receiver. In some embodiments, the nut 12 is attached to the locking component 50 before both the locking component 50 and the nut 12 are both threaded on the bolt during the installation process. This protects the head of the bolt 11 from ingress of dust and particulate matter into the receiver and reaching the head and will therefore prolong the life of the bolt and the structure that the bolt is fastened to. In a situation where the structure being protected needs to be replaced or removed, the nut 12 can be rotated counterclockwise to remove the nut 12 and the locking component 50 from the bolt 1 1 from the receiver. The aforesaid figures present a nut 12 which allows the locking component 50 to follow the nut 12 as it is being rotatably displaced from the engagement member 31. In some embodiments, the nut 12 includes a nut seal 95 at the outlet end of the nut 12. The nut seal 95 is made of a resilient or a rubber-like material. The nut 12 also includes a washer 96 in contact with the bottom surface of the base when the nut and locking component are fully assembled. The washer 96 overlaps with the receiver flange 94 (shown in Figure 7a) in such a way that when the nut is unthreaded, the locking component is pulled out using this overlap between 96 and 94. In this way the locking component follows the nut during the removal of nut which provide hustle free uninstallation of bolting system during the maintenance or replacement of bolting system.|00134| Figures 19a and 19b show a front and a rear perspective view respectively of a tightening attachment for the fastener assembly according to various embodiments. The tightening attachment 21 is removably detachable to a fastening tool at one end. Thetightening attachment includes a plurality of extensions 22 each of which correspond to the tool recesses in the nut 12 that accommodates the plurality of extensions. In an embodiment, extensions are utilized. The extensions are hardened steel pins which are inserted into the tool recesses of the nut during the installation process. Hardened steel is utilized to prevent the bolt from bending and deforming and from becoming stuck in the nut which makes it difficult to remove. In some embodiments, magnetic force applied on the plurality of extensions 22 is used to pick up a fastener assembly that is similarly magnetized and to install the fastener assembly. Once the nut is tightened, the tightening attachment can be pulled out from the nut. In another embodiment, an electromagnet can be used as permanent magnet to attract metallic dust that is prevalent in industrial and mining sites. The plurality of electrode pins 25 are used to supply power to the coils of electromagnet pins 172. 175 is used for the insertion to standard power wrench or Manuel wrench.

[0135] With reference to Figure la, the blind-sided fastener system may include various assembly combinations 10a, 10b, 10c, lOd comprising a bolt, a locking component and a nut. Each assembly combination 10a, 10b, 10c, and lOd can be used for installing or replacing an object 40 and / or an object plate 41 in the structure 30. Only one assembly combination can be used for the installation process. In an embodiment, assembly combination 10a utilizes a T-shaped bolt and a cavity with a corresponding interior shape for accommodating the head of the T-shaped bolt. In an embodiment, assembly combination 10b utilizes a bolt and receiver having a elongate opening 32 with a corresponding interior shape for accommodating the head of the bolt In an embodiment, assembly combination 10c utilizes a bolt with a step-in nut. A step-in nut is a nut with a separate step protruding from one end of the nut that is smaller in diameter than the nut. The step-in has additional interior threads that are aligned with the interior threads of the nut to provide extra strength when the wear plate is at the end of its remaining thickness in liner chute application in ore mining industry Tn an embodiment, assembly combinationlOd utilizes a T-shaped with a tapered nut. A tapered nut has a converging protruding end to support the strength of the wear plate. It also provides self-alignment when used with a tapered bolt. It is paired with a tapered adopter plate ring shape part that is normally welded or machined on adapter plate itself.

[0136] Figure 20a shows a perspective view of a rail track of a C-shaped channel according to various embodiments. Figures 20b and 20c show perspective views of a fastening assembly used on a rail track or C-shaped channel according to various embodiments. In an embodiment, an application of the locking component, bolt and nut as described above can be used as a fastener assembly for securing rail tracks to rail sleepers (or railroad ties or steel sleepers or concrete sleepers). Generally, the rail sleeper is always laying between two rail tracks, and the rail sleeper is required to be fastened to a concrete bed. As the concrete bed is below the rail sleeper, this is a one-sided blind bolt system where it is difficult to access the side of the sleeper that is above the concrete bed With reference to Figure 20b and 20c, the fastener assembly can be inserted through a cavity of a rail channel 100 where the head 19 and locking component 50 can be inserted into the cavity and rotated into the locked position to fasten the object to the rail channel. Once the head and locking component are in the locked position and the head is retained within the protrusions, the head is prevented from rotational displacement. The locking component 50 and nut 12 can then be tightened by rotation of the locking component and nut towards the end wall of the rail channel 100. Once it reaches the end wall, the edges of the locking component 12 engages the outer surface of the rail sleeper 100, the nut 12 can then be tightened by further rotation of the nut 12. This prevents the fastening object (for example, rail sleeper or rail track) from slipping. Slip mitigation can be achieved because the structural wall is a rail. In some embodiments, the fastener assembly can be pre-assembled with an insert 110. The insert is made of, but not limited to, nylon, and provides frictional force between the nut 12 and the wall of the fastening object it is in contact with. Thisensures that the bolt assembly can be easily installed by the installer. Once the fastener assembly is in the locked position, the insert 110 can be removed.

[0137] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

Claims

Claims1. A fastener for securing an object to a structure, the object having an aperture and the structure having an elongate opening in alignment with the aperture, the fastener comprising: a bolt having a head and a threaded shank extending from the head, wherein the head is dimensioned to fit the elongate opening, a nut threadingly received by the threaded shank; a locking component having a central opening for passing the threaded shank through the central opening and positioned intermediate of the head and the nut, wherein the locking component includes a first portion and a second portion; wherein when the head and the first portion is inserted into the elongate opening of the structure, rotation of the nut in a first direction causes the head to rotate from a first position to a second position, and further rotation of the nut in the same direction causes the head in its second position to be displaced towards the nut and retained within the first portion to prevent movement of the head in the first direction and a direction opposed to the first direction.

2. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the head has an elongate shape, and the head and the first portion are substantially aligned to fit the elongate opening.3 The fastener according to claim 1 , wherein the first portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from the second portion, the first portion and the second portion including a space therebetween to receive the head in the second position.

4. The fastener according to claim 3, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion each includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface facing inwardly to the opposed protrusion, and the outer surface adapted to operatively engage the elongate opening, wherein the head in its second position is retained within the inner surfaces of the first and second protrusions.

5. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the second portion includes a base dimensionally bigger than the elongate opening and dimensioned to fit the aperture.6 The fastener according to claim 3, wherein each protrusion includes an end portion adapted to engage the head to keep the head and the first portion substantially aligned to fit the elongate opening.

7. The fastener according to claim 6, wherein the end portion is a projection.8 The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the head has an elongate shape and is substantially aligned to its longitudinal axis in the first position.

9. The fastener according to claim 1 , wherein the first position is a releasable position for removing the fastener from the aperture and the elongate opening so as to remove the object from the structure.

10. The fastener according to claim 8, wherein the head is substantially 90 degrees to its longitudinal axis in the second position such that the head is unable to pass through the elongate opening.

11. The fastener according to claim 3, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a ramp that increases in height from one end of the protrusion to an opposed end of the protrusion.

12. The fastener according to claim 6, wherein the head has an upper surface and a lower surface, the head including a bevel located on at least one side of the lower surface for engagement with the end portion, and wherein the bevel includes a longitudinal surface angled from the horizontal place of the bolt to provide a resistance to prevent the locking component from further rotation in one direction.

13. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein further rotation of the nut in the same direction causes the head in its second position to abut an inner face of the elongate opening thereby clamping the object to the structure.

14. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the second portion includes a cylindrical base having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a top seal surrounding the circumference of the top surface for engagement with an outer face of the elongate opening.

15. The fastener according to claim 14, further including a bottom seal surrounding the circumference of the bottom surface.

16. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the nut includes a threaded bore configured to correspondingly engage with the threaded shank at an inlet of the nut, whereby rotation of the nut in the first direction causes the head to be displaced towards the nut.

17. A method for securing an object to a structure with a fastener, the object having an aperture and the structure having an elongate opening in alignment with the aperture, the fastener comprising: an elongate bolt having a head and a threaded shank extending from the head, wherein the head is dimensioned to fit the elongate opening; a nut threadingly received by the threaded shank; a locking component having a central opening for passing the threaded shank through the central opening and positioned intermediate of the head and the nut, wherein the locking component includes a first portion and a second portion; the method comprising: inserting the head and the first portion into the elongate opening of the structure such that the first portion extends into the elongate opening; rotating the nut in a first direction to cause the head to rotate from a first position to a second position; rotating the nut further in the same direction to cause the head in its second position to be displaced towards the nut and retained within the first portion to prevent movement of the head in the first direction and a direction opposed to the first direction thereby clamping the object to the structure.18 The method according to claim 17, wherein the head has an elongate shape, and the head and the first portion are substantially aligned to fit the elongate opening.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the first portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from the second portion, the first portion and the second portion including a space therebetween to receive the head in the second position.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion each includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface facing inwardly to the opposed protrusion, and the outer surface adapted to operatively engage the elongate opening, wherein the head in its second position is retained within the inner surfaces of the first and second protrusions.

21. The method according to claim 17, wherein the second portion includes a base dimensionally bigger than the elongate opening and dimensioned to fit the aperture.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein each protrusion includes an end portion adapted to engage the head to keep the head and the first portion substantially aligned to fit the elongate opening.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the end portion is a projection.

24. The method according to claim 17, wherein the head has an elongate shape and is substantially aligned to its longitudinal axis in the first position.

25. The method according to claim 17, wherein the first position is a releasable position for removing the fastener from the aperture and the elongate opening so as to remove the object from the structure.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein the head is substantially 90 degrees to its longitudinal axis in the second position such that the head is unable to pass through the elongate opening.

27. The method according to claim 19, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a ramp that increases in height from one end of the protrusion to an opposed end of the protrusion.

28. The method according to claim 24, wherein the head has an upper surface and a lower surface, the head including a bevel located on at least one side of the lower surface for engagement with the end portion, and wherein the bevel includes a longitudinalsurface angled from the horizontal place of the bolt to provide a resistance to prevent the locking component from further rotation in one direction.

29. The method according to claim 17, wherein the second portion includes a cylindrical base having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a top seal surrounding the circumference of the top surface for engagement with an outer face of the elongate opening.30 The method according to claim 29, further including a bottom seal surrounding the circumference of the bottom surface.

31. The method according to claim 17, wherein the nut includes a threaded bore configured to correspondingly engage with the threaded shank at an inlet of the nut, whereby rotation of the nut in the first direction causes the head to be displaced towards the nut.

32. A wear liner assembly adapted to be secured to a structure having an elongate opening, the wear liner assembly comprising: a wear liner secured to a backing plate, wherein the wear liner and the backing plate include at least one hole therethrough; a fastener adapted for insertion through the at least one hole, the fastener comprising: a bolt having a head and a threaded shank extending from the head, wherein the head is adapted to fit the elongate opening; a nut threadingly received by the threaded shank; a locking component having a first portion and a second portion, the locking component including a central opening for passing the threaded shank through the central opening and positioned intermediate of the head and the nut; wherein the first portion is adapted to be inserted into the elongate opening of the structure and to receive the head within the first portion when the wear liner is secured to the structure.

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