One way tool-driven rotation for threaded fixing

Abstract

A shaped form (400) on the head of a threaded fixing is described. The shaped form (400) may cause a tool to slip when the tool is pressed against the head and rotated in a tightening direction and may allow for the tool to drive rotation of the head in a loosening direction. The shaped form (400) may be compatible with different tools. The threaded fixing may include a screw or a bolt. The shaped form (400) may include a ramp.

Description

[0001] ONE WAY TOOL-DRIVEN ROTATION FOR THREADED FIXING

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 587,360, filed October 2, 2023 and entitled “ONE WAY TOOL- DRIVEN ROTATION FOR THREADED FIXING,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The techniques described herein relate to products with rotating knobs. Keyway features may be used with rotating knobs to loosen and tighten them.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] Some aspects relate to a shaped form on the head of a threaded fixing, wherein the shaped form may cause a tool to slip when the tool is pressed against the head and rotated in a tightening direction and may allow for the tool to drive rotation of the head in a loosening direction.

[0008] The threaded fixing may include a screw or a bolt.

[0009] The shaped form may be compatible with a cartridge casing rim and / or extraction groove.

[0010] The shaped form may be compatible with the tool being a flat tool.

[0011] The shaped form may be compatible with the tool being a flat driver or bayonet.

[0012] The shaped form may include at least one ramp that causes the tool to slip when the tool is pressed against the head and rotated in the tightening direction.

[0013] The shaped form may include a tool engagement portion that allows for the tool to drive rotation of the head in the loosening direction.

[0014] The shaped form may include a hand tightening portion that allows for the tool to tighten by rotation in the tightening direction. Some aspects relate to a threaded fixing comprising a shaped form.

[0015] The shaped form may be configured according to the aspects above.

[0016] Some aspects relate to a method of forming a shaped form or a threaded fixing including the shaped form.

[0017] The method may include forming the shaped form.

[0018] The shaped form may be configured according to the aspects above.

[0019] Forming the shaped form may include machining, molding, or printing.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the technology, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this Specification. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology.

[0022] FIGS. 1A-1E show examples of rotating parts, according to some embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows an application of a tool to a rotating part, according to some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 3 A shows an example of a rotating part, according to some embodiments.

[0025] FIGS. 3B-3C show the rotating part of FIG. 3A modified according to other embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 4 shows a one-way front slot mechanism for a rotating part, according to some embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a one-way front slot mechanism for a rotating part, according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the diagram of the one-way front slot mechanism for the rotating part shown in FIG. 5, according to some embodiments. FIGS. 7A-7C show a diagram of the one-way front slot mechanism of FIG. 5 with a casing head rim, according to some embodiments.

[0029] FIGS. 8A-8B show a screw, according to some embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 9A shows a diagram including an extraction groove and a rim structure, according to some embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 9B shows diagrams of exemplary rims for the assembly of FIG. 9A, according to some embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 9C shows exemplary cartridge casings, according to some embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 10 shows an example of another rotating fixing, according to some embodiments.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] As discussed herein, keyway features are often desirable on product knobs and dials to allow the use of a tool to loosen or tighten them during fitment and jamming scenarios. The technical problem with adding a feature which can interact with a tool is that it allows for the overtightening of these knobs and dials during fitment causing damage.

[0036] The present disclosure relates to a structure for a threaded fixing, such as a bolt or screw, which prevents the threaded fixing from being overtightened. The structure may comprise a shaped form on a head of the threaded fixing that allows for hand tightening. The shaped form may allow for rotation by a tool or other object (e.g., a casing) in the loosening direction while slipping in the direction of tightening rotation. That is, the shaped form may allow a tool to be used for loosening while preventing a tool to be used for tightening.

[0037] In some aspects, the present disclosure applies a one-way keyway feature to a loosening rotation and an option which allows it for use with a tool or a cartridge casing as a tool.

[0038] The present disclosure provides a solution which, in a tool use scenario of some embodiments, only permits the loosening of the knob or dial. The apparatus and techniques described herein also allow compatibility with a cartridge casing being used as a tool in conjunction with the one-way mechanism. The apparatus and techniques described herein may find application in hand operated, tightened and loosened, knobs on land and aerospace defense products i.e., battery door, compartment knobs, and encoder knobs. They may find application in any product which features a compartment with a rotating compartment knob or dial, for example. However, the apparatus and techniques described herein are not limited to particular applications.

[0039] The apparatus and techniques described herein solve the technical problem of permitting the use of a tool to provide mechanical advantage for screw release in the event of a thread jamming scenario (i.e., a bonded thread due to adhesive or cold weather) while also removing the scenario of potential overtightening with a tool which may cause damage to the screw or bolt or mating mechanism.

[0040] The apparatus described herein may be fabricated from any suitable material or process. In some embodiments, the apparatus described herein may be formed of harder plastics and / or metals which are machined.

[0041] As mentioned above, the present disclosure relates to a structure for a threaded fixing, such as a bolt or screw, which prevents the threaded fixing from being overtightened. The structure may comprise a shaped form on a head of the threaded fixing that allows for hand tightening. The shaped form may allow for rotation by a tool or other object (e.g., a casing) in the loosening direction while slipping in the direction of tightening rotation.

[0042] I. Rotating part examples

[0043] Turning to the figures, FIGS. 1A-1E show examples of rotating parts (e.g., knobs) of land and aerospace defense products, according to some embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 1A shows an example of a rotating part 100 with a slot 102 formed therein. A user may tighten and / or loosen the rotating part relative to the corresponding defense product using the hand tightening portion 101. In other scenarios, a user may tighten and loosen the rotating part relative to the defense product using a tool. In some examples, rotating part slots are featured to allow the use of a tool in scenarios where finger dexterity may be hindered and / or parts may be jammed.

[0045] While not shown in FIG. 1A, rotating part 100 may include a threaded fixing which may couple the external (visible) portion of the rotating part 100 to the defense product. The threaded fixing may engage with corresponding features of the defense product such as in a hollow portion sized to receive the threaded fixing. FIG. IB shows another example of a defense product with rotating parts and corresponding slots 104. The rotating parts may be tightened and / or loosened using the hand tightening portion 103. As shown in FIG. IB, the slots 104 extend from a first end to a second end of the rotating part. FIG. 1C shows another example of a defense product with a rotating part, corresponding slot 106, and corresponding hand tightening portion 107.

[0046] FIG. ID shows an example of a defense product with a rotating part which may rotate out of plane. The example corresponds to a Qioptiq battery cap design. The rotating part may be a lever 108 which may be rotated by a hand, in some embodiments. In more detail, the example depicted in FIG. ID features a permanently fixed hinged component that allows for additional leverage during tightening and loosening of a battery cap. The rotating part may not allow for the use of a tool, and in some embodiments, can allow for overtightening of the battery cap.

[0047] As another example, FIG. IE shows an example of a defense product with a rotating part.

[0048] As described herein, a tool may be used to provide mechanical advantage when tightening and loosening a rotating part coupled to a defense product, in some examples. FIG. 2 shows an application of a tool 202 to a rotating part, according to some embodiments. The rotating part may include a hand tightening portion 204 and may include other features such as described in relation to FIGS. 1A-1E.

[0049] FIG. 3A shows another example of a rotating part, according to some embodiments. The rotating part may include hand tightening portion 301A. The rotating part does not include a slot, such as described in relation to FIGS. 1A-1C. The rotating part may have a similar configuration to FIG. 2.

[0050] While a tool may interface with the hand tightening portion of the rotating part shown in FIG. 3A (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) and / or a slot that can interface with a tool could be added (e.g., slots 102, 104 and 106) to the rotating part, the inventor has appreciated that it can be desirable to use a tool to provide mechanical advantage while also reducing or removing the ability to overtighten. With this in mind, the inventor has developed a structure including a shaped form on a head of a threaded fixing with a one-way rotation feature for loosening (relative to a product such as a defense product). The structure may be compatible with tools that a user of the product is likely to have around them. The structure may be implemented as discussed in the following section. II. Rotating parts of a fixing with a one-way mechanism

[0051] FIG. 3B shows the rotating part of FIG. 3A modified according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 3C shows the rotating part of FIG. 3B coupled to a defense product, in a non-limiting example. The example rotating part may be configured for one way tool- driven rotation for a threaded fixing, as described herein.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3B, the rotating part includes a shaped form 300 including a hand tightening portion 301B formed on a head 314 of a threaded fixing 302. In some embodiments, the shaped form is formed as the head of the threaded fixing or may be formed (e.g., machined) from an existing head of the threaded fixing. Therefore, the threaded fixing may include the shaped form. In other embodiments, the shaped form as described herein may be coupled to the head of the threaded fixing.

[0053] The hand tightening portion may allow for the threaded fixing to be tightened and / or may allow for the tool to facilitate tightening by rotation in a tightening direction. The threaded fixing may include a screw or bolt, in some embodiments.

[0054] The shaped form 300 may include an opening 312, such as a side slot, through which a tool may be inserted. The opening may be defined by three surfaces of the hand tightening portion of the shaped form.

[0055] The shaped form 300 may include a tool engagement portion 304 configured to engage a tool once inserted through the opening 312. The tool engagement portion may allow for the tool to drive rotation of the head of the threaded fixing in the loosening direction 308 shown in FIG. 3C. The tool may also engage the slot-defining surfaces of the hand tightening portion, in some embodiments.

[0056] The tool engagement portion may be configured as a curved surface of a raised surface from which a cutout is formed. The cutout may be in the shape of a ramp 306. In some embodiments, the ramp 306 may include a flat surface extending from the curved surface (which may function as the tool engagement portion). Since the ramp may be formed on the head of the threaded fixing, when a tool engages with the ramp, the tool may be pressing against the head 314 of the threaded fixing. The ramp may cause the inserted tool to slip when the tool is pressed against the head and rotated in a tightening direction.

[0057] While the shaped form 300 of FIG. 3B is shown with a ramp 306, the shaped form may include other configurations that cause a tool to slip when the tool is pressed against the head of a threaded fixing and rotated in a tightening direction and also allows for the tool to drive rotation of the head in a loosening direction.

[0058] The shaped form may be compatible with a variety of tools and / or devices suitable for use as a tool. For example, as described later in relation to Table 1, shaped form 300 can be compatible with the tool being a flat tool.

[0059] In some embodiments, the shaped form may be formed by machining, molding, and / or printing (e.g., three-dimensional (3D) printing).

[0060] FIG. 4 shows an example of a one-way front slot mechanism for a rotating part that can be coupled to another device, according to some embodiments. The rotating part may include a shaped form 400 and a threaded fixing (not shown in FIG. 4).

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, a slot 402 may be formed on an exterior surface of the shaped form 400. The slot may be configured to engage with a tool.

[0062] The slot shown in FIG. 4 may be formed between two raised features 406. Each raised feature may include a ramped surface 404. The ramped surface, or ramp, may be configured to cause a tool to slip when engaged with the shaped form 400 and rotated in the tightening direction.

[0063] Each raised feature may also include a flat surface 408 configured to be a tool engagement portion. The tool engagement portion may allow for a tool to drive rotation of the head of the threaded fixing. Moreover, the tool can be levered one way to mitigate overtightening while allowing for tool-leveraged release.

[0064] FIG. 5 shows a diagram of another one-way front slot mechanism for a rotating part, according to some embodiments. One example of a configuration of the shaped form, as shown in FIG. 5 as shaped form 500, comprises two opposing feature sets 3 each comprised of: a ramp 1 to force a tool to slip off the feature during a tightening direction rotation and a flat surface 2 to create a slot across the opposing features and allow the mating tool to engage the screw in a loosening direction rotation. As shown in FIG. 5, the screw may include threads 502.

[0065] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the diagram of the one-way front slot mechanism for the rotating part shown in FIG. 5, according to some embodiments. FIGS. 7A-7C show a diagram of the one-way front slot mechanism of FIG. 5 engaged with a cartridge casing head rim 702, according to some embodiments. The cartridge casing may correspond to those described in relation to FIGS. 9A-9C. The cartridge casing shown in FIG. 7A is a non-limiting example since the technology described herein can be applied to other types of cartridges and cartridge heads.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7A, the cartridge casing may include a rim structure that is received in the slot of the shaped form 500. When rotated in a tightening direction (e.g., clockwise in the orientation shown in FIG. 7A), the cartridge casing head rim may slip. When rotated in a loosening direction (e.g., counterclockwise in the orientation shown in FIG. 7A), the cartridge casing head rim 702 may engage a tool engagement portion of the shaped form (e.g., including flat surfaces) and allow for the screw to rotate in the loosening direction. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7A, a thickness of land responsible for providing strength to the shaped form whilst being suitable for fitment with a mating tool or cartridge casing head rim may be included.

[0067] FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge casing and shaped form along the line A-A when in a mated (or engaged) position. FIG. 7C shows another view of the cartridge casing and shaped form. As shown in FIG. 7C, the head of the cartridge casing may engage with features of the one-way front slot mechanism of the shaped form.

[0068] FIG. 8 A shows a screw 800, according to some embodiments. The screw may include a shaped form on the head of a threaded fixing. FIG. 8B shows threads 804 of the screw, according to some embodiments.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 8A, the shaped form may include a front slot mechanism 802. The front slot mechanism may be configured as discussed in relation to FIGS. 4-7. In more detail, the front slot mechanism may include two opposing feature sets each comprised of a ramped surface to cause a tool to slip off the feature during a tightening direction rotation and a flat surface to define a slot across the opposing features and allow a tool to engage the screw in a loosening direction rotation.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, the screw may be made of metal. In other embodiments, the screw may be made of harder plastic, as the examples are not so limited.

[0071] FIG. 9A shows a diagram including an assembly with an extraction groove and a rim structure, according to some embodiments. The assembly 900 may be a cartridge casing such as shown in FIG. 7A. The assembly may include a mouth 902, neck 904, body 906, flash hole 908, web 910, shoulder 912, and a head 914 including an extraction groove 916, a primer pocket 918, and a rim 920. In some embodiments, the head and rim structure may function as a mating tool.

[0072] FIG. 9B shows diagrams of exemplary cartridge head types and rim types for the assembly of FIG. 9A, according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 9A and as shown as a second example in FIG. 9B, the head 914 of the cartridge casing may be rimless or may include a similar rim configuration. Further, the assembly may be rimmed, semirimmed, belted or rebated corresponding to the structures shown in FIG. 9B. The structures may include projections and varying diameters of the structure. The assembly shown in FIG. 9A resembles a rimless-type cartridge casing for the rim, as an example.

[0073] FIG. 9C shows exemplary cartridge casings 900A and 900B with corresponding projectiles 924A and 924B, according to some embodiments. Cartridge casing 900A corresponds to a 5.56x45mm .223 NATO Cartridge, and cartridge casing 900B corresponds to a 7.62x51mm .308 NATO Cartridge.

[0074] The shaped form as described herein may be compatible with a cartridge casing rim and / or extraction groove as shown in Fig 9A. Example compatibility tests for the shaped forms 300 and 500 shown in FIGS. 3B and 5, respectively, were performed and the results shown in Table 1 were obtained.

[0075] TABLE 1

[0076] As shown in Table 1, shaped form 500 may be compatible with cartridges (e.g., 223

[0077] Remington cartridges, 7.62 x 51mm NATO cartridges, and 8.6 x 70mm NATO cartridges) while the shaped form 300 may not. Each shaped form tested in the example compatibility tests was compatible with hex keys (e.g., thin hex keys), a flat edged steel ruler, and flat headed screw drivers. Therefore, varied compatibility with trialed tools to provide a mechanical advantage to a rotating knob was demonstrated.

[0078] Specific geometry, as described herein, may be used to allow for user specific tools to be used in combination with the overtightening protection feature, which allows for a oneway release interface on a rotating knob. In some embodiments, the shaped form may be compatible with a cartridge casing rim and / or extraction groove. Also, the shaped form may be compatible with the tool being a rod, screwdriver, flat driver, knife, or bayonet.

[0079] While the rotating knob has been described in relation to a threaded fixing including a screw or bolt, in some embodiments, the disclosure is not limited thereto. FIG. 10 shows an example of another rotating fixing, according to some embodiments. A bayonet-type fitting 1000 may be used in combination with the techniques described herein. In more detail, a bayonet-type fitting may be attached to a product, such as a defense product, via a push and twist fitting. Such a mechanism may lock up with frozen water ingress, and therefore, may benefit from the loosening feature described herein. The one-way mechanism may provide mechanical advantage in allowing the rotating bayonet mechanism to open. In some embodiments, the bayonet-type fitting may include engaging with a protrusion of an external structure such that the protrusion is threaded in a corresponding opening.

[0080] A method of forming the apparatus described herein may include forming a shaped form or forming a threaded fixing including the shaped form. In accordance with some embodiments, the shaped form may cause a tool to slip when the tool is pressed against the head and rotated in a tightening direction. The method may include forming the shaped form by machining, molding, or printing.

[0081] A method of operating the apparatus described herein may include engaging a tool with a shaped form (e.g., a slot of the shaped form) of a threaded fixing. The method may also include applying a force to the shaped form such as by pressing the tool against the shaped form. In some embodiments, when the force imparted to the shaped form is in a loosening direction, rotation of the shaped form and threaded fixing occurs. In other embodiments, when the tool is pressed and / or rotated in a tightening direction, the tool slips. The method may further include removing the threaded fixing from a defense product to which the threaded fixing was coupled via threads. The method may also include using a hand tightening portion of the threaded fixing to tighten the threaded fixing relative to the defense product (or other mating product).

[0082] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this technology.

[0083] III. Examples:

[0084] Embodiments may include the following exemplary aspects and may include any suitable combination of the features described herein.

[0085] (1) A shaped form on a head of a threaded fixing, wherein the shaped form: causes a tool to slip when the tool is pressed against the head and rotated in a tightening direction and allows for the tool to drive rotation of the head in a loosening direction.

[0086] (2) The shaped form of aspect (1), wherein the threaded fixing comprises a screw, a bolt, or bayonet-type fixing.

[0087] (3) The shaped form of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the shaped form is compatible with a cartridge casing rim and / or extraction groove.

[0088] (4) The shaped form of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the shaped form is compatible with the tool being a flat tool.

[0089] (5) The shaped form of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the shaped form is compatible with the tool being a flat driver or bayonet.

[0090] (6) The shaped form of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising at least one ramp that causes the tool to slip when the tool is pressed against the head and rotated in the tightening direction.

[0091] (7) The shaped form of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising a tool engagement portion that allows for the tool to drive rotation of the head in the loosening direction.

[0092] (8) The shaped form of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising a hand tightening portion that allows for the tool to facilitate tightening of the threaded fixing by rotation in the tightening direction.

[0093] (9) A threaded fixing comprising a shaped form, wherein the shaped form: causes a tool to slip when the tool is pressed against a head of the threaded fixing and rotated in a tightening direction; and allows for the tool to drive rotation of the head in a loosening direction.

[0094] (10) The threaded fixing of aspect (9), comprising a screw or a bolt.

[0095] (11) The threaded fixing of any one of aspects (9) or (10), wherein the shaped form is compatible with: a cartridge casing rim and / or extraction groove, the tool being a flat tool, or the tool being a flat driver or bayonet.

[0096] (12) The threaded fixing of any one of aspects (9), (10) or (11), wherein the shaped form further comprises at least one ramp that causes the tool to slip when the tool is pressed against the head and rotated in the tightening direction.

[0097] (13) The threaded fixing of any one of aspects (9), (10), (11) or (12), wherein the shaped form further comprises a tool engagement portion that allows for the tool to drive rotation of the head in the loosening direction.

[0098] (14) The threaded fixing of any one of aspects (9), (10), (11), or (12), wherein the shaped form further comprises a hand tightening portion that facilitates tightening by rotation in the tightening direction.

[0099] (15) A method of forming a shaped form or forming a threaded fixing comprising the shaped form, the method comprising: forming the shaped form, wherein the shaped form causes a tool to slip when the tool is pressed against a head of the threaded fixing and rotated in a tightening direction.

[0100] (16) The method of aspect (15), wherein forming the shaped form comprises machining, molding, or printing.

[0101] (17) The method of aspect (15) or (16), wherein the shaped form allows for the tool to drive rotation of the head in a loosening direction.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A shaped form on a head of a threaded fixing, wherein the shaped form: causes a tool to slip when the tool is pressed against the head and rotated in a tightening direction; and allows for the tool to drive rotation of the head in a loosening direction.

2. The shaped form of claim 1, wherein the threaded fixing comprises a screw, a bolt, or bayonet-type fixing.

3. The shaped form of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shaped form is compatible with a cartridge casing rim and / or extraction groove.

4. The shaped form of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shaped form is compatible with the tool being a flat tool.

5. The shaped form of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shaped form is compatible with the tool being a flat driver or bayonet.

6. The shaped form of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising at least one ramp that causes the tool to slip when the tool is pressed against the head and rotated in the tightening direction.

7. The shaped form of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a tool engagement portion that allows for the tool to drive rotation of the head in the loosening direction.

8. The shaped form of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a hand tightening portion that allows for the tool to facilitate tightening of the threaded fixing by rotation in the tightening direction.

9. A threaded fixing comprising a shaped form, wherein the shaped form:causes a tool to slip when the tool is pressed against a head of the threaded fixing and rotated in a tightening direction; and allows for the tool to drive rotation of the head in a loosening direction.

10. The threaded fixing of claim 9, comprising a screw or a bolt.

11. The threaded fixing of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the shaped form is compatible with: a cartridge casing rim and / or extraction groove, the tool being a flat tool, or the tool being a flat driver or bayonet.

12. The threaded fixing of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the shaped form further comprises at least one ramp that causes the tool to slip when the tool is pressed against the head and rotated in the tightening direction.

13. The threaded fixing of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the shaped form further comprises a tool engagement portion that allows for the tool to drive rotation of the head in the loosening direction.

14. The threaded fixing of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the shaped form further comprises a hand tightening portion that allows for tightening by rotation in the tightening direction.

15. A method of forming a shaped form or forming a threaded fixing comprising the shaped form, the method comprising: forming the shaped form, wherein the shaped form causes a tool to slip when the tool is pressed against a head of the threaded fixing and rotated in a tightening direction.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein forming the shaped form comprises machining, molding, or printing.

17. The method of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the shaped form allows for the tool to drive rotation of the head in a loosening direction.

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