Fastener lock

Abstract

A lock for a bolt that allows the lock to hold the bolt and prevent it from unwinding yet allows the lock to be manipulated to selectively unwind the bolt. The lock has a base that carries a collet that has an array of ratchet teeth that can mesh with ratchet teeth of a rotor with which a bolt head can register. The ratchet interface can move from an operative condition where rotation, by virtue of the interface only allows rotation of the bolt in a direction to tighten it, to an inoperative condition where the interface will not restrict the bolt from unwinding.

Description

[0001] FASTENER LOCK

[0002] The present invention relates to lock for a mechanical faster. More particularly but not exclusively it relates to a lock that can be used with a threaded mechanical fastener such as a bolt to allow the bolt to be threading engaged with a female thread such as may be presented by a nut and become selectively locked therewith.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] In the mechanical industry, the challenge of threaded fasteners such as nuts and bolts loosening under operational conditions is an ongoing concern for engineers. Initial improper installation, vibration, cyclical loading and thermal responses in materials may all contribute to a threaded fastener failing its duty or provide sub optimal fastening of components.

[0005] This issue can lead to substantial costs in breakdowns, catastrophic consequential failures and preventive maintenance. Ensuring effective locking is hence crucial for maintaining the integrity of structures, machinery, and assemblies.

[0006] Numerous methods have been introduced to address this challenge, but each comes with limitations, often failing in specific applications.

[0007] Thread locking adhesives such as those that go by the brand name LOCTITE, have limited application and are generally not a suitable for heavy industry and load control applications. Friction solutions are available and sold by Nordlock, Heico, Wurth, others. They offer versatility in that they are suitable for many applications. However, they are left wanting in situations where there is a need for load control. They also require accurate torque loading and are not a positive mechanical system.

[0008] Regarding mechanical locking solutions, a product as described in US10094413, is a relatively new product in the market. Its strengths are that is provides a positive mechanical lock system but it is complex and is not provided as an accessory for use with generic nuts and bolts.

[0009] It may be an object of the present invention to provide a fastener lock which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

[0010] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a tool for a fastener lock which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice. In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0011] For the purposes of this specification, the term "plastic" shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer.

[0012] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In a first aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be a lock for releasably locking a threaded fastener of a kind that has a head and threaded shaft projecting from the head with a complimentary female threaded component that can threadingly receive the threaded shaft and that is capable of being driven for rotation about the shaft axis by a rotational driver tool to draw the female threaded component towards the head, the lock comprising:

[0015] A. a rotor, preferably presenting an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend, to releasably receive a driving member selected from one of: a. the head, and b. the female threaded component, in a manner to prevent relative rotation between the driving member and the rotor,

[0016] B. a base, preferably presenting an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend, located intermediate of the driving member and a base component that is selected from the other of the head and female threaded component selected in A. above and in a manner to operationally be restricted in rotation about the shaft axis relative the base component, C. a collet positioned intermediate of the base and the rotor and presenting an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend, wherein:

[0017] (i) the collet and the rotor have an indexing interface that: a. in an inoperative condition allows rotation of the rotor relative the collet when the rotor is driven for rotation by the driving member in both (i) a first rotational direction that causes the head to move towards the female threaded component and (ii) a second rotational direction that causes the head to move away from the female threaded component, and b. in an operative condition prevents rotation of the driving member relative to the rotor at least in the second rotational direction, and wherein

[0018] (ii) the collet and the base are coupled to prevent their relative rotation about the shaft axis yet allow the collet to travel axially relative the rotor and / or the base between: i. a first axial position where the indexing interface is operative, and ii. a second axial position where the indexing interface is inoperative, wherein the collet is able to be selectively held in its first axial position.

[0019] Preferably the driving member and the rotor can engage with each other in a manner to positively engage the rotor for synchronous rotation of the rotor with the driving member about the shaft axis when the driving member is driven for rotation by the rotational driver tool..

[0020] Preferably the rotor has a first end to present away from the base wherein the receptacle is defined at the first end at where the driving member can register to, when so registered, positively engage the rotor for synchronous rotation of the rotor with the driving member about the shaft axis when the driving member is driven for rotation by the rotational driver tool.

[0021] Preferably the first axial position is the default position of the collet.

[0022] Preferably the collet is shaped and configured to move the collet to its first position. Preferably the collet is biased by being shaped and configured or (ii) by a collet biasing member operational on the collet, to bias the collet to its first position yet allow the collet to be displaced against the bias to move the collet to its second position

[0023] Preferably the first position is more distal the base and the second position is more proximal the base.

[0024] Preferably the first position is more proximal the rotor and the second position is more distal the rotor,

[0025] Preferably the rotor has a first end that presents away from the base.

[0026] Preferably the first end and the driving member can establish a meshed interface to positively engage the rotor with the driving member for synchronous rotation of the rotor with the driving member about the shaft axis.

[0027] Preferably the driving member and the first end are able to releasably engage with each other by their relative movement in the axial direction.

[0028] Preferably a receptacle is defined at the first end at where the driving member can register to, when so registered, positively engage the rotor for synchronous rotation of the rotor with the driving member about the shaft axis when the driving member is driven for rotation by the rotational driver tool.

[0029] Preferably the receptacle allows the driving member to be registered with the rotor by movement of the driving member in the axial direction.

[0030] Preferably the receptacle is of a peripheral shape about the shaft axis that is complimentary to the peripheral shape of the driving member the peripheral shape being adapted and configured to cause the driving member to rotate the rotor when the driving member is driven for rotation by the rotational driver tool.

[0031] Preferably the receptacle is of a hexagonal peripheral shape about the shaft axis.

[0032] Preferably the receptacle has a base region that is substantially planar with a normal projecting in a direction away from the base and parallel the shaft axis.

[0033] Preferably the driving member can register in the receptacle and seat onto the base region.

[0034] Preferably there is only one said receptacle..

[0035] Preferably the rotor has an outer periphery that is concentric the shaft axis.

[0036] Preferably the outer periphery is substantially cylindrical in shape and concentric the shaft axis.

[0037] Preferably the driving member can releasably register with the rotor by movement of the driving member in the axial direction. Preferably the receptacle is of a depth that allows the driving member, when registered with the rotor, to sit proud of the rotor.

[0038] Preferably the receptacle is of a depth between the base region and the first end to let the driving member, when registered with the rotor, to sit proud of the first end so that at least part of the periphery of the driving member can be engaged by the rotational driver tool to allow the driving member to be driven for rotation by the rotational driver tool.

[0039] Preferably the collet and the rotor indexing interface is a ratcheted interface adapted and configured to allow rotation of the rotor relative the collet when being driven for rotation by the driving member in the first rotational direction and to prevent rotation of the rotor relative the collet in the second rotational direction when the indexing interface is in its operative condition. .

[0040] Preferably the rotor has a first end to present in a direction away from the base and an opposed second end.

[0041] Preferably at the second end an array of ratchet teeth (herein after "rotor ratchet teeth") of the indexing interface are presented.

[0042] Preferably the array of rotor ratchet teeth is of an annular configuration concentric about the shaft axis.

[0043] Preferably each tooth of the array of rotor ratchet teeth projects axially in a direction away from the rotor body towards the base.

[0044] Preferably the second end comprises an axial bearing surface to bear against the base.

[0045] Preferably the second face end comprises an axial bearing surface to bear directly against the base.

[0046] Preferably the second face end comprises an axial bearing surface to bear against the base indirectly wherein a slip washer is positioned intermediate of the bearing surface and the base.

[0047] Preferably the axial bearing surface is concentric to the array of rotor ratchet teeth.

[0048] Preferably the axial bearing surface is concentric to the array of rotor ratchet teeth and is located radially inwardly of the array of rotor ratchet teeth.

[0049] Preferably the axial bearing surface is concentric to the array of rotor ratchet teeth and is located radially outwardly of the array of rotor ratchet teeth..

[0050] Preferably the rotor is able to interchangeably receive different inserts or adaptors of a different shape to be able to accommodate different shaped and configured driving members for use with the lock. Preferably the rotor is interchangeable to be able to accommodate different shaped and configured driving members for use with the lock.

[0051] Preferably a plurality of different shaped and configured driving members are provided to allow such to be interchangeably engaged with the rotor to accommodate a range of differently shaped and / or sized driving members.

[0052] Preferably the plurality of different rotors each have a region of common shape at where the rotor interface with the collet and the base.

[0053] Preferably the plurality of different rotors have regions of different shape at the first end.

[0054] Preferably the collet comprises collet body having a first end facing in a direction away from the base and a second end facing the base with the shaft, in use, passing through the aperture of the collet (herein after "collet aperture").

[0055] Preferably at the first end of the collet body, an array of ratchet teeth (herein after "collet ratchet teeth") of the indexing interface are presented.

[0056] Preferably the collet ratchet teeth project from the collet body in a direction away from the base.

[0057] Preferably the array of collet ratchet teeth is configured concentrically about the shaft axis.

[0058] Preferably the array of collet ratchet teeth is configured positioned at the same diameter from the shaft axis as the array of rotor ratchet teeth.

[0059] Preferably an annular flange projects from the collet body in a direction away from the base.

[0060] Preferably the annular flange includes an inner wall facing towards the shaft axis.

[0061] Preferably the inner wall is of a circular profile that is concentric to the shaft axis.

[0062] Preferably the inner wall is cylindrical in shape and is shaped and adapted to allow the rotor to at least partially nest in the collet.

[0063] Preferably the annular flange is shaped and adapted to allow the rotor to at least partially nest in the collet.

[0064] Preferably the annular flange is shaped and adapted to allow the rotor to completely nest in the collet.

[0065] Preferably the annular flange has a distal end presented to allow a tool (such as the rotational driver tool) to engage with the collet and provide an axial force to the collet in a direction parallel to the shaft axis and towards the base. Preferably the annular flange has a distal end featuring a key or castellations to allow a tool to releasably register with the collet and when so registered, be prevented from rotation about the shaft axis relative the collet.

[0066] Preferably the flange is located radially outward more than the rotor so as to be presented to allow a tool to act on the collet to force collet against the bias of the collet biasing member toward the base.

[0067] Preferably the tool can act on the collet to force collet against the bias of the collet biasing member toward the base yet not act on rotor..

[0068] Preferably the compression tool can act on the collet to force collet against the bias of the collet biasing member toward the base yet be clear of the rotor to allow the rotor to be rotated by the driving member by the rotational driving tool.

[0069] Preferably the rotational driving tool and the compression tool are provided as a single operational tool for the lock.

[0070] Preferably the collet body comprises a thrust surface to act on the collet biasing member against the bias.

[0071] Preferably the thrust surface faces towards the base.

[0072] Preferably the collet biasing member biases the rotor and collet towards each other in the direction of the shaft axis.

[0073] Preferably the collet biasing member will provide a biasing force reacting directly or indirectly between at least one of (a) the base and the collet and (b) between the rotor and the collet.

[0074] Preferably the collet biasing member reacts directly or indirectly off the base to push the collet toward the rotor.

[0075] Preferably the collet biasing member reacts off both the collet and the rotor to pull the collet toward the rotor.

[0076] Preferably the collet biasing member is operational between the base and the collet to bias the collet to its first position, where the collet is able to be displaced by an application of force on the collet against the bias to move the collet to the second position.

[0077] Preferably the collet biasing member comprises of a resilient compressible member.

[0078] Preferably the collet biasing member is selected from (a) an O-ring located about the shaft axis (b) a wave spring located about the shaft axis (c) a gasket (d) plurality of discretely located springs.

[0079] Preferably the collet biasing member has an aperture through with the shaft can extend. Preferably the biasing member is a wedge or insert that can be pushed in between the base and the collet to hold the collet in its first position relative the rotor..

[0080] Preferably the base is integrally formed with or releasable engageable directly or indirectly with the base component in a manner to operationally be limited in rotation about the shaft axis relative the base component.

[0081] Preferably the collet and the base are directly coupled to prevent their relative rotation about the shaft axis yet allow the collet to travel axially relative the base.

[0082] Preferably the collet and the base are indirectly coupled to prevent their relative rotation about the shaft axis yet allow the collet to travel axially relative the base.

[0083] Preferably the base is releasably engageable with the base component.

[0084] Preferably the base is engageable with the base component in a manner to prevent or restrict relative rotation between the base and the base component about the shaft axis.

[0085] Preferably the base and the base component are adapted and configured to, in use, be held in a manner to prevent or prevent relative rotation between the base and the base component about the shaft axis.

[0086] Preferably the base and base component are releasably engageable with each other by relative movement in a direction parallel the shaft axis.

[0087] Preferably the base and the base component have a keyed interface that prevents or restricts their relative rotation about the shaft axis.

[0088] Preferably the base and the base component have a keyed interface that prevents or restricts their relative rotation about the shaft axis yet allows a degree of translation between the base and base component in the shaft axis direction.

[0089] Preferably the base presents at least one keying feature to key with a complimentary keying feature of the base to thereby become rotationally secured with the base component about the shaft axis.

[0090] Preferably the keying feature of the base comprises of at least one projection that is receivable in a recess of the base component to thereby become rotationally secured with the base component about the shaft axis.

[0091] Preferably the keying feature of the base is a recess that is able to receive a projection of the base component to thereby become rotationally secured with the base about the shaft axis.

[0092] Preferably the keying feature of the base is presented at its end projecting towards the base component. Preferably the base and the base component can translate relative each other in the direction of the shaft axis so that the base can assume a first position and a second position relative the base component.

[0093] Preferably the base is biased towards its first position and can be moved to its second position against the bias by a person by applying an axial force to the base towards the base component.

[0094] Preferably the bias is provided by a biasing member (herein after "base biasing member").

[0095] Preferably the base biasing member is a spring that has an aperture through which the shaft axis can extend.

[0096] Preferably the base biasing member biases the base way from the base component.

[0097] Preferably the base biasing member is an align spring that allows for axial travel between base and the base component to facilitate the fastener head rotationally engaging with the rotor and for the threaded shaft to pick up the female thread of the female threaded component.

[0098] Preferably the base presents a seat (herein after "rotor seat") onto which the rotor can seat.

[0099] Preferably the base and the rotor have a journaled interface so that the rotor is rotationally supported by the base.

[0100] Preferably the journalled interface and the rotor seat are provided at an end region of the base distal from the base component.

[0101] Preferably the base presents a seat (herein after "collet biasing member seat") on which the collet biasing member can seat.

[0102] Preferably the base and the collet have an interface so that the collet is rotationally coupled to the base to prevent their relative rotation yet allow relative translation in the axial direction.

[0103] Preferably the base and the collet have a splined interface so that the collet is rotationally coupled to the base yet can axially translate relative the base.

[0104] Preferably the base and the collet are adapted and configured to in use, not be able to rotate relative each other about the shaft axis.

[0105] Preferably a slip washer is provided intermediate of the rotor and the base reduce the rotational frictional forces between the rotor and the base.

[0106] Preferably the base is welded to the base component.

[0107] Preferably the female threaded component is the base component and that comprises a female threaded aperture.

[0108] Preferably the base component comprises the female threaded component. Preferably the female threaded component is a nut.

[0109] Preferably the female threaded component is defined by or forms part of the base component.

[0110] Preferably the base component can allow the formation of a female thread by the threaded shaft to thereby define the female threaded component.

[0111] Preferably the base component is of a material that allows the formation of a female thread by the threaded shaft to thereby define the female threaded component..

[0112] Preferably the driving member and the threaded shaft form the components of a bolt..

[0113] Preferably the driving member and the threaded shaft form the components of a bolt without the bolt comprising of features to functionally interact in a manner rotational about the axis with the lock other than the driving member.

[0114] Preferably the driving member is a bolt or machine screw with a threaded shaft and a head that presents as said driving member.

[0115] Preferably the threaded shaft is secured to or integrally form with the base component wherein the base component presents as the head and the female threaded component is a nut to be received by the threaded shaft and to locate at the rotor.

[0116] Preferably the threaded shaft is integrally secured or formed with the base component and the female threaded component is a nut to be received by the threaded shaft and to register with the rotor.

[0117] Preferably base component has an aperture large enough to allow the threaded shaft to pass through it in a non-threaded relationship.

[0118] Preferably base can come to bear onto the base component and to press onto the base component towards the female threaded component.

[0119] Preferably the base can act directly or indirectly onto the base component to be clamped thereto.

[0120] Preferably the base can act onto a captured component to clamp the captured component against the base component.

[0121] Preferably the captured component can locate with the base in a manner to operationally be restricted in rotation about the shaft axis relative the captured component that is itself operationally be restricted in rotation about the shaft axis relative the base component.

[0122] Preferably the base is able to register to the captured component in a manner to prevent its relative rotation thereto about the shaft axis. Preferably the rotor is axially retained with the base..

[0123] Preferably the rotor is captured to the base to prevent it from axially separating from the base yet allowing it to rotate relative to the base..

[0124] Preferably the base is able to engage with the captured component in a manner to prevent its relative rotation thereto about the shaft axis..

[0125] Preferably the base has a plurality of teeth to bite into the base component or the captured component in a manner to prevent its relative rotation thereto about the shaft axis..

[0126] Preferably the base is releasably engageable with the captured component..

[0127] Preferably the base is engageable with the captured component in a manner to prevent or restrict relative rotation between the base and the base component about the shaft axis.

[0128] Preferably the base and the captured component are adapted and configured to, in use, be held in a manner to prevent or prevent relative rotation between the base and the captured component about the shaft axis.

[0129] Preferably the base and captured component are releasably engageable with each other by relative movement in a direction parallel the shaft axis.

[0130] Preferably the base and the captured component have a keyed interface that prevents or restricts their relative rotation about the shaft axis.

[0131] Preferably the base and the captured component have a keyed interface that prevents or restricts their relative rotation about the shaft axis yet allows a degree of translation between the base and captured component in the shaft axis direction.

[0132] Preferably the base presents at least one keying feature to key with a complimentary keying feature of the base to thereby become rotationally secured with the captured component about the shaft axis.

[0133] Preferably the keying feature of the base comprises of at least one projection that is receivable in a recess of the captured component to thereby become rotationally secured with the captured component about the shaft axis.

[0134] Preferably the keying feature of the base is a recess that is able to receive a projection of the captured component to thereby become rotationally secured with the base about the shaft axis.

[0135] Preferably the keying feature of the base is presented at its end projecting towards the captured component.

[0136] Preferably the captured component comprises a compression spring that can exert a spring force parallel the shaft axis.

[0137] Preferably the captured component has an aperture (herein after "captured component aperture") through which the threaded shaft can extend. Preferably the captured component aperture is concentric the collet and base apetures and is if a size to allow the threaded shaft to pass therethrough in a nonthreaded manner.

[0138] Preferably the driving member has at least one driving surface to allow a tool to drivingly engage with the driving member, the at least one diving surface provided at a radial periphery and / or internal of the radial periphery of the driving member..

[0139] Preferably the rotor aperture and collet aperture are large enough to take part of base therein..

[0140] Preferably the head or the female threaded component is able to be positively engaged with the rotor for synchronous rotation about the axis of the shaft when the driving member is driven for rotation by the rotational driver tool by virtue of a rotational driving surface interface between the rotor and the drive head or female threaded component..

[0141] Preferably the base is located intermediate of the driving member and a base component and connected directly or indirection to the base component in a manner to operationally prevent rotation of the base about the shaft axis relative the base component..

[0142] Preferably the rotor and the threaded fastener are able to register together in a manner to allow the rotor to positively engage with the threaded fastener..

[0143] Preferably the rotor has an aperture for the shaft to pass through that is slightly larger than the shaft diameter..

[0144] Preferably the driven member positively engages with the rotor for synchronous rotation by virtue of the rotor having a receptable into which the driven member is able to be releasably received, the driven member and receptacle being a complementary shape to become rotational synchronous..

[0145] Preferably the driving member has a hexagonal periphery for the rotational driver tool to drivingly engage with and the hexagonal head is partially proud of the rotor..

[0146] Preferably the first rotational direction is to increase the force with which the base acts on the base component..

[0147] Preferably the second rotational direction is to increase the force with which the base acts on the base component..

[0148] Preferably the shaft is circular in cross section..

[0149] Preferably the shaft is circular in cross section along its entire length..

[0150] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a rotational driving tool to releasable couple with the lock as herein defined to allow the threaded fastener to be rotated in the first and second rotational directions, the tool comprising a. a driver to releasable engage with the driving member in a manner to, when rotated about the shaft axis, cause the driving member to be rotated about the shaft axis b. a thrust portion to be able to releasable engage the collet to move (preferably by pressing) the collet and cause the indexing interface to assume its in-operative condition.

[0151] Preferably the driver and thrust region are provided to allow both to be operative simultaneously.

[0152] Preferably the driver is located on the shaft axis and the thrust region is located radially outwardly of the driver.

[0153] Preferably the thrust region can act on the collet to force collet against the bias of the collet biasing member toward the base yet not act on rotor.

[0154] Preferably the thrust region can act on the collet to force collet against the bias of the collet biasing member toward the base yet be clear of the rotor to allow the rotor to be rotated by the driver of the rotational driving tool.

[0155] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a lock for releasably locking a bolt that has a threaded shaft extending from a bolt head to a complimentary female threaded component that can threadingly receive the threaded shaft, the bolt capable of being driven for rotation about the shaft axis to draw the bolt head towards the female threaded component by a rotational driver tool able to be releasable engaged to the bolt head, (where preferably the bolt to releasably retain a captured component between the lock and the female threaded component), the lock comprising:

[0156] A. a rotor for releasably receiving the bolt and presenting a receptacle into which the bolt head can nest, the bolt head and receptacle being of a complementary shape and configuration to allow an indexable engagement of the bolt head with the rotor at the receptacle for creating a synchronous rotational relationship between the rotor and the bolt about the shaft axis, the rotor having an aperture through which the threaded shaft can pass when the bolt head is nested in the receptacle, B.a base to be located intermediate of the bolt head and the female threaded member and preferably against the captured component if present), the base comprising: a. an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend to allow the bolt to reach the female threaded component for threaded engagement, b. at least one feature to establish a keyed interface with the captured component to operationally prevent rotation of the base relative to the captured component about the shaft axis yet allow a degree of translation between the base and base component in the shaft axis direction before the bolt head is drawn down to the female threaded component,

[0157] C.a collet positioned intermediate of the base and the rotor and presenting an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend, wherein:

[0158] (i) the collet and the rotor have an indexing interface that: a. in an inoperative condition allows rotation of the rotor relative the collet when the rotor is driven for rotation by the bolt head in both (i) a first rotational direction that causes the head to draw towards the female threaded component and (ii) a second rotational direction that causes the head to move away from the female threaded component, and b. in an operative condition prevents rotation of the bolt head relative to the rotor at least in the second rotational direction, and wherein

[0159] (ii) the base and the collet have a splined interface so that the collet (a) is rotationally coupled to the base to prevent it from rotating relative to the base, and (b) can axially translate, guided by the splined interface, relative the base between: i . a first axial position that is more proximal the rotor and where the indexing interface is operative, and ii. a second axial position that is more distal the rotor where the indexing interface is inoperative.

[0160] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a lock for releasably locking a threaded shaft extending from a base component to a complimentary nut that can threadingly receive the threaded shaft, the nut capable of being driven for rotation about the shaft axis to draw the nut towards the base component by a rotational driver tool able to be releasable engaged to the nut, the nut to releasably retain a captured component between the nut and the base component, the lock comprising:

[0161] A. a rotor for releasably receiving the nut and presenting a receptacle into which the nut can nest, the nut and receptacle being of a complementary shape and configuration to allow an indexable engagement of the nut with the rotor at the receptacle for creating a synchronous rotational relationship between the rotor and the nut about the shaft axis, the rotor having an aperture through which the threaded shaft can pass to threadingly engage with the nut when the nut is nested in the receptacle,

[0162] B.a base to be located intermediate of the base component and the nut and against the captured component, the base comprising: a. an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend to allow the threaded shaft to reach the nut for threaded engagement, b. at least one feature to establish a keyed interface with the captured component to operationally prevent rotation of the base relative to the captured component about the shaft axis yet allow a degree of translation between the base and base component in the shaft axis direction before the nut is drawn down,

[0163] C.a collet positioned intermediate of the base and the rotor and presenting an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend, wherein:

[0164] (i) the collet and the rotor have an indexing interface that: a. in an inoperative condition allows rotation of the rotor relative the collet when the rotor is driven for rotation by the nut in both (i) a first rotational direction that causes the nut to draw towards the base component and (ii) a second rotational direction that causes the nut to move away from the base component, and b. in an operative condition prevents rotation of the nut relative to the rotor at least in the second rotational direction, and wherein

[0165] (ii) the base and the collet have a splined interface so that the collet

[0166] (a) is rotationally coupled to the base to prevent it from rotating relative to the base, and (b) can axially translate, guided by the splined interface, relative the base between (i) a first axial position that is more proximal the rotor and where the indexing interface is operative, and (ii) a second axial position that is more distal the rotor where the indexing interface is inoperative.

[0167] Preferably the collet is biased (i) by being shaped and configured or (ii) by a collet biasing member operational on the collet, to bias the collet to its first position yet allow the collet to be displaced against the bias to move the collet to is second position

[0168] Preferably the collet is able to be held in its first position.

[0169] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a lock for releasably locking a threaded fastener of a kind that has a head and threaded shaft projecting from the head with a complimentary female threaded component that can threadingly receive the threaded shaft and that is capable of being driven for rotation about the shaft axis by a rotational driver tool to draw the female threaded component towards the head, the lock comprising:

[0170] A. a rotor presenting an aperture through which the shaft can extend and to releasably receive a driving member selected from one of: a. the head, and b. the female threaded component, in a manner to positively engage the rotor for synchronous rotation of the rotor with the driving member about the shaft axis when the driving member is driven for rotation by the rotational driver tool,

[0171] B. a base presenting an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend, the base located intermediate of the driving member and a base component that is selected from the other of the head and female threaded component selected in A. above, in a manner to operationally be restricted in rotation about the shaft axis relative the base component,

[0172] C. a collet positioned intermediate of the base and the rotor and presenting an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend, wherein: the collet and the rotor have a indexing interface that: a. in an inoperative condition allows rotation of the rotor relative the collet when the rotor is driven for rotation by the driving member in both (i) a first rotational direction that causes the head to draw towards the female threaded component and (ii) a second rotational direction that causes the head to move away from the female threaded component, and b. in an operative condition prevents rotation of the driving member relative to the rotor at least in the second rotational direction, and wherein the collet and the base are coupled to prevent their relative rotation about the shaft axis yet the allow the collet to travel axially relative the base between: i. a first position that is distal more the base and / or proximal more the rotor and where the indexing interface is operative, and ii. a second position proximal more the base and / or distal more the rotor where the indexing interface is inoperative.

[0173] Preferably the collet can be held, preferably releasably and preferably under influence of a bias, in its first position..

[0174] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a lock for releasably locking a threaded fastener of a kind that has a threaded shaft with a complimentary female threaded component that can threadingly receive the threaded shaft and that is capable of being driven for rotation about the shaft axis by a rotational driver tool, the threaded fastener to clamp a base component with a captured component, the lock comprising:

[0175] A. a rotor presenting an aperture through which the shaft can extend and to releasably receive a driving member selected from one of: a. a drive head of the threaded fastener and from which the threaded shaft axially extends through the aperture and b. the female threaded component, in a manner to positively engage the rotor for synchronous rotation of the rotor with the driving member about the axis of the shaft when the driving member is driven for rotation by the rotational driver tool,

[0176] B. a base presenting an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend, the base integrally formed with or releasable engageable to the captured component in a manner to operationally be limited in rotation about the shaft axis relative the captured component,

[0177] C. a collet positioned intermediate of the base and the rotor and presenting an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend, wherein a. the collet and the rotor have a ratcheted interface to allow rotation of the rotor when being driven for rotation by the driving member in a first rotational direction and prevent rotation of the rotor and the driving member in a second direction opposite the first direction, and wherein b. the collet and the base are rotationally coupled to prevent their relative rotation about the shaft axis yet the collet is able to travel axially relative the base between i. a first position where the ratcheted interface is operational, and ii. a second position where the ratcheted interface is not operational to allow the driving member and rotor to rotate in the second direction.

[0178] In a further aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be a lock for releasably locking a threaded fastener of a kind that has a head and threaded shaft projecting from the head with a complimentary female threaded component that can threadingly receive the threaded shaft and that is capable of being driven for rotation about the shaft axis by a rotational driver tool to draw the female threaded component towards the head, the lock comprising:

[0179] A. a rotor, preferably presenting an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend, to releasably receive a driving member selected from one of: a. the head, and b. the female threaded component, in a manner to positively engage the rotor for synchronous rotation of the rotor with the driving member about the shaft axis when the driving member is driven for rotation by the rotational driver tool, the rotor presenting an array of ratchet teeth about shaft axis

[0180] B. a base, preferably presenting an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend, located intermediate of the driving member and a base component that is selected from the other of the head and female threaded component selected in A. above and in a manner to operationally be restricted in rotation about the shaft axis relative the base component,

[0181] C. a means to establish an indexing interface (such as the collet) with the array of teeth of the rotor that can be moved relative to the array so that; a. in an inoperative condition allows rotation of the rotor relative the base when the rotor is driven for rotation by the driving member in both (i) a first rotational direction that causes the head to move towards the female threaded component and (ii) a second rotational direction that causes the head to move away from the female threaded component, and b. in an operative condition prevents rotation of the driving member relative to the base at least in the second rotational direction, and wherein

[0182] (iii) the means to establish an indexing interface and the base are coupled to prevent their relative rotation about the shaft axis yet allow the means to establish an indexing interface to travel relative the array of teeth between i. a first position where the indexing interface is operative, and ii. a second position where the indexing interface is inoperative,

[0183] Preferably a means to establish an indexing interface is able to be selectively held in its first position.

[0184] Preferably the load path for load applied by the driving member to the base component passes directly through the base by virtue of the base being in direct axial load transfer contact with the threaded faster (optionally with a washer intermediate) and with base component.

[0185] Preferably the load path isolates the rotor from transferring the full axial force between the driving member and the base component..

[0186] Preferably the load path for load applied by the driving member to the base component passes via the rotor through the base by virtue of the base being in direct axial load transfer contact with the rotor (optionally with a washer intermediate) and with base component and the rotor being in direct axial load transfer contact with the driving member.

[0187] Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0188] As used herein the term "and / or" means "and" or "or", or both.

[0189] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun.

[0190] The term "comprising" as used in this specification [and claims] means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification [and claims] which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0191] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference. This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.)

[0192] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0193] The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which:

[0194] Figure la: is a front exploded view of the lock assembled with threaded fastener and female threaded component,

[0195] Figure lb: shows a variation of Figure la wherein a captured component is also provided,

[0196] Figure 2a: is a perspective view of Figure la,

[0197] Figure 2b: is a perspective view of Figure lb,

[0198] Figure 3a: is a sectional view through the lock engaged with a threaded fastener and a female threaded member between which it is captured,

[0199] Figure 3b: is a variation of Figure 3a wherein a captured component is included,

[0200] Figure 4a: is a non-sectional view of the assembly of Figure 3a,

[0201] Figure 4b: is a non-sectional view of the assembly of Figure 3b,

[0202] Figure 5a: is a front view of Figure 4a,

[0203] Figure 5b: is a front view of Figure 4b,

[0204] Figure 5c: illustrates a variation of Figures 5a and Figure 5b,

[0205] Figure 6a: illustrates a sectional view through a lock assembled with a threaded fastener and a female threaded member in a different configuration,

[0206] Figure 6b: is a sectional view through Figure 5b,

[0207] Figure 6c: is a sectional view through Figure 5c,

[0208] Figure 7a: is a perspective view of a rotor,

[0209] Figure 7b: is another perspective view of the rotor,

[0210] Figure 8a: is a perspective view of the collet,

[0211] Figure 8b: is an alternative perspective view of the collet,

[0212] Figure 9a: is a perspective view of the base,

[0213] Figure 9b: is an alternative perspective view of the base,

[0214] Figure 9c-e: illustrate variations of the end of the base, Figure 9f: is a perspective view of a captured component showing it has a rebate to receive the protrusion of the base of Figure 9e,

[0215] Figure lOa-c: shows an alternative assembly incorporating the lock of the present invention,

[0216] Figure Ila: is a perspective view of the lock of the present invention with a screw as the threaded fastener,

[0217] Figure 11b: illustrates the screw fastener being utilized for holding a railway track to a sleeper,

[0218] Figure 11c: is a close-up view of the screw fastener holding a railway track to a sleeper, wherein a clamping block is used to clamp the railway track,

[0219] Figure 12a: is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of the invention comprising a Belleville washer to allow axial movement of the rotor,

[0220] Figure 12b: is a perspective section view showing said alternative embodiment comprising a Belleville washer,

[0221] Figure 12c: is a perspective exploded view showing said alternative embodiment comprising a Belleville washer,

[0222] Figure 13a-b: illustrate a fastener of a different kind to that shown in Figures 1-6,

[0223] Figure 14a-c: illustrate a tool that may be used for operating the lock and the fastener that is herein described,

[0224] Figure 14d-e: illustrate a variation of the tool,

[0225] Figure 15a: shows a further variation of the present invention where the lock may be integrally formed with the captured component,

[0226] Figures 16A-D show further variations of the present invention.

[0227] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0228] The present invention comprises of a lock, 1000 for releasably locking a threaded fastener. The locking is to prevent the threaded fastener from adopting a sub-optimal fastened condition such as by unthreading due to for example vibrational loading.

[0229] The lock 1000 can be seen for example in figures 4A and 4B. In the example of the lock shown in figure 1-6 the threaded fastener that takes advantage of the benefits of the lock may be a bolt 1.

[0230] Alternative variations of the present invention are described in other figures in the specification, but first reference will be made of an embodiment of the present invention described in figures, 1-6.

[0231] The threaded fastener may be a bolt that may be a standard bolt. The threaded fastener is preferably of a kind that has a head 2 and a threaded shaft 3 that projects from the head in an axial direction XX. The axial direction XX may also herein be referred to as the shaft axis or the axis of rotation. It is the axis about which the threaded fastener can rotate so that the threaded fastener can threadingly engage, and disengage, into another object, such as with a female threaded component 4 which may assume a number of different embodiments. The bolt does not include a feature of features that are provided for the purposes of locking to features of the lock of the present invention for rotational synchronicity, other than the head of the bolt. The head having for example a hex head for such rotational synchronicity purposes.

[0232] The threaded shaft 3 may present a male thread 13 that may present along the entire length of the threaded shaft 3 from its distal end 14 to the head 2 or alternatively only part of the threaded shaft may present the male thread 13. The male thread may only be presented inward from the distal end. Alternatively the male thread may be presented somewhere intermediate of the distal end 14 and the head 2. The threaded shaft 3 may not be of a constant diameter. In some forms hereinafter described, the threaded shaft may be of a tapered shape such as is commonly presented by a screw thread rather than a bolt thread. The object into which such a threaded shaft may engage may be a timber object.

[0233] The female threaded component 4 presents a female thread 8 that is complimentary to the thread of the threaded shaft 3 so that the threaded shaft and the female threaded component can threadingly engage with each other.

[0234] One or the other, or both of the threaded fastener 1 and the female threaded component 4 are capable of being driven for rotation to cause relative rotation between the threaded fastener 1 and the female threaded component 4 about the shaft axis XX. A rotational driver tool 5 may be utilised for such purposes. Upon such a relative rotation between the threaded fastener 1 and the female threaded component 4 the female threaded component 4 will be drawn towards the head of the threaded fastener. When rotated in an opposite direction the female threaded component 4 will move away from the head 2. Upon a drawing down, the compression force between driven member and rotor and the base, increases. In some forms of the invention the compression force between the driven member and the base increases with the rotor being isolated from the same compression force increase.

[0235] In the example of the invention shown in figures 1-6, the threaded fastener 1 is a bolt that has a hexagonal head 2. It will become apparent that heads of a different kind may also present as part of the threaded fastener 1 and some examples of such are hereinafter described.

[0236] The female thread 8, to which the threaded shaft 3 is able to threadingly engage, may present as a nut 4A as seen for example in figures 5c and 6c. The female threaded component 4 in the form of a nut 4A may also have a hexagonal format as seen in figures 5c and 6c. In an alternative form the female thread may be provided by a base component 4B which is not a nut.

[0237] The base component 4B may be for example a foundation of a building, a structural element of a structure or many other items to which the threaded fastener 1 is to engage. Other examples might include railway sleepers as seen for example in Figure 11b.

[0238] The base component 4B may have a blind hole or a through hole that presents the female thread 8 and with which the threaded shaft 1 of the threaded fastener can threadingly engage.

[0239] The function of the head 2 of the threaded fastener 1 and the female threaded component 4 (whether it be the base component 4B that presents the female thread 8 or a nut 4A that presents the female thread 8) is to capture the lock 1000 there between. In some embodiments shown in the drawings and as herein will be described, a captured component 7, as seen for example in figure 4B, may also be present as part of the assembly, with the lock 1000 captured between the head 2 and the female threaded component 4.

[0240] The lock 1000 in the examples shown in figures la, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a and 6a, is able to bear and / or contact directly against the female threaded component 4 that in these figures presents as the base component 4B.

[0241] In the examples showing in figures lb, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 5c, 6b and 7C, the lock 1000 indirectly bears against the female threaded component 4, whether that threaded component is a nut 4A or the base component 4B and wherein an intermediate captured component 7 is provided. In this example the intermediate captured component 7 is, by way of the threaded fastener, able to be secured to the base component 4B.

[0242] The lock 1000 comprises of a rotor 9 and a base 11 and a collet 10. Additional features that may be used as part of the invention include a slip plane washer, a ratchet spring, and an alignment spring. At a high level, some of the purposes of each feature are as follows: a) The Rotor is purposed to, firstly, positively engage and rotate synchronously with a separate fastener, such as a standard bolt or a nut, and, secondly, to engage with the teeth of the collet when rotating in a first direction, and, thirdly, is able to disengage with the teeth of the collet when rotating in a second direction. Preferably, the fastener is an off-the-shelf standard component. b) The Collet is purposed to, firstly, engage with the splines projections of the base, such that rotation of the collet is restricted and ideally locked relative to the base, and, secondly, move axially to engage / disengage with the teeth of the rotor, thereby restricting / allowing rotation of the rotor in at least one direction. c) The Base is purposed to, firstly, anchor rotation of the assembly of components in relation to the workpiece, and, secondly, provide a bearing for load transfer between the fastener and the base component or between the fastener and a second fastener on an opposing side of a captured component. Preferably the base is purposed to retain the rotor within the assembly, and consequently retain the collet via retaining the rotor. d) The Collet Biasing Member is purposed to, firstly, bias the collet to be engaged with the teeth of the rotor, and, secondly, allow the collet to move away and disengage from the rotor. e) The Base Biasing Member is purposed to, firstly, allow axial movement of the assembly, relative to the fastener, to allow the driving member to engage with the rotor, and to pick up the thread which the driving member is to engage with . f) The Slip Washer is purposed to reduce the friction between the rotor and the base, such that the force required to rotate the fastener, relative to the compression force applied throughout the load path, is reduced.

[0243] The rotor 9 has an aperture 12 through which the threaded shaft 3 can extend. This can be seen in figure 7a. The aperture 12 (also is referred to herein as the rotor aperture 12) is preferably of a size sufficiently large to allow for the threaded shaft 3 to pass freely there through. There is no threaded interface between the threaded shaft 3 and the rotor 9. The rotor aperture 12 is of a slightly larger diameter than the maximum diameter of the threaded shaft 3 to pass therethrough.

[0244] The rotor 9 can releasably receive a driving member 15. That driving member 15 is preferably selected from one of (a) the head 2 and (b) the female threaded component 4. In the example of the invention shown in figures 1-6 the driving member 15 is the head 2 of the threaded fastener 1. In an alternative variation of the present invention as is hereinafter described, the driving member 15 is the female threaded component 4 such as a 4A. In either embodiment of the present invention the rotor 9 is able to releasably receive the driving member 15 (whether it is the head 2 or the female threaded component 4) in a manner to positively engage the rotor 9 for synchronous rotation of the rotor 9 with the driving member 15 about the shaft axis. When so received and positively engaged with the rotor the driving member 15 and the rotor 9 will rotate together about the shaft axis XX when driven for rotation.

[0245] As seen in figure 7a the rotor 9 preferably has a first end 16. The first end 16 presents itself generally away from the base 10. It may present a face that projects away from the base. The first end 16 and the driving member 15 can mesh together to positively engage the rotor 9 with the driving member 15 for synchronous rotation of the rotor 9 with the driving member 15 about the shaft axis XX. The first end 16 and the driving member 15 are able to releasably engage with each other upon of relative movement in the axial direction XX. In this manner the driving member 15 can come to seat against the rotor 9. For example when the threaded shaft 3 of a bolt 1 is passed through the rotor aperture 12 the bolt head 2 can come to bear against the rotor at the first end 16.

[0246] When so meshed a positive engagement between the rotor and the driving member is established so that rotation of the rotor is synchronised with the driving member about the shaft axis. Preferably a receptacle 30 is provided at the first end 16 that is of a shape and configuration to be complementary with at least part of the peripheral shape of the driving member. It is complementary in a sense that the receptacle can receive at least a part of the driving member therein or thereat. In the example shown in figure 7 A the receptacle is of a hexagonal footprint to correspond to a hexagonal shape of the head 2 of a threaded fastener 1 or of the female threaded component 4. It is symmetrical about the shaft axis XX.

[0247] The receptacle has a complementary shape to the driving member to establish an interlock such as by rotational driving surfaces (by virtue of, in this example, not being circular) so that the rotor and the driving member can become rotationally synchronised.

[0248] As seen particularly in figure 9a, the base comprises a flange edge 38 that is able to be swaged outwardly, such that the flange edge 38 retains the rotor in a position between the flange edge and the axial bearing surface 90. As in figure 7A, the rotor is shown to comprise a retainer edge 38b, such that a swept volume is provided for the flange edge 38 to retain the collet, yet allow the top surface of the flange edge to be flush with the seat region 31 if preferably, as is illustrated in the present examples. In other examples, such as will be discussed further in relation to figures 16a-b, the flange edge 38 may retain the rotor 9 and interface with the retainer edge 38b while the seat region 31 is positioned lower than the top surface of the flange edge 38. The flange edge may preferably be formed after the positioning of the rotor therein. In other examples, the flange edge may be a separate component such as a circlip or the like.

[0249] In the example shown in figures 1-6 the receptacle has a hexagonal footprint to receive a standard shape bolt head or nut. The receptacle 30 may have a seat region 31 that may be substantially planar with a notional normal projecting in a direction away from the base 11. The head or nut is so able to seat onto the seat region 31.

[0250] In a preferred form there is only one receptacle but in alternative forms a plurality of receptacles may be provided. In alternative forms the interface between the driving member and the rotor may comprise of one or more discrete features. In alternative formats a different interface between the rotor and the driving member may be established as for example seen in figure 13a and 13b. In figures 13a and 14b the driving member 15 and the rotor have a toothed interface 34 such as may be provided by a dog tooth arrangement. In some formats it may not be a receptacle that is provided by a rotor but some other means by which the rotor and the driving member are able to releasably index together so as to become rotationally synchronised.

[0251] The rotor 9 preferably has an outer periphery 32 that is concentric to the shaft axis XX. Preferably the outer periphery 32 is substantially cylindrical in shape and concentric about the shaft axis. This allows the rotor to snugly nest in the collet 10 as will hereinafter be described.

[0252] Where the interface is established at the receptacle 31, the receptacle may be of a depth that allows for the driving member to sit proud of the rotor. This can clearly be seen in figures 6A and 6B where the head 2 of the threaded fastener 1 sits proud of the rotor 9. In a preferred form, the depth of the receptacle 31 is sufficient to allow for the driving member 15 and the rotor 9 to become rotationally synchronised yet still present part of the driving member 15 proud of the rotor. In this manner, and as seen for example in figures 14A-C, a tool 5 can engage with the driving member 15 to provide a rotational input to the driving member 15 and hence also to the rotor when the rotor and the driving member are coupled together.

[0253] The rotor preferably also has an opposed second end 35. The opposed second end 35 projects towards the base 10, as seen in figure 7B. The opposed second end 35 may present an array of ratchet teeth (herein also referred to as the rotor ratchet teeth) of an indexing interface 200 between the rotor 9 and the collet 10. A ratchet interface is the preferred form of the indexing interface 200 between the rotor 9 and the collet 10. In a preferred form the collet 10 presents an array of ratchet teeth (herein also referred to as the collet ratchet teeth 36) that co-operate with the array of the array of rotor ratchet teeth 35. Preferably each array presents a plurality of teeth. It will be appreciated the number of teeth may not be the same between the two ratchet teeth arrays. It is envisaged that one array may present only one tooth to act more like a pawl than a tooth, to cooperate with the ratchet teeth of the other of the arrays.

[0254] The ratchet form of the indexing interface 200, when the lock is in use and the driving member is being rotated to fasten the threaded fastener, will allow for the relative rotation of the rotor and the collet in a first rotational direction corresponding to a fastening or tightening of the threaded fastener but will resist and / or prevent rotation in an opposite second rotational direction. This second rotational direction is in a direction where the threaded fastener is loosened as opposed to tightened. As can be seen in figure 7B and 8A the teeth of each array preferably project axially. The array of ratchet teeth of the rotor and of the collet 10 are preferably of a matching annular configuration concentric about the shaft axis XX.

[0255] The rotor 9, at its second opposed end 35, includes a bearing surface 37. The bearing surface is an axial bearing surface that is to bear against the base 11. The base 11 has a complimentary axial bearing surface 90 against which the axial bearing surface 37 can axially bear. This facilitates axial force transfer from the driving member to the base component 4B.

[0256] In a preferred form a slip washer 39 may interpose the axial bearing surfaces 37 and 90. The slip washer 39 may be of a low friction material so that frictional torque between the rotor and the base member at the bearing interface is reduced. This allows for a more accurate correspondence between the torque applied to the driving member and the axial tension established in the threaded shaft.

[0257] The collet 11 preferably includes an aperture 40 through which the threaded shaft can extend. The collet aperture 40 is preferable concentric about the shaft axis. The aperture is preferable larger than the diameter of the threaded shaft so that the threaded shaft can freely pass through the aperture 40.

[0258] The axial bearing surfaces 37 and 90 are preferable also concentric about the shaft axis and as seen in figure 7b the axial bearing surface 37 preferably sits radially inwardly of the array of rotor ratchet teeth 35.

[0259] In order to allow for the rotor to be cooperative with a number of different shaped driving members 15, the lock may be part of a system where a plurality of different shaped inserts or adaptors are able to be provided. Such an insert of adaptor may have a first mating surface to mate with the rotor and a second mating surface to mate with the driving member. The inserts may have a common rotor mating surface and present different driving member mating surfaces. This can allow for one lock 1000 to be adapted for use with different shaped driving members 15 by the use of the insert / adaptor.

[0260] In a preferred form the collet 10 comprises of a collet body 41 having a first end 42 that faces away from the base and a second end 43 that faces towards the base 11. At the first end the array of collet ratchet teeth 36 are presented.

[0261] The collet 10 preferably presents an angular flange 44 that projects away from the base from the first end 42 or the body 41. The annular flange includes an inner wall 45 that faces towards the shaft axis XX. In a preferred form the inner wall is of a circular profile that is concentric to the shaft axis and is of a diameter slightly larger than the preferred cylindrical shape of the outer surface 32 of the rotor so that the rotor can at least partially nest in the collet. The complimentary shaped cylindrical surfaces or the rotor and collet act as a rotational bearing surface between the collet and the rotor. The rotor may hence be rotationally supported in this manner by being partially inside of the collet.

[0262] In a preferred form the distal end 46 of the collet is presented to allow the rotational driver tool 5 to engage there.

[0263] In some forms the rotor may completely nest inside of the rotor by the provision of a flange 44 that is sufficiently high.

[0264] In a preferred form the flange 44 is located radially outward more than the rotor so as to be presented to allow a tool to act on the collet to force the collet against the bias of the collet biasing member 50.

[0265] The annular flange 44 may include for example castellations 47 to allow the tool to releasably register with the collet and when so registered be prevented from rotation about the shaft axis relative to the collet.

[0266] The flange and the collet 10 and the rotor are preferably shaped and configured so that when the tool acts on the collet 10 to move the collet 10 towards the base, the tool does not act on the rotor.

[0267] The collet body may present a thrust surface 52 to act on the collet biasing member 50. The thrust surface 52 faces towards the base. The thrust surface can apply a force in the axially direction on the collet biasing member 50 to act against the bias force of the biasing member 50 (which acts in a direction away from the base towards the driving member 15).

[0268] The collet biasing member 50 will preferably hence provide a biasing force directly or indirectly between the collet and the base. However, in alternative forms the bias force of a biasing member may act between the rotor and the collet. The purpose of the collet biasing member 50 is to encourage the indexing interface 200 to maintain an operative condition as a default, to prevent rotation of the driving member relative to the rotor at least in the second rotational direction. However, the rotor and the collar are able to be moved relative to each other in the axial direction where the indexing interface 200 becomes inoperative such as by the tool and / or during the ratcheted movement. In the inoperative condition rotation between the rotor and the collet is possible and will occur when the rotor 9 is driven for rotation in in either of the rotational directions.

[0269] When the indexing interface 200 is in an inoperative condition it allows for the rotation of the rotor relative to the collet when the rotor is driven for rotation by the driving member in both the first rotational direction that causes the head 2 to draw towards the female threaded component 4 and also in a second rotational direction that causes the head 2 to move away from the female threaded component 4.

[0270] When the indexing interface 200 is in an inoperative condition the driving member is able to be rotated to then reduce the tension in the threaded shaft. The inoperative condition can be achieved by the tool 5 as herein described that can move the collet towards the base against the bias to separate the rotor ratchet teeth from the collet ratchet teeth.

[0271] The collet biasing member 50 may for example be an o-ring of an elastic material that can be compressed. The o-ring as seen in for example figure 6a may sit intermediate of the base and the collet. In alternative forms the collet biasing member may sit intermediate of the collet and the female threaded component. In some forms the collet biasing member may be a spring washer.

[0272] In a preferred form the collet biasing member 50 is of an annular configuration concentric about the shaft axis XX although in alternative forms a plurality of biasing members may be positioned equi-spaced about the axis XX to act between the collet and the base. In alternative forms a separate rather than an incorporated element or member may be utilized for biasing and / or holding the collet in a position where the indexing interface 200 is operative. For example a split pin or circlip or the like may be inserted as a substitute to the o-ring collet biasing member. When it is desired for the indexing interface 200 to move from an operative condition to an inoperative condition this element or component can merely be pulled out or removed from the lock.

[0273] In a more permanent embodiment it is envisioned that once the threaded fastener has been secured the collet may be permanently held in a position where the indexing interface 200 is operative such as by for example tack-welding the collet to the base.

[0274] In a preferred form the base 11 is releasably engageable directly or indirectly with the base component 4b in a manner to be operationally limited in rotation about the shaft axis relative to the base component 4b. Preferably the base 11 is prevented from rotation relative to the base 4b component about the shaft axis XX. The base 11, and whether it is the base component 4b or the captured component 7, are releasably engageable but have an interface that prevents their relative rotation. As can be seen in figure 9a and 9b the base 11 has a surface 60 that is able to key or grip and be held rotationally fixed to the base component 4b whether directly or indirectly against the captured component 7. In this manner the base 11 offers a high friction surface which may comprise of an array of teeth as seen for example in figure 9b. This can allow for the base to bite into the base component or the intermediate captured component 7. The base 11 and the captured component of base component are keyed together to prevent their relative rotation yet allow their axial separation when the fastener is released.

[0275] Variations of such interfaces are illustrated with references to figures 9c, 9d, 9e and 9f.

[0276] In alternative forms, the base 11 is integrally formed with the captured component 7 as seen in figure 15a.

[0277] The collet 10 and the base 11 are preferably directly coupled together such as by a splined interface to prevent their relative rotation about the shaft axis XX yet allow for the collet 10 to travel axially relative to the base 11. Such axial travel allows for the indexing interface 200 to move between its operative and inoperative conditions as described. An example of how this may be achieved is shown with references to figures 8 and 9 where a splined relationship exists between the collet and the base. The base may for example present a one or a plurality of spline projections 61 and the collet one or a plurality of spline rebates 62 that can engage and cooperate with each other. The splined relationship is one example of how the collet 10 and the base 11 are coupled to prevent their relative rotation about the shaft axis XX yet allow for axial translation there between. A hex peripheral interface may be another example

[0278] In a preferred form the base 11 and the base component 4b, whilst rotationally limited or prevented from rotation about the shaft axis relative to each other, may optionally have a degree of play to allow for relative translation in the axial direction XX. In some embodiments this may not exist as for example in the embodiments of figure 15a. The axial play allows for a pick-up of the distal end of the threaded region of the threaded shaft with the thread 8 of the female threaded component, e.g so that the thread starts are able to align. As can be seen in figures 9b, 9c, 9d and 9e the base 11 may include various forms of projections 60 that can be received in a recess or rebate of the base component 4b or the captured component 7. Such a recess or rebate 70 is shown in figure 9f for the receipt of the projection 60 of the base 11 in figure 9e. In some forms the projections may come from the captured component that project into rebases of the base 11

[0279] In alternative configurations the recess may be provided in the base 11 and the projection may be provided by the base component 4b (or captured component).

[0280] The captured component and the base component are preferably prevented from rotating relative to each other by means that will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. Such may include by virtue of the large surface contact area and frictional forces that prevent such rotation. Other means may also facilitate such as mechanical means. In figure 10C bolt head may be welded to the captured component. In figure 6c the nut 4A may be welded to the captured component. Or such may be indexed to the captured component or base component by nesting in a rebate to prevent relative rotation. An adhesive may be used. Spring washers may be use.

[0281] A biasing member (herein also referred to as the base biasing member 71) may be provided that may bias the base 11 away from the base component 4b but when under a compression load allows for the base 11 to come to bear onto the base component 4b directly or against the captured component 7 if such is provided intermediate.

[0282] The bias may be provided by way of a gasket or o-ring 71 or by spring washers for example. A small degree of play in the axial direction will allow for the pickup of the female thread by the male thread as described above. It will allow for the threaded shaft to have a degree of play through 360 degrees of rotation so that at some point in that rotation it will pick up the female thread.

[0283] The base biasing member 71 and the need for axial play, may in some forms of the present invention not be required. This is for example shown in figure 11b, where a screw defines the threaded fastener and the female thread is merely formed in the base component.

[0284] The base biasing member 71 may have an aperture through which the shaft axis extends. In a preferred form the base 11 and the rotor 9 have a journaled relationship so that the rotor is rotationally supported by the base. This interface is provided by the rotor at the region 91. At the rotor it is provided for at the region 92.

[0285] The journaled relationship may comprise of a cylindrical surface coaxial with the axis XX with which the cylindrical surface 92 of the rotor can come to bear. In the preferred form the bearing surface 90 and the journaled interface are provided at an end region of the base that is distal from the base component. In this manner the rotor is able to be mounted for rotation about the XX axis by the base.

[0286] The base 11 may also present a seat (herein also referred to as the collet biasing member seat) onto which the collet biasing member 50 can locate. The collet biasing member seat 82 is presented in a direction away from the base component.

[0287] In figures 1-6 the lock 1000 is illustrated being used with a threaded fastener that is a bolt where the bolt head 2 is able to releasably engage with the rotor 9. The female thread is presented on the opposite side of the lock 1000 to where the head 2 is located and the threaded shaft passes through the lock from the rotor end through the base 11 and to the female threaded component.

[0288] In figure 10 there is shown a variation where the female threaded component 4 is the driving member 15. In this configuration the threaded fastener 1 is able to pass through the lock 1000 from the base side of the lock and the female threaded component is then able to be wound onto the threaded shaft to come to bear against the rotor 9. In this example the head 2 of the threaded fastener is not shown as a hexagonal head. It may for example be a structural component.

[0289] In this configuration, the threaded shaft 11 and the head 2 (representing the base component) may be integrally formed. An intermediate component such as seen in figure 10b such as the captured component 7 may provide an alternative configuration for this variation. Figure 10c shows yet a further alternative variation. It will be appreciated that figures lOa-c are illustrating that the driving member 15 may be the female component as opposed the configurations shown in figures 1-6 where the driving member is part of the threaded fastener. In both variations the driving member is able to drive the rotor for rotation about the shaft axis XX.

[0290] In figures lla-c yet a further variation is illustrated where the threaded fastener 1 is a screw. In this instance the screw will create a female thread in the base component. In figure 11c it can be seen that the lock 1000 may capture a captured component 7 against the base component wherein that captured component is a clamp that may for example clamp a rail track 402 of a railway line to a sleeper 409 (being the base component). Both the clamp 404 and the railway track are captured in this way and hence may be considered an assembly of captured components. The example shown in figures lla-c may comprise a fastener with a Self-Tapping Thread 401, such that the fastener may thread into a base component 407. In this example, the assembly further comprises a captured component that may be a Clamping Block that may be used to clamp or retain an additional member. A Railway Rail 402 is clamped by a Left Clamping Block 403 and a Right Clamping Block 404, wherein each said Clamping Block is fastened with a Self-Tapping Fastener. In this example, each Clamping Block 403 404 comprises a Clamping Flange 405 that is used to clamp a subject, and a Top Surface 406 that acts as a surface to receive the fastener, wherein the Top Surface 406 further comprises an Inset Feature 408 to engage with the base component of the fastener assembly. In some examples it may be preferable that the base component 407 comprises a pilot hole to aid in the thread forming of the SelfTapping Thread 401.

[0291] It will be appreciated that the female threaded component may be a component that defines a female thread that is formed by the threaded fastener that is used with the lock of the present invention.

[0292] In a preferred form the threaded fastener connects two components together being the base component 4b and the captured component 7 and the lock 1000 helps prevent the threaded fastener from loosening. In some configurations of use, the lock 100 itself may provide an anchor function as can be seen for example in figures 6a where the base 11 provides an ability for a connection to be made for anchoring another element or structure using the lock 1000. In the example shown in figure 6a a force F may be applied to the base component via the base 11 by way of a cable coupled to the base 11. The base 11 may hence provide an anchor for example for towers that have a cable or stay to support the tower. This hence illustrates the lock may be used for locking a threaded fastener to a female threaded component but where there is no intermediate or captured component such as a railway rail or other structural captured component. The example shown in figure 10a and 10c may provide similar functionality. In some instances the coupling for such anchoring purposes may come from another part of the assembly such as the head 2.

[0293] Hence in some configurations of use of the lock, the female threaded component is the base component and comprises an aperture at where the female thread 8 is presented. Yet in other configurations the female threaded component is a nut. In some configurations the female threaded member is a base component that allows for the female thread to be formed there in.

[0294] In some configurations the driving member is a bolt or a machine screw as an example that presents the threaded shaft 3 and the head 2 as the driving member 15.

[0295] As has been mentioned the base 11 can act directly or indirectly onto the base component 4b to be clamped to or with the base component. In some forms the base 11 can act onto a captured component 7 in a manner to operationally be restricted in rotation about the shaft axis relative to a captured component which is itself rotationally restricted in rotation about the shaft axis relative to the base component. In this way the base 11 is rotationally held relative to the base component.

[0296] There may a plurality of captured components with which the lock can cooperate. In some forms at least one of the captured components 7 may be a shock absorbing unit 100 as seen in figures 12c. The shock absorbing unit 100 can at one end 150 receive the base 11 in a manner of the examples as are herein described. It can be seen in figure 12b and 12c that the base has projections 60 that can register into a detent or recess or rebate 98 of the unit 100.

[0297] The unit 100 has at its opposite end 151 an ability to engage with either the base component 4b or yet a further captured component 7 as seen in figures 12a and 12c. The unit 100 may comprise of springs 101 and may be configured to allow it to be compressed against the force of the springs. The unit in this manner allows for a degree of translation along the shaft axis XX to occur between the lock 1000 and the base component. The unit 100 hence has an ability to provide a degree of shock absorption where shock loading that may occur. It can also be provided to accommodate preload control and / or the ability to compensate for joint settlement situations.

[0298] The unit 100 is an optional component to be used as part the assembly with the lock, where it is appropriate.

[0299] This captured component, being the unit 100, can come in different forms and be provided with different or reconfigurable spring constants for the required needs. The unit itself may be adjustable or reconfigurable to increase or decrease the spring constant that it presents in the assembly or alternatively a plurality of different configured units 100 may be selected by a user for the appropriate needs of the fastened assembly. A degree of energy dissipation may also be provided for by the unit 100 through friction and / or compression / bending of the springs.

[0300] Figures 13a and 13b illustrate a threaded fastener that has a head that is not of a hexagonal configuration. In the examples shown in figures 13a and 13b the threaded fastener is able to rotationally synchronise with the rotor with by virtue of the teeth 34. A tool can still be utilised to rotate the driving member 15 of this threaded fastener.

[0301] In some examples the head of the threaded fastener may present with a T- drive or Allen key or hex drive or Philips head configurations as examples. Such driving feature of the threaded fastener may not be located at the periphery of the head but inwardly of its periphery and at its end face. Such heads may provide an ability to index or engage for a synchronised rotation with the rotor in a different manner such as by teeth 34 or several other means.

[0302] In preferable examples, where the base is a separate component to the adjacent component as an example, the base 11 is able to lift off yet come to bear directly onto the adjacent component (such as the base component or captured component as previously described) to provide a load path between the fastener and the base component or opposing fastener. Where a base biasing member 71 may be used, it is able to be compressed to allow the base to bottom-out and bear directly onto the adjacent component is not limited in doing so due to the reactionary force of the base biasing member. This lifting off ability (before the fastener is fully tightened) creates a degree of play between the lock and the adjacent component and this can facilitate the alignment of male and female threads at the time of thread pick up as the same time as alignment of the driving member with the rotor for engagement thereof.

[0303] Figures 16a-c illustrate various examples of how load from the bolt 1, or other fastener, can be applied and transferred through to the base 11, and options therein of placement of a slip washer 39 previously discussed. It should be understood that the examples in figures 16a-c show a purely exemplary configuration of a bolt fastened to a nut and a captured component positioned therein. The features of the examples discussed can apply to previously discussed examples, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0304] Figure 16a illustrates an example of the base being configured to contact directly with an axial bearing surface of a fastener, such as the bottom of a bolt head or a surface of a nut. In the example, the seat region 31 of the rotor 9 is configured to sit lower than the top of the flange edge 38 of the base, such that the flange edge 38 can be configured to act as an axial bearing surface for load from the bolt 1 to be applied directly to the base, rather than to the seat region 31 of the rotor 9. The bottom bearing surface 410 of the bolt, when sufficiently tightened and / or lowered, applies load onto the flange edge 38 of the base 11, and due to the seat region 31 being lower, no substantial amount of axial load is applied through the rotor to the base. Furthermore, the flange edge 38, is illustrated to still comprise an edge or lip that may retain the rotor from separation from the assembly, as previously discussed. The example as illustrated in figure 16a may be described as having a load path of head-to-base, directly, whereas other examples may provide a differing load path.

[0305] Figure 16b illustrates an example of a configuration similar to the example shown in figure 16a, with an addition of a slip washer 39 between the bolt head and the flange edge 38 of the base 11. The slip washer would be configured to be captured by the thread of the bolt 1, such that it is stays proximal to the bottom bearing surface 410 when the bolt 1 is not inserted into the base 11. The example as illustrated in figure 16b may be described as having a load path of head-to-washer-to- base.

[0306] Figure 16c illustrates an example of a configuration similar to the example shown in figure 6c, with an addition of a slip washer 39 between the axial bearing surface 37 of the rotor 9 and the axial bearing surface 90 of the base 11. The slip washer is secured therein consequent to the rotor being retained by the flange edge 38 of the base 11, as previously discussed. The example as illustrated in figure 16c may be described as having a load path of head-to-rotor-to-washer-to-base.

[0307] Figure 16D illustrates an example of the invention where base 11 is configured to house mechanics of the invention inwardly within the assembly. The collet 10 is shown to be configured to interface with the base 11 such that the collet ratchet teeth 36 are positioned inward from the spline projections 61 and to interface with the ratchet teeth of the opposed end 35 of the rotor 9 therein. The collet biasing member and the base biasing member are also shown to be positioned inwardly. Such a configuration may be preferrable to position elements of the invention away from the exposure of the elements, such as UV radiation, direct moisture exposure, and / or physical matter than may impede the operation of the assembly.

[0308] Figures 14a-c illustrate an example of a tool 5 that can be used to both (a) rotate the driving member in both its first and second rotational directions and (b) provide a compression force to the collet. In the example shown in figures 14a-c the tool 5 is a hexagonal socket. The tool may present indicia on it to provide instructions for its use with the lock of the present invention. It may include instructions to press axially on the tool for the purposes of moving the indexing interface 200 of the collet and the rotor to its inoperative condition and for rotating the tool in directions to rotate the driving member.

[0309] In alternative configurations the tool, where for example the driving feature of the driving member 15 is located inwardly of its periphery, may comprise of a peripheral surface 167 to provide an axial force to the collet and an internal driver 168 to engage with the driving feature 169 of the driving member 15.

[0310] In alternative configurations, the tool may comprise horizontal barbs that interface with the collet to and include a tapered surface to provide an axial force to the collet.

[0311] Advantages

[0312] The present invention may provide for many advantages including at least one of more of:

[0313] 1. Reduced or eliminated downtime due to positive locking ability and hence requiring less preventive maintenance.

[0314] 2. Enhanced vibration resistance.

[0315] 3. Accurate preload control and / or the ability to compensate for joint settlement.

[0316] 4. Ability to accurately manipulate tension in the threaded fastener.

[0317] 5. Ability to mechanically lock the fastener with standard tooling eliminating the need for specialized equipment.

[0318] 6. It is reversible and reusable: it offers easy disassembly and reassembly, providing convenience and cost savings.

[0319] 7. Compatibility with standard nuts and bolts so as to simplify integration into existing systems.

[0320] 8. Enhanced performance by efficiently transmitting the input torque to the fastener tension by virtue of the use of the slip washer. 9. Cost Savings: reduced maintenance requirements result in cost savings due to fewer instances of downtime, repairs, and replacements.

[0321] 10. Elimination of additional locking means like safety wire, thread locker, or high-friction prevailing torque techniques. This simplifies the fastening process, saves time, and reduces the complexity and costs associated with using multiple locking mechanisms.

[0322] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

[0323] Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and / or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

[0324] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lock for releasably locking a threaded fastener of a kind that has a head and threaded shaft projecting from the head with a complimentary female threaded component that can threadingly receive the threaded shaft and that is capable of being driven for rotation about the shaft axis by a rotational driver tool to draw the female threaded component towards the head, the lock comprising:A. a rotor that presents (a) an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend and (b) a receptacle at where a driving member can be releasably received, the driving member selected from one of: a. the head, and b. the female threaded component, and able to be received by the receptable in a manner to register with the rotor to positively engage the rotor for synchronous rotation of the rotor with the driving member about the shaft axis when the driving member is driven for rotation by the rotational driver tool,B. a base presenting an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend, the base located intermediate of the driving member and a base component that is selected from the other of the head and female threaded component selected in A. above and in a manner to operationally prevent rotation about the shaft axis relative the base component,C. a collet positioned intermediate of the base and the rotor and presenting an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend, wherein:(i) the collet and the rotor have an indexing interface that: a. in an inoperative condition allows rotation of the rotor relative the collet when the rotor is driven for rotation by the driving member in both (i) a first rotational direction that causes the head to move towards the female threaded component and (ii) a second rotational direction that causes the head to move away from the female threaded component, andb. in an operative condition prevents rotation of the driving member relative to the rotor at least in the second rotational direction, and wherein(ii) the base and the collet have a splined interface so that the collet (a) is rotationally coupled to the base to prevent it from rotating relative to the base, and (b) can axially translate, guided by the splined interface, relative the base between : i. a first axial position that is more proximal the rotor and where the indexing interface is operative, and ii. a second axial position that is more distal the rotor where the indexing interface is inoperative,D. a collet biasing member operational on the collet, to bias the collet to its first axial position yet allow the collet to be displaced against the bias to move the collet to its second axial position.

2. A lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rotor has a first end presenting away from the base and at where the receptacle is defined to receive and register the driving member and when so registered to positively engage the rotor for synchronous rotation of the rotor with the driving member about the shaft axis when the driving member is driven for rotation by the rotational driver tool.

3. A lock as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the receptacle allows the driving member to be registered with the rotor by movement of the driving member relative the rotor in the axial direction towards the base.

4. A lock as claimed in anyone of claim 1 to 3 wherein the receptacle is of a peripheral shape about the shaft axis that is complimentary to the peripheral shape of the driving member the peripheral shapes being adapted and configured to cause the driving member to rotate the rotor when the driving member is driven for rotation by the rotational driver tool.

5. A lock as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 4 wherein the load path for load applied by the driving member to the base component passes directly throughthe base by virtue of the base being in direct axial load transfer contact with the threaded faster and with base component.

6. A lock as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 4 wherein the load path for load applied by the driving member to the base component passes via the rotor through the base by virtue of the base being in direct axial load transfer contact with the rotor and with base component and the rotor being in direct axial load transfer contact with the driving member.

7. A lock as claimed in claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 6 wherein the driving member and the threaded shaft form the components of a bolt without the bolt comprising of features to functionally interact in a manner rotational about the axis with the lock other than the driving member.

8. A lock as claimed in claim 1 to 7 wherein the rotor has an outer periphery that is concentric the shaft axis.

9. A lock as claimed in claim 8 wherein the outer periphery is substantially cylindrical in shape and concentric the shaft axis.

10. A lock as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 9 wherein the receptacle is of a depth that allows the driving member, when registered with the rotor, to sit proud of the rotor.

11. A lock as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 10 wherein the indexing interface of the collet and the rotor is a ratcheted interface adapted and configured to allow rotation of the rotor relative the collet when being driven for rotation by the driving member in the first rotational direction and to prevent rotation of the rotor relative the collet in the second rotational direction when the indexing interface is in its operative condition.

12. A lock as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 10 wherein the rotor has a first end to present in a direction away from the base and an opposed second end and wherein at the second end an array of ratchet teeth (herein after "rotor ratchet teeth") of the indexing interface are presented, adapted and configured to rotate about shaft axis13. A lock as claimed in claim 12 wherein the array of rotor ratchet teeth is of an annular configuration concentric about the shaft axis and wherein each tooth of the array of rotor ratchet teeth project axially in a direction away from therotor body towards the base and wherein the second end also comprises an axial bearing surface concentric to the array of rotor ratchet teeth and to bear against the base.

14. A lock as claimed in claim 13 wherein the second end comprises an axial bearing surface to bear against the base indirectly wherein a slip washer is positioned intermediate of the bearing surface and the base.

15. A lock as claimed in claims 13 or 14 wherein the axial bearing surface is concentric to the array of rotor ratchet teeth and is located radially inwardly of the array of rotor ratchet teeth.

16. A lock as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 15 wherein the collet comprises collet body having a first end facing in a direction away from the base and a second end facing the base with the shaft, in use, passing through the aperture of the collet (herein after "collet aperture"), wherein at the first end of the collet body, an array of ratchet teeth (herein after "collet ratchet teeth") of the indexing interface are presented that project from the collet body in a direction away from the base and are configured concentrically about the shaft axis.

17. A lock as claimed in claim 16 wherein an annular flange projects from the collet body in a direction away from the base, the annular flange includes an inner wall facing towards the shaft axis, the inner wall is of a circular profile that is concentric to the shaft axis, the inner wall is cylindrical in shape and is shaped and adapted to allow the rotor to at least partially nest in the collet.

18. A lock as claimed in claim 17 wherein the annular flange has a distal end presented to allow the rotational driver tool to engage with the collet and provide an axial force to the collet in a direction parallel to the shaft axis and towards the base.

19. A lock as claimed in claim 17 wherein the annular flange has a castellated distal end to allow the rotational driver tool, having a profile cooperative with the castellations, to releasably register with the collet and when so registered, be prevented from rotation about the shaft axis relative the collet by virtue of the castellations.

20. A lock as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 20 wherein the collet biasing member reacts directly or indirectly off the base to push the collet toward the rotor.

21. A lock as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 21 wherein the base is releasable engageable directly to base component in a manner to operationally be prevented in rotation about the shaft axis relative the base component by a keyed interface of the base and the base component that (i) prevents their relative rotation about the shaft axis and (ii) allows a degree of translation between the base and base component in the shaft axis direction22. A lock as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 21 wherein the base and the base component can, prior to female treaded component being drawn towards the head, translate relative each other in the direction of the shaft axis so that the base can assume a first position and a second position relative the base component.

23. A lock as claimed in claim 22 wherein the base is biased by a base biasing member towards its first position and can be moved to its second position against the bias an axial force applied to the base towards the base component.

24. A lock as claimed in claim 23 wherein the base biasing member is an align spring that allows for axial travel between base and the base component to facilitate the fastener head rotationally engaging with the rotor and for the threaded shaft to pick up the female thread of the female threaded component.

25. A rotational driving tool to releasable couple with the lock of claim 1 to allow the threaded fastener to be rotated in the first and second rotational directions, the tool comprising : a. a driver to releasable engage with the driving member in a manner to, when rotated about the shaft axis, cause the driving member to be rotated about the shaft axis b. a thrust region to be able to releasable engage the collet to move (preferably by pressing) the collet and cause the indexing interface to assume it in-operative condition.

26. A tool as claimed in claim 25 wherein the driver and thrust region are provided to allow both to be operative simultaneously.

27. A tool as claimed in claim 25 or 26 wherein the thrust region can act on the collet to force collet against the bias of the collet biasing member toward the base yet not act on rotor.

28. A tool as claimed in claim 25 or 26 wherein the thrust region can act on the collet to force the collet against the bias of the collet biasing member toward the base yet be clear of the rotor to allow the rotor to be rotated by the driver of the rotational driving tool.

29. A lock for releasably locking a bolt that has a threaded shaft extending from a bolt head to a complimentary female threaded component that can threadingly receive the threaded shaft, the bolt capable of being driven for rotation about the shaft axis to draw the bolt head towards the female threaded component by a rotational driver tool able to be releasably engaged to the bolt head, the bolt to releasably retain a captured component between the lock and the female threaded component, the lock comprising:A. a rotor for releasably receiving the bolt and presenting a receptacle into which the bolt head can nest, the bolt head and receptacle being of a complementary shape and configuration to allow an indexable engagement of the bolt head with the rotor at the receptacle for creating a synchronous rotational relationship between the rotor and the bolt about the shaft axis, the rotor having an aperture through which the threaded shaft can pass when the bolt head is nested in the receptacle,B.a base to be located intermediate of the bolt head and the female threaded member and against the captured component, the base comprising: a. an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend to allow the bolt to reach the female threaded component for threaded engagement, b. at least one feature to establish a keyed interface with the captured component to operationally prevent rotation of the base relative to the captured component about the shaft axis yet allow a degree of translation between the base and base component in the shaft axis directionbefore the bolt head is drawn down to the female threaded component,C.a collet positioned intermediate of the base and the rotor and presenting an aperture through which the threaded shaft can extend, wherein:(i) the collet and the rotor have an indexing interface that: a. in an inoperative condition allows rotation of the rotor relative the collet when the rotor is driven for rotation by the bolt head in both (i) a first rotational direction that causes the head to draw towards the female threaded component and (ii) a second rotational direction that causes the head to move away from the female threaded component, and b. in an operative condition prevents rotation of the bolt head relative to the rotor at least in the second rotational direction, and wherein(ii) the base and the collet have a splined interface so that the collet (a) is rotationally coupled to the base to prevent it from rotating relative to the base, and (b) can axially translate, guided by the splined interface, relative the base between: i. a first axial position that is more proximal the rotor and whereat the indexing interface is operative, and ii. a second axial position that is more distal the rotor whereat the indexing interface is inoperative.

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