Nuts, multi-piece fasteners, and methods of manufacture thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to nuts, multi-piece fasteners, and methods of manufacture thereof. The nut comprises a first end, a second end, and an annular wall portion extending from the first end toward the second end. The annular wall portion defines and surrounds a longitudinal axis of the nut. The annular wall portion comprises an inner surface and a first region. The inner surface defines a cavity about the longitudinal axis. The first region comprises a sinuous profile defining three sides and three edge regions. Each side comprises a continuous curved surface intermediate two of the edge regions. The three edge regions are radially spaced about the longitudinal axis.

Description

TITLENUTS, MULTI-PIECE FASTENERS, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE THEREOFFIELD OF USE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to nuts, multi-piece fasteners, and methods of manufacturing the nuts and fasteners.BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle frames, storage racks, solar panel sub-structures, aircraft parts, and other structures can include numerous mechanical fasteners. For example, a mechanical fastener can be installed in a bore of a structural component to secure parts together. The geometry of current fasteners presents challenges.SUMMARY

[0003] According to one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, a nut is provided. The nut comprises a first end, a second end, and an annular wall portion extending from the first end toward the second end. The annular wall portion defines and surrounds a longitudinal axis of the nut. The annular wall portion comprises an inner surface and a first region. The inner surface defines a cavity about the longitudinal axis. The first region comprises a sinuous profile defining three sides and three edge regions. Each side comprises a continuous curved surface intermediate two of the edge regions. The three edge regions are radially spaced about the longitudinal axis.

[0004] According to an additional non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, a method for installing a nut is provided. The nut comprises a first end, a second end, and an annular wall portion extending from the first end toward the second end. The annular wall portion defines and surrounds a longitudinal axis of the nut. The annular wall portion comprises an inner surface and a first region. The inner surface defines a cavity about the longitudinal axis. The first region comprises a sinuous profile defining three sides and three edge regions. Each side comprises a continuous curved surface intermediate two of the edge regions. The three edge regions are radially spaced about the longitudinal axis. The method comprises inserting a pin comprising a shank into the cavity of the nut and torqueing the nut with an installation tool to engage the inner surface of the nut with the shank of the pin.

[0005] According to an additional non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a nut is provided. The nut comprises a first end, a second end, and an annular wall portion extending from the first end toward the second end. The annular wall portion defines and surrounds a longitudinal axis of the nut. The annular wall portion comprises an inner surface and a first region. The inner surface defines a cavity about the longitudinal axis. The first region comprises a sinuous profile defining three sides and three edge regions. Each side comprises a continuous curved surface intermediate two of the edge regions. The three edge regions are radially spaced about the longitudinal axis. The method comprises a manufacturing technique selected from the group consisting of forming, machining, curing, forging, casting, and additive manufacturing.

[0006] According to an additional non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a nut is provided. The nut comprises a first end, a second end, and an annular wall portion extending from the first end toward the second end. The annular wall portion defines and surrounds a longitudinal axis of the nut. The annular wall portion comprises an inner surface and a first region. The inner surface defines a cavity about the longitudinal axis. The first region comprises a sinuous profile defining three sides and three edge regions. Each side comprises a continuous curved surface intermediate two of the edge regions. The three edge regions are radially spaced about the longitudinal axis. The method comprises forming an intermediate product using one or more manufacturing techniques selected from the group consisting of forming, machining, curing, forging, casting, and additive manufacturing. The method further comprises crimping the first region to reduce an inner diameter of the first region of the nut.

[0007] It will be understood that the inventions disclosed and described in this specification are not limited to the aspects summarized in this Summary The reader will appreciate the foregoing details, as well as others, upon considering the following detailed description of various non-limiting and non-exhaustive aspects according to this specification.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The features and advantages of the examples, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent, and the examples will be better understood, by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a nut according to the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. IB is a top view of the nut of FIG. 1A;

[0011] FIG. 1C is an elevational view of the nut of FIG. 1A;

[0012] FIG. ID is a profile view of the nut of FIG. 1 A, taken along line ID-ID in FIG. 1C;

[0013] FIG. IE is a bottom view of the nut of FIG. 1 A;

[0014] FIG. IF is a cross-sectional view of area 1G in FIG. ID of the profile of the nut ofFIG. 1A;

[0015] FIG. 1G is a detail view of a region of the nut of FIG. 1A, taken along line 1F-1F in FIG. IE;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a multi-piece fastener according to the present disclosure shown being installed in a structure; and

[0017] FIG. 3 is a top view of the multi -piece fastener of FIG. 2 shown engaged with an installation tool.

[0018] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate certain non-limiting embodiments, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the appended claims in any manner.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Various examples are described and illustrated herein to provide an overall understanding of the structure, function, and use of the disclosed nuts, multi-piece fasteners, methods of making, and methods of fastening. The various examples described and illustrated herein are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Thus, the invention is not limited by the description of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples disclosed herein. Rather, the invention is defined solely by the claims. The features and characteristics illustrated and / or described in connection with various examples may be combined with the features and characteristics of other examples. Such modifications and variations areintended to be included within the scope of this specification. As such, the claims may be amended to recite any features or characteristics expressly or inherently described in, or otherwise expressly or inherently supported by, this specification. Further, Applicant reserves the right to amend the claims to affirmatively disclaim features or characteristics that may be present in the prior art. The various embodiments disclosed and described in this specification can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the features and characteristics as variously described herein.

[0020] As used herein, “intermediate” means that the referenced element is disposed between two elements but is not necessarily in contact with those elements. Accordingly, unless stated otherwise herein, an element that is “intermediate” a first element and a second element may or may not be adjacent to or in contact with the first and / or second elements, and other elements may be disposed between the intermediate element and the first and / or second elements.

[0021] Unless stated otherwise herein, a first element that “abuts” a second element is in contact with the second element and another element is not between the first element and the second element.

[0022] The present inventor determined that certain commercially available nuts can be undesirably heavy, and / or do not provide proper pre-load and / or loosening resistance. The present disclosure provides certain non-limiting embodiments of a nut and multi-piece fastener having a reduced mass (e.g., at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 40% less mass than certain conventional nuts) and / or an enhanced geometry suitable for manufacture by various production techniques and / or from various materials.

[0023] The nut according to the present disclosure can comprise a first end, a second end, and an annular wall portion extending from the first end toward the second end. The annular wall portion defines and surrounds a longitudinal axis of the nut. The annular wall portion comprises an inner surface and a first region. The inner surface defines a cavity about the longitudinal axis. The first region comprises a sinuous profile defining three sides and three edge regions. Each of the three sides comprises a continuous curved surface intermediate two of the edge regions. The three edge regions are radially spaced about the longitudinal axis.

[0024] The nut according to the present disclosure can be installed with a standard installation tool, such as, for example, an impact driver, a torque wrench, and / or a driver with socket. Various embodiments of the nut according to the present disclosure can achieve a desirable pre-load and a loosening resistance.

[0025] FIGs. 1 A- 1G illustrate a non-limiting embodiment of a nut 100 according to the present disclosure. The nut 100 can be configured to be installed on a pin (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2, discussed below).

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1A, the nut 100 can comprise a first end 102, a second end 104, and an annular wall portion 106 extending from the first end 102 to the second end 104. The annular wall portion 106 can define and surround a longitudinal axis, Ai, of the nut 100. The annular wall portion 106 can comprise an inner surface 108, a first region 112, and, optionally, a flange region 116. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the flange region 116 can extend from the first region 112 toward the second end 104.

[0027] The inner surface 108 can define a cavity 110 about the longitudinal axis, Ai. The cavity 110 can be sized and configured to receive a pin of a multi-piece fastener (e.g., pin 240 of multi -piece fastener 200 shown in FIG. 2, discussed below), and the inner surface 108 can be configured to engage the pin of the multi-piece fastener.

[0028] At least a portion of the inner surface 108 can define threads as illustrated in FIG. IF. In various non-limiting embodiments, less than all of the inner surface 108 may comprise threads. For example, at least a portion of the inner surface 108 can comprise a generally smooth cylindrical surface. As illustrated, a first portion 108a of the inner surface 108 can define threads, and a second portion 108b of the inner surface 108 may not define threads and can comprise a generally smooth, cylindrical surface. The first portion 108a may correspond to the first region 112 and the second portion 108b can correspond to the flange region 116.In various non-limiting embodiments, substantially all of an inner surface defines threads (not shown).

[0029] Referring again to FIG. IF, the threads defined on the inner surface 108 may comprise various suitable thread types, such as, for example, a right handed thread, a left handed thread, a single-start lead thread, a multi-start lead thread, and / or another thread type. The threads can be, for example, square threads, trapezoidal threads, buttress threads, another thread type, or a combination of thread types.

[0030] Referring again to FIG. 1 A, the first region 112 can be an engagement region and / or a torque receiving region. For example, the first region 112 can be configured to be engaged by a standard installation tool, such as, for example, an impact driver, a torque wrench, and / or driver with socket. The first region 112 can receive a torque from the installation tool such that the nut 100 can be rotated about the longitudinal axis, Ai, for installation and removal.

[0031] The first region 112 can comprise a sinuous profile defining three sides and three edge regions. As used herein, a “profile” is a two-dimensional outline of an element. For example, referring to FIG. ID, a sinuous profile 118 of the first region 112 can be in a plane perpendicular (e.g., as illustrated along line ID-ID in FIG. 1C) to the longitudinal axis, Ai of the nut 100 within the first region 112. The sinuous profile 118 can comprise various turns, flats, and / or curves. In various non-limiting embodiments, the sinuous profile 118 can comprise a generally triangular shape, such as, for example, a Reuleaux triangle shape. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the sinuous profile 118 can comprise a constant width. In various embodiments, the first region 112 can comprise a three point driving system for installation.

[0032] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the sinuous profile 118 can comprise a geometry configured to reduce mass of the nut 100 relative to certain conventional nuts and / or enable deformation of threads defined on the inner surface 108, while achieving a desirable pre-load and / or a loosening resistance. For example, as illustrated in FIG. ID, the sinuous profile 118 can comprise three sides 120a-120c and three edge regions 122a-122c.

[0033] In various non-limiting embodiments, each of the sides 120a-120c can comprise a continuous curve intermediate two of the edge regions 122a-122c. For example, side 120a can comprise a continuous curve from the edge region 122a to the edge region 122b; side 120b can comprise a continuous curve from the edge region 122b to the edge region 122c; and side 120c can comprise a continuous curve from the edge region 122c to the edge region 122a. In various non-limiting embodiments, the three sides 120a-120c may have minimal, if any, stress risers. The sides 120a-120c can enable a desirable wall thickness of the profile, thereby maintaining an ability to achieve a desirable pre-load and / or loosening resistance.

[0034] The sides 120a-120c can be radially spaced about the longitudinal axis, Ai. For example, the sides 120a-120c can each define a center line intersecting the longitudinal axis, Ai. The center lines of the sides 120a-120c can be radially separated by a side spacing angle,ccs. As illustrated in FIG. ID, side 120a defines centerline, clsi, side 120b defines centerline, clS2, and side 120c defines centerline, clS3. Only one side spacing angle, as, is illustrated in FIG. ID for sake of simplicity; however, it will be understood that the nut 100 of FIG. ID would have three side spacing angles, as. Each side spacing angle, as, can be the same or different. In various non-limiting embodiments, each side spacing angle, as, can be in a range of 115 degrees to 125 degrees. For example, each side spacing angle, as, can be 120 degrees.

[0035] In various non-limiting embodiments, each side 120a-120c can be convex. For example, each of the sides 120a-120c can curve away from the edge regions 122a-122c and away from the longitudinal axis, AL The curvature of each side 120a- 120c can define a radius (e g., side 120a defines radius, R, in FIG. ID) in a range of 1 millimeter to 20 millimeters, such as for example, 2 millimeters to 15 millimeters, 5 millimeters to 15 millimeters, 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, or 6 millimeters to 9 millimeters.

[0036] Each side 120a- 120c can be equal in length to each other side. For example, each centerline, clsi-clS3, can define an axis of symmetry of the sinuous profile 118.

[0037] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the first region 112 at each side 120a-120c is swaged towards the longitudinal axis, Ai. For example, referring to FIG. IF, the sides 120a- 120c can taper in a direction 124 towards the first end 102 and towards the longitudinal axis, Ai.

[0038] The edge regions 122a-122c can be configured to receive a torque from an installation tool. The edge regions 122a-122c can extend from the sinuous profile 118 further from the longitudinal axis, Ai, than the sides 120a-120c. Each edge region 122a-122c can be positioned at a direction change in the sinuous profile 118. Each edge region 122a-122c can be positioned intermediate two of the sides 120a- 120c, such that the two sides form an intersecting angle For example, referring to FIG. 1G, the intersecting angle, ax, between side 120a and side 120c can be in a range of 90 degrees to 180 degrees, such as, for example, 95 degrees to 150 degrees, or 110 degrees to 130 degrees. Only one intersecting angle, ax, is illustrated in FIG. 1G for sake of simplicity; however, it will be understood that the nut 100 shown in FIG. ID would have three intersecting angles. In certain non-limiting embodiments, each edge region 122a-122c can be positioned at a point of a substantially triangular shape. Each edge region 122a-122c, for example, can be planar or curved.

[0039] The edge regions can be radially spaced about the longitudinal axis, Ai. The edge regions 122a-122c can each define a center line intersecting the longitudinal axis, Ai. The center lines of the edge regions 122a-122c can be radially separated by an edge spacing angle, Oe. As illustrated in FIG. ID, edge region 122a defines centerline, clei, edge region 122b defines centerline, cle2, and edge region 122c defines centerline, cle3. Only one edge spacing angle, as, is illustrated in FIG. ID for sake of simplicity; however, it will be understood that the nut 100 of FIG. ID would have three edge spacing angles, ote. Each edge spacing angle, ae, can be the same or different. In various non-limiting embodiments, each side spacing angle, ae, can be in a range of 115 degrees to 125 degrees. For example, each side spacing angle, ae, can be 120 degrees.

[0040] The center lines of the sides 120a-120c can be radially offset from centerlines of the edge regions 122a-122c by an offset angle. As illustrated in FIG. ID, centerline, clsi, of side 120a and centerline, cle2, of edge region 122b are separate by a first offset angle, oto. Only one offset angle is illustrated in FIG. ID for sake of simplicity; however, it will be understood that the nut 100 of FIG. ID would have six offset angles (e.g., centerline, clsi, can have a first offset angle relative to centerline, cle2 and a second offset angle relative to centerline, clei). Each offset angle can be the same or different. In various non-limiting embodiments, each offset angle can be in a range of 50 degrees to 70 degrees, such as, for example, 55 degrees to 65 degrees. For example, each offset angle can be 60 degrees.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1C, flange region 116 can comprise a generally cylindrical profile and can be configured to engage a structure. The flange region 116 can be configured to inhibit the nut 100 from traversing into a bore in a structure, increase surface area contact between the nut 100 and a structure, and / or reduce damage to the structure upon installation of the nut 100. For example, referring to FIG IF, an outside diameter, (Ju, of the first region 112 can be less than an outside diameter, 2, of the flange region 116. An inner diameter, ^3, of the cavity 110 in the first region 112 can be less than an inner diameter, $4, of the cavity 110 in the flange region 116. For example, the inner surface 108 can taper in a direction 124 towards the first end 102.

[0042] Referring again to FIG. 1C, the flange region 116 can comprise a first portion 116a, a second portion 116b, and a third portion 116c. The first portion 116a can comprise a generally cylindrical profile. Referring to FIG. IB, the second portion 116b can comprise three tapered sections 126a-c. Each of the three tapered sections 126a-c can extend from oneof the sides 120a-120c. Referring again to FIG. 1C, the third portion 116c can extend from the second portion 116b to the first portion 116a. The third portion 116c can taper in the direction 124. For example, the third portion 116c can comprise a frustoconical profile.

[0043] The present disclosure also is directed to a method for manufacturing a nut according to the present disclosure such as, for example, nut 100. The method can comprise use of a manufacturing technique selected from forming, machining, curing, forging, casting, and additive manufacturing. For example, the method can comprise use of machining and / or forging. In various non-limiting embodiments, the method can comprise forming an intermediate product using a manufacturing technique as described herein and crimping the first region (e.g., first region 112 of nut 100) to reduce an inner diameter (e.g., diameter, (|)3) of the first region of the nut. The geometry of the profile of the first region of the nut according to the present disclosure can enable a substantially uniform force to be applied to the first region of the nut, resulting in an enhanced deformation of the first region. The deformation can taper the first region, such that, the threads defined on the inner surface of the nut according to the present disclosure may interfere with threads on a pin, thereby enabling resistance to loosening after installation.

[0044] The present disclosure is further directed to a multi-piece fastener including a nut according to the present disclosure. For example, referring to FIG. 2, a multi-piece fastener 200 can comprise the nut 100 and a pin 240. In various non-limiting embodiments, the multi-piece fastener 200 can comprise an additional component, such as, for example, a washer or other component type.

[0045] The multi-piece fastener 200 can be sized as appropriate for an intended application. For example, referring to FIG. IF, the threads on the inner surface 108 of the nut 100 can comprise a major diameter (e.g., diameter, <(>3) in a range of 0.06 inch to 4 inches. For example, in various non-limiting embodiments, the major diameter can be 0.39 inches (10 mm), 0.47 inches (12 mm), 0.55 inches (14 mm), 0.63 inches (16 mm), or 0.79 inches (20 mm), with a deviation of + / - 10%. In various non-limiting embodiments, a pitch to major diameter ratio of the threads can be in a range of 2 to 4, such as, for example, 2.5 to 3.5, 2.8 to 3.2, or 2.9 to 3.1.

[0046] Referring again to FIG. 2, the multi -piece fastener 200, the nut 100, and other individual components as described herein can comprise any suitable material, such as, forexample, a metal, a metal alloy, a polymer, or another suitable material. For example, the nut 100 can comprise a metal, a metal alloy, or a polymer. In various non-limiting embodiments, the nut 100 can comprise at least one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, iron, an iron alloy, and a carbon fiber composite material. For example, the nut 100 can comprise a geometry suitable for titanium or a titanium alloy (e.g., Ti-6A1-4V alloy).

[0047] The nut 100 can be configured as at least one of an aerospace part or component, an automotive part or component, a transportation part or component, and a building and construction part or component.

[0048] Again referring to FIG. 2, the pin 240 of the multi-piece fastener 200 can comprise a first pin end 242, a second pin end 244, and a shank 246. The shank 246 can comprise a shape suitable to be received by the cavity 110 of the nut 100, such as, for example, a generally cylindrical shape. The shank 246 can extend intermediate the first pin end 242 and the second pin end 244 and can be dimensioned so as to be disposed at least partially through the cavity 110. When the shank 246 is inserted in the cavity 110, the first pin end 242 can be disposed adjacent to the first end 102, and the second pin end 244 can be disposed adjacent to the second end 104. In various non-limiting embodiments, the pin 240 can comprise a head portion 248 configured to inhibit the pin 240 from traversing through a bore 252 in a structure 250 beyond a predetermined distance. In various other non-limiting embodiments, the pin 240 may not comprise a head portion (not shown).

[0049] The multi-piece fastener 200 can comprise a torque locking mechanism, such as, for example, engagement between threads defined on the inner surface 108 of the nut 100 and threads defined on the shank 246 of the pin 240.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the multi-piece fastener 200 can be installed into the bore 252 of a structure 250. As illustrated, the bore 252 can extend through the structure 250 from a first side 250a to a second side 250b. The structure 250 can comprise, for example, at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a composite material, or another suitable material. For example, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the structure 250 can comprise at least one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, iron, an iron alloy, and a carbon fiber composite material. In various non-limiting embodiments, the structure 250 into which the multi-piece fastener 200 is installed comprises aluminum and / oran aluminum alloy, such as, for example, 7075 aluminum alloy. With reference to the accompanying figures, in various non-limiting embodiments the structure 250 can be configured as at least one of an aerospace component or structure, an automotive component or structure, a transportation component or structure, a building and construction component or structure, or another component or structure.

[0051] The structure 250 can comprise a single layer of material or two or more layers of material. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the structure 250 can comprise a first layer 254 and a second layer 256. The first layer 254 can be intermediate the second layer 256 and the nut 100 when the nut 100 is installed. In various non-limiting embodiments, the first layer 254 is in contact with the nut 100.

[0052] The major diameter of threads on the shank 246 of the pin 240 can correspond to the major diameter of the threads defined on the inner surface 108 of the annular wall portion 106 of the nut 100. To facilitate alignment of the multi-piece fastener 200 with the bore 252, a major diameter of the threads on the shank 246 can be sized and configured to be less than a bore diameter, 0b, of the bore 252, thereby allowing the first pin end 242 to be readily disposed into and through the bore 252. In various non-limiting embodiments, the bore diameter, 0b, can be less than a head diameter, 0h, of the head portion 248 in order to inhibit the head portion 248 of the pin 240 from moving into the bore 252.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first pin end 242 of the pin 240 was positioned in alignment with the bore 252 on the second side 250b of the structure 250 before being inserted through the bore 252. The nut 100 was positioned over the first pin end 242, and the first pin end 242 has been inserted into and through the cavity 110 of the nut 100. The second end 104 of the nut 100 has been positioned to contact the first layer 254 of the structure 250. For example, the nut 100 can be in forcible contact with the structure 250, which can limit further axial movement of the nut 100 relative to the pin 240 along the longitudinal axis, Ai, of the nut 100.

[0054] A torque can be applied to the nut 100, which can decrease a gap, if present, between the first layer 254 and the second layer 256 of the structure 250 and create forcible contact between the nut 100 and the structure 250, and between the head portion 248 and the structure 250. In that way, for example, the first layer 254 and second layer 256 of the structure 250 are secured together (e.g., inhibited from axial movement along the longitudinalaxis, Ai, of the nut 100). In various non-limiting embodiments, a torque may be applied to the nut 100 by rotating the nut 100 about the longitudinal axis, Ai, with an installation tool 262, which can be a standard off the shelf installation device, such as, for example, an impact driver, a torque wrench, and / or standard driver with socket. A top view of the engagement of the installation tool 262 and the nut 100 is shown in FIG. 3.

[0055] As illustrated in the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 2, after installation of the multi-piece fastener 200 into the structure 250, the nut 100 and the head portion 248 of the pin 240 are applying a clamping force to the layers 254, 256 of the structure 250, thereby securing the multi-piece fastener 200 to the structure 250 and securing layers 254, 256 together. The clamping force can be substantially maintained by inhibiting loosening of the nut 100 by a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may comprise the engagement of threads on the shank 246 of the pin 240 and threads on the inner surface 108 of the nut 100.

[0056] In various non-limiting embodiments, the nut 100 may be removed after installation by rotating the nut 100 about the longitudinal axis, Ai, with standard off the shelf installation devices. In various embodiments, the threads on the inner surface 108 are not galled upon removal of the nut 100.

[0057] Various aspects of embodiments according to the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, the aspects listed in the following numbered clauses.

[0058] Clause 1. A nut comprising: a first end; a second end; and an annular wall portion extending from the first end toward the second end. The annular wall portion defines and surrounds a longitudinal axis of the nut. The annular wall portion comprises an inner surface defining a cavity about the longitudinal axis, and a first region comprising a sinuous profile defining three sides and three edge regions. Each side comprises a continuous curved surface intermediate two of the edge regions, and the three edge regions are radially spaced about the longitudinal axis.

[0059] Clause 2. The nut of clause 1, wherein the annular wall portion further comprises a flange region extending from the first region toward the second end.

[0060] Clause 3. The nut of clause 2, wherein an outer diameter of the first region is less than an outer diameter of the flange region.

[0061] Clause 4. The nut of any of clauses 2-3, wherein an inner diameter of the cavity in the first region is less than an inner diameter of the cavity in the flange region.

[0062] Clause 5. The nut of any of clauses 2-4, wherein the flange region comprises a first portion comprising a generally cylindrical profile.

[0063] Clause 6. The nut of clause 5, wherein the flange region comprises a second portion comprising three tapered sections, each tapered section extending from one of the sides of the first region.

[0064] Clause 7. The nut of clause 6, wherein the flange region comprises a third portion comprising a frustoconical profile, the third portion extending from the second portion to the first portion.

[0065] Clause 8. The nut of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the inner surface tapers in a direction towards the first end.

[0066] Clause 9. The nut of any of clauses 1-7, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface defines threads.

[0067] Clause 10. The nut of any of clauses 1-9, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface defines a generally smooth cylindrical surface.

[0068] Clause 11. The nut of any of clauses 1-10, wherein each of the edge regions defines a center line intersecting the longitudinal axis, and wherein the center lines are radially separated about the longitudinal axis by an angle in a range of 115 degrees to 125 degrees.

[0069] Clause 12. The nut of any of clauses 1-11, wherein the sides are equal in length.

[0070] Clause 13. The nut of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the sinuous profile is a Reuleaux triangle.

[0071] Clause 14. The nut of any of clauses 1-13, wherein the sinuous profile comprises a constant width.

[0072] Clause 15. The nut of any of clauses 1-14, wherein the edge regions are configured to receive a torque from an installation tool.

[0073] Clause 16. The nut of any of clauses 1-15, wherein the nut comprises a metal, a metal alloy, or a polymer.

[0074] Clause 17. The nut of any of clauses 1-16, wherein the nut is configured as at least one of an aerospace part or component, an automotive part or component, a transportation part or component, and a building and construction part or component.

[0075] Clause 18. A method for installation of the nut of any of clauses 1-17, the method comprising: inserting a pin comprising a shank into the cavity of the nut; and torqueing the nut with an installation tool to engage the inner surface of the nut with the shank of the pin.

[0076] Clause 19. A method for manufacturing the nut of any of clauses 1-17, the method comprising one or more manufacturing technique selected from the group consisting of forming, machining, curing, forging, casting, and additive manufacturing.

[0077] Clause 20. A method for manufacturing the nut of any of clauses 1-17, the method comprising: forming an intermediate product using one or more manufacturing technique selected from the group consisting of forming, machining, curing, forging, casting, and additive manufacturing; and crimping the first region to reduce an inner diameter of the first region of the nut.

[0078] One skilled in the art will recognize that the nuts, multi-piece fasteners, structures, methods, operations / actions, and objects described herein, and the accompanying discussion, are non-limiting examples presented for the sake of conceptual clarity and that various modifications to the disclosed configurations are contemplated. Consequently, as used herein, the specific examples / embodiments set forth, and the accompanying discussion, are intended to be representative of their more general classes. In general, use of any specific exemplar is intended to be representative of its class and the non-inclusion of specific components, devices, apparatus, operations / actions, and objects should not be taken as limiting. While the present disclosure provides descriptions of various specific aspects for the purpose of illustrating various aspects of the present disclosure and / or its potential applications, it is understood that variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention or inventions described herein should be understood to be at least as broad as they are claimed and not as more narrowly defined by particular illustrative aspects provided herein.

[0079] Any references herein to “various embodiments”, “some embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, a “non-limiting embodiment”, or like phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments”, “in some embodiments”, “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “in a non-limiting embodiment”, or like phrases in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present embodiments.

[0080] In this specification, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical parameters are to be understood as being prefaced and modified in all instances by the term “about,” in which the numerical parameters possess the inherent variability characteristic of the underlying measurement techniques used to determine the numerical value of the parameter. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter described herein should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0081] Also, any numerical range recited herein includes all sub-ranges subsumed within the recited range. For example, a range of “1 to 10” includes all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10. Any maximum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited. All such ranges are inherently described in this specification.

[0082] The grammatical articles “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used herein, are intended to include “at least one” or “one or more”, unless otherwise indicated, even if “at least one” or “one or more” is expressly used in certain instances. Thus, the foregoing grammatical articles areused herein to refer to one or more than one (i.e., to “at least one”) of the particular identified elements. Further, the use of a singular noun includes the plural, and the use of a plural noun includes the singular, unless the context of the usage requires otherwise.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A nut comprising: a first end; a second end; and an annular wall portion extending from the first end toward the second end, the annular wall portion defining and surrounding a longitudinal axis of the nut, the annular wall portion comprising an inner surface defining a cavity about the longitudinal axis, and a first region comprising a sinuous profile defining three sides and three edge regions, wherein each side comprises a continuous curved surface intermediate two of the edge regions, and wherein the three edge regions are radially spaced about the longitudinal axis.

2. The nut of claim 1, wherein the annular wall portion further comprises a flange region extending from the first region toward the second end.

3. The nut of claim 2, wherein an outer diameter of the first region is less than an outer diameter of the flange region.

4. The nut of claim 2, wherein an inner diameter of the cavity in the first region is less than an inner diameter of the cavity in the flange region.

5. The nut of claim 2, wherein the flange region comprises a first portion comprising a generally cylindrical profile.

6. The nut of claim 5, wherein the flange region comprises a second portion comprising three tapered sections, each tapered section extending from one of the sides of the first region.

7. The nut of claim 6, wherein the flange region comprises a third portion comprising a frustoconical profile, the third portion extending from the second portion to the first portion.

8. The nut of claim 1, wherein the inner surface tapers in a direction towards the first end.

9. The nut of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface defines threads.

10. The nut of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface defines a generally smooth cylindrical surface.

11. The nut of claim 1, wherein each of the edge regions defines a center line intersecting the longitudinal axis, and wherein the center lines are radially separated about the longitudinal axis by an angle in a range of 115 degrees to 125 degrees.

12. The nut of claim 1, wherein the sides are equal in length.

13. The nut of claim 1, wherein the sinuous profile is a Reuleaux triangle.

14. The nut of claim 1, wherein the sinuous profile comprises a constant width.

15. The nut of claim 1, wherein the edge regions are configured to receive a torque from an installation tool.

16. The nut of claim 1, wherein the nut comprises a metal, a metal alloy, or a polymer.

17. The nut of claim 1, wherein the nut is configured as at least one of an aerospace part or component, an automotive part or component, a transportation part or component, and a building and construction part or component.

18. A method for installation of the nut of claim 1, the method comprising: inserting a pin comprising a shank into the cavity of the nut of claim 1; and torqueing the nut with an installation tool to engage the inner surface of the nut with the shank of the pin.

19. A method for manufacturing the nut of claim 1, the method comprising one or more manufacturing technique selected from the group consisting of forming, machining, curing, forging, casting, and additive manufacturing.

20. A method for manufacturing the nut of claim 1, the method comprising:forming an intermediate product using one or more manufacturing technique selected from the group consisting of forming, machining, curing, forging, casting, and additive manufacturing; and crimping the first region to reduce an inner diameter of the first region of the nut.

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