A nut and securing pin assembly for being fastened to a shackle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nut and securing pin assembly (1) for being fastened to a shackle, the shackle comprising a shackle body (5) comprising two through-holes (2), and a shackle bolt (3) comprising: a bolt shaft (6); a bolt head (7); threads (8); a bolt through-hole (9), the nut and securing pin assembly (1) comprising: a nut (10) comprising: internal threads (11) configured for screwing onto the bolt shaft (6); two nut through-holes (12) each arranged diametrically in the nut (10) and extending along the same axis, a securing pin (13) configured to be arranged through the bolt through-hole (9) and the nut through-holes (12) and thereby locking the nut (10) to the bolt shaft (6), the securing pin (13) having a length (L) that is less than the distance (D) between the outer radial edges (14) of the nut (10) at the through-holes (12).

Description

[0001] A nut and securing pin assembly for being fastened to a shackle

[0002] Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] In an aspect, the invention relates to a nut and securing pin assembly, and more specifically the invention relates to a nut and securing pin assembly for being fastened to a shackle comprising a shackle body comprising two through-holes, and a shackle bolt.

[0004]

[0002] A key application area for the invention is in connection with marine offshore mooring operations. In an offshore mooring system, a shackle is often part of a mooring line, connecting, for instance, the end of a chain to a loop of a synthetic rope.

[0005]

[0003] These shackles may often weigh 200-300 kilograms and are subject to high forces during deployment and use. Thus, both the shackle itself and any adjacent structures it may come into contact with will need to withstand these high forces. The traditional design of offshore shackles comes with several disadvantages in this regard.

[0006]

[0004] Typically, offshore shackles are supplied with a securing pin extending through the shaft of the shackle bolt. The securing pin prevents the nut on the shackle from unscrewing too far off the shaft of the bolt if there is rotation of the nut. The securing pin may often comprise a cotter pin, where the ends of the cotter pin are bent outwards to secure it in place. The projecting parts of the cotter pin can bump into adjacent structures during deployment. This may cause a particular risk for personnel or the synthetic rope to which the shackle is connected, since the bent ends of the pin can cut through soft material. The securing pin may itself also be damaged and potentially break off, thereby losing its function of securing the nut on the shackle bolt.

[0007]

[0005] A standard nut tends to unscrew outwards. If the standard nut has lost contact with some threads, it may get turned out and start to work against the securing pin, which may damage the securing pin.

[0008]

[0006] Other parts of the shackle, such as the nut and bolt shaft, may also be at risk of damaging, or being damaged when contacting neighbouring structures.

[0007] To mitigate these risks, a common procedure in the offshore mooring industry is to wrap the entire shackle in a large mat secured with a rope. To wrap the shackle, it must be lifted from the deck of the vessel. Given that a shackle in an offshore mooring line typically weighs between 200-300 kilograms, a hoisting device is needed to lift the shackle, the chain links adjacent to the shackle, and a portion of the rope adjacent to the shackle, from the deck of the vessel. In addition to the hoisting device (typically a crane), handling the mat and securing it concerning the shackle usually requires three to four operators. However, wrapping shackles in mats often does not provide enough protection.

[0009]

[0008] Furthermore, when a shackle of the mooring line is covered by the mat, it is not possible to observe how or if the shackle and rope contact each other while being spooled onto a winch reel. Thus, it is not possible to observe if the rope is subject to wear or damage by the shackle.

[0010]

[0009] Norwegian patent NO348015 proposes to solve the aforementioned problems by providing a cap covering the securing pin and bolt shaft. However, this cap can only be used for certain types of shackles. Since the cap is an external addon to the shackle, it is at risk of being damaged and falling off during use.

[0011]

[0010] It is an objective of the present invention to alleviate the problems of the prior art.

[0012] Summary of the Invention

[0013] According to an aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a nut and securing pin assembly for being fastened to a shackle, the shackle comprising a shackle body comprising two through-holes, and a shackle bolt comprising: o a bolt shaft comprising a bolt end and a nut end; o a bolt head arranged at the bolt end of the bolt shaft; o threads arranged externally along at least part of the bolt shaft; o a bolt through-hole extending through the full width of the bolt shaft, the bolt through-hole is arranged towards the nut end of the bolt shaft, the nut and securing pin assembly comprising: a nut comprising: o internal threads configured for screwing onto the bolt shaft; o two nut through-holes each arranged diametrically in the nut and extending along the same axis, a securing pin configured to be arranged through the bolt through-hole and the nut through-holes and thereby locking the nut to the bolt shaft, the securing pin having a length that is less than the distance between the outer radial edges of the nut at the through-holes.

[0014] [Oil] Thus, according to a first aspect of the invention a nut and securing pin assembly for being fastened to a shackle, is provided improving upon the prior art. In particular, the securing pin of the nut and securing pin assembly having a length that is less than the distance between the outer radial edges of the nut at the through-holes, provides for an arrangement reducing damages made on external objects such as ropes or fibres contacting the securing pin and prevents the securing pin itself from being damaged. The securing pin of the nut and securing pin assembly having a length that is less than the distance between the outer radial edges of the nut at the through-holes, improves the usage of existing shackles as it removes or mitigates the need for wrapping the shackle in mats.

[0015]

[0012] The bolt through-hole may be configured to be a hole featuring a full-width perforation that extends from one side of the bolt shaft to the other. The shackle bolt may be configured to have a complete transverse opening forming the bolt through-hole. The bolt through-hole may preferably be configured to have space for a shackle bolt to be screwed through the width of the bolt. More preferably, a bolt through-hole may be configured to be a cylindrical opening passing completely through the width of the bolt shaft, allowing for the insertion of another component or fastener such as the securing pin. The through-hole may be defined as being configured to be a full-width tunnel, providing a pathway that extends from one side of the width to the other side of the width.

[0016]

[0013] The full width of the bolt shaft may be the complete diameter of the bolt shaft, extending from one side of the circular cross-section of the bolt shaft to the other side of the circular cross-section of the bolt shaft. More preferably, the full width of the bolt shaft may be defined as extending between the outer radial edges of the bolt shaft.

[0017]

[0014] The internal threads of the nut, also known as female threads, configured for screwing onto the bolt shaft may be defined as the internal threads of the nut having a series of ridges carved in a spiral pattern within the nut, the ridges configured to interlock with the threads of the bolt shaft, enabling the nut to be twisted onto the bolt and held in place. The internal threads of the nut may be configured for bolting on the bolt shaft. The internal threads of the nut may be configured for tightening on the bolt shaft. The internal threads of the nut may be configured for turning on the bolt shaft.

[0018]

[0015] The two nut through-holes each arranged diametrically in the nut and extending along the same axis may be configured to be arranged at opposing radial ends of the nut and extending along the same axis. The two nut through-holes arranged diametrically may be configured to be a pair of openings in the nut positioned directly across from each other, forming a straight line that passes through the centre of the nut. The two nut through-holes arranged diametrically may ensure a balanced distribution of ferees when a shackle bolt is inserted.

[0019]

[0016] The shackle body comprising two through-holes may comprise any of a safety pin shackle, safety bow shackle, safety dee I chain shackle, anchor shackle, twist shackle, or a wide body shackle. The shackle body may have the shackle body shape of a safety bow shackle and / or a safety dee shackle.

[0020]

[0017] The bolt shaft may comprise a shank arranged between the bolt head and the threads. The shank may be unthreaded. The shank may be the same diameter as the outer radial edges of the threads. The shank may have a larger diameter than the outer radial edges of the threads. The shank may be defined as a smooth, i.e., threadless, section of the shackle bolt arranged externally along the bolt shaft.

[0021]

[0018] The through-holes of the shackle body may be arranged at the ends of the shackle body. The through-holes of the shackle body may comprise additional through-holes along the length of the shackle body.

[0022]

[0019] The securing pin may be configured to pass through the through-holes in the shackle bolt and the nut, effectively fastening the nut onto the bolt shaft. The securing pin may be configured to ensure a stable connection between the nut and the shaft. Unlike prior art, the nut may not rotate due to the pin going through the nut. The nut and securing pin assembly solves prior art problem of the nut turning out and starting to work against the pin. The locking of the nut to the bolt shaft may be defined as a consequently securing of the nut to the bolt shaft. The locking of the nut to the bolt shaft may be defined as a fastening of the nut to the bolt shaft. The securing pin may have a length that does not exceed the distance between the outer radial edges of the nut at the through-holes. The outer radial edges of the nut may be defined as the peripheral radial boundaries of the nut, the exterior radial limits of the nut, or the outermost radial perimeters of the nut. This distance may be measured by the innermost point of the outer edge of the nut at the through-holes.

[0023]

[0020] In certain embodiments, the exterior of the nut may have a rounded off region. In preferable embodiments, the radial exterior of the entire nut may be a rounded off region. There may therefore be reduced sharp edges on the exterior of the nut. Rounded off regions may eliminate sharp edges. The elimination of sharp edges may reduce the risk of damages made on nearby ropes fastened to the shackle contacting the exterior of the nut. The rounded off region of the nut may improve durability on the exterior of the nut. Rounded edges may distribute stress more evenly across the surface of the nut. The even stress distribution may reduce the likelihood of nut cracking or being damaged under load. Rounded edges on the nut may reduce the risk of rotation of the nut on the bolt, or forces imparting damage to the securing pin, caused by an impact, such as tires, against an edge of the nut.

[0024]

[0021] In certain embodiments, the nut may have a circular exterior. The circular exterior may thus allow for uniform distribution of stress when the nut is tightened. The uniform distribution of stress on the circular exterior of the nut may enhance the overall strength and durability of the fastening. The circular exterior of the nut may be efficient to manufacture. The efficiency of manufacturing may reduce costs of the nut manufacturing. A circular exterior may also reduce the risk of the nut rotating on the bolt, or forces imparting damage to the securing pin, caused by an impact.

[0025]

[0022] In certain embodiments, the nut may comprise at least one recess configured for engagement with a torquing tool. The recess may allow for a secure engagement with the torquing tool, tightening or loosening the nut. The recess may reduce the risk of a tool slipping off the nut during use. The reduced risk of a tool slipping may prevent damage to the nut and the surrounding components. The recess may allow the nut to be used with different types of torquing tools. The extended number of torquing tools available for usage on the recess may increase the versatility of the nut and securing pin assembly. The torquing tools may be a rod or several rods. The rods may be placed into the recess and used to turn it around. The use of a torquing tool may provide a larger lever arm favourable for loosening the nut. The recess may be configured to allow for controlled tightening of the nut. The controlled tightening of the nut may be important in applications where precise tension is required. The recess may be defined as a cavity, an indentation, or a concave feature. The torquing tool may be configured to allow easier instalment of the nut in tight spaces where a tool that embraces the radial edges of the nut would not have trouble entering.

[0026]

[0023] In certain embodiments, the bolt through-hole and the nut through-holes may have an oval shape arranged longitudinally along the axis of the bolt shaft. The oval shape arranged longitudinally along the axis of the bolt shaft may thus allow the nut configured to be used on different bolts and shackles, regardless of whether they are manufactured for each other. The oval shape may be configured to capture variations in the hole location in the shackle bolt or the width of the shackle body. The oval shape of the bolt through-hole may be configured to easier screw the securing pin nut onto the securing pin shaft of the securing pin bolt. The oval shape may be customised to fit offshore measurements. The hole of an oval shape in the longitudinal direction may be 1 - 2 times larger than the diameter of the securing pin nut. The hole of an oval shape in the longitudinal direction may be 2 times larger than the diameter of the securing pin nut. The hole of an oval shape in the longitudinal direction may be 2 - 3 times larger than the diameter of the securing pin nut. An advantage with an oval shape of the bolt through-hole and the nut through-holes when an uncentred securing pin bolt appear, may be that is easier to screw the securing pin nut onto the securing pin shaft of the securing pin bolt. The oval shape hole of the bolt may mainly be configured to cover production tolerances and movement changes in the physical properties in the shape during use. The nut and securing pin assembly may have tolerance for movement changes of the shackle body due to e.g., corrosion in the contact surface under the bolt head, or under the nut, which then changes how far the nut may be screwed in onto the shackle bolt.

[0027]

[0024] In certain embodiments, a radial region at the nut end of the bolt shaft may not have threads, and where the bolt through-hole may be arranged in this region. The unthreaded radial region may guide the shackle bolt into the nut more easily. The unthreaded radial region may reduce the chance of cross-threading.

[0028]

[0025] The nut may fill and utilise multiple threads on the shackle bolt. The nut may thus reduce the risk of the nut having to pass over damaged, corroded, or contaminated threads when dismantling after use.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the nut may be a capless nut. The capless nut may thus not have a cap or a top and thus provides access to the shackle bolt. The capless nut may enable the cutting into the bolt and thereby cut the securing pin.

[0029]

[0027] In certain embodiments, the bolt shaft may comprise a groove at the flat distalmost nut end of the bolt shaft. The groove at the flat distalmost nut end of the bolt shaft may guide a cutting device for cutting into the bolt and thereby cut the securing pin. Preferably, the groove will be arranged perpendicularly to the securing pin through-hole, thereby facilitating the cutting of the securing pin. The groove may be defined as a notch, a slot, a slit, or a cut-out. The groove may be configured to be adapted to an angle grinder's cutting disc. The adaptation to an angle grinder's cutting disc may be configured to easily remove the securing pin if the securing pin has been damaged during installation or use.

[0030]

[0028] In certain embodiments, the securing pin may comprise: a securing pin bolt comprising a securing pin head and a securing pin shaft; a securing pin nut arranged for screwing onto the securing pin shaft of the securing pin bolt of the securing pin. The securing pin may comprise a cotter pin, a dowel pin, a lynch pin, a coil spring pin, a hitch pin, or a security pin. The securing pin head and securing pin nut may be configured to not exceed the outer radial edges of the nut at the nut through-holes.

[0031]

[0029] In certain embodiments, the breadth of the nut in the axial direction of the shackle bolt may be configured to extend past the distalmost nut end of the shackle bolt when secured with the securing pin. The nut may be configured with such a breadth that it protects the threads on the shackle bolt against tearing off or being damaged by lateral forces which are applied axially to the distalmost nut end of the shackle bolt. The axial forces on the nut end may be configured to be taken up by the nut, configured to pass through the nut, and configured to pass into the shackle body. The breadth of the nut in the axial direction of the shackle bolt may be defined as the thickness of the nut, in the axial direction of the shackle bolt.

[0032]

[0030] In certain embodiments, the shackle bolt and / or securing nut may be provided with additional through-holes for securing with additional securing pins.

[0031] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a shackle comprising a shackle body, a shackle bolt, a nut and, a securing pin according to any of the aforementioned aspects or embodiments.

[0033]

[0032] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a nut and securing pin assembly for being fastened to a shackle, the shackle comprising a shackle body comprising two through-holes, and a shackle bolt comprising: o a bolt shaft comprising a bolt end and a nut end; o a bolt head arranged at the bolt end of the bolt shaft; o threads arranged externally along at least part of the bolt shaft; o a bolt through-hole extending through the full width of the bolt shaft, the bolt through-hole is arranged towards the nut end of the bolt shaft, the nut and securing pin assembly comprising: a nut comprising: o internal threads configured for screwing onto the bolt shaft; o two nut through-holes each arranged diametrically in the nut and extending along the same axis, a securing pin configured to be arranged through the bolt through-hole and the nut through-holes and thereby locking the nut to the bolt shaft, wherein the nut through-holes (12) has an oval shape arranged longitudinally along the axis of the bolt shaft (6).

[0034]

[0033] The nut and securing pin assembly of the third aspect of the invention may relate to any of the embodiments of the first or second aspect of the invention, albeit where the following feature of these aspects may be optional: the securing pin may have a length that is less than the distance between the outer radial edges of the nut at the through-holes.

[0035]

[0034] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a nut and securing pin assembly for being fastened to a shackle, the shackle comprising a shackle body comprising two through-holes, and a shackle bolt comprising: o a bolt shaft comprising a bolt end and a nut end; o a bolt head arranged at the bolt end of the bolt shaft; o threads arranged externally along at least part of the bolt shaft; o a bolt through-hole extending through the full width of the bolt shaft, the bolt through-hole is arranged towards the nut end of the bolt shaft, the nut and securing pin assembly comprising: a nut comprising: o internal threads configured for screwing onto the bolt shaft; o two nut through-holes each arranged diametrically in the nut and extending along the same axis, a securing pin configured to be arranged through the bolt through-hole and the nut through-holes and thereby locking the nut to the bolt shaft, wherein the breadth of the nut (10) in the axial direction of the shackle bolt (3) is configured to extend past the distalmost nut end (31) of the shackle bolt (3) when secured with the securing pin (13).

[0036]

[0035] The nut and securing pin assembly of the fourth aspect of the invention may relate to any of the embodiments of the first or second aspect of the invention, albeit where the following feature of these aspects may be optional: the securing pin may have a length that is less than the distance between the outer radial edges of the nut at the through-holes.

[0037] Brief Description of the Figures

[0038]

[0036] The following drawings are appended to facilitate the understanding of the invention. The drawings show embodiments of the invention, which will now be described by way of example only, where:

[0039]

[0037] Fig. 1 is a view of a shackle bolt, a nut, and two through-holes of a shackle body according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0040]

[0038] Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration view, extending longitudinally along the shackle bolt, illustrating a nut and securing pin assembly fastened to the shackle bolt and the shackle bolt fastened to two through-holes of the shackle body according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0041]

[0039] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-section view, extending longitudinally along the shackle bolt, illustrating the nut and securing pin assembly with a securing pin arranged through a bolt through-hole and two nut through-holes according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0042]

[0040] Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-section view, illustrating a detail of the nut with a recess, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0043]

[0041] Fig. 5-6 are schematic illustration views, illustrating a nut with recess and oval nut through-holes in different perspectives, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0044]

[0042] Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-section view, illustrating a nut with oval nut through-holes and without a bolt or securing pin, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0045] Detailed Description of the Figures

[0046]

[0043] In the following, general embodiments as well as particular exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described. References will be made to the accompanying drawings. It shall be noted, however, that the drawings are exemplary embodiments only, and that other features and embodiments may well be within the scope of the invention as claimed. Further, the mentioning of references such as "a" or "an" etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The term "invention" may herein be used interchangeably with the term "disclosure". The term "producing" may herein be used interchangeably with the term "obtaining".

[0047]

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all terms of art, notations and other scientific terms or terminology used herein are intended to have the meanings commonly understood by those of skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Certain terms of art, notations, and other scientific terms or terminology may, however, be defined specifically as indicated below.

[0048]

[0045] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention with a nut and securing pin assembly 1, a shackle bolt 3 and two through-holes 2 of a shackle body 5. The shackle bolt 3 has a bolt head 7 and a bolt shaft 6. The bolt head 7 is located on a bolt end 30 side of the bolt shaft 6. The bolt head 7 is barely visible in Fig. 1. A nut 10 is located on a nut end 31 side of the bolt shaft 6. The bolt end 30 and the nut end 31 of the bolt shaft 6 can be understood as two ends on opposite sides of the bolt shaft 6 when the bolt shaft 6 extends longitudinally along the shackle bolt 3. The nut 10 is shown holding the shackle body 5 in place along the bolt shaft 6 against the bolt head 7. The nut 10 can be seen as already screwed in place onto the bolt shaft 6. The nut comprises internal threads 11 not visible in Fig. 1. The bolt shaft 6 has threads 8 arranged externally along at least part of the bolt shaft 6 and is not visible in Fig. 1. The internal threads 11 of the nut 10 and the threads 8 of the bolt shaft 6 are thus engaged with each other in Fig. 1. The use of all available threads 8 at all times, provides better securing of the nut and securing pin assembly.

[0049]

[0046] The shackle body 5 is shown comprising two through-holes 2. The rest of the shackle body 5, such as the bow or the dee which hold the two through-holes 2 parts together, is not visible in Fig. 1. The rest of the shackle body 5 not visible in Fig. 1, will extend away from the shackle bolt 3 and the two through-holes 2 of the shackle body 5.

[0050]

[0047] Nut through-holes 12 are shown arranged diametrically in the nut 10 and the nut through-holes 12 extend along the same axis. In this embodiment there are four nut through-holes 12. Two of the four nut through-holes 12 are visible and the other two nut through-holes 12 are on the backside of the nut 10 and bolt shaft 6 in Fig. 1. One advantage of having more pairs of nut through-holes 12 may be to be able to align the nut through-holes 12 with several types of bolts having through-holes 9 arranged at different locations on the bolt shaft 6.

[0051]

[0048] The nut 10 is shown comprising a recess 17 extending into the nut 10 configured for engagement with a torquing tool. The recess 17 has a shape allowing the nut 10 to be used with different types of torquing tools.

[0052]

[0049] The nut 10 is shown in Fig. 1 exemplified as a capless nut 10 arranged extending out beyond the flat distalmost nut end 31 of the shackle bolt 3, thus allowing access to this flat end 31. The capless nut 10 will thereby enable the cutting into the bolt shaft 6 and cut a securing pin 13. The advantage of having the nut 10 extending out beyond the flat distalmost nut end 31 of the shackle bolt 3 is that it protects the threads 8 on the bolt shaft 6 from being damaged or damaging nearby ropes. An additional benefit of extending the nut 10 beyond the flat distalmost nut end 31 of the shackle bolt 3 is the protection it provides to the threads when the securing pin 13 is removed. Prior art methods of removing the securing pin 13 from the shackle bolt often result in damage to the threads 8. These methods typically involve using a sledgehammer to knock off the securing pin 13 or a circular saw to cut it off. Both methods tend to degrade the threads 8 on the shackle bolt 3 over time.

[0053]

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 1, a groove 19 is arranged at the flat distalmost nut end 31 of the bolt shaft 6. The groove 19 is arranged perpendicularly to the bolt through-hole 9 illustrated in Fig. 1, thereby facilitating the cutting of the securing pin 13 and keeping the threads 8 on the shackle bolt 3 undamaged.

[0054]

[0051] Turning now to Fig. 2. The embodiment schematically illustrated in Fig. 2 may be the same as that of Fig. 1, extending longitudinally along the shackle bolt 3.

[0055]

[0052] Similarly as for Fig. 1, Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the nut and securing pin assembly 1 fastened to the shackle bolt 3 and the shackle bolt 3 fastened to two through-holes 2 of the shackle body 5. However, it is easier to view the oval shape on the nut through-holes 12 in Fig. 2. The oval shape shown in Fig. 2 is arranged longitudinally along the axis of the bolt shaft 6. The oval shape allows the nut 10 to be used on different bolts and shackles, regardless of whether they are manufactured for each other and allows for tolerances stemming from the manufacture or usage of shackle components.

[0056]

[0053] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the shackle bolt 3, the shackle body 5, the nut 10 and a securing pin 13. The securing pin 13 is arranged through the bolt through-hole 9 and the nut through-holes 12. A bolt through-hole 9 is shown in Fig. 3 extending through the full width of the bolt shaft 6. The full width of the bolt shaft 6 may also be defined as the distance of the diameter of the bolt shaft 6.

[0057]

[0054] The bolt through-hole 9 is arranged towards the nut end 31 of the bolt shaft 6. The securing pin 13 is shown arranged through the nut through-holes 12 and the bolt through-hole 9 thereby locks the nut 10 to the bolt shaft 6. As illustrated in the embodiment, the securing pin 13 has a length L. The distance D is as well as the length L illustrated in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3. The distance D extends between outer radial edges 14 of the nut 10 at the through-holes 12, it will be seen that the length L is measured from the smallest outer radial edge 14 of the through-holes 12. Fig. 3 shows the length L of the securing pin 13 is less than the distance D between the outer radial edges 14 of the nut 10 at the through- holes 12.

[0055] The breadth of the nut 10 in the axial direction of the shackle bolt 3 as shown in Fig. 3, is configured to extend past the flat distalmost nut end 31 of the shackle bolt 3 when secured with the securing pin 13. The breadth of the nut 10 is the length between the outmost ends of the nut 10 in the axial direction of the shackle bolt 3.

[0058]

[0056] A radial region 18 is shown located at the nut end 31 of the bolt shaft 6 extending an axial distance along the shaft 6. The radial region 18 does not have threads 8 arranged externally along at least part of the bolt shaft 6. The radial region 18 in Fig. 3 shows an embodiment where the radial region 18 has a smaller width on the bolt shaft 6 than the width of the bolt shaft 6 engaging with the two through-holes 2 of the shackle body 5.

[0059]

[0057] The securing pin 13 shown in Fig. 3 comprises a securing pin bolt 20 comprising a securing pin head 21 and a securing pin shaft 22. Additionally, the securing pin 13 shown in Fig. 3 comprises a securing pin nut 23. The securing pin nut 23 is located on the securing pin shaft 22 of the securing pin bolt 20. The securing pin nut 23 is screwed onto the securing pin shaft 22. The securing pin bolt 20 is thereby held in place within the nut 10 by the securing pin nut 23 and the securing pin head 21 along the securing pin shaft 22. The securing pin 13 does not exceed the outer radial edges 14 of the nut 10. Neither the securing pin head 21 nor the securing pin nut 23 exceeds the outer radial edges 14 of the nut 10, and the length L is measured between the outermost points of the securing pin head 21 and securing pin nut 23 in each axial direction.

[0060]

[0058] Now turning to Fig. 4, an embodiment of the invention is illustrated with a cross-section detail of the nut 10 with a recess 17. The recess 17 is shown in Fig. 4 extending in the nut 10. The recess 17 may allow for a secure engagement with the torquing tool, tightening or loosening the nut 10 from the bolt shaft 6. The recess 17 may extend into the nut 10 to a depth that is sufficient for accommodating the fitting of the torquing tool.

[0061]

[0059] Now turning to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, embodiments of the invention are illustrating a nut 10 with recess 17 and oval nut through-holes 12 in different perspectives. There are two oval holes within an oval nut through-hole 12. One is a through-hole, while the other hole is larger than the through-hole and allows you to insert a tool to loosen or fasten the securing pin 13 (possibly with a nut). The nut 10 comprises internal threads 11. The location of the internal threads 11 is shown in Fig. 6. A rounded off region 15 on the nut 10 is shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The rounded off region 15 does not have sharp edges or angles, either at the end or where the nut 10 tapers. The shape of the nut 10 shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 depicts a nut that is less likely to cause damage to a rope than the prior art solutions. A circular exterior 16 on the nut 10 is shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6.

[0062]

[0060] In Fig. 7, the embodiment of the invention is illustrated as a schematic cross-section view, with the nut 10 with oval nut through-holes 12. Fig. 7 is shown without a shackle bolt 3 or securing pin 13. The location of the internal threads 11 is shown in the cross-section view of Fig. 7.

[0063] List of Reference Numbers

Claims

Claims1. A nut and securing pin assembly (1) for being fastened to a shackle, the shackle comprising a shackle body (5) comprising two through-holes (2), and a shackle bolt (3) comprising: o a bolt shaft (6) comprising a bolt end (30) and a nut end (31); o a bolt head (7) arranged at the bolt end (30) of the bolt shaft (6); o threads (8) arranged externally along at least part of the bolt shaft (6); o a bolt through-hole (9) extending through the full width of the bolt shaft (6), the bolt through-hole (9) is arranged towards the nut end (31) of the bolt shaft (6), the nut and securing pin assembly (1) comprising: a nut (10) comprising: o internal threads (11) configured for screwing onto the bolt shaft (6); o two nut through-holes (12) each arranged diametrically in the nut (10) and extending along the same axis, a securing pin (13) configured to be arranged through the bolt through-hole (9) and the nut through-holes (12) and thereby locking the nut (10) to the bolt shaft (6), the securing pin (13) having a length (L) that is less than the distance (D) between the outer radial edges (14) of the nut (10) at the through-holes (12).

2. The nut and securing pin assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the exterior of the nut (10) has a rounded off region (15).

3. The nut and securing pin assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the nut (10) has a circular exterior (16).

4. The nut and securing pin assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nut (10) comprises at least one recess (17) configured for engagement with a torquing tool.

5. The nut and securing pin assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nut through-holes (12) have an oval shape arranged longitudinally along the axis of the bolt shaft (6).

6. The nut and securing pin assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nut (10) is a capless nut.

7. The nut and securing pin assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the securing pin (13) comprises: a securing pin bolt (20) comprising a securing pin head (21) and a securing pin shaft (22); a securing pin nut (23) arranged for screwing onto the securing pin shaft (22) of the securing pin bolt (20) of the securing pin (13).

8. The nut and securing pin assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the breadth of the nut (10) in the axial direction of the shackle bolt (3) is configured to extend past the distalmost nut end (31) of the shackle bolt (3) when secured with the securing pin (13).

9. A shackle comprising a shackle body (5), a shackle bolt (3), a nut (10) and a securing pin (13) according to any of the preceding claims.

10. The shackle according to claim 9, wherein a radial region (18) at the nut end (31) of the bolt shaft (6) does not have threads (8), and where the bolt through-hole (9) is arranged in this region.

11. The shackle according to claims 9 or 10, wherein the bolt shaft (6) comprises a groove (19) at the flat distalmost nut end (31) of the bolt shaft (6).

Images