阅读说明：本技术 具有可偏转锁止件的锁止紧固件 (Locking fastener with deflectable locking member ) 是由 H·赫斯 T·霍肯霍尔 W·摩尔 A·佩雷斯三世 于 2018-02-23 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种用于紧固件的锁止机构。该锁止机构包括锁止螺母、锁止构件和锁止垫圈。锁止螺母可释放地联接到锁止螺母以与其一起旋转。锁止构件包括具有径向地延伸的止动构件的环形本体。锁止垫圈包括围绕锁止垫圈的外周轴向地延伸的壁。轴向地延伸的壁限定用于将锁止构件的环形本体的一部分接纳在其中的内腔、并且包括限定在其中的多个径向地延伸的凹口。所述凹口构造成接纳径向地延伸的止动构件。(A locking mechanism for a fastener is provided. The locking mechanism includes a lock nut, a locking member, and a lock washer. The lock nut is releasably coupled to the lock nut for rotation therewith. The locking member includes an annular body having a radially extending stop member. The locking washer includes a wall extending axially around an outer periphery of the locking washer. The axially extending wall defines an inner cavity for receiving a portion of the annular body of the locking member therein and includes a plurality of radially extending notches defined therein. The recess is configured to receive a radially extending stop member.)

1. A locking mechanism for a fastener, the locking mechanism comprising:

A lock nut;

A locking member releasably coupled to the locking nut for rotation therewith, the locking member including an annular body including a radially extending stop member; and

A locking washer including an axially extending wall around an outer periphery of the locking washer, the axially extending wall defining an internal cavity for receiving a portion of the annular body of the locking member therein and including a plurality of radially extending notches defined therein and configured to receive the radially extending stop members.

2. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the lock nut further comprises an outer peripheral surface including an axially extending groove defined therein.

3. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the annular body is positionable between a locked configuration in which the radially extending stop member is in a radially outer position and an unlocked configuration in which the radially extending stop member is in a radially inner position.

4. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the locking member further comprises axially extending resilient fingers coupled to the annular body, the axially extending resilient fingers including free ends that extend radially inward relative to the annular body and engage the lock nut.

5. The locking mechanism of claim 4, wherein the lock nut further includes an axially extending slot defined therein, the fastener assembly being positionable in a locked configuration in which the axially extending resilient fingers at least partially engage the axially extending slot, the radially extending stop member engaging one of the plurality of radially extending notches such that the lock nut is rotationally fixed relative to the lock washer.

6. the locking mechanism of claim 4, wherein the axially extending resilient finger comprises a plurality of axially extending resilient fingers.

7. An adjustable diameter fastener assembly comprising:

A threaded member defining a longitudinal axis and including a body portion and at least one anti-rotation feature formed in the body portion;

A radially expandable bushing slidably coupled around the threaded member;

A lock nut configured to be threadedly engaged with the threaded member, the lock nut including an outer peripheral surface including an axially extending groove defined therein;

A lock member releasably coupled to the lock nut, the lock member including an annular body and axially extending resilient fingers coupled to the annular body, the axially extending resilient fingers including free ends extending radially inward relative to the annular body, the annular body including a radially extending stop member; and

A locking washer including an axially extending wall around an outer periphery of the locking washer, the axially extending wall defining an internal cavity for receiving a portion of the annular body of the locking member therein and including a plurality of radially extending notches defined therein, wherein each of the plurality of radially extending notches is configured to receive the radially extending stop member.

8. The adjustable diameter fastener of claim 7, wherein the locking washer further comprises a central portion including an aperture extending therethrough, the central portion including at least one anti-rotation feature configured to engage the at least one anti-rotation feature of the threaded member and rotationally fix the locking washer relative to the threaded member.

9. The adjustable diameter fastener of claim 7, wherein the body portion has a diameter and the at least one anti-rotation feature includes a pair of opposing flat sections spaced apart by a predetermined distance that is less than the diameter of the body portion.

10. the adjustable diameter fastener of claim 9, wherein the locking washer further comprises a central portion including an aperture extending therethrough, the aperture having a diameter greater than the diameter of the body portion.

11. The adjustable diameter fastener of claim 7, wherein the fastener assembly is positionable in a locked configuration in which the axially extending resilient fingers at least partially engage the axially extending groove and the radially extending stop member engages one of the plurality of radially extending notches such that the lock nut is rotationally fixed relative to the lock washer.

12. the adjustable diameter fastener of claim 7, wherein the fastener assembly is positionable in an unlocked configuration in which the axially extending resilient fingers are displaced toward a radially inner side of the outer peripheral surface and are positioned in the axially extending slots such that the radially extending stop members are displaced radially inwardly relative to the plurality of radially extending notches and the radially extending stop members are disengaged from the plurality of radially extending notches such that the lock nut is rotatable relative to the lock washer.

13. The adjustable diameter fastener of claim 7, wherein the body portion includes a first threaded portion at a first end of the threaded member and a second threaded portion at a second end of the threaded member.

14. The adjustable diameter fastener of claim 13, wherein the at least one anti-rotation feature comprises a first anti-rotation feature formed in at least a portion of the first threaded portion and a second anti-rotation feature formed in at least a portion of the second threaded portion.

15. The adjustable diameter fastener of claim 7, wherein the threaded member further includes a head portion coupled to one end of the body portion.

16. the adjustable diameter fastener of claim 15, wherein the head portion comprises one of: hexagonal head, spline head, flat head, inner hexagonal countersunk head, tulip-shaped head and pan head.

17. The adjustable diameter fastener of claim 15, wherein the head portion comprises a curved head portion having a width substantially similar to a width of the radially expandable liner.

18. The adjustable diameter fastener of claim 7, wherein the threaded member further comprises a socket formed in one end of the body portion.

19. An adjustable diameter fastener according to claim 7, wherein the axially extending resilient fingers comprise a plurality of axially extending resilient fingers.

20. The adjustable diameter fastener of claim 7, wherein the locking nut further includes a head portion defining the outer peripheral surface, a shoulder portion extending axially from the head portion, and a threaded portion extending axially from the shoulder portion, the shoulder portion configured to receive the annular body therearound and extend into the internal cavity of the locking washer.

Technical Field

the field of the disclosure relates generally to fasteners, and more particularly to a locking mechanism for threaded fasteners with adjustable diameters.

Background

Fasteners typically include mechanisms for ensuring that the fastener elements do not loosen over time, possibly loosening or separating the connected elements. Examples of such mechanisms include threaded bore inserts and thread profiles that deform when tightened. Fastener fittings such as locking washers, cotter pins, and locking wires are also often used with fasteners to prevent loosening of the fastener elements. An adhesive material, such as epoxy, may be applied to the fastener threads to secure (tack) the fastener elements, thereby preventing the fastener elements from loosening. Conventional fastener mechanisms, attachments, and adhesive materials may not be suitable for certain applications, such as high temperature environments or applications having structures that are subject to vibration.

in general, these conventional mechanisms, attachments, and adhesive materials are satisfactory for their intended purposes. However, there remains a need in the art for improved fasteners. The present disclosure provides a solution to this need.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, a locking mechanism for a fastener is provided. The locking mechanism includes a locking nut. Additionally, the locking mechanism includes a locking member releasably coupled to the lock nut for rotation therewith. The locking member includes an annular body having a radially extending stop member. The locking mechanism further includes a locking washer having a wall extending axially around an outer periphery of the locking washer. The axially extending wall defines an internal cavity for receiving a portion of the annular body of the locking member therein. The axially extending wall also includes a plurality of radially extending notches defined therein that are configured to receive the radially extending stop members.

In another aspect, a fastener assembly is provided that is adjustable in diameter. The adjustable diameter fastener assembly includes a threaded member defining a longitudinal axis and including a body portion and at least one anti-rotation feature formed in the body portion. The adjustable diameter fastener assembly also includes a radially expandable bushing slidably coupled around the threaded member. Further, the adjustable diameter fastener assembly includes a lock nut configured to threadably engage the threaded member. The lock nut includes an outer peripheral surface including an axially extending groove defined therein. Further, the adjustable diameter fastener assembly includes a locking member releasably coupled to the locking nut. The locking member includes an annular body and an axially extending resilient/spring finger coupled to the annular body. The axially extending resilient finger includes a free end that extends radially inward relative to the annular body. The annular body includes a radially extending stop member. Additionally, the adjustable diameter fastener assembly includes a locking washer including a wall extending axially around an outer periphery of the locking washer. The axially extending wall defines an inner cavity for receiving a portion of the annular body of the locking member therein and includes a plurality of radially extending notches defined therein. Each of the plurality of radially extending notches is configured to receive a radially extending stop member.

Drawings

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like or similar characters represent like or similar parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a fastener device constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, showing a nut member, a locking member, a washer member, and a bolt member of the fastener device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fastener device of FIG. 1, showing the fastener device in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bolt member of FIG. 1, showing an elongated body, a threaded section, and a stop (banking) feature of the bolt member;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the nut member of FIG. 1, showing the threaded bore, the annular recess, the hexagonal recess, and the exemplary axial slot of the nut member;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the latch member of FIG. 1 showing the deformable body, upstanding resilient fingers and teeth of the latch member;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the washer member of FIG. 1, showing the central aperture and stop portion of the washer member, the circumferential lip, and the radial teeth oriented radially inward relative to the circumferential lip;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fastener of FIG. 1, showing the fastener and the fastener locking mechanism in a locked position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fastener of FIG. 1, showing the fastener and fastener locking mechanism in a released or tightened position;

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a fastener device constructed according to the present disclosure, illustrating a bone fixation system including a locking mechanism according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bolt member of FIG. 9, showing the shank and tulip/flare (tulip) head of the bolt member;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the washer member of FIG. 9 showing the central stem portion of the washer member;

12-14 are perspective views of embodiments of nut members and locking members for the fasteners described herein, showing the lugs of the resilient member and the corresponding lug receptacles defined within the axial slots of the nut members;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustable diameter fastener assembly;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional perspective view, in a first orientation, of the adjustable diameter fastener assembly of FIG. 15, including a locking washer engaged with the locking member and rotationally fixed relative to the threaded member;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the adjustable diameter fastener assembly of FIG. 15 in a second orientation including the locking member separated from the locking washer;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a threaded member of the adjustable diameter fastener assembly shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the threaded member shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a locking washer of the adjustable diameter fastener assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 21 is a top view of the locking washer shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a lock nut of the adjustable diameter fastener assembly shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the lock nut shown in FIG. 22, taken through line 23-23;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a locking member of the adjustable diameter fastener assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the locking member shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative adjustable diameter fastener assembly;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a threaded member of the adjustable diameter fastener assembly shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a side view of the threaded member of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of another alternative adjustable diameter fastener assembly;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a threaded member of the adjustable diameter fastener assembly shown in FIG. 29; and

Fig. 31 is a side view of the threaded member shown in fig. 30.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings provided herein are intended to illustrate features of embodiments of the present disclosure. These features are believed to be applicable in a variety of systems including one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are not intended to include all of the conventional features that one of ordinary skill in the art would need to understand in order to practice the embodiments disclosed herein.

Detailed Description

In the following specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings.

The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" ("a", "an", and "the") include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

"optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as "about", "about" and "approximately", are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some cases, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. The limitations of the ranges may be combined and/or interchanged herein and throughout the specification and claims; these ranges are specified and include all subranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

relative descriptors such as up, down, left, right, up, down, long, high, wide, thick, etc., as used herein refer to the drawings and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, the illustrated embodiments can be understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of certain embodiments, and thus, the described features, components, modules, elements, and/or aspects can be otherwise combined, interconnected, ordered, separated, interchanged, positioned, and/or rearranged without materially departing from the disclosed fastener assemblies. Additionally, the shapes and sizes of the components are also exemplary, and may be modified without materially affecting or limiting the disclosed techniques.

The present invention is directed to a fastener locking mechanism comprising: an elongated bolt member having a threaded section with a stop feature; a washer member having a circumferential wall with radially inwardly facing engagement teeth and a stop complementary to the stop feature of the bolt member; a locking member having an annular body with upstanding resilient fingers and teeth disposed on a radially outer surface of the annular body; and a nut member having a circumferential flat portion having an axial groove and a screw hole corresponding to the threaded section of the bolt member. The stop feature of the bolt member cooperates with the stop of the washer member to rotationally fix the washer member relative to the bolt member. The resilient fingers of the locking member cooperate with the axial slot of the nut member to rotationally fix the locking member relative to the nut member. The teeth of the locking member are radially displaceable relative to the bolt member to engage and disengage the engagement teeth of the washer member. In the radially outer position, the teeth of the locking member intermesh with the engagement teeth of the washer member to rotationally fix the locking member and the nut member relative to the washer member. In the radially inward position, the teeth of the locking member are rotatable relative to the washer member such that the locking member and the nut member are rotatable relative to the washer member and the bolt member.

according to certain embodiments, the bolt member may comprise a flat portion. The flat may extend axially along the length of the bolt member. The stop feature of the bolt member may include the flat. The flat portion may be radially adjacent to the threaded section of the bolt member. The flat portion may be a first flat portion, and the bolt member may include one or more second flat portions. The stop feature may include both the first and second flats. The second flat portion may extend axially along the bolt member. The second flat portion may be provided on a side of the bolt member diametrically opposite the first flat portion. The threaded section may extend circumferentially around the bolt member and couple the first flat portion with the second flat portion.

It is also contemplated that, according to certain embodiments, the washer member may have opposing axial surfaces spaced apart by an axial thickness of the washer member. A circumferential wall may extend axially from the outer periphery from a surface of the washer member. The engagement teeth may be provided on a radially inner surface of the peripheral wall. The engagement teeth may extend radially inward from the circumferential wall. The central aperture may extend through the thickness of the washer member between the axial surfaces of the washer member. The central aperture may include a stop that is complementary to the stop feature of the bolt member. For example, one or more flat sections may define the central aperture. The flat section may correspond to a stop feature of the bolt member. The central bore may include one or more arcuate sections that define the central bore. The arcuate section may correspond to one or more thread sections of the bolt member. The central aperture may include a flat section and an arcuate section, and stress reduction features may be provided at the intersection of the flat section and the arcuate section.

in certain embodiments, the locking member may include a resilient finger having a free end and a fixed end. The free end may be disposed radially inward of the fixed end. The fixed end may be connected to the annular body of the locking member. The teeth and the resilient fingers may be circumferentially aligned with one another. The annular body of the locking member may have an axial cross-sectional shape that is circular, oval, square, rectangular, or any suitable shape. The annular body may be deformable, e.g., to become more circular (or more elliptical) in response to an inward force exerted on the resilient fingers at a location between the fixed and free ends of the resilient fingers. The resilient finger may be a first resilient finger, and the locking member may include a second resilient finger connected to the annular body on a side of the annular body opposite the first resilient finger.

According to some embodiments, the locking member may have a first tooth and a second tooth each extending radially outward from the annular body of the locking member. The first and second teeth may be circumferentially adjacent to each other. The first and second teeth may also be circumferentially aligned with the resilient tab. The first and second teeth may be disposed on opposite sides of the annular body of the locking member such that the first and second teeth both extend radially in opposite directions from one another. The second tooth may be circumferentially aligned with the second resilient finger of the locking member. It is also contemplated that more than one circumferentially adjacent tooth may be aligned with the first resilient finger and more than one circumferentially adjacent tooth may be aligned with the second resilient finger.

It is also contemplated that the nut member may have an annular recess, according to some embodiments. The annular recess may have a diameter less than a diameter of the annular body of the locking member. The nut member may have an outer periphery with a plurality of faces. The plurality of faces of the nut member may form a hexagonal outer periphery extending around the nut member. One or more faces of the nut member may have an axial groove. The axial slot may extend between the annular recess and an end of the nut member opposite the annular recess of the nut member. It is contemplated that the nut member may have faces with axial grooves disposed on diametrically opposite faces.

in one aspect, the threaded section and stop feature of the bolt member, the central aperture and engagement teeth of the washer member, the teeth and resilient fingers of the locking member, and the axial slot of the nut member may cooperate as a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may have a locked position in which the annular body urges the teeth of the locking member radially outward such that the teeth intermesh with the engagement teeth of the washer member, thereby rotationally fixing the locking member relative to the washer member and preventing the nut member from loosening from the bolt member. The locking mechanism may have a tightened or released position in which the annular body of the locking member urges the teeth of the locking member radially inward so that the locking member and the nut member are rotatable relative to the washer member and the bolt member. It is contemplated that the locking member may have a resilient preload that normally urges the teeth of the locking member radially outward, and that a force exerted on the resilient fingers of the locking member may urge the teeth of the locking member radially inward to move to reconfigure the locking mechanism from the locked position to the tightened or released position.

In another aspect, a spinal fixation system includes a fastener locking mechanism and a rod as described above. The rod is located in the bolt member and below the washer member. It is contemplated that tightening the nut member will exert a force on the washer member, which in turn will push the rod against the bolt member.

In certain embodiments, the bolt member may have a head portion coupled to one end of the stem section. The head portion may be fixed relative to the stem portion. The joint may be interposed between the head portion and the stem portion such that the head portion is movable relative to the stem portion. The head portion may pivot relative to the stem portion, for example in a conical motion envelope. The head portion may have a first thread segment and the stem portion may have a second thread segment. The first thread section may be an externally threaded section corresponding to an internally threaded section defined by the bore of the nut member. The second thread segment may taper between an end adjacent the head member and an end of the stem portion opposite the head portion. It is contemplated that the second threaded section may have threads adapted to seat the bolt member on a bony structure, such as a pedicle.

According to certain embodiments, the bolt member may comprise a tulip head. The tulip head may have a slot extending therethrough for seating the rod. The slot may be centrally located and extend across the top of the bolt member. The slot may be transversely disposed and extend across one side of the bolt member. The lobes may be defined on opposite sides of the slot. The petals can have stop features of the bolt member defined thereon. The petals may have a threaded section of a bolt member defined thereon. In one contemplated exemplary embodiment, each petal has two portions, a threaded section and a stop feature defined thereon.

It is also contemplated that the washer member may include a central stem portion, according to some embodiments. The central stem portion may extend through the central aperture of the washer member and divide the central aperture into a first portion and a second portion. One lobe of the tulip head of the bolt member may extend through a first portion of the central aperture, while another lobe of the tulip head of the bolt member may extend through a second portion of the central aperture. The central stem portion may extend from a stop of the washer member such that the washer member is rotationally fixed relative to the tulip head when the central stem portion is in position with the slot of the tulip head. It is envisaged that the central shank portion may be seated in a groove of the tulip head, overlying the shank, and may be disposed between the nut member, the locking member and the stem of the bolt member.

It should be appreciated that the present technology may be implemented and utilized in numerous ways, including, but not limited to, processes, devices, systems, apparatuses, and methods for applications now known or later developed. These and other unique features of the technology disclosed herein will become more apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

the present disclosure overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with threaded fasteners, including adjustable diameter fasteners. Generally, threaded fasteners are used in a variety of applications to fixedly connect two or more components, such as, but not limited to, surgical implants, industrial applications, aerospace applications, and construction applications. Among other features and benefits, the disclosed fastening devices and systems may provide one or more of the following: quick and easy installation and/or removal, tight fitting against vibration, and/or single-ended access for blind/single-sided fastening applications. Advantages and other features of the techniques described herein will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate representative embodiments of the present disclosure, and in which like or similar reference numerals refer to like or similar structural elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a fastener, generally designated by the reference numeral 100, having a locking mechanism constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The fastener device 100 generally includes an elongated bolt member 110, a washer member 120, a locking member 130, and a nut member 140. The bolt member 110 has a thread section 114. The thread section 114 comprises an external thread corresponding to an internal thread provided on the nut member 140. One or more of the bolt member 110, the washer member 120, the locking member 130, and the nut member 140 may comprise plastic, metal, a combination thereof, or any other suitable material.

Referring to fig. 2, the washer member 120 is seated about the threaded segment 114 such that the washer member 120 is rotationally fixed and axially displaceable relative to the bolt member 110. The locking member 130 is seated around the threaded section 114 of the bolt member 110 and against the axial surface of the washer member 120. The nut member 140 has internal threads that threadably engage the external threads on the threaded section 114 and is disposed axially along the bolt member 110 such that the nut member 140 is seated against the washer member 120. The locking member 130 is located around the threaded section 114 and is interposed axially between the washer member 120 and the nut member 140.

Referring to fig. 3, an exemplary bolt member 110 is shown. The bolt member 110 defines a fastener axis "a" and, in the exemplary embodiment shown, includes a head portion 112, the head portion 112 being disposed on an end opposite the threaded section 114. The threaded section 114 has a stop feature 116 that, in the exemplary embodiment shown, includes a first longitudinally extending flat 116A and an opposing second longitudinally extending flat 116B. It is to be understood and appreciated that other stop feature geometries are possible within the scope of the present disclosure, such as a single flat portion, notch, groove, protrusion, recess, protrusion, groove, and/or combinations thereof. Examples of such features are shown and described in U.S. patent application publication No. 2014/0308089a1, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

referring to fig. 4, the nut member 140 is shown. The nut member 140 includes a bore 142 with internal threads, an annular recess 144, one or more grooved circumferential faces 146, and one or more continuous faces 147. The bore 142 extends between axially opposite faces of the nut member 140. An annular recess 144 extends circumferentially around the bore 142 and adjacent the tool engaging surface of the nut member 140. The one or more grooved circumferential surfaces 146 and the one or more continuous surfaces 147 define a tool engagement surface that extends axially between the annular recess 144 and an axial surface of the nut member 140 that is opposite the annular recess 144 and circumferentially surrounds the nut member 140. The tool engagement surface may correspond to one or more conventional tools, such as a wrench or a socket, and in the exemplary embodiment shown defines a hexagonal outer periphery. This allows the nut member 140 to be tightened or loosened using a common hand tool without using a special tool.

The one or more slotted circumferential surfaces 146 define an axial slot 148. Axial slot 148 extends axially along slotted circumferential surface 146 between annular recess 144 and an axial surface of nut member 140 opposite annular recess 144, and has a circumferential width corresponding to the width of resilient fingers 134 (shown in fig. 5) and resilient fingers 136 (shown in fig. 5). This enables the nut member 140 to cooperate with the preloading of the resilient fingers 134 such that the resilient fingers 134 snap into the axial slots 148 as the axial slots 148 are rotationally aligned about the fastener axis "a" (shown in fig. 3). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure, snapping the resilient fingers 134 into the axial slots 148 rotationally fixes the locking member 130 relative to the nut member 140.

in the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 4, the axial slot 148 is a first axial slot and the nut member 140 includes a second axial slot 149. The second axial slot 149 is disposed on a diametrically opposite side of the nut member 140 (i.e., the side of the axis "a" opposite the first axial slot 148) and is disposed on a grooved surface that is substantially parallel to the grooved circumferential surface 146. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure, the nut member 140 may have one, two, or more than two axial slots. The number and circumferential position of the axial slots on the nut member 140 may correspond to those of the locking member 130. While two axial slots are shown in the exemplary embodiment shown, it is to be understood and appreciated that the nut member 140 can have one axial slot or more than two axial slots, depending on the intended application.

Referring to fig. 5, the locking member 130 is shown. The locking member 130 includes a deformable annular body 132. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the annular body 132 has an annular shape. It is contemplated that the annular body 132 may be circular, oval (oval), ellipsoid (ellipsoid), or any other suitable shape, and constructed of a resilient material such as an elastomer or spring steel. The annular body 132 may be more or less circular in response to the radial force exerted thereon by one or more of the resilient fingers 134, depending on the magnitude of the radial force exerted on the annular body 132 and the spring constant/spring constant of the locking member 130.

Resilient fingers 134 are upstanding from annular body 132 and extend between fixed end 134A and free end 134B. The fixed end 134A is connected to the annular body 132. Resilient fingers 134 extend radially inward from fixed end 134A such that free end 134B is disposed radially inward of fixed end 134A. In the exemplary embodiment shown, resilient finger 134 is a first resilient finger, and locking member 130 includes a second resilient finger 136. Second resilient finger 136 is similar to first resilient tab 134 and is additionally connected to annular body 132 such that second resilient finger 136 faces first resilient finger 134 at a side of locking member 130 diametrically opposite first resilient finger 134.

Teeth 138 are disposed on a radially outer surface of lock member 130 and are circumferentially aligned with respect to resilient fingers 134. The teeth 138 include a locking surface 138B and a sliding surface 138A that correspond to the locking and sliding surfaces of the washer member 120 (shown in fig. 4). This allows a tool, such as tool 10 (shown in fig. 8), to slidably engage resilient fingers 134, thereby radially displacing teeth 138 relative to engagement teeth 126 of washer member 120. In the exemplary embodiment shown, tooth 138 is one of a plurality of teeth, and second tooth 139 is disposed on a diametrically opposite side of annular body 132 and circumferentially adjacent to second resilient finger 136. The first and/or second teeth 138, 139 may each be one of a plurality of circumferentially adjacent teeth disposed about the radially outer surface of the annular body 132 for rotationally fixing the locking member 130 relative to the washer member 120 (shown in fig. 6).

Referring to fig. 6, a washer member 120 is shown. The washer member 120 has a central bore 121 extending between a first axial face 129 and an opposing second axial face 123. The first axial face 129 is spaced from the second axial face 123 by the axial thickness T of the washer member 120. The central bore 121 is defined by a plurality of stop segments that are complementary to the stop features 116 (shown in fig. 3) of the bolt member 110. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plurality of stopper segments includes a pair of flats and a plurality of stress reduction features coupled by a pair of arcuate segments. In this regard, the central bore 121 includes a first flat portion 124A and a second flat portion 124B that define the central bore 121. The first arcuate section 124C extends between the first flat portion 124A and the second flat portion 124B. The second arcuate section 124D faces the first arcuate section 124C and extends between opposite ends of the first and second flat portions 124A, 124B. Stress reduction features 125 are defined at corners of the central bore 121 where the respective flat and arcuate sections meet each other. It should be appreciated that other stop segments are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.

The circumferential wall 127 extends axially from the first axial face 129 around the outer circumference of the washer member 120. The circumferential wall 127 has a plurality of engagement teeth 126. The engagement teeth 126 are distributed around a radially inner surface of the circumferential wall 127 and extend radially inward from the circumferential wall 127 and toward the central bore 121. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the engagement teeth 126 include a locking surface 126A that is substantially orthogonal with respect to the peripheral wall 127 and a sliding surface 126B that is inclined with respect to the peripheral wall 127.

Referring to fig. 7 and 8, the fastener 100 is shown in an assembled configuration. Fig. 7 shows the fastener 100 with the locking mechanism 102 in the locked position. Fig. 8 shows the fastener 100 with the locking mechanism 102 in a tightened or released position. In the locked position shown in fig. 7, the washer member 120, the locking member 130, and the nut member 140 are each fixed both axially and rotationally relative to the bolt member 110. In the tightened or released position shown in fig. 8, both the locking member 130 and the nut member 140 are free to rotate relative to the bolt member 110. It should be appreciated that rotation of the nut member 140 relative to the bolt member 110 axially displaces the nut member 140 relative to the bolt member 110, thereby allowing corresponding axial displacement of the washer member 120 and the locking member 130 relative to the bolt member 110.

As shown in fig. 7, fixed end 134A of resilient finger 134 exhibits a locking position radial offset P1 when locking mechanism 102 is in the locking position. At the locking position radial offset P1, deformable annular body 132 is urged radially outwardly at a circumferential position corresponding to resilient fingers 134. Urging the annular body 132 radially outwardly at a location corresponding to the resilient fingers 134 and thereby urging the teeth 138 of the locking member 130 against the engagement teeth 126 of the washer member 120. Thus, the lock member 130 becomes rotationally fixed relative to the washer member 120 in a circumferential arrangement where one or more of the lock surfaces 138A of the teeth of the lock member are aligned with and overlap in a coplanar arrangement with the corresponding lock surfaces 126A of the engagement teeth 126.

As also shown in fig. 7, when the locking mechanism 102 is in the locked position, the free ends 134B of the resilient fingers 134 are seated within the axial slots 148. The free ends 134B of the resilient fingers 134 are seated in the axial slots 148 to rotationally fix the locking member 130 with the nut member 140. Rotationally fixing the locking member 130 relative to the nut member 140 causes the locking member 130 to rotate with the nut member 140. Thus, when the teeth 138 of the locking member 130 are seated against the engagement teeth 126 of the washer member 120, the locking member 130 becomes rotationally fixed relative to the washer member 120. It should be appreciated that since the washer member 120 is rotationally fixed relative to the complementary stop member and the stop of each stop member, the seating of the teeth 138 of the locking member 130 against the engagement teeth 126 also rotationally fixes the nut member 140 relative to the bolt member 110.

Referring to FIG. 8, a fastener 100 is shown with the locking mechanism 102 in a tightened or released position. The locking mechanism 102 is moved from a locked position (shown in FIG. 7) to the tightened or released position shown by placing a tool over the end of the fastener 100. In this regard, the tool 10 includes a finger contact surface 12 that extends circumferentially around an internal recess of the tool 10. When tool 10 is seated upon nut member 140 by axially displacing tool 10 relative to fastener 100, contact surfaces 12 contact resilient fingers 134 and exert a contact force F thereon that is obliquely oriented relative thereto at a location between fixed ends 134A and free ends 134B of resilient fingers 134. Contact force F urges resilient fingers 134 radially inward relative to fastener axis "a" to deform annular body 132 such that fixed ends 134A of resilient fingers 134 exhibit an unlocked or tightened radial offset P2.

the unlocked or tightened radial offset P2 is less than the locked radial offset P1. Moving fixed end 134A of resilient finger 134 from a locked radial offset P1 to an unlocked or released radial offset P2 causes locking face 138B of tooth 138 to slide past the locking face of engaging tooth 126. This disengages the teeth 138 of the locking member 130 from the engagement teeth 126 of the washer member 120, allowing the locking member 130 and the nut member 140 to rotate relative to the washer member 120 and the bolt member 110. It should be appreciated that the tool 10 may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about the fastener axis "a" to axially displace the nut member 140 in either direction along the fastener axis "a" to tighten the nut member 140 or loosen the nut member 140, as appropriate. Thus, when a tool, such as a conventional socket wrench, is applied to the nut member 140, the locking member 130 deflects radially inward such that the teeth of the locking member 130 disengage the teeth of the washer member 120, thereby allowing the locking member 130 and the nut member 140 to rotate relative to the washer member 120 and the bolt member 110.

referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a fastener having a locking mechanism constructed in accordance with the present disclosure is indicated generally by the reference numeral 200. The fastener 200 is similar to the fastener 100 and generally includes an elongated bolt member 210, a washer member 220, a locking member 230, and a nut member 240. The nut member 240 is similar to the nut member 140 (shown in fig. 6). Locking member 230 is similar to locking member 130 (shown in fig. 5).

referring to fig. 10, the bolt member 210 is similar to the bolt member 110 and is otherwise configured as a fixation system for coupling the rod 204 to bone, for example, a spinal pedicle screw rod system. Bolt member 210 includes a tulip head 211 and an elongated stem 212. Elongated stem 212 includes a second thread segment 217, second thread segment 217 tapering from an end adjacent tulip head 211 to an end opposite tulip head 211 to facilitate insertion of elongated stem 212 into a bony structure, such as a pedicle.

The tulip head 211 includes a transverse slot 213 having a first prong 214A and an opposing second prong 214B. The tulip head 211 has a first threaded section 215 with a stop feature 216. The first thread segment 215 has an external thread corresponding to an internal thread defined within a central bore of a nut member 240 (shown in fig. 9). The stop feature 216 is complementary to a stop feature of the washer member 220 (shown in fig. 11) such that the washer member 220 is rotationally fixed and axially displaceable relative to the tulip head 211. The stop features 216 are separated by transverse slots 213, thereby allowing the stem 204 to be seated therein and extend therethrough, thereby allowing the stem 204 to be rotationally fixed and axially displaceable relative to the tulip head 211.

Referring now to fig. 11, a washer member 220 is shown. The washer member 220 is similar to the washer member 120 and additionally includes a central stem portion 227. The central stem 227 is disposed within the washer member central aperture 225 and extends between the first and second flat portions 224A, 224B of the washer member stop 224. In this regard, the central stem portion 227 spans the central aperture 225, thereby allowing force to be transferred from the nut member 240 (shown in fig. 9) to the stem 204 (shown in fig. 10) in a force flow path that includes the central stem portion 227. It will be appreciated that the central stem 227 extends between opposite sides of the transverse slot 213 to create two discrete axial apertures on diametrically opposite flats of the stop feature of the tulip head.

Referring to fig. 9-11, flats on the first prong 214A (shown in fig. 10) and the second prong 214B are configured to mate with a corresponding first flat inner surface 224A or second inner surface 224B of the washer member 220. This allows the washer member 220 to be rotationally fixed relative to the tulip head 211 when the first prong 214A and the second prong 214B of the tulip head 211 are inserted into the discrete axial bores defined by the central stem 227. This allows the washer member 220 to move axially along the tip of the tulip head 211 to secure the stem 204 within the transverse groove 213 between the washer member 220, the locking member 230 and the tulip head 211. After the rod 204 is placed within the transverse slot 213, the washer member 220 is inserted through the prongs of the tulip head 211 and the central stem portion 227 is displaced axially downward within the transverse slot 213 to abut the rod 204 in response to downward axial displacement of the nut member 240.

One skilled in the art will readily recognize that, because the nut member 240 and the washer member 220 are substantially similar to the nut member 140 and the washer member 120, a common tool, such as a wrench or socket, may be used to tighten the rod 204 onto the fastener 100 or remove the rod 204 from the fastener 100 by rotating the nut member 240 clockwise or counterclockwise. Conventional bone fixation systems often require significant torque to lock or remove the rod from the fastener. This is the case, for example, in conventional external and/or internal bone fixation systems, such as the spinal pedicle screw rod system. However, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that embodiments of the present invention reduce the torque required as compared to conventional spinal pedicle screw rod systems.

Referring to fig. 12-14, a nut member 340 and a locking member 330 are shown according to another embodiment. Referring to fig. 12, a nut member 340 is shown. The nut member 340 is similar to the nut member 140 (shown in fig. 6) and additionally includes a stepped axial slot 348. The stepped axial slot 348 has a first step 348A and a second step 348B. The first step 348A passes through the annular groove 344 and extends axially to the second step 348B. The second step 348B is disposed radially inward of the first step 348A. The arcuate raised surface 348C extends radially outward and faces axially.

Referring to fig. 13, the locking member 330 is shown. The locking member 330 is similar to the locking member 130 (shown in fig. 5) and additionally includes a reinforced deformable annular body 332, a reinforced first resilient finger 334A, and a reinforced second resilient finger 334B. As used herein, stiffening means that greater force is required to deform the ring body 332, the first resilient finger 334A, and/or the second resilient finger 334B than is required to deform the ring body 132, the first resilient finger 134, and/or the second resilient finger 136 (all shown in fig. 5). This may be achieved, for example, by thickening the respective elements relative to the corresponding elements shown in the embodiment shown in fig. 5.

The first and second resilient fingers 334A, 334 each include a protrusion 347 (only one shown in fig. 13 for clarity reasons). The protrusion 347 corresponds to the second step 348B (shown in fig. 12) of the stepped axial slot 348 and, in the exemplary embodiment shown, has an arcuate lip with a profile complementary to the arcuate raised surface 348 (shown in fig. 12) such that the arcuate rise 348C is seated in the second step 348B (shown in fig. 12). This allows the locking member 330 to be seated against 340 and to remain in an assembled configuration (shown in fig. 14) prior to installation on the bolt member, simplifying the fastening elements and preventing installation process errors.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of an adjustable diameter fastener assembly 400. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the adjustable diameter fastener assembly 400 in a first orientation 402 showing the locking washer 404 engaged with the locking member 406 and rotationally fixed relative to the threaded member 408. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the adjustable diameter fastener assembly 400 in a second orientation 410, showing the locking member 406 disengaged from the locking washer 404. In the exemplary embodiment, adjustable diameter fastener assembly 400 is an adjustable bushing fastener that operates by radial expansion of radially expandable/radially expandable bushing 24. Alternatively, the adjustable diameter fastener assembly 400 is any type of adjustable diameter fastener assembly, such as, but not limited to, a compression or clamp type fastener assembly.

In the exemplary embodiment, radially adjustable bushing 24 is positioned around threaded member 408 between thrust ring 22 adjacent head portion 414 and thrust ring 22 adjacent threaded portion 420 of threaded member 408. Thrust washer 26 is positioned between head portion 414 and thrust ring 22. The bushing 24 includes a plurality of inner rings 32 positioned between the outer rings 30. As is known in the art, the inner ring 32 has opposing conical wedge surfaces. The outer ring 30 has a cylindrical outer surface and an inner opposing conical wedge surface corresponding to the conical wedge surface of the inner ring 32. The outer ring 30 is joined at its opposite end to the inner ring 32. The inner ring 32 and the outer ring 30 are each split by a slot extending through the wall of each ring, wherein the slot extends axially relative to the rings. The axial end of the liner 24 is formed by a half section (half section) 44 of the inner ring 32 so as to provide a flat end of the liner 24. Alternatively, the end of the liner 24 may be formed from a half section of the outer ring 30, or one end of the liner 24 may be formed from a half section of the inner ring 32 and the other end formed from a half section of the outer ring 30. It should be appreciated that the geometry of the conical wedge surfaces of the outer ring 30 and the inner ring 32 may vary, including cross-sectional shapes. Varying the cross-sectional shape of the outer and inner rings 30, 32 facilitates configuring the outer and inner rings 30, 32 to expand in a predetermined manner, such as, but not limited to, expanding the inner ring 32 more and/or earlier than the outer ring 30.

In the exemplary embodiment, adjustable diameter fastener assembly 400 includes a lock washer 404, a lock member 406, a threaded member 408, and a lock nut 412. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the screw member 408, and fig. 19 is a side view of the screw member 408. The threaded member 408 includes a head portion 414, an elongated body portion 416 extending axially from the head portion 414, and at least one anti-rotation feature 418. Alternatively, the threaded member 408 may lack the head portion 414. For example, without limitation, the threaded member 408 may be a rod, bolt, screw, or any other threaded member that enables the adjustable diameter fastener assembly 400 to function as described herein.

in the exemplary embodiment, anti-rotation feature 418 includes a pair of opposing longitudinally extending sections formed in a threaded portion 420 of body portion 416. It is contemplated that the anti-rotation feature 418 includes, for example, but not limited to, a flat, a notch, a groove, and/or any other feature that enables the threaded member 408 to function as described herein. The body portion 416 has a diameter "D" that defines the dimensions of the threaded member 408. In the exemplary embodiment, anti-rotation feature 418 includes a pair of flat portions that are parallel to each other and spaced apart by a width "W". The width "W" is less than the diameter "D". The anti-rotation features 418 are substantially equal in size and shape and extend a predetermined length "L" from an end 422 of the threaded member 408 along the threaded portion 420 of the body portion 416. It is contemplated that the anti-rotation feature 418 may extend any length "L" along the body portion 416 up to and including extending to the head portion 414. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 18, the head portion 414 is a hexagonal head. Alternatively, head portion 414 has any shape or form, such as, but not limited to, a splined head, a flat head, a socket head/head (socket head), a tulip head, and a coiled head, which enables adjustable diameter fastener assembly 400 to function as described herein.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the locking washer 404, and fig. 21 is a plan view of the locking washer 404. In the exemplary embodiment, locking washer 404 is configured to be slidably coupled to anti-rotation feature 418 to move axially along threaded member 408. The anti-rotation feature 418 facilitates rotationally securing the locking washer 404 relative to the threaded member 408. The locking washer 404 includes an axial bore 424, the axial bore 424 extending through the locking washer 404. The axial bore 424 is sized to facilitate the locking washer 404 to slide freely onto the body portion 416 of the threaded member 408. As such, axial aperture 424 has a diameter "D" that is slightly larger than a diameter "D" of body portion 416_w1". The axial bore 424 further includes anti-rotationa rotation feature 426, the rotation prevention feature 426 configured to engage with the rotation prevention feature 418 of the threaded member 408. It is contemplated that the anti-rotation structure 426 includes, for example, but not limited to, fingers, members, flats, notches, grooves, and/or any other component configured to engage the anti-rotation feature 418. In the exemplary embodiment, anti-rotation structure 426 includes a pair of opposing planar inner surfaces that are sized and shaped to correspond to a pair of opposing longitudinally extending anti-rotation features 418 of body portion 416. The anti-rotation feature 418 is slidably coupled with the anti-rotation feature 426 of the locking washer 404 to rotationally fix the locking washer 404 when the body portion 416 is inserted into the axial bore 424. In this way, the locking washer 404 is free to move axially along the body portion 416.

The locking washer 404 also includes a central portion 428 that surrounds the axial bore 424 and is configured to contact a bottom surface 443 (shown in fig. 23) of the locking nut 412 (shown in fig. 23) in a face-to-face contact. A circumferential wall 430 extends axially upward from the central portion 428 around the periphery of the locking washer 404. The circumferential wall 430 has a radially inner surface 432 that defines an inner cavity diameter "D" of the locking washer 404_w2". Inner diameter "D_w2Is sized to receive the annular body 460 (shown in fig. 24) of the locking member 406 (shown in fig. 24) therein. The circumferential wall 430 has a plurality of notches 434 or locking teeth defined in a radially inner surface 432 of the circumferential wall 430. In the exemplary embodiment, each notch 434 is defined by a sliding surface 436, a stationary surface 438, and a radially inner surface 432, and is configured to correspond with a sliding surface 484 (shown in FIG. 25) and a stationary surface 486 (shown in FIG. 25) of a respective tooth 464 (shown in FIG. 25) of locking member 406, respectively. In particular, the fixation surface 438 is substantially orthogonal to the radially inner surface 432 and is configured to contact the fixation surfaces 486 of the teeth 464 in a surface-to-surface contact. The sliding surface 436 is formed to be inclined with respect to the radially inner surface 432, and the sliding surface 436 is configured to contact the sliding surface 484 of the tooth 464 in a surface-to-surface contact manner.

In the exemplary embodiment, lock washer 404 is made of a metal, such as, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, titanium, or a superalloy. Alternatively, locking washer 404 is made of any material that enables adjustable diameter fastener assembly 400 to function as described herein, such as, but not limited to, composites, resins, fiber reinforced resins, plastics, and fiber reinforced plastics.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the lock nut 412, and FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the lock nut 412 taken along line 23-23 (shown in FIG. 22). In the exemplary embodiment, locking nut 412 includes a head portion 440 and a shoulder 442 that extends axially from head portion 440 along a longitudinal axis "a". The internally threaded portion 444 extends through the lock nut 412 and is formed about the longitudinal axis "a". The head portion 440 includes one or more grooved circumferential faces 446 and one or more continuous faces 448. The grooved circumferential face 446 and the continuous face 448 in combination define a tool engagement face that extends generally axially between the shoulder 442 of the lock nut 412 and the top face 450 opposite the shoulder 442. The tool engagement surface is configured in a hexagonal arrangement, but other configurations are contemplated. The tool engagement surface corresponds to one or more tools, such as, but not limited to, a wrench and/or a socket. Thus, the tool engagement surface facilitates tightening and/or loosening of the lock nut 412 using a conventional hand tool without the use of a special tool.

in the exemplary embodiment, each grooved circumferential face 446 defines an axial groove 452. Each axial slot 452 extends generally axially from the top surface 450 of the lock nut 412 along the slotted circumferential surface 446 and has a circumferential width 454 that is sized to receive a resilient finger 462 (shown in fig. 24) of the lock member 406 (shown in fig. 24). This facilitates rotationally fixing the lock member 406 relative to the lock nut 412 when the axial slots 452 are aligned with the resilient fingers 462. In particular, a resilient finger 462 snaps into the axial slot 452 to facilitate coupling the locking member 406 to the locking nut 412. A top portion 456 of the axial slot 452 tapers inwardly toward the longitudinal axis "a predetermined distance 458 to define a ledge that receives the ears 482 of the resilient fingers 462. This facilitates retention of the locking member 406 on the locking nut 412 about the longitudinal axis "a".

In the exemplary embodiment, locking nut 412 includes two axial slots 452, two axial slots 452 being disposed on diametrically opposed slotted circumferential faces 446, i.e., on slotted circumferential faces 446 that are substantially parallel to one another and are positioned substantially symmetrically to one another about longitudinal axis "a". In an alternative embodiment, the lock nut 412 includes less than two or more than two axial slots 452 such that, for example, the respective axial slots 452 are circumferentially positioned relative to the respective resilient fingers 462 of the lock member 406.

In the exemplary embodiment, lock nut 412 is fabricated from a metal such as, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, titanium, or a superalloy. Alternatively, the locking nut 412 is made of any material that enables the adjustable diameter fastener assembly 400 to function as described herein, such as, but not limited to: composite materials, resins, fiber reinforced resins, plastics, and fiber reinforced plastics.

fig. 24 is a perspective view of the lock member 406, and fig. 25 is a bottom view of the lock member 406. In the exemplary embodiment, locking member 406 includes an annular ring-shaped body 460, such that annular body 460 has one or more resilient fingers 462 that extend generally axially upward from annular body 460. The annular body 460 includes one or more radially extending teeth 464 (broadly, a stop member) disposed on an outer surface 466 of the annular body 460. In the exemplary embodiment, annular body 460 is a substantially elliptical ring having a predetermined wall thickness 468 that, when combined with an inner major axis length 470, facilitates assembly at an inner cavity diameter "D" of lock washer 404 (shown in FIG. 21)_w2"(shown in fig. 21). The annular body 460 also has a predetermined inner minor axis length 472 that corresponds to the diameter "D" of the shoulder portion 442 (shown in FIG. 23) of the locking nut 412 (shown in FIG. 23)_n"(shown in fig. 23) to facilitate coupling the locking member 406 to the locking nut 412. In the exemplary embodiment, inner major axis length 470 is greater than inner minor axis length 472. Height 474 of annular body 460 is also slightly shorter than height 476 (shown in fig. 23) of shoulder portion 442 of lock nut 412 such that when shoulder portion 442 applies an axial force to lock washer 404, locking member 406 remains deflectable or flexed as further described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, annular body 460 is deflectable such that, in response to a radial force exerted thereon by one or more resilient fingers 462, annular body 460 deflects radially to become more or less circular based on the magnitude of the radial force exerted on annular body 460.

It is contemplated that the annular body 460 may have a shape other than an ellipse, for example, but not limited to, the annular body 460 may be circular, ellipsoidal, or any other suitable shape. In the exemplary embodiment, annular body 460 is fabricated from a resilient metallic material, such as spring steel. Alternatively, the annular body 460 is made of any resilient material that enables the locking member 406 to function as described herein, such as, but not limited to, resilient composites, resins, fiber reinforced resins, plastics, and fiber reinforced plastics.

In the exemplary embodiment, each resilient finger 462 extends axially upward from annular body 460 from a fixed end 478 to a free end 480. The fixed end 478 is coupled to the annular body 460. The free end 480 extends radially inward and defines an ear 482. The ears 482 extend radially inward such that, when coupled to the lock nut 412, the ears 482 extend above a top portion 456 (shown in FIG. 23) of the axial slot 452 (shown in FIG. 23) to facilitate retaining the locking member 406 on the lock nut 412. In one embodiment, the free end 480 is bent inward to form an ear 482. Alternatively, free end 480 is curved and/or sloped radially inward to define an ear 482, or extends radially inward in any manner that enables locking member 406 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the resilient fingers 462 is formed substantially identically. Although the locking member 406 is described as having two resilient fingers 462, in alternative embodiments, the locking member 406 includes less than two or more than two resilient fingers 462 such that, for example, the respective resilient fingers 462 are circumferentially positioned relative to the respective axial slots 452 of the lock nut 412.

As described above, one or more radially extending teeth 464 (or stop members) are provided on the outer surface 466 of the annular body 460. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment, three adjacent sets of radially extending teeth 464 are provided on annular body 460, each set being substantially circumferentially aligned with respect to a respective resilient finger 462. Each tooth 464 includes a sliding surface 484 and a stationary surface 486. The sliding surface 484 and the securing surface 486 are sized and shaped to correspond to the sliding surface 436 (shown in FIG. 21) and the securing surface 438 (shown in FIG. 21), respectively, of the notch 434 (shown in FIG. 21) of the locking washer 404. In the exemplary embodiment, radially extending teeth 464 are configured to facilitate preventing rotation, such as rotation in a counterclockwise direction, that affects loosening of locking nut 412 relative to locking washer 404. Alternatively, the radially extending teeth 464 are configured to help prevent the lock nut 412 from rotating in a clockwise direction or in both a counterclockwise and clockwise direction. Although the locking member 406 is depicted as having three radially extending teeth 464 formed adjacent each resilient finger 462, in alternative embodiments, the locking member 406 includes fewer than three or more than three teeth 464.

In operation, referring to fig. 16, in the first orientation 402, the locking washer 404, the locking member 406, and the locking nut 412 are axially and rotationally fixed relative to the threaded member 408. In a second orientation 410 shown in fig. 17, the locking member 406 and the locking nut 412 are rotationally free relative to the threaded member 408. Rotation of the lock nut 412 relative to the threaded member 408 axially displaces the lock nut 412 and the lock member 406 relative to the threaded member 408 to facilitate adjusting the diameter of the adjustable diameter fastener assembly 400. In particular, the lock nut 412 axially displaces the lock washer 404 relative to the threaded member 408 such that the lock washer 404 applies an axial (or compressive) force to the thrust ring 22 proximate the threaded portion 420 of the threaded member 408. At the opposite end of the threaded member 408, the thrust washer 26 is seated against the second thrust ring 22. Continued rotation of the lock nut 412 helps to compress the bushing 24, thereby shortening the overall length of the bushing 24. In this manner, the inner ring 32 contracts/retracts and the outer ring 30 is forced to expand/expand and assume an increased diameter, thereby facilitating adjustment of the outer diameter of the liner 24.

In the first orientation 402, the threaded portion 420 of the threaded member 408 is inserted through the axial bore 424 of the locking washer 404 such that the anti-rotation feature 426 engages the anti-rotation feature 418 of the threaded member 408 to rotationally fix the locking washer 404 relative to the threaded member 408. The elliptical shape of the annular body 460 (shown in fig. 24) facilitates actuation of the radially extending teeth 464, which are positioned in circumferential general alignment with respect to the respective resilient fingers 462, radially outward and in contact with the notches 434 of the locking washer 404. In particular, one or more of the sliding surface 484 and the stationary surface 486 (shown in fig. 25) of the radially extending teeth 464 are urged into surface-to-surface contact with the sliding surface 436 and the stationary surface 438 (shown in fig. 23) of the recess 434, respectively, to rotationally fix the locking member 406 relative to the locking washer 404.

As shown in fig. 16, in the first orientation 402, the free ends 480 of the resilient fingers 462 are seated within the top portion 456 of the axial slot 452 of the lock nut 412. The location of free end 480 of resilient finger 462 in top portion 456 of axial slot 452 helps rotationally fix lock member 406 with lock nut 412. Thus, the locking member 406 and the locking nut 412 are rotated together. Thus, when the one or more radially extending teeth 464 of the locking member 406 are seated against the one or more notches 434 of the locking washer 404, the locking member 406 becomes rotationally fixed relative to the locking washer 404, thereby causing the locking nut 412 to become rotationally fixed relative to the locking washer 404 and the threaded member 408.

As described above, the locking member 406 is captured/restrained between the locking nut 412 and the locking washer 404, and in particular, around a shoulder portion 442 (shown in fig. 22) of the locking nut 412. Because a height 474 (shown in fig. 24) of annular body 460 is less than a height 476 (shown in fig. 23) of shoulder portion 442 of locking nut 412, locking member 406 may deflect or flex as described herein.

In the second orientation 410, each resilient finger 462 is displaced radially inward to facilitate deflection of the annular body 460 (shown in fig. 24) to disengage the radially extending teeth 464 from the notches 434 of the locking washer 404. In particular, displacing fixed ends 478 (shown in fig. 24) of resilient fingers 462 radially inward facilitates disengaging one or more of sliding surface 484 and fixing surface 486 (shown in fig. 25) of radially extending teeth 464 from surface-to-surface contact with sliding surface 436 and fixing surface 438 (shown in fig. 21), respectively, of notches 434 to facilitate rotation of lock nut 412 and lock member 406 relative to lock washer 404.

To facilitate radially inward displacement of the resilient fingers 462, a tool (not shown), such as a conventional socket or wrench, is coupled to the lock nut 412, as described herein. The tool is axially displaced relative to the lock nut 412 to the point where it contacts the free end 480 of the resilient finger 462. As described above, the free end 480 is bent inward to form an ear 482 (shown in fig. 24). When a tool contacts the ears 482, the resilient fingers 462 are radially displaced, thereby facilitating deflection of the annular body 460 to disengage the radially extending teeth 464 from the notches 434. The tool may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about the longitudinal axis "a" to axially displace the lock nut 412 in either direction along the longitudinal axis "a" to tighten the lock nut 412 or loosen the lock nut 412, as appropriate. Thus, when a tool, such as a conventional socket or wrench, is applied to the lock nut 412, the lock member 406 deflects radially inward such that the teeth 464 of the lock member 406 disengage the notches 434 of the lock washer 404, thereby allowing the lock member 406 and the lock nut 412 to rotate relative to the lock washer 404 and the threaded member 408.

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative adjustable diameter fastener assembly 500. In the exemplary embodiment, adjustable diameter fastener assembly 500 is similar to adjustable diameter fastener assembly 400 (shown in FIG. 15) and includes a first lock washer 504, a first lock member 506, and a first lock nut 508 near a first end 516 of threaded member 502. Additionally, the adjustable diameter fastener assembly 500 includes a second locking washer 510, a second locking member 512, and a second locking nut 514 near a second end 518 of the threaded member 502. In the exemplary embodiment, adjustable diameter fastener assembly 500 is an adjustable bushing fastener type adjustable diameter clamping bolt that operates by radial expansion of a radially expandable/radially expandable bushing 24. Alternatively, the adjustable diameter fastener assembly 500 is any type of adjustable diameter fastener assembly, such as, but not limited to, a compression or clamp type fastener assembly.

In the exemplary embodiment, adjustable diameter fastener assembly 500 functions substantially similar to adjustable diameter fastener assembly 400, but includes a second set of locking features in place of head portion 414 (shown in FIG. 15) of threaded member 408 (shown in FIG. 15). In particular, the first locking washer 504 and the second locking washer 510 are manufactured substantially similarly to the locking washer 404 (shown in fig. 15); first locking member 506 and second locking member 512 are manufactured substantially similarly to locking member 406 (shown in fig. 15); and the first and second lock nuts 508, 514 are manufactured substantially similarly to the lock nut 412 (shown in fig. 15). It is noted that the relative dimensions of the components may vary; however, the general function is substantially the same as that of adjustable diameter fastener assembly 400. In particular, the securing of the rotation of the first and second lock nuts 508, 514 is substantially the same as described above with respect to the adjustable diameter fastener assembly 400 with reference to fig. 16 and 17.

Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the screw member 502, and fig. 28 is a side view of the screw member 502. The threaded member 502 includes an elongated body portion 520 that extends axially from the first end 516 to the second end 518. The threaded member 502 also includes a first threaded portion 522 at the first end 516 and a second threaded portion at the second end 518. A wedge portion 526 is formed adjacent the second end 518 and is configured to receive a portion of the bushing 24 (shown in FIG. 26) to facilitate compression of the bushing 24 during use of the adjustable diameter fastener assembly 500. At least one first anti-rotation feature 528 is formed at the first end 516 and at least one second anti-rotation feature 530 is formed at the second end 518.

In the exemplary embodiment, first and second anti-rotation features 528 and 530 are formed substantially similar to anti-rotation feature 418 (shown in FIG. 18) and include a pair of opposing longitudinally extending segments formed in first and second threaded portions 522 and 524, respectively. It is contemplated that anti-rotation features 528 and 530 include, for example, but not limited to, flats, notches, grooves, and/or any other features that enable threaded member 502 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, first anti-rotation feature 528 includes a pair of flat portions that are parallel to each other, substantially the same size and shape, and extend along at least a portion of threaded portion 522. It is contemplated that the anti-rotation feature 528 may extend any length along the body portion 520 up to and including the wedge portion 526. In addition, the second anti-rotation feature 530 also includes a pair of flat portions that are parallel to each other, substantially the same size and shape, and extend along at least a portion of the threaded portion 524. It is contemplated that the anti-rotation feature 530 may extend any length along the body portion 520 up to and including the wedge portion 526.

in the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, first end 516 of threaded member 502 includes a socket 532 formed in an end face 534 of body portion 520. The socket 532 is formed as a hexagonal socket to facilitate receiving a tool for securing the threaded member 502 against rotation when one or more of the lock nuts 508 and 514 are tightened and/or loosened. Alternatively, socket 532 is any shape or form, such as, but not limited to, a splined head and/or a groove, that enables adjustable diameter fastener assembly 500 to function as described herein.

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative adjustable diameter fastener assembly 600. In the exemplary embodiment, adjustable-diameter fastener assembly 600 is similar to adjustable-diameter fastener assembly 400 (shown in FIG. 15) and includes a threaded member 602, a bushing 24, a lock washer 604, a lock member 606, and a lock nut 608. In the exemplary embodiment, adjustable diameter fastener assembly 600 is an adjustable bushing fastener type adjustable diameter single-sided/blind bolt (blid bolt) that is actuated by radial expansion of radially expandable bushing 24. The adjustable diameter fastener assembly 600 is any type of adjustable diameter fastener assembly, such as, but not limited to, a compression or clamp type fastener assembly.

In the exemplary embodiment, diameter-adjustable fastener assembly 600 functions substantially similar to diameter-adjustable fastener assembly 400, but includes a smooth head portion 610 instead of the hexagonal head portion 414 (shown in FIG. 15) of the threaded member 408 (shown in FIG. 15). In particular, the locking washer 604 is manufactured substantially similarly to the locking washer 404 (shown in fig. 15), the locking member 606 is manufactured substantially similarly to the locking member 406 (shown in fig. 15), and the locking nut 608 is manufactured substantially similarly to the locking nut 412 (shown in fig. 15). As such, the securing of the rotation of the locking nut 608 is substantially the same as described above with respect to the adjustable diameter fastener assembly 400 with reference to fig. 16 and 17.

Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the threaded member 602, and fig. 31 is a side view of the threaded member 602. In the exemplary embodiment, threaded member 602 includes a smooth head portion 610, an elongated body portion 612 that extends axially from head portion 610, and at least one anti-rotation feature 614. The anti-rotation feature 614 is formed substantially similar to the anti-rotation feature 418 (shown in figure 18) and includes a pair of opposing longitudinally extending sections formed in the threaded portion 616 of the body portion 612. It is contemplated that anti-rotation component 614 includes, for example, but not limited to, a flat, a notch, a groove, and/or any other feature that enables threaded member 602 to function as described herein. Body portion 612 has a diameter 618 that defines the dimensions of threaded member 602. The anti-rotation feature 614 includes a pair of flat portions that are parallel to each other and spaced apart by a width 620 that is less than the diameter 618. The anti-rotation feature 614 is substantially the same size and shape and extends a predetermined length 624 from an end 622 of the threaded member 602 along at least a portion of the threaded portion 616 of the body portion 612. It is contemplated that the anti-rotation feature 614 may extend any length 624 along the body portion 612 up to and including the head portion 610.

in the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, head portion 610 is a curved or rounded head having a width substantially similar to a width or diameter of bushing 24. Alternatively, head portion 610 is any shape or form that enables adjustable diameter fastener assembly 600 to function as described herein. The head portion 610 includes a wedge portion 626, the wedge portion 626 configured to receive a portion of the bushing 24 (shown in FIG. 29) to facilitate compression of the bushing 24 during use of the adjustable diameter fastener assembly 600.

In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in fig. 30, end 622 of threaded member 602 includes a socket 628 formed in body portion 612. The socket 628 is formed as a hexagonal socket to facilitate receiving a tool for securing the threaded member 602 against rotation as the lock nut 608 is tightened and/or loosened. Alternatively, socket 628 is any shape or form, such as, but not limited to, a splined head and/or a groove, that enables adjustable diameter fastener assembly 600 to function as described herein.

still other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present disclosure. As will be realized, the disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

The application of the fastening device technology described herein in industrial and other applications is not limited. Particularly advantageous applications would involve use near motors or moving equipment where vibration may cause loosening of conventional fasteners, such as in automotive applications, aerospace applications, oil and gas, and manufacturing machinery. The present fastening device technology is also well suited for medical applications such as the attachment of pedicle screws to spinal rods, the attachment of spinal plates and bone flaps, the fixation of artificial joints (such as the hip and knee), in orthopedic and maxillofacial external fixator systems, and the like. In particular, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that embodiments of the fastening device techniques described herein can withstand high temperature applications, e.g., they can withstand temperatures as high as those made of the materials from which they are made, and are easy to apply, remove, and reuse. Further, it is contemplated that the tightening of the nut member on the bolt member may be blind/unilateral. For example, instead of a head portion, a plane defined on the bolt member may be retained or otherwise secured during tightening.

additionally, some embodiments described herein provide for an adjustable diameter locking and anti-vibration fastener assembly. For example, as described in embodiments herein, when a tool is removed from an associated fastener assembly, teeth on the locking member engage notches of a corresponding locking washer. When the teeth are engaged, the lock nut is rotationally locked due to the rotationally locked relationship of the lock washer to the lock member. When the tool is applied to the locking nut, the locking member is displaced radially inward to disengage the teeth from the notches. When the teeth are disengaged from the notches of the lock washer, the lock nut is rotationally free relative to the lock washer and the fitting body.

Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for rotationally locked (rotational lock) adjustable diameter fastener assemblies are described above. The systems and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the systems and/or operations of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or operations described herein. Further, the described components and/or operations may also be defined in or used in combination with other systems, methods, and/or apparatus, and are not limited to practice with only the systems described herein.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

this written description uses examples to disclose embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.