US 5,941,539 A · Fastener system with expandable nut body

Abstract

A quick release fastener system which is used as an axle system for efficient and reliable attachment, disengagement and reattachment of a component secured by the fastener system. The axle system of the invention includes a pair of axle assemblies, each having an elongated fastener member having a shank, one end of which having a drive structure, an opposite end of which having a threaded portion. A nut member or expander is engageable with the threaded portion of the corresponding fastener and is adapted for engagement in a bore of a wheel assembly. Nut spreading structures are provided on each nut and each fastener which cause the nut to spread or enlarge when the fastener is engaged therewith and rotated therein. The nut is initially retained on the threaded portion of the fastener with the nut spreading structures disengaged. A spline, key, or equivalent structure is formed in the bore and at least one slot or groove is provided on the nut, which is sized and dimensioned for receiving the spline therein. The slot allows the nut to spread or expand, with the spline engaging the slot preventing the nut from rotating in the bore. Nominal rotation of the fastener relative to the nut, approximately a 90.degree. or a quarter turn, results in engaging the nut spreading structures on the fastener and nut to expand or spread the nut and thereby causing the exterior of the nut to forcibly contact and engage the inside surfaces of the bore.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An axle system for retaining a wheel assembly on a skate having a frame including spaced apart first and second side rails defining a channel therebetween, at least one wheel assembly defining a wheel axle bore therein, said first and second side rails having oppositely positioned axle apertures corresponding to each wheel assembly, said axle system comprising:

a first fastener and second fastener, each of said first and second fasteners having a shank, a driving structure on one end of said shank and a threaded portion on said shank generally opposite said driving structure;
a first nut body engaged with said first fastener and a second nut body engaged with said second fastener, each of said first and second nut bodies having a wall defining an inside surface and an outside surface, said wall having axially disposed opposed edges defining a slot at least partially extending therethrough;
nut expanding structures on each of said first and second fasteners and said first and second nut bodies, said nut expanding structures on said first and second fasteners, respectively, independently, expanding said first and second nut bodies;
said first fastener with said first nut body attached thereto extending through said axle aperture of said first side rail with said first nut body positioned in said axle bore of said wheel assembly and said second fastener with said second nut body attached thereto extending through said axle aperture of said second side rail with said second nut body positioned in said axle bore of said wheel assembly opposite said first fastener and said first nut body, said first and second nut bodies being selectively engaged and disengaged in said axle bore of said wheel assembly.

1 more element

An axle system for retaining a wheel assembly on a skate having a frame including spaced apart first and second side rails defining a channel therebetween, said first and second side rails having oppositely positioned axle apertures corresponding to each wheel assembly, said axle system comprising:

a bearing spacer defining a wheel axle bore therein;
a first axle assembly extending through a corresponding axle aperture in said first rail and being positioned proximate to said bearing spacer for engaging an internal surface of said wheel axle bore in said bearing spacer for retaining said wheel assembly relative to said first rail;
and
a second axle assembly extending through a corresponding axle aperture in said second rail and being positioned proximate to said bearing spacer for engaging an internal surface of said wheel axle bore in said bearing spacer for retaining said wheel assembly relative to said second rail, said first and second axle assemblies further comprising:
a first fastener and second fastener of said first and second axle assemblies, respectively, each of said first and second fasteners having a shank, a driving structure on one end of said shank and a threaded portion on said shank generally opposite said driving structure;
a first nut body and a second nut body of said first and second axle assemblies, respectively, said first nut body attached to said first fastener and said second nut body attached to said second fastener, each of said first and second nut bodies having a wall defining an inside surface and an outside surface, and at least one slot extending at least partially through said outside surface of said wall;
nut expanding structures on each of said first and second axle assemblies, said unit expanding structures on said first and second axle assemblies, respectively, independently, expanding said first and second nut bodies;
said first fastener with said first nut body attached thereto positioned in and extending through said axle aperture of said first side rail with said first nut body positioned in said axle bore of said bearing spacer and said second fastener with said second nut body attached thereto positioned in and extending through said axle aperture of said second side rail with said second nut body positioned in said axle bore of said bearing spacer opposite said first fastener and said first nut body, said first and second nit bodies being selectively engaged and disengaged in said axle bore of said bearing spacer.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fastener system with expandable nut body

Life of this patent

Fastener system with expandable nut body

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20