US4842464A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Equalization of load in threaded connections
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1985-05-28
•
Granted: 1989-06-27
•
Expires: 2005-05-28
Abstract
Abstract A threaded connection in which the axial load between a screw and nut in a tightened condition of the connection is distributed more uniformly between different turns of the engaged threads than in a standard threaded connection by forming one of the threaded elements, preferably the nut, to have a pitch which increases progressively as the thread advances helically in a predetermined axial direction, while the other thread desirably has a pitch which is uniform along its length. The pitch of the first thread may increase at a rate predetermined to compensate for differences in the tensile force which is applied to the screw and the compressive force applied to the nut at different points along their length when the screw and nut are tightened together to a prestressed condition.
Inventors
- 👤 William P. Green
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 20:38
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16B; F16B33/00; F16B33/02; F16B37/00; F16B37/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 125
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A fastener comprising: a body structure containing a passage; an element within said passage forming an internal thread adapted to engage an external thread and which progressively increases in pitch through a plurality of turns of said internal thread; said element being formed separately from said body structure and being coiled helically at an increasing pitch and secured in essentially fixed position relative thereto; said element which forms said internal thread progressively increasing in axial dimension and progressively decreasing in radial dimension at it advances heclially in a predetermined direction, and at a rate maintaining the cross sectional area of said element transversely of its length substantially uniform.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
A fastener comprising: a body structure containing a passage; an element within said passage forming an internal thread adapted to engage an external thread and which progressively increases in pitch through a plurality of turns of said internal thread; said element being formed separately from said body structure and being coiled helically at an increasing pitch and secured in essentially fixed position relative thereto; said element which forms said internal thread progressively increasing in axial dimension and progressively decreasing in radial dimension at it advances heclially in a predetermined direction, and at a rate maintaining the cross sectional area of said element transversely of its length substantially uniform.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
135 words
A fastener comprising: a body structure containing a passage; an element within said passage forming an internal thread adapted to engage an external thread and which progressively increases in pitch through a plurality of turns of said internal thread; said element being formed separately from said body structure and being coiled helically at an increasing pitch and secured in essentially fixed position relative thereto; said element which forms said internal thread progressively increasingly in axial dimension and progressively decreasing in radial dimension as it advances helically in a predetermined direction, said passage in the body structure having an inner surface about said coiled element which decreases in diameter at a rate compensating for the decrease in radial dimension of said coiled element and thereby maintaining said internal thread at a uniform diameter along its length.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
135 words
A fastener comprising: a body structure containing a passage; an element within said passage forming an internal thread adapted to engage an external thread and which progressively increases in pitch through a plurality of turns of said internal thread; said element being formed separately from said body structure and being coiled helically at an increasing pitch and secured in essentially fixed position relative thereto; said element which forms said internal thread progressively increasingly in axial dimension and progressively decreasing in radial dimension as it advances helically in a predetermined direction, said passage in the body structure having an inner surface about said coiled element which decreases in diameter at a rate compensating for the decrease in radial dimension of said coiled element and thereby maintaining said internal thread at a uniform diameter along its length.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
92 words
A fastener comprising: a body structure containing a passage; an element forming an internal thread adapted to engage an external thread and which increases progressively in pitch through a plurality of turns of said internal thread; said element being formed separately from said body structure and being coiled helically at an increasing pitch within the body structure and secured in essentially fixed position relative thereto; and spacer means interposed between successive turns of said coiled element and progressively increasing in axial thickness and maintaining the coiled element at said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
92 words
A fastener comprising: a body structure containing a passage; an element forming an internal thread adapted to engage an external thread and which increases progressively in pitch through a plurality of turns of said internal thread; said element being formed separately from said body structure and being coiled helically at an increasing pitch within the body structure and secured in essentially fixed position relative thereto; and spacer means interposed between successive turns of said coiled element and progressively increasing in axial thickness and maintaining the coiled element at said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
98 words
A fastener comprising: a body structure containing a passage; an element forming an internal thread adapted to engage an external thread and which increases progressively in pitch through a plurality of turns of said internal thread; said element being formed separately from said body structure and being coiled helically at an increasing pitch within the body structure and secured in essentially fixed position relative thereto; and a second helically coiled element interposed between successive turns of said first mentioned coiled element and having a progressively increasing axial thickness to maintain said first element at said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
98 words
A fastener comprising: a body structure containing a passage; an element forming an internal thread adapted to engage an external thread and which increases progressively in pitch through a plurality of turns of said internal thread; said element being formed separately from said body structure and being coiled helically at an increasing pitch within the body structure and secured in essentially fixed position relative thereto; and a second helically coiled element interposed between successive turns of said first mentioned coiled element and having a progressively increasing axial thickness to maintain said first element at said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
189 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns from a first location near a first end thereof to a second location near a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread, and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compresssion of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said internal thread, as viewed in axial section, having a groove between successive turns which progressively increases in axial dimension between said first and second locations.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
189 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns from a first location near a first end thereof to a second location near a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread, and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compresssion of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said internal thread, as viewed in axial section, having a groove between successive turns which progressively increases in axial dimension between said first and second locations.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
215 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch, and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns from a first location near a first end thereof to a second location near a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread, and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said external and internal threads both being of uniform diameter; said internal thread increasing in pitch at a uniform rate between said first and second locations; said internal thread, as viewed in axial section, having a groove between successive turns which progressively increases in axial dimension between said first and second locations.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
215 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch, and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns from a first location near a first end thereof to a second location near a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread, and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said external and internal threads both being of uniform diameter; said internal thread increasing in pitch at a uniform rate between said first and second locations; said internal thread, as viewed in axial section, having a groove between successive turns which progressively increases in axial dimension between said first and second locations.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
229 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns from a first location near a first end thereof to a second location near a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread, and having at said first location at pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said second fastener including a body structure and an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from the body structure and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body structure, and spacer means interposed between successive turns of said coiled element and progressively increasing in axial thickness and maintaining the coiled element at said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
229 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns from a first location near a first end thereof to a second location near a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread, and having at said first location at pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said second fastener including a body structure and an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from the body structure and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body structure, and spacer means interposed between successive turns of said coiled element and progressively increasing in axial thickness and maintaining the coiled element at said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
235 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns from a first location near a first end thereof to a second location near a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread, and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said second fastener including a body structure and an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from the body structure and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured ridigly to the body structure, and a second helically coiled element interposed between successive turns of said first mentioned coiled element and having a progressively increasing axial thickness to maintain said first element at said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
235 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns from a first location near a first end thereof to a second location near a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread, and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said second fastener including a body structure and an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from the body structure and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured ridigly to the body structure, and a second helically coiled element interposed between successive turns of said first mentioned coiled element and having a progressively increasing axial thickness to maintain said first element at said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
278 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the thread to be screwed together; said internal thread, before connection to the external thread, increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns from a first location near a first end thereof to a second location near a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said fasteners being connected threadedly together and tightened to a predetermined axial load; said internal thread of the second fastener before connection to the external thread having a minimum effective pitch P min at said first location corresponding essentially to the pitch of said external thread of the first fastener and having a maximum effective pitch P max at said second location as follows: P.sub.max =P.sub.min +P.sub.min ·E+P.sub.min ·C where: E is the percent elongation of the first fastener if subjected, while detached from the second fastener, to a tensile force equal to said predetermined axial load C is the percent compression of the second fastener if subjected, while detached from the first fastener, to a compressive force equal to said predetermined axial load.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
278 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the thread to be screwed together; said internal thread, before connection to the external thread, increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns from a first location near a first end thereof to a second location near a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said fasteners being connected threadedly together and tightened to a predetermined axial load; said internal thread of the second fastener before connection to the external thread having a minimum effective pitch P min at said first location corresponding essentially to the pitch of said external thread of the first fastener and having a maximum effective pitch P max at said second location as follows: P.sub.max =P.sub.min +P.sub.min ·E+P.sub.min ·C where: E is the percent elongation of the first fastener if subjected, while detached from the second fastener, to a tensile force equal to said predetermined axial load C is the percent compression of the second fastener if subjected, while detached from the first fastener, to a compressive force equal to said predetermined axial load.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
278 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread, before connection to the external thread, increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns from a first location near a first end thereof to a second location near a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread, and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof. said fasteners being connected threadedly together and tightened to a predetermined axial load; said internal thread of the second fastener before connection to the external thread having at said first location a minimum lead angle A, and having at said second location a maximum lead angle B having the following relation: Tan B=Tan A(1+E+C) where: E is the percent elongation of the first fastener if subjected, while detached from the second fastener, to a tensile force equal to said predetermined axial load C is the percent compression of the second fastener if subjected, while detached from the first fastener, to a compressive force equal to said predetermined axial load.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
278 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread, before connection to the external thread, increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns from a first location near a first end thereof to a second location near a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread, and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof. said fasteners being connected threadedly together and tightened to a predetermined axial load; said internal thread of the second fastener before connection to the external thread having at said first location a minimum lead angle A, and having at said second location a maximum lead angle B having the following relation: Tan B=Tan A(1+E+C) where: E is the percent elongation of the first fastener if subjected, while detached from the second fastener, to a tensile force equal to said predetermined axial load C is the percent compression of the second fastener if subjected, while detached from the first fastener, to a compressive force equal to said predetermined axial load.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
194 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said internal thread, as viewed in axial section, having a groove between successive turns which progressively increases in axial dimension between said first and second ends thereof.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
194 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said internal thread, as viewed in axial section, having a groove between successive turns which progressively increases in axial dimension between said first and second ends thereof.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
233 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said second fastener including a body structure and an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from the body structure and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body structure, and spacer means interposed between successive turns of said coiled element and progressively increasing in axial thickness and maintaining the coiled element at said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
233 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said second fastener including a body structure and an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from the body structure and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body structure, and spacer means interposed between successive turns of said coiled element and progressively increasing in axial thickness and maintaining the coiled element at said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
239 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said second fastener including a body structure and an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from the body structure and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body structure, and a second helically coiled element interposed between successive turns of said first mentioned coiled element and having a progressively increasing axial thickness to maintain said first element at said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
239 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said second fastener including a body structure and an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from the body structure and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body structure, and a second helically coiled element interposed between successive turns of said first mentioned coiled element and having a progressively increasing axial thickness to maintain said first element at said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
282 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread, before connection to the external thread, increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said fasteners being connected threadedly together and tightened to a predetermined axial load; said internal thread of the second fastener before connection to the external thread having a minimum effective pitch P min at said first end thereof corresponding essentially to the pitch of said external thread of the first fastener and having a maximum effective pitch P max at said second end as follows: P.sub.max =P.sub.min +P.sub.min ·E+P.sub.min ·C where: E is the percent elongation of the first fastener if subjected, while detached from the second fastener, to a tensile force equal to said predetermined axial load C is the percent compression of the second fastener if subjected, while detached from the first fastener, to a compressive force equal to said predetermined axial load.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
282 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread, before connection to the external thread, increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said fasteners being connected threadedly together and tightened to a predetermined axial load; said internal thread of the second fastener before connection to the external thread having a minimum effective pitch P min at said first end thereof corresponding essentially to the pitch of said external thread of the first fastener and having a maximum effective pitch P max at said second end as follows: P.sub.max =P.sub.min +P.sub.min ·E+P.sub.min ·C where: E is the percent elongation of the first fastener if subjected, while detached from the second fastener, to a tensile force equal to said predetermined axial load C is the percent compression of the second fastener if subjected, while detached from the first fastener, to a compressive force equal to said predetermined axial load.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
284 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together. said internal thread, before connection to the external thread, increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said fasteners being connected threadedly together and tightened to a predetermined axial load; said internal thread of the second fastener before connection to the external thread having at said first end thereof a minimum lead angle A, and having at its opposite end a maximum lead angle B having the following relation: Tan B=Tan A (1+E+C) where: E is the percent elongation of the first fastener if subjected, while detached from the second fastener, to a tensile force equal to said predetermined axial load C is the percent compression of the second fastener if subjected, while detached from the first fastener, to a compressive force equal to said predetermined axial load.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
284 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together. said internal thread, before connection to the external thread, increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said fasteners being connected threadedly together and tightened to a predetermined axial load; said internal thread of the second fastener before connection to the external thread having at said first end thereof a minimum lead angle A, and having at its opposite end a maximum lead angle B having the following relation: Tan B=Tan A (1+E+C) where: E is the percent elongation of the first fastener if subjected, while detached from the second fastener, to a tensile force equal to said predetermined axial load C is the percent compression of the second fastener if subjected, while detached from the first fastener, to a compressive force equal to said predetermined axial load.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
251 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said internal thread, as it progressively increases in pitch, having a thread profile whose axial thickness gradually increases, with a portion of said internal thread near said second end thereof having an axial dimension slightly greater than the axial spacing between successive turns of said mating external thread to have a binding engagement therewith, and with a portion of the internal thread near said first end thereof having an axial dimension slightly less than the axial spacing between successive turns of said external thread.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
251 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said internal thread, as it progressively increases in pitch, having a thread profile whose axial thickness gradually increases, with a portion of said internal thread near said second end thereof having an axial dimension slightly greater than the axial spacing between successive turns of said mating external thread to have a binding engagement therewith, and with a portion of the internal thread near said first end thereof having an axial dimension slightly less than the axial spacing between successive turns of said external thread.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
227 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns from a first location near a first end thereof to a second location near a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread, and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said second fastener including a body structure and an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from the body structure and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body structure; said coiled element which forms said internal thread progressively increasing in axial thickness and progressively decreasing in radial thickness as it advances between said locations.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
227 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns from a first location near a first end thereof to a second location near a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread, and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said second fastener including a body structure and an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from the body structure and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body structure; said coiled element which forms said internal thread progressively increasing in axial thickness and progressively decreasing in radial thickness as it advances between said locations.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
43 words
The combination as recited in claim 17, in which said coiled element progressively increases in axial thickness and progressively decreases in radial thickness between said locations at a rate maintaining the cross sectional area of said element transversely of its length substantially uniform.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
51 words
The combination as recited in claim 17, in which said body structure has an inner surface about said coiled element which decreases in diameter at a rate compensating for the decrease in radial dimension of said coiled element and thereby maintaining said internal thread at a uniform diameter along its length.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
277 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said second fastener including a body structure and an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from the body sturcture and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body structure; said coiled element which forms said internal thread progressively increasing in axial thickness and progressively decreasing in radial thickness as it advances between said ends of the internal thread; said body structure having an inner surface about said coiled element which decreases in diameter at a rate compensating for the decrease in radial dimension of said coiled element and thereby maintaining said internal thread at a uniform diameter along its length.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
277 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, with said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads, when tightened, into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said second fastener including a body structure and an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from the body sturcture and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body structure; said coiled element which forms said internal thread progressively increasing in axial thickness and progressively decreasing in radial thickness as it advances between said ends of the internal thread; said body structure having an inner surface about said coiled element which decreases in diameter at a rate compensating for the decrease in radial dimension of said coiled element and thereby maintaining said internal thread at a uniform diameter along its length.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
73 words
The combination as recited in claim 9, in which the effective pitch P x of said internal thread at each point along its helical extent between said first and second locations, before connection of the internal thread to said external thread, is defined by the equation: ##EQU2## where: y is the axial distance between said first location and said point, and z is the total axial distance between said first and second locations.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
76 words
The combination as recited in claim 10, in which the lead angle X of said internal thread at each point along its helical extent between said first and second locations, before connection of the internal thread to said external thread, has a tangent Tan X defined by the equation: ##EQU3## where: y is the axial distance between said first location and said point, and z is the total axial distance between said first and second locations.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
73 words
The combination as recited in claim 14, in which the effective pitch P x of said internal thread at each point along its helical extent between said first and second ends, before connection of the internal thread to said external thread, is defined by the equation: ##EQU4## where: y is the axial distance between said first end and said point, and z is the total axial distance between said first and second ends.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
76 words
The combination as recited in claim 15, in which the lead angle X of said internal thread at each point along its helical extent between said first and second ends, before connection of the internal thread to said external thread, has a tangent Tan X defined by the equation: ##EQU5## where: y is the axial distance between said first end and said point, and z is the total axial distance between said first and second ends.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination as recited in claim 5, in which, as said internal thread advances helically between said first and second locations, the axial thickness of its thread profile is uniform.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination as recited in claim 6, in which, as said internal thread advances helically between said first and second locations, the axial thickness of its thread profile is uniform.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination as recited in claim 11, in which, as said internal thread advances helically between said first and second ends, the axial thickness of its thread profile is uniform.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
227 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread having a leading end which is the first portion of the internal thread to engage the external thread as the fasteners are screwed together, and having a trailing end which follows the leading end onto the external thread; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in an axially inward direction toward said leading end and through a plurality of turns from a first location to a second location; said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener between said locations when the fasteners are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said axially inward direction toward said leading end of the internal thread, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
227 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread having a leading end which is the first portion of the internal thread to engage the external thread as the fasteners are screwed together, and having a trailing end which follows the leading end onto the external thread; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in an axially inward direction toward said leading end and through a plurality of turns from a first location to a second location; said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener between said locations when the fasteners are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said axially inward direction toward said leading end of the internal thread, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination as recited in claim 28, in which said-external thread is of uniform diameter and said internal thread is of uniform diameter between said locations.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination as recited in claim 28, in which said internal thread increases in pitch at a uniform rate between said first and second locations.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
44 words
The combination as recited in claim 28, in which said external thread is of uniform diameter, and said internal thread is of uniform diameter between said first and second locations and increases in pitch at a uniform rate between said first and second locations.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
48 words
The combination as recited in claim 28, in which said second fastener includes a body structure and an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from the body structure and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body structure.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
35 words
The combination as recited in claim 32, in which said coiled element which forms said internal thread progressively increases in axial thickness as it advances helically to give said internal thread said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
44 words
The combination as recited in claim 28, in which the effective pitch of said internal thread, when the internal thread is not in contact with said external thread, increases between about three percent and twenty percent from said first location to said second location.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
44 words
The combination as recited in claim 28, in which the effective pitch of said internal thread, when the internal thread is not in contact with said external thread, increases between about six percent and twelve percent from said first location to said second location.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
96 words
The combination as recited in claim 28, in which said fasteners are connected threadedly together and tightened to and held at a predetermined axial load, with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said axially inward direction toward said leading end of the internal thread, and with said load being distributed more uniformly between different turns of the threads by virtue of said increasing pitch of said internal thread and its relationship to the external thread than if said internal thread were of a uniform pitch corresponding to that of said external thread.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
96 words
The combination as recited in claim 28, in which said fasteners are connected threadedly together and tightened to and held at a predetermined axial load, with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said axially inward direction toward said leading end of the internal thread, and with the non-uniform axial stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform axial compression of said second fastener at said predetermined load essentially compensating for the initial pitch difference between the fasteners and thereby distributing said predetermined load substantially equally between the different turns of said internal thread.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination as recited in claim 28, in which said internal thread has at said first location a pitch approximately equalling that of said external thread.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination as recited in claim 38, in which said external and internal threads are both of uniform diameter, and the pitch of said internal thread increases at a uniform rate between said first and second locations.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
220 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread having a leading end which is the first portion of the internal thread to engage the external thread as the fasteners are screwed together, and having a trailing end which follows the leading end onto the external thread; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns from said trailing end of the internal thread to said leading end thereof; said internal thread having at said trailing end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said leading end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in an axially inward direction toward said leading end of the internal thread, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
220 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread having a leading end which is the first portion of the internal thread to engage the external thread as the fasteners are screwed together, and having a trailing end which follows the leading end onto the external thread; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns from said trailing end of the internal thread to said leading end thereof; said internal thread having at said trailing end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said leading end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in an axially inward direction toward said leading end of the internal thread, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
231 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread having a leading end which is the first portion of the internal thread to engage the external thread as the fasteners are screwed together, and having a trailing end which follows the leading end onto the external thread; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from said trailing end of the internal thread to said leading end thereof; said internal thread having at said trailing end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said leading end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in an axially inward direction toward said leading end of the internal thread, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
231 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread having a leading end which is the first portion of the internal thread to engage the external thread as the fasteners are screwed together, and having a trailing end which follows the leading end onto the external thread; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from said trailing end of the internal thread to said leading end thereof; said internal thread having at said trailing end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said leading end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in an axially inward direction toward said leading end of the internal thread, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
48 words
The combination as recited in claim 41, in which said second fastener includes a body structure and an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from the body structure and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body structure.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
49 words
The combination as recited in claim 41, in which the effective pitch of said internal thread, when the internal thread is not in contact with said external thread, increases between about three percent and twenty percent from said trailing end of the internal thread to said leading end thereof.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
49 words
The combination as recited in claim 41, in which the effective pitch of said internal thread, when the internal thread is not in contact with said external thread, increases between about six percent and twelve percent from said trailing end of the internal thread to said leading end thereof.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
96 words
The combination as recited in claim 28, in which said fasteners are connected threadedly together and tightened to and held at a predetermined axial load, with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in an axially inward direction toward said leading end of the internal thread, and with said load being distributed more uniformly between different turns of the threads by virtue of said increasing pitch of said internal thread and its relationship to the external thread than if said internal thread were of a uniform pitch corresponding to that of the external thread.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
92 words
The combination as recited in claim 28, in which said fasteners are connected threadedly together and tightened to and held at a predetermined axial load, with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in an axially inward direction toward said leading end of the internal thread, and with the non-uniform axial stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform axial compression of said second fastener essentially compensating for the initial pitch difference between the fasteners and thereby distributing said predetermined load substantially equally between the different turns of said internal thread.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
147 words
A preloaded threaded connection formed by the method that comprises: connecting threadedly together a screw having an external thread of uniform pitch and a nut having an internal thread whose pitch increases progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction to a value which is greater than the pitch of said external thread; initially applying force to different turns of said external thread in opposite axial directions respectively by different turns of said internal thread, by virtue of said greater pitch of the internal thread; tightening said screw and nut together against the resistance of engaged stop shoulder surfaces in a direction stretching said screw and its external thread non-uniformly and/or compressing said nut and its internal thread non-uniformly to a condition in which axial load forces are distributed better between different turns of the engaged threads than if the internal thread were of initially uniform pitch.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
147 words
A preloaded threaded connection formed by the method that comprises: connecting threadedly together a screw having an external thread of uniform pitch and a nut having an internal thread whose pitch increases progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction to a value which is greater than the pitch of said external thread; initially applying force to different turns of said external thread in opposite axial directions respectively by different turns of said internal thread, by virtue of said greater pitch of the internal thread; tightening said screw and nut together against the resistance of engaged stop shoulder surfaces in a direction stretching said screw and its external thread non-uniformly and/or compressing said nut and its internal thread non-uniformly to a condition in which axial load forces are distributed better between different turns of the engaged threads than if the internal thread were of initially uniform pitch.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
199 words
A preloaded threaded connection formed by the method that comprises: connecting threadedly together a screw having an external thread of uniform pitch and a nut having an internal thread whose pitch increases progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction to a value which is greater than the pitch of said external thread; initially appyling force to different turns of said external thread in opposite axial directions respectively by different turns of said internal thread, by virtue of said greater pitch of the internal thread; tightening said screw and nut together against the resistance of engaged stop shoulder surfaces in a direction stretching said screw and its external thread non-uniformly and/or compressing said nut and its internal thread non-uniformly and thereby causing said external thread to apply force to all turns of said internal thread in said predetermined direction; and halting said tightening of the screw and nut, and said stretching of the screw and/or compression of the nut, at a predetermined preloaded condition in which the engaged portions of the external and internal threads correspond approximately in pitch with one another, and the axial load is thereby distributed approximately equally between the different turns of said internal thread.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
199 words
A preloaded threaded connection formed by the method that comprises: connecting threadedly together a screw having an external thread of uniform pitch and a nut having an internal thread whose pitch increases progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction to a value which is greater than the pitch of said external thread; initially appyling force to different turns of said external thread in opposite axial directions respectively by different turns of said internal thread, by virtue of said greater pitch of the internal thread; tightening said screw and nut together against the resistance of engaged stop shoulder surfaces in a direction stretching said screw and its external thread non-uniformly and/or compressing said nut and its internal thread non-uniformly and thereby causing said external thread to apply force to all turns of said internal thread in said predetermined direction; and halting said tightening of the screw and nut, and said stretching of the screw and/or compression of the nut, at a predetermined preloaded condition in which the engaged portions of the external and internal threads correspond approximately in pitch with one another, and the axial load is thereby distributed approximately equally between the different turns of said internal thread.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
21 words
A preloaded threaded connection as recited in claim 48, in which said external and internal threads are both of uniform diameter.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
30 words
A preloaded threaded connection as recited in claim 49, in which said internal thread, before connection to said external thread, increases in pitch at a uniform rate throughout its length.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
30 words
A preloaded threaded connection as recited in claim 48, in which said internal thread, before connection to said external thread, increases in pitch at a uniform rate throughout its length.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
109 words
A fastener comprising: a body having an internal thread adapted to engage an external thread of a coacting member; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns; said internal thread, as viewed in axial section, having opposite side faces which are disposed at a uniform angle to one another as said internal thread advances helically, and which define a uniform thread profile and uniform axial thread thickness between said faces, while a groove between successive turns of the internal thread progressively increases in axial width as the internal thread advances helically to provide said progessive increase in pitch.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
109 words
A fastener comprising: a body having an internal thread adapted to engage an external thread of a coacting member; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns; said internal thread, as viewed in axial section, having opposite side faces which are disposed at a uniform angle to one another as said internal thread advances helically, and which define a uniform thread profile and uniform axial thread thickness between said faces, while a groove between successive turns of the internal thread progressively increases in axial width as the internal thread advances helically to provide said progessive increase in pitch.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
16 words
A fastener as recited in claim 52, in which said internal thread is of uniform diameter.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
33 words
A fastener as recited in claim 52, in which said internal thread is formed as a separate element coiled helically within said body at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
162 words
A fastener comprising: a body having an internal thread adapted to engage an external thread of a coacting member; said internal thread having a leading end which is the first portion of the internal thread to engage the external thread as the threads are screwed together, and having a trailing end which follows the leading end onto the external thread; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in an axially inward direction toward said leading end thereof and through a plurality of turns; said internal thread, as viewed in axial section, having opposite side faces which remain at a predetermined angle to one another as they advance helically, but which are spaced progressively farther axially apart as they advance helically to give the thread profile an axial thickness which increases at a rate providing said progressive increase in pitch, while a groove between successive turns of the internal thread is of uniform axial dimension and shape as it advances helically.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
162 words
A fastener comprising: a body having an internal thread adapted to engage an external thread of a coacting member; said internal thread having a leading end which is the first portion of the internal thread to engage the external thread as the threads are screwed together, and having a trailing end which follows the leading end onto the external thread; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in an axially inward direction toward said leading end thereof and through a plurality of turns; said internal thread, as viewed in axial section, having opposite side faces which remain at a predetermined angle to one another as they advance helically, but which are spaced progressively farther axially apart as they advance helically to give the thread profile an axial thickness which increases at a rate providing said progressive increase in pitch, while a groove between successive turns of the internal thread is of uniform axial dimension and shape as it advances helically.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
16 words
A fastener as recited in claim 55, in which said internal thread is of uniform diameter.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
33 words
A fastener as recited in claim 55, in which said internal thread is formed as a separate element coiled helically within said body at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
240 words
A nut for connection to a screw which is of predetermined structure and has an external thread of a predetermined uniform pitch, said nut comprising: a body having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread having a leading end which is the first portion of the internal thread to engage the external thread as the nut is advanced onto the screw, and having an opposite trailing end which follows the leading end onto the external thread; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in an axially inward direction toward said leading end and through a plurality of turns from a first location to a second location; said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said screw and/or non-uniform compression of said nut between said locations when the screw and nut are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said axially inward direction toward said leading end of the internal thread, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
240 words
A nut for connection to a screw which is of predetermined structure and has an external thread of a predetermined uniform pitch, said nut comprising: a body having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread having a leading end which is the first portion of the internal thread to engage the external thread as the nut is advanced onto the screw, and having an opposite trailing end which follows the leading end onto the external thread; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in an axially inward direction toward said leading end and through a plurality of turns from a first location to a second location; said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said screw and/or non-uniform compression of said nut between said locations when the screw and nut are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said axially inward direction toward said leading end of the internal thread, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
19 words
A nut as recited in claim 58, in which said internal thread is of uniform diameter between said locations.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
25 words
A nut as recited in claim 58, in which said internal thread increases in pitch at a uniform rate between said first and second locations.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
26 words
A nut as recited in claim 58, in which said internal thread has at said first location a pitch approximately equalling that of said external thread.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
51 words
A nut as recited in claim 58, in which said internal thread is of uniform diameter between said first and second locations and has at said first location a pitch approximately equalling that of said external thread, and increases in pitch at a uniform rate between said first and second locations.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
26 words
A nut as recited in claim 58, in which, as said internal thread progressively increases in pitch, the axial thickness of its thread profile gradually increases.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
62 words
A nut as recited in claim 58, in which, as said internal thread progressively increases in pitch, the axial thickness of its thread profile gradually increases, with at least a portion of said internal thread having a profile with an axial dimension slightly greater than the axial spacing between successive turns of said mating external thread to have a binding engagement therewith.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
94 words
A nut as recited in claim 58, in which, as said internal thread progressively increases in pitch, the axial thickness of its thread profile gradually increases, with a portion of said internal thread near said second location having an axial dimension slightly greater than the axial spacing between successive turns of said mating external thread to have a binding engagement therewith, and with a portion of the internal thread near said first location having an axial dimension slightly less than the axial spacing between successive turns of said external thread of said predetermined pitch.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
89 words
A nut as recited in claim 58, in which, as said internal thread progressively increases in pitch, the axial thickness of its thread profile gradually increases, with a portion of said internal thread at said second location having an axial dimension substantially equal to the axial spacing between successive turns of said mating external thread of said predetermined pitch, and with the remainder of the internal thread having an axial profile dimension slightly less than the spacing between successive turns of said mating external thread of said predetermined pitch.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
89 words
A nut as recited in claim 58, in which, as said internal thread progressively increases in pitch, the axial thickness of its thread profile gradually increases, with a portion of said internal thread at said first location having an axial dimension substantially equal to the axial spacing between successive turns of said mating external thread of said predetermined pitch, and with the remainder of the internal thread having an axial profile dimension slightly greater than the spacing between successive turns of said mating external thread of said predetermined pitch.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
41 words
A nut as recited in claim 58, in which said nut includes an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from said body and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
35 words
A nut as recited in claim 68, in which said coiled element which forms said internal thread progressively increases in axial thickness as it advances helically to give said internal thread said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
44 words
A nut as recited in claim 58, in which the effective pitch of said internal thread, when the internal thread is not in contact with said external thread, increases between about three percent and twenty percent from said first location to said second location.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
44 words
A nut as recited in claim 58, in which the effective pitch of said internal thread, when the internal thread is not in contact with said external thread, increases between about six percent and twelve percent from said first location to said second location.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
111 words
A nut as recited in claim 58, in which said internal thread before connection to the external thread has a minimum effective pitch P min at said first location corresponding essentially to the pitch of said external thread of the screw and has a maximum effective pitch P max at said second location as follows: P.sub.max =P.sub.min +P.sub.min ·E+P.sub.min ·C where: E is the percent elongation of the screw, if subjected, while detached from the nut, to a tensile force equal to a predetermined axial load C is the percent compression of the nut if subjected, while detached from the screw, to a compressive force equal to said predetermined axial load.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
73 words
The combination as recited in claim 72, in which the effective pitch P x of said internal thread at each point along its helical extent between said first and second locations, before connection of the internal thread to said external thread, is defined by the equation: ##EQU6## where: y is the axial distance between said first location and said point, and z is the total axial distance between said first and second locations.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
98 words
A nut as recited in claim 58, in which said internal thread, before connection to the external thread, has at said first location a minimum lead angle A, and has at said second location a maximum lead angle B having the following relation: Tan B=Tan A (1+E+C) where: E is the percent elongation of the screw if subjected, while detached from the nut, to a tensile force equal to a predetermined axial load C is the percent compression of the nut if subjected, while detached from the screw, to a compressive force equal to said predetermined axial load.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
76 words
A nut as recited in claim 74, in which the lead angle X of said internal thread at each point along its helical extent between said first and second locations, before connection of the internal thread to said external thread, has a tangent Tan X defined by the equation: ##EQU7## where: y is the axial distance between said first location and said point, and z is the total axial distance between said first and second locations.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
80 words
A nut as recited in claim 58, including an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from said body and is coiled helically within a passage in the body at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body, said coiled element progressively increasing in axial thickness and progressively decreasing in radial thickness as it advances between said locations and at a rate maintaining the cross sectional area of said element transversely of its length substantially uniform.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
193 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns from a first location to a second location; said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener between said locations when the fasteners are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said predetermined axial direction, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said internal thread having a thread profile whose axial thickness gradually increases as the internal thread progressively increases in pitch.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
193 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns from a first location to a second location; said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener between said locations when the fasteners are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said predetermined axial direction, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said internal thread having a thread profile whose axial thickness gradually increases as the internal thread progressively increases in pitch.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
44 words
The combination as recited in claim 77, in which at least a portion of said internal thread has a profile with an axial dimension slightly greater than the axial spacing between successive turns of said mating external thread to have a binding engagement therewith.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
71 words
The combination as recited in claim 77, in which a portion of said internal thread near said second location has an axial dimension slightly greater than the axial spacing between successive turns of said mating external thread to have a binding engagement therewith, and a portion of the internal thread near said first location has an axial dimension slightly less than the axial spacing between successive turns of said external thread.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination as recited in claim 79, in which said internal and external threads are both of uniform diameter, and said internal thread increases in pitch at a uniform rate between said first and second locations.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
62 words
The combination as recited in claim 77, in which a portion of said internal thread at said second location has an axial dimension substantially equal to the axial spacing between successive turns of said mating external thread, and the remainder of the internal thread has an axial profile dimension slightly less than the spacing between successive turns of said mating external thread.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
62 words
The combination as recited in claim 77, in which a portion of said internal thread at said first location has an axial dimension substantially equal to the axial spacing between successive turns of said mating external thread, and the remainder of the internal thread has an axial profile dimension slightly greater than the spacing between successive turns of said mating external thread.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination as recited in claim 77, in which said external and internal threads are both of uniform diameter, and said internal thread increases in pitch at a uniform rate between said first and second locations.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
212 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end of the internal thread to a second end thereof; said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said predetermined axial direction, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said internal thread having a thread profile whose axial thickness increases gradually and at a uniform rate as the internal thread progressively increases in pitch.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
212 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end of the internal thread to a second end thereof; said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said predetermined axial direction, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said internal thread having a thread profile whose axial thickness increases gradually and at a uniform rate as the internal thread progressively increases in pitch.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
247 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end of the internal thread to a second end thereof; said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said predetermined axial direction, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said internal thread having a thread profile whose axial thickness gradually increases as the internal thread progressively increases in pitch; at least a portion of said internal thread, near said second end thereof, having a profile with an axial dimension slightly greater than the axial spacing between successive turns of said mating external thread to have a binding engagement therewith.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
247 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end of the internal thread to a second end thereof; said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said predetermined axial direction, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said internal thread having a thread profile whose axial thickness gradually increases as the internal thread progressively increases in pitch; at least a portion of said internal thread, near said second end thereof, having a profile with an axial dimension slightly greater than the axial spacing between successive turns of said mating external thread to have a binding engagement therewith.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
252 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end of the internal thread to a second end thereof; said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said predetermined axial direction, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said second fastener including a body structure and an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from the body structure and is coiled helically therein at an incresing pitch and secured rigidly to the body structure; said coiled element which forms said internal thread progressively increasing in axial thickness as it advances helically to give said internal thread said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
252 words
The combination comprising: a first fastener having an external thread of uniform diameter and uniform pitch; and a second fastener having an internal thread which is of uniform diameter and varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns and at a uniform rate from a first end of the internal thread to a second end thereof; said internal thread having at said first end a pitch substantially equal to that of said external thread, and having at said second end a pitch greater than that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said first fastener and/or non-uniform compression of said second fastener when the fasteners are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said predetermined axial direction, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said second fastener including a body structure and an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from the body structure and is coiled helically therein at an incresing pitch and secured rigidly to the body structure; said coiled element which forms said internal thread progressively increasing in axial thickness as it advances helically to give said internal thread said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
209 words
A nut for connection to a screw which is of predetermined structure and has an external thread of a predetermined uniform pitch, said nut comprising: a body having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns from a first location to a second location; said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said screw and/or non-uniform compression of said nut between said locations when the screw and nut are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said predetermined axial direction, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said internal thread, as viewed in axial section, having a groove between successive turns which progressively increases in axial dimension between said first and second locations.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
209 words
A nut for connection to a screw which is of predetermined structure and has an external thread of a predetermined uniform pitch, said nut comprising: a body having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns from a first location to a second location; said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said screw and/or non-uniform compression of said nut between said locations when the screw and nut are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said predetermined axial direction, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; said internal thread, as viewed in axial section, having a groove between successive turns which progressively increases in axial dimension between said first and second locations.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
30 words
A nut as recited in claim 87, in which said internal thread is of uniform diameter and increases in pitch at a uniform rate between said first and second locations.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
241 words
A nut for connection to a screw which is of predetermined structure and has an external thread of a predetermined uniform pitch, said nut comprising: a body having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns from a first location to a second location; said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said screw and/or non-uniform compression of said nut between said locations when the screw and nut are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said predetermined axial direction, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; there being an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from said body and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body; and spacer means interposed between successive turns of said coiled element and progressively increasing in axial thickness and maintaining the coiled element at said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
241 words
A nut for connection to a screw which is of predetermined structure and has an external thread of a predetermined uniform pitch, said nut comprising: a body having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns from a first location to a second location; said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said screw and/or non-uniform compression of said nut between said locations when the screw and nut are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said predetermined axial direction, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; there being an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from said body and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body; and spacer means interposed between successive turns of said coiled element and progressively increasing in axial thickness and maintaining the coiled element at said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
247 words
A nut for connection to a screw which is of predetermined structure and has an external thread of a predetermined uniform pitch, said nut comprising: a body having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns from a first location to a second location; said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said screw and/or non-uniform compression of said nut between said locations when the screw and nut are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said predetermined axial direction, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved disribution of load between different turns thereof; there being an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from said body and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body; and a second helically coiled element interposed between successive turns of said first mentioned coiled element and having a progressively increasing axial thickness to maintain said first element at said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
247 words
A nut for connection to a screw which is of predetermined structure and has an external thread of a predetermined uniform pitch, said nut comprising: a body having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns from a first location to a second location; said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said screw and/or non-uniform compression of said nut between said locations when the screw and nut are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said predetermined axial direction, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved disribution of load between different turns thereof; there being an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from said body and is coiled helically therein at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body; and a second helically coiled element interposed between successive turns of said first mentioned coiled element and having a progressively increasing axial thickness to maintain said first element at said progressively increasing pitch.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
302 words
A nut for connection to a screw which is of predetermined structure and has an external thread of a predetermined uniform pitch, said nut comprising: a body having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns from a first location to a second location; said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said screw and/or non-uniform compression of said nut between said locations when the screw and nut are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said predetermined axial direction, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; there being an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from said body and is coiled helically within a passage in the body at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body; said coiled element progressively increasing in axial thickness and progressively decreasing in radial thickness as it advances between said locations and at a rate maintaining the cross sectional area of said element transversely of its length substantially uniform; said passage in the body structure having an inner surface about said coiled element which decreases in diameter at a rate compensating for the decrease in radial dimension of said coiled element and thereby maintaining said internal thread at a uniform diameter along its length.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
302 words
A nut for connection to a screw which is of predetermined structure and has an external thread of a predetermined uniform pitch, said nut comprising: a body having an internal thread which is of varying pitch and is similar enough to said external thread to enable the threads to be screwed together; said internal thread increasing in pitch progressively and gradually in a predetermined axial direction through a plurality of turns from a first location to a second location; said internal thread having at said second location a pitch greater than that of said external thread and having at said first location a pitch closer to that of said external thread, in a relation to at least partially compensate for non-uniform stretching of said screw and/or non-uniform compression of said nut between said locations when the screw and nut are tightened together with said external thread applying force to said internal thread in said predetermined axial direction, and to thereby bring the external and internal threads into closer correspondence in pitch with one another for improved distribution of load between different turns thereof; there being an element forming said internal thread and which is formed separately from said body and is coiled helically within a passage in the body at an increasing pitch and secured rigidly to the body; said coiled element progressively increasing in axial thickness and progressively decreasing in radial thickness as it advances between said locations and at a rate maintaining the cross sectional area of said element transversely of its length substantially uniform; said passage in the body structure having an inner surface about said coiled element which decreases in diameter at a rate compensating for the decrease in radial dimension of said coiled element and thereby maintaining said internal thread at a uniform diameter along its length.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US627206A
Cited
US197467A
Cited
US770945A
Cited
US1123505A
Cited
US1174247A
Cited
GB158878A
Cited
GB524157A
Cited
GB523403A
Cited
US2328706A
Cited
GB569581A
Cited
US2464808A
Cited
US2407879A
Cited
US2439687A
Cited
US2402159A
Cited
US2497081A
Cited
US2515220A
Cited
GB610355A
Cited
GB629643A
Cited
US2870668A
Cited
US2794475A
Cited
US2888853A
Cited
US3039507A
Cited
GB826469A
Cited
GB839216A
Cited
US3283350A
Cited
US3272250A
Cited
US3385339A
Cited
US4012828A
Cited
US3938209A
Cited
US4040462A
Cited
US3806265A
Cited
US3943587A
Cited
US4266590A
Cited
US4545104A
Cited
US4364136A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-06-26 | 1992-12-26 | 1993-06-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-06-26 | 1996-12-26 | 1997-06-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-06-26 | 2000-12-26 | 2001-06-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |