Claims:We claim:

1. A mechanism (100) for indicating tension in a fastener (101), the mechanism (100) comprising:
a pin (102) disposed in a shank (103) of the fastener (101), wherein one end (102a) of the pin (102) is connected to the shank (103), and the pin (102) is adapted to move axially upon change in length of the shank (103) due to variation of load on the fastener (101); and
a linkage assembly (104) comprising:
a plurality of link arms (105) pivoted to free end (102b) of the pin (102), wherein each of the plurality of link arms (105) is configured to move angularly between an open position (OP) and a closed position (CP) based on axial movement of the pin (102) to indicate tension in the fastener (101).

2. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of link arms (105) comprises a first arm (105a) and a second arm (105b) forming a substantially L-shaped link.

3. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein one end of the second arm (105b) is pivoted to the pin (102) and other end is connected to the first arm (105a).

4. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linkage assembly (104) comprises:
a collar (106) provisioned in a head portion (110) of the fastener (101); and
a plurality of connecting links (107), wherein one end of each of the plurality of connecting links (107) is connected to the collar (106) and other end is connected to the second arm (105b) of at least one of the plurality of link arms (105).

5. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the open position (OP) of the plurality of link arms (105) is when a first arm (105a) of each of the plurality of link arms (105) is oriented away from the longitudinal axis (A-A) of the fastener (101).

6. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closed position (CP) of the plurality of link arms (105) is when a first arm (105a) of each of the plurality of link arms (105) is oriented towards the longitudinal axis (A-A) of the fastener (101).

7. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closed position (CP) corresponds to fully tightened condition of the fastener (101), and the open position (OP) corresponds to free state of the fastener (101).

8. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of link arms (105) move from the closed position (CP) to an intermediate position during loosening of the fastener (101) and from the open position (OP) to the intermediate position during tightening of the fastener (101).

9. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a cover member (108) to house the linkage assembly (104), wherein the cover member (108) is composed of a transparent material to enable visual indication of the angular movement of the plurality of link arms (105).

10. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cover member (108) is provided with a plurality of inscriptions (113) to indicate the amount of tension in the fastener (101).

11. A bolt assembly (109) comprising:
a head portion (110);
a shank (103) extending from the head portion (110), wherein threads are provided on at least a portion of the shank (103) for engaging a nut (111); and
a mechanism (100) to indicate tension in the bolt (101), the mechanism (100) comprising:
a pin (102) disposed in a provision provided in the shank (103), wherein one end of the pin (102a) is connected to the threaded portion of the shank (103), and the pin (102) is adapted to move axially upon change in length of the shank (103) due to variation of load on the bolt (101); and
a linkage assembly (104) comprising:
a collar (106) provisioned in the head portion (110) of the bolt assembly (109);
a plurality of link arms (105) pivoted at free end of the pin (102b); and
a plurality of connecting links (107), wherein one end of each of the plurality of connecting links (107) is connected to the collar (106) and other end is connected to at least one of the plurality of link arms (105),
wherein each of the plurality of link arms (105) is configured to move angularly between an open position (OP) and a closed position (CP) based on axial movement of the pin (102).

12. The bolt assembly (109) as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of link arms (105) comprises a first arm (105a) and a second arm (105b) forming a substantially L-shaped link.

13. The bolt assembly (109) as claimed in claim 12, wherein one end of the second arm (105b) is pivoted to the pin (102) and other end is connected to the first arm (105a).

14. The bolt assembly (109) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the open position (OP) of the plurality of link arms (105) is when the first arm (105a) of each of the plurality of link arms (105) is oriented away from the longitudinal axis of the bolt (101) and the closed position (CP) of the plurality of link arms (105) is when the first arm (105a) of each of the plurality of link arms (105) is oriented towards the longitudinal axis of the bolt (101).

15. The bolt assembly (109) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plurality of link arms (105) move from the closed position (CP) to an intermediate position during loosening of the bolt (101) and from the open position (OP) to the intermediate position during tightening of the bolt (101).

16. The bolt assembly (109) as claimed in claim 11 comprises a cover member (108) to house the linkage assembly (104), wherein the cover member (108) is composed of a transparent material for visual indication of the angular movement of the plurality of link arms (105).

17. The bolt assembly (109) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the cover member (108) is provided with a plurality of inscriptions (113) to indicate the amount of tension in the bolt (101).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure generally relates to field of manufacturing engineering. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to fastener assembly. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a mechanism for indicating tension in a fastener such as bolt.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Fastener is a mechanical device which may be generally used for securing two or more components or parts together. Fasteners may broadly be categorized into – non-permanent and permanent fasteners. Non-permanent fasteners enable objects to be assembled and disassembled repeatedly, and may include fasteners such as bolt, screws, studs etc. On the other hand, fasteners such as rivets may be categorized as permanent fasteners, since removing rivets may result in damages of the fasteners or components.

Generally, fasteners such as bolt assemblies are commonly used in joining two or more components of the assembly or structure together. One such widely used application of such fasteners is in the structural engineering, where two or more components are joined using fasteners. In the structural engineering the structures may be joined such that one component in the structure may be hanging to the other component, and bolt assembly may be employed to form the connection. In such assemblies, tension of the bolt holds the components of the structure, and maintain the structure in assembled state.

In order to ensure reliable securing of two components or parts, a pre-determined clamping load may be applied on the fasteners such as bolt. However, the pre-determined clamp load, may not be sufficient to keep the assembly intact since loosening effect is the prime deterioration that is commonly observed in the fastener assemblies. Therefore, it may be necessary to monitor the clamp load, so that the operator or user may take necessary actions to ensure proper assembling of the components.

Conventionally, various arrangements have been developed to monitor change in tension of the bolt assembly, so that the operator or maintenance personnel may take necessary actions. One such convention arrangement includes sensors for checking the tension set on the screw bolt, whereby the sensors consist of capsules that are filled with a dye. At a predefined axial load, the dye comes out of the indicator and becomes visible at the edge of the indicator. Therefore, the sensors can confirm that the target tension has been reached without the need to detect the installation torque. In other such conventional technology, a small reading meter may be provided in a bolt head which may indicate percentage of load on the fastener or a bolt.

However, the conventional technologies, require additional electronic components in the form of sensor or meter. These components may require a source of power for its operation which attract additional costs and may also need maintenance for effective operation. Further, these additional components add to the complexity of the conventional systems for load indication.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the conventional mechanisms are overcome by mechanism as claimed. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a mechanism for indicating tension in a fastener is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a pin disposed in a shank of the fastener. One end of the pin is connected to the shank and the pin is adapted to move axially upon change in length of the shank due to variation of load on the fastener. The mechanism also comprises a linkage assembly, which has a plurality of link arms pivoted to free end of the pin, each of the plurality of link arms is configured to move angularly between an open position and a closed position based on axial movement of the pin to indicate tension in the fastener.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, each of the plurality of link arms comprises a first arm and a second arm forming a substantially L-shaped link.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, one end of the second arm is pivoted to the pin and other end is connected to the first arm.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the linkage assembly comprises a collar provisioned in a head portion of the fastener, and a plurality of connecting links, wherein one end of each of the plurality of connecting links is connected to the collar and other end is connected to the second arm of at least one of the plurality of link arms.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the open position of the plurality of link arms is when a first arm of each of the plurality of link arms is oriented away from the longitudinal axis of the fastener.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the closed position of the plurality of link arms is when a first arm of each of the plurality of link arms is oriented towards the longitudinal axis of the fastener.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the closed position corresponds to fully tightened condition of the fastener, and the open position corresponds to free state of the fastener.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of link arms move from the closed position to an intermediate position during loosening of the fastener and from the open position to the intermediate position during tightening of the fastener.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mechanism comprises a cover member to house the linkage assembly. The cover member is composed of a transparent material to enable visual indication of the angular movement of the plurality of link arms. The cover member is provided with a plurality of inscriptions to indicate the amount of tension in the fastener.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a bolt assembly is disclosed. The bolt assembly comprises a head portion, a shank extending from the head portion and threads are provided on at least a portion of the shank for engaging a nut. The bolt assembly also comprises a mechanism to indicate tension in the bolt. The mechanism comprises a pin disposed in a provision provided in the shank, one end of the pin is connected to the threaded portion of the shank, and the pin is adapted to move axially upon change in length of the shank due to variation of load on the bolt. Further, there is a linkage assembly comprising a collar provisioned in the head portion of the fastener, a plurality of link arms pivoted at free end of the pin and a plurality of connecting links. One end of each of the plurality of connecting links is connected to the collar and other end is connected to at least one of the plurality of link arms. Each of the plurality of link arms is configured to move angularly between an open position and a closed position based on axial movement of the pin.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, each of the plurality of link arms comprises a first arm and a second arm forming a substantially L-shaped link.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, one end of the second arm is pivoted to the pin and other end is connected to the first arm.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the open position of the plurality of link arms is when the first arm of each of the plurality of link arms is oriented away from the longitudinal axis of the bolt and the closed position of the plurality of link arms is when the first arm of each of the plurality of link arms is oriented towards the longitudinal axis of the bolt.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of link arms move from the closed position to an intermediate position during loosening of the bolt and from the open position to the intermediate position during tightening of the bolt.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the bolt assembly comprises a cover member to house the linkage assembly, the cover member is composed of a transparent material for visual indication of the angular movement of the plurality of link arms. The cover member is provided with a plurality of inscriptions to indicate the amount of tension in the bolt.

It is to be understood that aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to figures and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG.1 illustrates front view of a bolt assembly with a mechanism to indicate tension in bolt, where plurality of link arms are in open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.2 illustrates front view of the bolt assembly with the mechanism to indicate tension in bolt, where link arms are in closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.3A illustrates front view of head portion of the bolt assembly of FIG.1, where plurality of link arms are in open position.

FIG.3B illustrates front view of head portion of the bolt assembly of FIG.1, where plurality of link arms are in closed position.

FIG.4A illustrates cover member of the bolt assembly of FIG.3A with plurality of inscriptions, where plurality of link arms are in open position, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.4B illustrates cover member of the bolt assembly of FIG.3B with plurality of inscriptions, where plurality of link arms are in closed position, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such system or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a mechanism for indicating tension in a fastener assembly such as bolt assembly. Generally, there exists a tendency for fasteners such as bolts to loosen after long usage. Such loosening effect may not be desirable in a structural assembly. Additionally, an operator may find it useful to know the state of tension in the bolt, so that it may be easier to identify when the bolt if fully tightened or if there is any loosening in the bolt. This may enable the operator to take corrective measures to bring the bolt to required state in the structural assembly. The present disclosure thus discloses a mechanism where there is a visual indication of tension in the bolt.

The mechanism may be employed in a fastener assembly such as but not limited to bolt assembly. The mechanism includes a pin which is disposed in a shank of the bolt. The pin may be connected to the shank, where a provision such as hole may be provided for connecting one end of the pin. The pin is connected such that it may axially move in the shank. In an embodiment, a portion of the shank, generally lower portion may be provided with threads. The threaded portion may comprise a machined hole for receiving one end of the pin. Other end of the pin is free and may extend into head portion of the bolt. The mechanism further comprises a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly includes a plurality of link arms pivoted to free end of the pin.

Depending on variation of load, which may be in the form of application of load on the bolt or due to loosening of the bolt, the shank of the bolt undergoes strain and either elongates or retracts causing change in length of the bolt. As a result of change in length of the bolt, the pin being disposed in the shank may also move axially downwards or upwards depending on the variation in load. Further, the plurality of link arms pivoted to the free end of the pin moves angularly with the axial movement of pin. The link arms angularly move between an open position and a closed position visually indicating tension in the bolt. In an embodiment, the open position of the plurality of link arms correspond to free state or loosened state of the bolt and closed position of the plurality of link arms correspond to fully tightened condition of the bolt. When the bolt is tightened, the link arms move towards closed position, i.e. towards the longitudinal axis of the fastener. Further, when the bolt loosens, the link arms move towards open position, i.e. the link arms are oriented away from the longitudinal axis.

The mechanism may also include a cover member. The cover member is provided to house the linkage assembly and is configured to act as a protecting shield for link arms from the environment. The cover member may have a plurality of inscriptions to indicate the amount of tension in the bolt. Also, to make the inscriptions clearly visible to the operator, the cover member may be made of a transparent material. This enables the operator to identify the tension in the bolt, so that the operator may take suitable actions to ensure proper structural assembling of components.

In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

FIG.1 is an exemplary embodiment of bolt assembly (100) illustrating bolt (101) in a free or loosened state.

In the present disclosure, terminologies such as fastener assembly and bolt assembly are used interchangeably. Although the figures illustrate bolt assembly, there may be other fastener assemblies employing mechanism of the present disclosure. Hence, the usage of such terminology should not be construed as a limitation to the present disclosure.

The bolt assembly (109) as shown in FIG.1 of the present disclosure includes a bolt (101) which may be used to join or fasten two or more components or parts. For simplicity, two components of a structural assembly have been shown in the figure. However, the mechanism (100) of the present disclosure may be used for more than two components or objects. The bolt (101) of the bolt assembly (109) further includes a head portion (110), and a shank (103) extending from the head portion (110). A portion of the shank (103) may be threaded. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG.1, lower portion of the shank (103) is threaded. The threaded portion (112) may be configured to engage a nut (111) to complete the assembling or fastening of the components. The nut (111) may have internal threads corresponding to the threads provisioned on the bolt (101) to enable proper engagement between the bolt (101) and the nut (111). The mechanism (100) may be provisioned in the bolt assembly (109) to indicate tension in the bolt (101). The mechanism (100) provides a visual indication of the extent of tension in the bolt (101).

The mechanism (100) includes a pin (102) disposed in the shank (103) of the bolt (101) and the pin (102) may have a cylindrical body. One end of the pin (102a) may be connected to the shank (103), where generally a hole (not shown in figure) may be provisioned in threaded portion to shank (103) to receive and accommodate one end of the pin (102a). The other end of the pin (102) may be free from connections or support and hence may be adapted to have a linear motion. In an embodiment, the pin (102) is disposed along the direction of the longitudinal axis (A-A) of the bolt (101), and one end of the pin (102a) being free from connections may be adapted to move axially. Further, the mechanism (100) includes a linkage assembly (104) with a plurality of link arms (105). The linkage assembly (104) is provisioned at the free end of the pin (102b), where a plurality of link arms may be pivoted to the free end of the pin (102b). In an embodiment, a collar (106) may be provisioned proximal to the free end of the pin (102b) in the head portion (110) of the bolt assembly (109) and linkage assembly (104) may be provisioned on the collar (106). The head portion (110) of the bolt assembly (109) may have a provision to accommodate the collar (106), such that the collar is fixed to the head portion (110).

In the FIG.1, there are four link arms (105) adopted in the linkage assembly (104), however, the linkage assembly (104) may include less than four link arms (105) or more than four link arms (105). The link arms (105) act as a means of indication of tension in the bolt (101). As the load is applied on the bolt (101) or when the bolt (101) tends to loosen upon usage, the bolt (101) may elongate or retract depending on the load condition. Hence, due to the variation of load on the bolt (101), there may be differential strain caused, which also results in change in length of the bolt (101). Generally, there may be a change in length of the shank (103) portion of the bolt (101). In an embodiment, as shown in FIG.1, the initial length of the shank (103) is ‘L’, and on application of load, there may be elongation of the shank (103) of bolt, resulting in increase in length to ‘L+?L’ (as shown in FIG.2). Further, due to elongation or change in length of the bolt (101), the pin (102) connected to the shank (103) moves axially. In an embodiment, upon elongation of the shank (103), the pin (102) may move axially downwards (101). Furthermore, the plurality of link arms (105) being in connection with the pin (102) also moves, however, the plurality of link arms (105) moves angularly between an open position (OP) and closed position (CP) in relation to the linear axial motion of the pin (102). Thus, due to change in length of the bolt (101) or due to differential strain in the bolt (101) induced by variation of load results in linear axial motion of the pin (102) which may be converted angular movement of the plurality of link arms (105). In an embodiment, the elongation may not be significant and hence axial movement of the pin (102) may not be efficient as a visual indicator of the tension in the bolt (101) as it is not visible to the naked eye of an operator. However, the resulting angular movement of the link arms (105) of the linkage assembly (104) is clearly visible to an eye, facilitating identification of tension in the bolt (101). In the FIG.1, the link arms (105) are in open position (OP), which indicates free or loosened state of the bolt (101). In the open position (OP), the plurality of link arms (105) are oriented away from the axis (A-A) of the bolt (101). This may not be desirable in a structural assembly, as it indicates that the parts of structural assembly are not fastened properly. Thus, with such visual indication, the operator may take suitable actions to fasten the parts appropriately.

FIG.2 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, where plurality of link arms (105) are in a closed position (CP). As shown in FIG.2, upon variation of load on the bolt (101), shank (103) portion of the bolt (101) elongates and there may be in increase of length by ‘?L’. Hence the overall length of the shank (103) may now be ‘L+?L’. In an embodiment, as a result of elongation of the bolt (101), pin (102) may axially move downwards which in turn results in angular movement of the plurality of link arms (105) towards closed position (CP). The closed position (CP) refers to position of the plurality of link arms (105) when they are oriented towards the longitudinal axis (A-A) of the bolt (101). Further, the closed position (CP) of plurality of link arms (105) correspond to completely tightened condition of the bolt (101). It is to be understood that closed position (CP) is desired position, since under this position of the link arms (105), the bolt (101) completely or fastens the parts or components of the structural assembly, indicating completely tightened position of the bolt (101). In an embodiment, as an operator applies torque to fasten the bolt (101), the plurality of link arms (105) move from the open position (OP) towards closed position (CP). Any intermediate position between the open position (OP) towards closed position (CP) indicates tightening of the bolt (101). Thus, tension of the bolt (101) in these intermediate positions may be higher in comparison with the tension of bolt (101) at open position (OP). Further, upon attaining closed position (CP), the operator may stop applying further torque, since the closed position (CP) is an indication of complete fastening, which is desirable in the structural assembly.

Moving now to FIG.3A and FIG.3B which illustrates a head portion (110) of the bolt assembly (109), where plurality of link arms (105) are in open and closed position respectively.

As shown in FIG.3A and FIG.3B, pin (102) extends into the head portion (110) of the bolt assembly (109). In an embodiment, linkage assembly (104) is configured in the head portion (110) of the bolt assembly (109). As evident from the FIGS. 3A and 3B, the head portion (110) of the bolt (101) comprises a provision to accommodate the linkage assembly (104). The linkage assembly (104) includes a plurality of link arms (105), which may angularly move between an open position (OP) and closed position (CP). In FIG.3A, the link arms (105) are in open position (OP), while the link arms (105) are in closed position (CP) as shown in FIG.3B. Further, the linkage assembly (104) also includes a collar (106) provisioned proximal to the free end of the pin (102b) in the head portion (110) of the bolt assembly (109) and a plurality of connecting links (107). The connecting links (107) may be configured such that one end of each of the connecting links (107) may be connected to the collar (106) and other end of the connecting link (107) may be connected to one of the plurality of link arms (105). In an embodiment, each of the plurality of link arms (105) includes a first arm (105a) and a second arm (105b) arranged in the form of L-shape. In an embodiment, the first arm (105a) and the second arm (105b) are formed as integral links forming a single link arm (105). The connecting link (107) may be connected to the second arm (105b) of the link arm (105). In operation, assuming the link arms (105) are in open position (OP) as shown in FIG.3A, the operator may apply load to fasten the parts of structural assembly. Upon application of load, the pin (102) undergoes axial linear motion, due to change in length of the bolt (101). As a result of axial linear motion of the bolt (101), the connecting links (107) whose one end is fixed to the collar (106) and other end connected to the second arm (105b) of the link arms (105), cause angular movement of each of the link arms (105) towards closed position (CP) through a number of intermediate positions. In an embodiment, the FIG.3B shows plurality of link arms (105) in the closed position (CP).

FIG.4A and FIG.4B illustrates identification of the amount of tension in the bolt (101). In an embodiment, the bolt assembly (109) includes a cover member (108) to house the linkage assembly (104) and protect the linkage assembly (104) from outside environment. The cover member (108) may be made of a transparent material to enable visual indication of the tension in the bolt (101). The cover member (108) may include plurality of inscriptions (113) provided to indicate the amount of tension in the bolt (101). Each inscription (113) may indicate a certain level of tension in the bolt (101). In one embodiment, as shown in FIG.4A and FIG.4B the plurality of inscriptions (113) may be in the form of concentric circular markings, where inner circular marking indicates higher tension in comparison with the outer circular marking. In one embodiment, the inscriptions (113) may be of different colours, each colour indicating different levels of tension. Hence, any such inscriptions (113) to enable visual reading of the tension in the bolt (101), for the user, may be used and any particular form of indication should not be construed as a limitation to the present disclosure. Further, free ends of the plurality of link arms (105) may be provided with a nylon or polymer indicator to facilitate clear visual indication of the angular movement of the link arms (105) for the operator.

It is to be noted that the configuration of link assembly and inscriptions as described in the above paragraphs are for the purpose of simplicity, and should not be considered as limitation to the disclosure. One skilled in the art may configure the link assembly in any other configurations and provide any other types of indicating means to indicate the amount of tension in the bolt without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

Advantages:

The present disclosure provides a mechanism for indicating tension in the fastener or bolt which enables inspection of the tension (tightening or loosening condition) of the bolt visually, without physical intervention of the operator.

The mechanism of the present disclosure, helps an operator to identify accurate clamp force that may be required for proper assembling of components or parts.

Equivalents:

The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)" unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms "including", "comprising", “having” and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention.

When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), it will be readily apparent that a single device/article may be used in place of the more than one device or article or a different number of devices/articles may be used instead of the shown number of devices or programs. The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments of the invention need not include the device itself.

Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Mechanism for indicating tension in a bolt
101 Fastener / bolt
102 Pin
102a One end of the pin
102b Free end of the pin
103 Shank of the bolt
104 Linkage assembly
105 Link arms
105a First arm of a link arm
105b Second arm of the link arm
106 Collar
107 Connecting links
108 Cover member
109 Bolt assembly
110 Head portion of the bolt
111 Nut
112 Threaded portion of the bolt
113 Inscriptions on the cover member
OP Open position of the link arms
CP Closed position of the link arms