The present invention relates generally to fasteners and in particular to a fastener
that is tamper proof.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided
herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication
specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] A fastener is a hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more
objects together. Mostly, a fastener is interchangeably used to mean a self-tapping bolt or a bolt
with threads over which a corresponding nut. The nut or bolt can be turned to tighten or loosen
the fastener, thereby joining materials together or separating them.
[0004] While some other items like a rope, string, wire (e.g. metal wire, possibly coated
with plastic, or multiple parallel wires kept together by a plastic strip coating), cable, chain, or
plastic wrap may also be used to mechanically join objects; they are not generally categorized as
fasteners because they have additional common uses. Likewise, hinges and springs may join
objects together, but are ordinarily not considered fasteners because their primary purpose is to
allow articulation rather than rigid affixment.
[0005] Other alternative methods of joining materials include: crimping, welding,
soldering, brazing, taping, gluing, cementing, or the use of other adhesives. The use of force may
also be used, such as with magnets, vacuum (like suction cups), or even friction.
[0006] There are three major steel fasteners used in industries: stainless steel, carbon
steel, and alloy steel. The major grades used in stainless steel fasteners are 200 series, 300 series,
and 400 series.
[0007] Many applications of fasteners are critical. For example, fasteners as used in
space craft applications or even those in, say, brakes of a vehicle. It is required therein that such
fasteners may be tightened or loosened only by persons duly authorized else serious damage to
equipment as personnel may result.
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[0008] Hence there is a need in the art for fasteners that are tamper proof and can be
tightened or loosened only by authorized personnel.
[0009] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each
individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is
inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term
provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0010] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities or dimensions of items,
and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be
understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some
embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims
are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by
a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed
in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding
techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad
scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth
in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented
in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the
standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0011] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the
meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on”
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0012] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a
shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range.
Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as
if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any
suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to
certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the
4
specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice
of the invention.
[0013] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed
herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed
individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found
herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons
of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the
specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written
description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment
herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0015] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a fastener that can be
tightened or loosened only by authorized personnel.
[0016] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a fastener that is tamper
proof and tamper resistant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention relates generally to fasteners and in particular to a fastener
that is tamper proof and encrypted.
[0018] In an aspect, the encrypted tamper proof fastener proposed can include any or
both a fastener head and a corresponding nut, wherein in the any or both fastener head and
corresponding nut can incorporate combination of plurality of protrusions and depressions such
that said fastener requires key or keys having matching reverse combination of plurality of
protrusions and depressions in order to tighten or loosen the fastener.
[0019] In another aspect, the combination of plurality of protrusions and depressions can
be selected from a group comprising millions of such combinations.
[0020] In yet another aspect, the combination of plurality of protrusions and depressions
on each proposed fastener can be unique thereby requiring a unique matching key.
5
[0021] In an aspect, the proposed fastener can be one of a batch with same combination
of plurality of protrusions and depressions, all fasteners of the batch requiring a single matching
key.
[0022] In another aspect, the combination of plurality of protrusions and depressions can
be configured in a cavity in the fastener head, wherein the opening of said cavity can be any or a
combination of a size and a shape so as to allow only the unique matching key to enter.
[0023] In an aspect, the key can be turned using any or a combination of a handle, a
wrench and a hex key in order to tighten or loosen the fastener.
[0024] In another aspect, proposed fastener can be made using state of art laser and
plasma processes.
[0025] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will
become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along
with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0026] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of
the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The
drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0027] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present
disclosure, and wherein:
[0028] FIGs. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E illustrate components and configurations of existing
fasteners.
[0029] FIG. 2A illustrates side view of the proposed fastener, while FIG.2B illustrates
top view of head of the proposed fastener, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to
6
one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some
of these specific details.
[0031] Embodiments of the present invention include various steps, which will be
described below. The steps may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in
machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose or specialpurpose
processor programmed with the instructions to perform the steps. Alternatively, steps
may be performed by a combination of hardware, software, and firmware and/or by human
operators.
[0032] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or
“might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required
to be included or have the characteristic.
[0033] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the
meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on”
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0034] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These
exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure
will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of
ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different
forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various
modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined
herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the
invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and
functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both
currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements
developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and
phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be
considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing
numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features
7
disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the
technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to
unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[0035] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that
the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes
illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various
elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as
hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures
are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic,
through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even
manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention.
Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software,
processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and,
thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named element.
[0036] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement
purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified
in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some
cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that
references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not
necessarily all, of the claims.
[0037] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless
otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all
examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments
herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the
scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed
as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0038] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a
claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art
have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0039] The present invention relates generally to fasteners and in particular to a fastener
that is tamper proof and encrypted.
8
[0040] In an aspect, the encrypted tamper proof fastener proposed can include any or
both a fastener head and a corresponding nut, wherein in the any or both fastener head and
corresponding nut can incorporate combination of plurality of protrusions and depressions such
that said fastener requires key or keys having matching reverse combination of plurality of
protrusions and depressions in order to tighten or loosen the fastener.
[0041] In another aspect, the combination of plurality of protrusions and depressions can
be selected from a group comprising millions of such geometry combinations.
[0042] In yet another aspect, the combination of plurality of protrusions and depressions
on each proposed fastener can be unique thereby requiring a unique matching key.
[0043] In an aspect, the proposed fastener can be one of a batch with same combination
of plurality of protrusions and depressions, all fasteners of the batch requiring a single matching
key.
[0044] In another aspect, the combination of plurality of protrusions and depressions can
be configured in a cavity in the fastener head, wherein the opening of said cavity can be any or a
combination of a size and a shape so as to allow only the unique matching key to enter.
[0045] In an aspect, the key can be turned using any or a combination of a handle, a
wrench and a hex key in order to tighten or loosen the fastener.
[0046] In another aspect, proposed fastener can be made using state of art laser and
plasma processes.
[0047] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will
become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along
with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.
[0048] FIG. 1A illustrates side view of an existing fastener while FIGs. 1B, 1C and 1D
and 1E illustrate top view of heads of various existing fasteners.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, head 102 of an existing fastener can have a slot 104 into
which tip of a screw driver can be inserted. The screw driver can then be turned order to turn the
bolt. If the bolt is of a self-tapping type, such turning can tap its own hole and threads therein as
it is driven into a material. Such a bolt can be driven through layers of materials held together
against each other and its threads can thereby hold such materials together. If the bolt is having
threads and a nut instead, it can be passed through holes made in materials to be held together
9
and at the other end nut can be turned over the threads to join the materials, using the screw drive
to turn the bolt.
[0050] In alternate embodiments, slot 104 can instead be in shape of two slots
intersecting perpendicularly in their middle, as illustrated in FIG.1C, that can be turned using a
screwdriver with a correspondingly tipped blade. Likewise, as illustrated in FIG.1D and FIG.1E,
heads of existing fasteners can be shaped in the form of a square 104 or a hexagon 106, square or
hexagon sockets etc that can be turned by corresponding wrenches, allen keys and the like to join
materials in a manner similar to as explained above. In other embodiments, the head can be
turned by any combination of these shapes or similar such configurations.
[0051] It can readily be appreciated that such fasteners have no inbuilt security features,
and can easily be tampered with and tightened or loosened using any normal screwdrivers,
wrenches etc. readily available.
[0052] FIG. 2A illustrates side view of the proposed fastener, while FIG.2B illustrates
top view of head of the proposed fastener , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0053] In another aspect, threads on body 202 can be of self-tapping type and enable
fastener 200 to tap its own hole and threads therein as it is driven into a material. Such a fastener
can be driven through layers of materials held together against each other and its threads can
thereby hold such materials together.
[0054] In another aspect, body 202 can have threads over which a corresponding nut can
be turned. Such a fastener can be passed through holes made in materials to be held together and
at the other end nut can be turned over the threads to join the materials.
[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, head 204 of fastener proposed can comprise of a
plurality of protrusions and depressions shown as 206. Such plurality of protrusions and
depressions can be made in head 204 using state of art laser processes.
[0056] In another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of protrusions and depressions
can form grooves and notches or any other shape suitable and hardened by plasma processes.
[0057] In another aspect, a key can be made with similar state of art laser processes, the
key having matching (reverse) plurality of protrusions and depressions in order that the key can
mate/engage completely with the head 204.
10
[0058] In yet another aspect, the key can be used just like a screwdriver to tighten /
loosen the corresponding fastener by inserting key into head 204 wherein the plurality of
protrusions and depressions of the key can match with those provided on the head 204. The other
end of the key can be turned using tools known in the art, thereby turning the fastener and so
loosening or tightening it as required.
[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the other end of the key can comprise a handle that
can be turned to tighten/loosen the fastener. In another exemplary embodiment, the other end of
the key can comprise a groove into which tip of a screw driver can be inserted and the screw
driver turned to tighten/loosen the fastener. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the other end
of the key can have a hexagonal head that can be turned by a corresponding wrench. In another
exemplary embodiment, the other end of the key can have socket head (a hexagonal socket, for
example) turnable using a corresponding hex key. It can readily be appreciated that these
methods or their combinations or many other methods can be used to turn the key and all such
devices, methods and their modifications and embodiments are completely within the scope of
the present disclosure.
[0060] As can be appreciated, each fastener can be custom made, with the fastener head
having a combination of plurality of protrusions and depressions configured using an encryption
process that can make various such combinations out of millions of variables thereby enabling its
opening only by a matching key likewise configured and then suitably hardened by plasma
process. In this fashion, an encrypted, tamper proof, vandal proof and tamper-resistant fastener
can be made.
[0061] In another aspect, the head 204 can be configured in such a fashion that such
plurality of protrusions and depressions are in a cavity 208 in head 204, the opening of cavity
208 being of such size and/or shape as to allow only corresponding matching key to enter and
consequently engage with plurality of protrusions and depressions configured in the head 204. In
this fashion, only the right key can be used at a corresponding fastener and usage of any other
key can be prevented, making the proposed fasteners tamper proof still further.
[0062] It can readily be appreciated that such combination of plurality of protrusions and
depressions can as well be configured on nut of the fastener (in case the fastener employs a nut)
in order that the nut can then be tightened or loosened only by a key (that can be a socket
11
wrench, for example) with matching (reverse) combination of plurality of protrusions and
depressions.
[0063] In alternate exemplary embodiments, proposed fastener 200 can comprise a
threaded body 202 (that can be headless type) and two nuts. The nuts can be configured in a
similar fashion as head 204 elaborated above, one on each side of threaded body 202. The nuts
can have same or different combinations of plurality of protrusions and depressions on their
sides/top as appropriate to enable their loosening or tightening using key or keys with matching
(reverse) plurality of protrusions and depressions.
[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the proposed fastener can be made of SS 316. Such
material can make proposed fasteners anti-magnetic and rust proof for life. Further, proposed
fastener can be hardened using plasma hardening process.
[0065] In an aspect, proposed fasteners can be manufactured using state of art laser and
plasma processes for precision work, accuracy and mass production with least material waste and
distortion.
[0066] As can be readily appreciated, proposed fasteners can find wide industrial use,
particularly where there is a possibility of theft/tampering with items that are mission critical. In
exemplary embodiments, proposed fasteners can be used for affixing of solar panels on roof
tops/ remote areas, affixing of irrigation pumps, controls, panels, battery storage cubicles etc. in
the field, for joining critical automotive components in brake systems etc., and numerous similar
applications wherever a tamper-proof fastener is required.
[0067] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is
intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other or
in contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located
between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used
synonymously. Within the context of this document terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are
also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two
or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or
more intermediary device.
[0068] Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should
be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the
terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components,
12
or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps
may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not
expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected
from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only
one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[0069] While some embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and
described, those are completely exemplary in nature. The disclosure is not limited to the
embodiments as elaborated herein only and it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that
numerous modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the
inventive concepts herein. All such modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and
equivalents are completely within the scope of the present disclosure. The inventive subject
matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0070] The present disclosure provides for a fastener that can be tightened or loosened
only by authorized personnel.
[0071] The present disclosure provides for a fastener that is tamper proof.
For Green Urja & Organic Krishi Development Holding.

We Claim:
1. An encrypted tamper proof fastener, said fastener comprising any or both a fastener head
and a corresponding nut, wherein in the any or both fastener head and corresponding nut
incorporate combination of plurality of protrusions and depressions such that said
fastener requires key or keys having matching reverse combination of plurality of
protrusions and depressions in order to tighten or loosen the fastener.
2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the combination of plurality of protrusions and
depressions is selected from a group comprising millions of such combinations.
3. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the combination of plurality of protrusions and
depressions on each fastener is unique thereby requiring a unique matching key.
4. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the fastener is one of a batch with same combination of
plurality of protrusions and depressions, all fasteners of the batch requiring a single
matching key.
5. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the combination of plurality of protrusions and
depressions is configured in a cavity in the fastener head, wherein opening of said cavity
is any or a combination of a size and a shape so as to allow only the unique matching key
to enter.
6. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the key is turned using any or a combination of a handle,
a wrench and a hex key in order to tighten or loosen the fastener.
7. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the fastener is made using state of art laser and plasma
processes.