Field

The disclosure relates to mounting systems, such as one-sided bolting system, for use in materials handling systems.

Background

Materials handling systems typically contain many transfer chutes which divert material flow between process plant, conveyors and the like. These chutes are normally subject to wear and are lined with wear-resistant materials to reduce maintenance intervals.

Changing wear liners typically involves removing worn liners, and then bolting in new liners through drilled mounting holes in the chute wall. This generally requires access from both sides of the chute wall, one from inside the chute to install the liners and one outside the chute to install and tighten nuts.

In some cases, access to the outer wall is difficult due to height restrictions or structural issues such as the chute wall being mounted onto a concrete backing. To resolve issues with access to the outer wall, there has been a trend towards single-sided bolt installation that allows the fastening system to be fully installed from inside the chute without the need to access the outer chute wall.

Use of single-sided bolting systems generally involves permanent modifications to the chute wall, rendering it generally incapable of accepting any alternate bolting system afterwards. For example, existing one-sided bolting systems require chute wall holes to be drilled out from a normally 18mm hole to around 42mm and/or creation of a large slotted hole. If the end user subsequently decides to discontinue use of these systems & revert back to a conventional bolted arrangement, substantial repairs would need to be done to the chute. Often, this would require ‘re-skinning’ the chute to replace all chute walls with new plate.

In many cases, the use of single-sided bolting systems also requires the purchase of expensive installation tooling. Further, some of these systems are not suitable for use with lining materials such as ceramics due to pressure exerted by the fastening method.

It is to be understood that, if any prior publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia, or any other country. Summary

An embodiment provides a backing plate or bolt receiver that can engage with a radially elongate head of a single-sided fastener, the backing plate comprising: a body having a passage extending through the body, the passage having a first cross-sectional shape; and a recess extending from the passage and having a second cross-sectional shape that is different to the first cross-sectional shape, the recess having a floor and a sidewall extending away from the floor; wherein the radially elongate head of the single-sided fastener can pass through the passage in a first orientation but then engage with the floor and sidewall when rotated to a second orientation. The floor may extend transversely away from the passage.

An embodiment provides a single-sided fastener system used to affix a wear plate to a structure, the system comprising: a backing plate having: a body having a passage extending through the body, the passage having a first cross-sectional shape; and a recess extending from the passage and having a second cross-sectional shape that is different to the first cross-sectional shape, the recess having a floor and a sidewall extending away from the floor; a fastening having a body comprising a threaded shank and a head, the head having a complementary shape to the first cross-sectional shape, wherein the head can be passed through the passage and into the recess and then rotated to engage with the floor and sidewall of the recess. The floor may extend transversely away from the passage.

An embodiment provides a backing plate or bolt receiver that can engage with a radially elongate head of a single-sided fastener, the backing plate comprising: a body having a passage extending through the body; a floor extending from the passage; and a counter face associated with the floor; wherein the radially elongate head of the single-sided fastener can pass through the passage in a first orientation but then engage with the counter face when rotated to a second orientation. The floor may extend transversely away from the passage.

The term “engage” and its variants including “engagement”, “engages”, “engaging” and “engaged” as used herein are to be interpreted to include engagement by touching, rubbing or abutting including engagement in one or more of an axial, radial, tangential and circumferential direction, and includes engagement through an intermediary such as a component positioned or sandwiched between the e.g. counter face and head of the singlesided fastener. The term “backing plate” as used herein can also be referred to as a “bolt receiver” or “fastener receiver” as it can receive a head of a bolt or fastener. Accordingly, throughout this disclosure, the terms “backing plate”, “bolt receiver”, and “fastener receiver” are used interchangeably to mean the same thing unless context makes it clear otherwise.

The head of the single-sided fastener may engage with the floor in the second orientation. The passage may extend through the backing plate from a first face to a second face. The passage may be radially asymmetrical. The counter face may be positioned on the second face. The second face may have a limit stop that prevents the head of the single-sided fastener from extending axially out past the counter face. The limit stop may be configured to allow a shank of the bolt to pass through the limit stop. The backing plate may have a plurality of passages and respective counter faces for each passage of the plurality of passages. The backing plate may be of two-piece construction. The passage may be formed in a first piece. The counter face may be located on a second piece. The counter face may be formed from a second piece. The floor may extend outwards from the passage as a frustum. The floor may extend radially outwards and axially away of the passage.

The counter face may be shaped to form an interference fit with the radially elongate head of the single-sided fastener when the radially elongate head of the single-sided fastener is in the second orientation. The backing plate may further comprise a locking mechanism that can lock or retain the radially elongate head of the single-sided fastener in the second orientation. The passage may have an oval-shaped cross-section. A longitudinal direction of the oval shape cross-section may extend horizontally in an in-use position of the backing plate. The passage may have a trefoil-type shaped cross-section.

The backing plate may comprise a recess extending outwards from the passage. The counter face may be located on a sidewall of the recess. The recess may have a rounded hourglass shape cross-section. The recess may have a stadium-shaped shape crosssection. The recess may have a trefoil-shaped shape cross-section. The recess may have a cross shaped cross-section.

The backing plate may further comprise a protrusion. The protrusion may extend from the floor. The counter face may be formed in a side of the protrusion. For example, the protrusion may include a side abutment surface. The backing plate may comprise a recess. The counter face may be formed in a sidewall of the recess. The counter face may be engageable with the radially elongate head of the single-sided fastener in a substantially circumferential direction. The counter face may be engageable with the radially elongate head of the single-sided fastener in a substantially tangential direction. The counter face may be engageable with the radially elongate head of the single-sided fastener in a radial direction. The counter face may delimit a side of the floor. The backing plate may further comprise a projection that extends radially inwards and that delimits another side of the floor.

An embodiment provides a backing plate that can engage with a radially elongate head of a single-sided fastener, the backing plate comprising: a body having a passage extending through the body, the passage being configured to receive the radially elongate head of the single-sided fastener; a floor extending transversely away from the passage; and a counter face delimiting a side of the floor; wherein the radially elongate head of the single-sided fastener can pass through the passage in a first orientation but then engage with the counter face when rotated to a second orientation. The backing plate may comprise a projection that extends radially inwards and that delimits another side of the floor. The projection may form part of a locking mechanism. The floor may by angled 20° to 30° relative an axial direction of the passage.

An embodiment provides an adaptor that can be secured to a structure to which wear liners can be affixed to such as a liner, the adaptor comprising: a body fixable to the structure, the body having the backing plate as set forth above.

An embodiment provides a wear plate comprising: the backing plate as set forth above, and a wear member located on one face of the backing plate. The counter face may be located within the wear member.

An embodiment provides a liner to which a wear plate can be affixed to, the liner comprising the backing plate as set forth above. An embodiment provides a liner to which a wear plate can be affixed to, the liner comprising: a support structure to which a bolt receiver is attached thereto, wherein the bolt receiver is as set forth above.

The bolt receiver or backing plate may be located on a wear plate side of the liner or support structure. The bolt receiver or backing plate may be located on a side opposite a wear plate side of the liner or support structure. The bolt receiver or backing plate may be located within the liner or support structure. The liner may further comprise an adaptor wherein the bolt receiver or backing plate is located on a wear plate side of the liner. An embodiment provides a single-sided fastener that in use is used to affix a wear plate to a structure, the fastener comprising: a body having a threaded shank and a head, the head having one or more protrusions that are elongate in a radial direction.

An underside of the head may be curved. An underside of the head may taper from the head down to the shank. The single-sided fastener may have a size ranging from M12 to M20. The single-sided fastener may have a range of standard bolt grades such a 4.6 or 8.8 or 10.9 grade. The single-sided fastener may have a length ranging from about 25 mm to about 60 mm. The single sided fastener may further comprise a spanner flat located on the shank. The single sided fastener may further comprise serrations located on a side of the head.

An embodiment provides a single-sided fastener system used to affix a wear plate to a structure, the system comprising: a backing plate having: a body having a passage extending through the body; a counter face positioned on the body; and a floor extending between the counter face and the passage a single-sided fastening having a body comprising a threaded shank and a radially elongate head, wherein the radially elongate head of the single-sided fastener can pass through the passage in a first orientation but then engage with the counter face when rotated to a second orientation.

The head may have a complementary shape to a cross-sectional shape of the passage. The backing plate may be as set forth above. The fastener may be as set forth above.

An embodiment provides a method of installing a wear plate, comprising: placing a wear plate on a structure, either the structure or the wear plate having a backing plate comprising: a body having a passage extending through the body; a counter face positioned on the body; and a floor extending between the passage and the counter face; providing a fastener comprising a head and a threaded shank extending from the head; passing the head of the fastener through the wear plate or the structure and the passage to be positioned on a radially extending plane that intersects the counter face, then rotating the bolt to cause the head to rotate and engage with the floor and the counter face.

An embodiment provides a method of installing a wear plate, comprising: providing a single-sided fastener comprising a radially elongate head and a threaded shank extending from the head; placing a wear plate on a structure, either the structure or the wear plate having a backing plate comprising: a body having a passage extending through the body; a floor extending from the passage; and a counter face associated with the floor; and passing the head of the fastener through the wear plate or the structure and the passage, then rotating the single-sided fastener to cause the head to rotate and engage with the counter face.

The backing plate may be as set forth above. The fastener may be as set forth above. Rotating the bolt may include rotating a nut that is threadingly engaged with the threaded shank. Rotation of the nut may cause rotation of the bolt. In an embodiment, the step of placing a wear plate on a structure includes inserting locator pin into a backing plate, and hanging the wear plate off the locator pin. The method may further comprise removing the locator pin once the fastener has been rotated to cause the head to rotate and engage with the counter face.

An embodiment provides a method of forming a structure to which can be affixed a wear plate, the method comprising: securing the backing plate as set forth above to the structure.

An embodiment provides a method of forming a backing plate that can engage with a radially elongate head of a single-sided fastener to secure a wear plate to the backing plate, the method comprising: providing a plate having a passage passing therethrough; securing a protrusion to one side of the plate in a position spaced from the passage such that a floor extends between the protrusion and the passage, wherein, once the protrusion is secured to the plate, a side face of the protrusion forms a counter face that can engage with a radially elongate head of the single-sided fastener that is passed through the passage then rotated.

In the above embodiment, a head of the fastener may be frictionally engaged with the counter face, such as with an interference fit, to be secured thereto.

An embodiment provides a single-sided bolting system that can be installed either permanently or semi-permanently onto a chute wall, either by bolting through existing holes or welding to the chute wall.

One or more of the above embodiments may provide one or more of the following benefits over existing one-sided bolting systems:

• The backing plate can be mounted to the chute wall without modifying the chute wall

• The backing plate system does not require any specialised tooling to install liners • The backing plate can be installed on existing chutes where no through-access is possible, such as where the chute wall is permanently mounted onto a cast concrete foundation

• The back plate can be installed onto damaged chute walls where any other bolting system would not be reliable.

• The single-sided fastener system can compensate for misalignment between the liner and mounting plate

• The fastener is re-usable if not damaged during operation of the chute.

Brief Description of Figures

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying non-limiting Figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a single-sided fastener system;

Figure 2 shows an axial view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an axial view of an embodiment of a backing plate;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a single-sided fastener used to secure a wear plate to a structure;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a backing plate;

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view along line A-A in Figure 4;

Figure 7 shows a side face view of the backing plate of Figure 4;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a single-sided fastener system used to secure a wear plate to a structure;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a single-sided fastener system used to secure a wear plate to a structure;

Figure 10a shows an axial view of an embodiment of a backing plate with a fastener in an installation position;

Figure 10b shows an axial view of the backing plate in Figure 10a with the fastener in a locked position;

Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view along line B-B in Figure 10b;

Figure 12 shows an axial view of another embodiment of a single-sided fastener system;

Figure 13 shows an axial view of another embodiment of a single-sided fastener system;

Figure 14 shows an axial view of another embodiment of a single-sided fastener system;

Figure 15 shows an embodiment of a wear plate;

Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view along line C-C in Figure 15;

Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a backing plate;

Figure 18 shows an embodiment of a single-sided fastener system; Figure 19 shows a perspective view of an embodiment wear plates affixed to a structure using an embodiment of a single-sided fastener system;

Figure 20 shows an embodiment of close-up of feature D in Figure 19;

Figure 21 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a single-sided fastener system used to secure a wear plate to a structure;

Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a single-sided fastener system used to secure a wear plate to a structure;

Figure 23 shows an axial view of the single-sided fastener system in Figure 22;

Figure 24 shows another embodiment of a close-up of feature D in Figure 19;

Figure 25 shows another embodiment of a backing plate;

Figure 26 shows an embodiment of an installation tool use to secure a wear plate to an embodiment of a backing plate.

Figure 27a shows an axial view of an embodiment of a backing plate with a fastener in an installation position;

Figure 27b shows an axial view of the backing plate in Figure 27a with the fastener in a locked position; and

Figure 28 shows an embodiment of a close-up of feature E in Figure 27b.

Figure 29 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a bolt receiver used in a singlesided fastener system.

Figure 30 shows a plan view of the bolt receiver in Figure 29.

Figure 31a shows a cross-sectional view along line E-E in Figure 30.

Figure 31b shows a cross-sectional view along life E-F in Figure 30.

Figure 32(a), Figure 32(b) and Figure 32(c) show side and bottom views of an embodiment of a bolt used in a single-sided fastener system.

Figure 33(a) and Figure 33(b) show use of the bolt of Figure 32 in the bolt receiver of Figure 29.

Figure 34(a), Figure 34(b) and Figure 34(c) show top, side and bottom views an embodiment of a nut used in a single-sided fastener system.

Figure 35 shows an embodiment of a wear plate secured to a structure using a single-sided fastener system.

Figure 36 shows a perspective view of a backing plate with an embodiment of two bolt receivers from Figure 29 used to secure a wear plate to a mounting plate.

Figure 37 shows a cross-sectional view along line G-G in Figure 36.

Detailed Description

An embodiment of the disclosure relates to a backing plate or fastener or bolt receiver for use in a single-sided fastener system that can engage with a radially elongate head of a single-sided fastener. For example, the backing plate or bolt receiver may be mounted to a structure and can engage with a radially elongate head of a single-sided fastener to affix a wear plate to the structure.

An embodiment of a backing plate or fastener receiver such as a bolt receiver is shown in Figure 1 to Figure 3. Backing plate or bolt receiver 10g has a body in the form of plate 12 having a first surface or side 18 and a second surface or side 20. Plate 12 has a passage in the form of aperture 22 extending from the first side 18 towards the second side 20. The aperture 22 is defined by sidewall 24. The aperture 22 defines a first cross-sectional shape. As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the aperture 22 has a cross-sectional shape, as viewed along an axial direction, that is stadium. The aperture 22 of the backing plate 10 could also have an oval cross-sectional shape. In an embodiment, the aperture 22 has a radial direction, as depicted by dashed line 21 in Figure 3, that, in use of the backing plate 10, extends horizontally.

In use, the aperture 22 can received a head of a fastener. An embodiment of a fastener is shown in Figure 4. Fastener is in the form of bolt 100. Bolt 100 has a shank 110 having a thread 112. The bolt 100 also has a head 108 having an end face 114 and sidewall 116. The head 108 is elongate in a radial direction, as depicted by line 118, having rounded lobes or ends 111 and 11 T. In an embodiment, the sidewall 116 and/or ends 111 and 11 T have a textured surface such as serrations. An underside of the head 108 may also have a textured surface. The textured surface(s) may help to prevent movement or rotation of the head 108 when the bolt 100 is engaged with the backing plate 10g. The bolt 100 also has a nut 150 that can threadingly engage with the thread 112. In an embodiment, the nut 150 is a selflocking nut. In an embodiment, the bolt 100 has a size ranging from M12 to M20. In an embodiment, the bolt 100 may be 4.6 or 8.8 or 10.9 grade. In an embodiment, a length of the bolt 100 ranges from about 25 mm to about 60 mm. In an embodiment, the head 108 of the bolt 100 has a complementary cross-sectional shape to the aperture 22 such that the head 108 of the bolt 100 can pass through the aperture 22. The shank 110 may have regions that can engage with a rotation tool. For example, the shank 110 may have flats or similar features that can engage with a spanner or socket to assist in the rotation of the bolt 100.

The backing plate 10g also has a protrusion on the second side. In Figure 1 to Figure 3, the protrusion is in the form of blocks 220 and 220'. Blocks 220 and 220' each have an abutment surface 222 against sidewall 116 and/or end 111/111' can abut or engage with. A floor extends between the aperture 22 and the abutment surface 222. As shown in Figure 3, the floor 28 is an area defined by dash triangle 226. However, the floor 28 can extend out past area defined by dash triangle 226. Accordingly, the scope of the floor 28 is not limited to that shown in Figure 3. Two blocks 220 and 220' are shown in Figure 1 to Figure 3, but the backing plate 10g could have any number of protrusions (e.g. blocks 220).

In an embodiment, the block 220 is positioned such that an apex or a side of the block 220 extends from the aperture 22. In an embodiment, the block 220 is spaced by distance d from the aperture 22 (see Figure 1). The blocks 220 and 220' and positioned on radially opposed sides of the aperture. In an embodiment, abutment surface 222 is parallel to abutment surface 222'. An area extending between the blocks 220 and 220' can be considered to form a recess or open cavity. In Figure 3, this recess or open cavity area is represented by dashed line 224.

The block 220 may be unitary with the plate 12. The plate 12 and block 220 may be two separate pieces that are fixed relative one another. In an embodiment, the block 220 is welded to the plate 12. Although block 220 is shown as forming the protrusion, the disclosure is not limited to the use of block 220. For example, the block 220 could be replaced with a rod or any other formation that can have an abutment surface. In an embodiment, the protrusion is a rod that passes through the plate and that is welded thereto on the first side 18 and/or second side 20.

The abutment surfaces 222 and 222' each act as a counter face to counter rotation of the head 108. In an embodiment, only one block 220, and thus one abutment surface 222, is positioned on the second side 20. Once the head 108 passes through the aperture 22 and is extends out past the second side 20, the bolt 100 can then be rotated such that the sidewall 116 of the head 108 abuts against the abutment surfaces 222 and 222', as shown in Figure 2. If the bolt 100 is placed under tension, an underside face of the head 108 rests or abuts against floor 28. Accordingly, the bolt 100 can pass through the aperture 22 in an installation or first orientation but engage with the floor 28 and abutment surface 222 when rotated to a locked or second orientation. The bolt 100 may be rotated by approximately 90° from the installation orientation to the locked orientation. However, the specific rotation angle between the installation orientation to the locked orientation depends on the geometry and relative positions of the blocks 220 and 220' and the head 108 of the bolt 100. In use, tightening of the nut 150 causes the underside face of the head 108 to compress against the floor 28. Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7 show another embodiment of a bolt receiver or backing plate 10. Backing plate 10 has a body in the form of plate 12 having a first side 18 and a second side 20. Plate 12 has a passage in the form of aperture 22 extending from the first side 18 towards the second side 20. The aperture 22 is defined by sidewall 24. The aperture 22 defines a first cross-sectional shape. As shown in Figure 7, the aperture 22 has a cross- sectional shape, as viewed along an axial direction, that is stadium. The aperture 22 of the backing plate 10 could also have an oval cross-sectional shape. The term “oval” includes cross-sectional shaped having parallel sides such as that for a rectangle having rounded ends. In an embodiment, the aperture 22 has a radial direction, as depicted by dashed line 21, that, in use of the backing plate 10, extends horizontally.

The plate 12 also has a recess in the form of cavity 26. The cavity 26 extends away and outwards from the aperture 22 and is formed from two radially extending lobes 31a and 31b. In this way, the aperture 22 extends through the plate 12 from the first side 18 to open out into the second side 20. Each lobe 31 has a floor 28 and a sidewall 30 extending from the floor 28. The floor 28 can act as a face against which a head of a fastener can abut. The sidewall 30 acts as a counter face that is positioned on the plate 12. A portion 33 of the sidewall 30 of each lobe 31 extends from the sidewall 24 of the aperture 22. The cavity has a cross-sectional area that is defined by the two lobes 31. As shown in Figure 7, the cross- sectional area of the aperture 22 differs to the cross-sectional area of the cavity 26. The cavity 26 can be described as having a rounded hourglass shape.

The plate 12 is shown in Figure 5 to Figure 7 as being formed from a first plate 14 and a second plate 16. The aperture 22 is formed in the first plate 14 and the cavity 26 is formed in the second plate 16. An advantage of having a two-piece construction is that it may simplify construction of the backing plate 10. For example, the aperture 22 can be stamped or cut into the first plate 14 and the lobes 31 of the cavity 26 can be stamped or cut into the second plate 16. When the plates 14 and 16 are pressed or bought together, a face of the first plate 14 forms the floor 28 of the cavity 26. Although a two-piece or two-plate construction is shown in Figure 5 to Figure 7, in an embodiment the plate 12 can be one piece. In this embodiment, the aperture 22 and cavity 26 can be milled or be similarly formed in the first plate 14.

In use, the aperture 22 can received a head of a fastener, such as bolt 100. As best seen in Figure 10a and Figure 10b, the head 108 of the bolt 100 has a complementary cross- sectional shape to the aperture 22 such that the head 108 of the bolt 100 can pass through the aperture 22. Once the head 108 passes through the aperture 22 and is received in the cavity 26, the bolt 100 can then be rotated such that the sidewall 116 of the head 108 abuts against the sidewall 30 (e.g. counter face) of each lobe 31 at region 212. If the bolt 100 is placed under tension, an underside face 120 of the head 108 rests or abuts against floor 28, as best seen in Figure 11. Accordingly, the bolt 100 can pass through the aperture 22 in an installation or first orientation but engage with the floor 28 and sidewall 30 when rotated to a locked or second orientation.

As shown in Figure 10a and Figure 10b, the bolt 100 is rotated by approximately 90° from the installation orientation to the locked orientation. However, the specific rotation angle between the installation orientation to the locked orientation depends on the geometry of the cavity 26 and the head 108 of the bolt 100. Accordingly, the rotation angle between the installation orientation to the locked orientation is not limited to 90°. In use, tightening of the nut 150 causes the underside face 120 of the head 108 to compress against the floor 28, as best seen in Figure 11.

With reference to Figure 8, Figure 9, Figure 10a and Figure 10b, and Figure 26, an embodiment of securing a wear plate to a structure will be described. A wear plate 50 has a wear member 51 and a backing plate 52. In an embodiment the backing plate 52 is formed from mild steel. The wear plate 50 is attachable to backing plate 10. In an embodiment, the backing plate 10 is attached to a structure, such as an underlying structure including a chute. A wear plate aperture 54 extends through the wear member 51 and backing plate 52. The wear plate aperture 54 is dimensioned to receive the bolt 100. In an embodiment, the wear plate aperture 54 in the backing plate 52 has the same cross-sectional shape as the aperture 22.

To secure the wear plate 50 to the backing plate 10, the head 108 of the bolt 100 is passed through the wear plate aperture 54 and aperture 22, and into cavity 26. The nut 150, which can either be threaded onto the bolt before or after insertion of the head 108 of the bolt 100 into the cavity 26, is then rotated clockwise to tighten the nut 150. In an embodiment, the nut 150 is tightened with an impact driver 600. In an embodiment, the nut 150 is tightened with an impact gun, socket wrench or spanner. Tightening the nut 150 causes the bolt 100 to rotate clockwise around axis 32 to move from the installation orientation to the locked orientation. Further rotation of the nut 150 causes the nut 150 to compress the backing plate 52 against backing plate 10, securing the wear plate 50 to the backing plate 10. A nut cap 56 can then be inserted into the wear plate aperture 54 to cover the nut 150 and provide a seamless outer face of the wear member 51. Collectively, the backing plate 10 and bolt 100 form a single-sided fastener system used to affix a wear plate to a structure.

The cross-sectional shape of the cavity 26 and aperture 22 can vary from the embodiment depicted in Figure 3. For example, different cross-sectional shapes are described with reference to Figure 12, Figure 13, Figure 14, and Figure 27a.

In Figure 12, the backing plate 10a has aperture 22 the same as for backing plate 10. However, the cavity 26a has a stadium cross-sectional area. The cavity 26a has two curved end walls 30a that are joined by parallel sidewalls 30b. A width-wise direction 27 of the stadium cavity 26a is offset relative a width-wise direction 29 of the aperture 22. In an embodiment, the width-wise direction 27 of the stadium cavity 26a is offset relative the width-wise direction 29 by angle 0 ranging from 1° to 12°. The parallel sidewalls 30b act as an abutment or cam surface. The head 108 of the bolt 100 have flats 126 and 126' located at either end 111 or end 11 T. The flats 126 and 126' abut against parallel sidewalls 30b when the bolt 100 is in the locked orientation. In an embodiment, an interference fit is provided between the flats 126 and 126' the sidewalls 30b when the bolt 100 is in the locked orientation. In this way, the bolt 100 can be semi-permanently secured in the stadium cavity 26a. Accordingly, the parallel sidewalls 30b form a locking mechanism that is used to lock the bolt 100 in the stadium cavity 26a.

In Figure 13, the backing plate 10b has the same aperture 22 and cavity 26 as backing plate 10. However, the cavity 26 is fitted with a locking mechanism in the form of deformable dimple 36. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the backing plate 10b has two dimples 36 and 36'. The dimples 36 and 36' are formed from a deformable material, such as metal or plastic. Extending from each dimple 36 is an arm 34. The arm 34 has a complementary curve to the sidewall 30 and is secured thereto. An adhesive, fastener or interference fit may be used to secure the arm 34 to the sidewall 30. The head 108 of the bolt 100 has divots 131 posited in the end 111 and 11 T. Rotation of the bolt to the locked orientation causes the end 111 to ride up and over the dimple 36 until the dimple 36 is received in the divots 131. In this way, the bolt 100 can be semi-permanently secured in the cavity 26 of backing plate 10b. Accordingly, the dimple 36 forms a locking mechanism that is used to lock the bolt 100 in the cavity 26. Although two dimples 36 and 36' are shown in Figure 13, the backing plate 10b is not limited to the use of two dimples 36 and 36'.

The head 108 of the bolt 100 is elongate in a single radial direction (line 118). However, in an embodiment, the head of the bolt can extend in two or more radial directions. As best seen in Figure 14 and Figure 21, an embodiment of a backing plate 10c can accommodate a bolt 100a has a head 108a that has a trefoil-type cross-section. Accordingly, the head 108a has three separate radially extending projections 122, 122' and 122" that extend radially along three separate directions 118a, 118a', and 118a". The aperture 22a of the backing plate 10c has a complementary trefoil-type shape to that of the head 108a of the bolt 100a. The cavity 26b of the backing plate 10c has three lobes each having a floor 28a and a sidewall 30c. Each lobe is delineated by an apex 124 formed in the sidewall 30c. In the locked orientation, the sidewall 116a of the head 108a of the bolt 100a near the end respective end (111, 11 T or 111") abuts the sidewall 30c near the apex. In an embodiment, an interference fit is formed between the sidewall 116a and the sidewall 30c near the apex 124 when the bolt 100a is in the locked orientation. Such an interference fit can form a locking mechanism to secure the bolt in the cavity 26b. The trefoil-type shape of the head 108a of the bolt 100a means the bolt 100a is rotated by approximately 60° between the installation orientation and locked orientation.

In an embodiment, contact between the head 108 of the bolt 100 and the respective counter face (e.g. sidewalls 30, 30a-30d, or abutment surfaces 222) is in a circumferential and/or tangential direction.

In Figure 27a, the backing plate 10a the cavity 26c has a stadium cross-sectional area and is similar to cavity 26a. In an embodiment, the width-wise direction 27 of the stadium cavity 26c is offset relative the width-wise direction 29 by angle 0 ranging from 1° to 12°. The parallel sidewalls 30b act as an abutment or cam surface. The aperture 22b is similar to aperture 22 but is an extended rhombus or pointed stadium type-shaped. Bolt 108c has a head 114c with a complementary shape to aperture 22b. Head 114c has end wall 128 and 128', and end wall 129 and 129'. Ends 111 and 111' form an apex between respective ends walls 128 and 129, and end walls 128' and 129'. The end walls 128 and 128' may be flat. However, in an embodiment, and as shown in Figure 27b and 28, the end walls 128 and 128' are rounded to form a circumferential face. End walls 129 and 129' may be flat or curved. The sidewalls 30b may also be curved. Curved end walls 30a may be defined by a first radius and sidewalls 30b may be defined by a second radius that is different to the first radius.

An advantage of having the end walls 128 and 128' and/or sidewall 30b be curved or be non-flat is that it can accommodate any misalignment of the bolt 100 relative the backing plate 10f. Such an arrangement may also help to promote circumferential and/or tangential contact of the head 108 and sidewalls 30b (e.g. contact with the counter face). Having end walls 128 and 128' and/or sidewall 30b be curved may decrease a contact angle between the end walls 128 and 128' and sidewall 30b which may help to improve circumferential contact of the bolt to the counter face(s).

The flats 126 and 126' abut against parallel sidewalls 30b when the bolt 100 is in the locked orientation. In an embodiment, an interference fit is provided between the flats 126 and 126' the sidewalls 30b when the bolt 100 is in the locked orientation. In this way, the bolt 100 can be semi-permanently secured in the stadium cavity 26a. Accordingly, the parallel sidewalls 30b form a locking mechanism that is used to lock the bolt 100 in the stadium cavity 26a.

As shown in Figure 19 and Figure 20, an embodiment of a backing plate 10d is in the form of a button 60 that can be secured to a structure. In Figure 19 and Figure 20, the structure is in the form of a chute liner 400. In use, a frame 412 of the chute liner 400 would be fixed to a sub-structure, such as a concrete foundation or wall. The button 60 has a single aperture and cavity 26. The aperture and cavity 26 of backing plate 10d is the same as backing plate 10, but a limit stop in the form of strip 40 extends or covers a portion of the cavity 26. An embodiment of the strip 40 is also depicted in Figure 17. The strip 40 prevents the head 108 of the bolt 100 from passing through the cavity 26. Accordingly, the cavity 26 is partially closed. In an embodiment, the strip 40 completely covers the cavity 26, making the combination of the aperture 22 and cavity 26 forming a closed bore. The button 60 can be secured to the frame 412 at desired locations depending on the requirements of the wear plate 50.

In an embodiment, strip 40 is positioned to cover a side of the cavity 26 so that a head of a bolt, such as head 108 or 133, cannot pass out from the cavity 26 but so that the shank 110 or 146 can pass through the cavity. For example, the strip 40 could be a washer 40a (see Figure 35, Figure 36 and Figure 37) that allows the shank of a standard bolt 100c to pass through so that a nut e.g. 150b can engage with the thread on the shank of bolt 100c. An advantage of this arrangement is that standard wear plate bolts can be used to secure standard or third-party wear plates e.g. 50b with the backing plate or bolt receiver e.g. 10h. Although the washer 40a is shown as being used with backing plate or bolt receiver 10h, the washer 40a could be used with backing plate or bolt receiver e.g. 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e and/or 10f.

The backing plates 10, 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d are shown as having one aperture 22 and respective cavity 26. However, and as shown in Figure 25, an embodiment of a backing plate 500 has a plurality of apertures 22 that extend through to respective cavities (not shown in Figure 25). The backing plate 500 can have six wear plates secured thereto.

However, the backing plate 500 could have any number of wear plates secured thereto. The number and location(s) of apertures 22 in the backing plate 500 is also dependent on the type and configuration of the wear plate. In the embodiment shown in Figure 25, the wear plates that can be secured to the backing plate 500 use a bolt in each corner of the wear plate. Like backing plate 10a, backing plate 500 has a first plate 14 and a second plate 16. The backing plate 500 is also provided with cut outs 510. The cut outs 510 can be used as a location to weld the backing plate 500 to an underlying structure. The backing plate 500 can also be provided with apertures through which a fastener can be used to secure the backing plate 500 to an underlying structure. In an embodiment, the backing plate 500 is secured to the underlying structure with an adhesive. A combination of adhesives and fasteners may be used to secure the backing plate 500 to the underlying structure.

To instal a wear plate, a locator pin may be first inserted into the backing plate and used to hang the wear plate off the locator pin. A fastener is then inserted into the wear plate at a location adjacent the locator pin. For example, the fastener may be inserted at a position that is vertically below and immediately adjacent the locator pin. The fastener is then tightened and the locator pin can then be removed. Typically, two locator pins are installed, and a wear plate is then hung off these two locator pins.

In an embodiment, the backing plate 10e has a cavity 26 with a floor that is not planar (Figure 18). Specifically, floor 62 extends outwards from aperture 22 as a frustum. An advantage of having the floor 62 form a frustum is that it allows the head of the bolt that is received in the cavity 26 to move around to facilitate compensation of misalignment between the backing plate 10e and a wear plate that is affixed thereto. In an embodiment, an underside surface 120' of the head 108b of the bolt 100b is rounded, which may further help to facilitate compensation of misalignment between the backing plate 10e and a wear plate.

As best seen in Figure 22 and Figure 23, in an embodiment, the wear plate aperture 54' tapers outwards to from a truncated cone or frustum, thereby forming tapered wall 72. Nut 150 could be used in wear plate aperture 54. However, in an embodiment, nut 150a is used in place of nut 150. Nut 150a has a tapered sidewall 152 that has a complementary taper angle to tapered wall 72. Accordingly, when the nut 150a is tightened, tapered sidewall 152 abuts and compresses against tapered wall 72. An underside 154 of the nut 150a may also abut and compress against outer surface 58 of the backing plate 52. The tapered wall 72 may help to reduce the amount of load transferred through the backing plate 52. Another embodiment of a single-sided fastening system will now be described with reference to Figures 29-33. As shown in Figure 29 to Figure 31, a backing plate or bolt receiver 10h has a generally circular body 67. The body 67 of the bolt receiver 10h has a circumferential sidewall 76 and an upper surface 79. A bevel 78 extends from the circumferential sidewall 76 to the upper surface 79. However, the bevel 78 is not required in all embodiments and as such may be omitted. Aperture 22 extends axially from a lower side or base 69 of the body 67 and is defined at least in part by sidewall 24 and sidewall 25.

A floor extends from the sidewall 24. In bolt receiver 10h, the floor is in the form of ramped face 72 that extends transversely away from the aperture 22 and defines part of the recess 26. In the embodiment shown in Figure 29 to Figure 31, the ramped face 72 extends both axially away from the lower side or base 69 (or towards the upper surface 79) and radially outwards from the sidewall 24. In an embodiment, the ramped face 72 is angled at an angle 0 ranging from 10° to 45° relative an axial direction of the bolt receiver 10h. In an embodiment, 0 ranges from 15° to 35°. In an embodiment, 0 ranges from 15° to 25°. In an embodiment, 0 ranges from 20° to 30°. In an embodiment, the ramped face 72 is curved or tapers in an outwards radial direction by about 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm at a location towards the upper surface. In an embodiment, the ramped surface 72 may be filleted to create a ramp.

The ramped surface 72 is delimited at one side with an axially extending counter face 68 and at the other side with a projection 70 that extends radially inward. In an embodiment, the counter face 68 and/or projection 70 are integrally formed with the body 67. The projection 70 is positioned between sidewall 25 and ramped face 72. The cavity 26 is formed in part by the ramped face 72 between the counter face 68 and the projection 70. A seat is also formed between on the ramped face 72 between the counter face 68 and the projection 70 such that in use a head of a bolt can reside in the seat. In an embodiment, a channel 74 is provided in the lower side or base 69 and extends coaxial to the aperture 22. The channel 74 may be used to receive an O-ring or sealant to form a seal between the lower side or base 69 and a surface the backing plate or bolt receiver 10h is mounted to.

In use, the aperture 22 can receive a head of a fastener. An embodiment of a fastener is shown in Figure 32. Fastener is in the form of bolt 130. Bolt 130 has a shank 134 having a thread 136 that ends at terminus 138. The bolt 130 also has a head 133 having a terminus or end face 132 that is opposed terminus 138. Projecting from the head 133 are tabs 139 and 139'. Tabs 139 and 139' are positioned on opposed sides of the head 133 so as to extend in a radial direction to give the head 133 a radially elongate form. Each tab 139 has a pair of opposed sidewalls 144, and an end face 140 that tapers down a diameter of the shank 134 via tapered (underside) surface 142. An angle of the taper of the tapered surface 142 is complementary to an angle of the ramped surface 72 from bolt receiver 10h such that in use the tapered surface 142 can contacts the ramped surface 72.

In an embodiment, the sidewalls 144 and/or end face 140 and/or tapered surface 142 have a textured surface such as serrations. The textured surface(s) may help to prevent movement or rotation of the head 132 when the bolt 130 is engaged with the backing plate or bolt receiver 10h. The bolt 132 also has an associated nut such as nut 150 that can threadingly engage with the thread 136. In an embodiment, the bolt 130 has a size ranging from M12 to M20. In an embodiment, the bolt 130 is a range of standard bolt grades such as 4.6 or 8.8 or 10.9 grade. In an embodiment, a length of the bolt 130 ranges from about 25 mm to about 60 mm. In an embodiment, the head 133 of the bolt 130 has a complementary cross- sectional shape to the aperture 22 such that the head 133 of the bolt 130 can pass through the aperture 22. The shank 134 may have regions that can engage with a rotation tool. For example, the shank 134 may have flats or similar features that can engage with a spanner or socket to assist in the rotation of the bolt 134.

Use of the backing plate or bolt receiver 10h and bolt 130 will now be described with reference to Figure 33. Head 133 of bolt 130 is passed axially through the aperture 22 from lower side or base 69 of the body 67 by positioning the sidewalls 144 to be roughly parallel to the sidewalls 25. Once the head 133 is received in the cavity 26 the tapered surface 142 extends axially past the projection 70. Once clear of the projection 70, the head 133 of the bolt 130 is rotated until a sidewall 144 contacts the counter face 68, where the head 133 of the bolt 130 can now move axially towards the lower side or base 69 to reside in the seat such that the ramped face 72 contacts the tapered surface 142. In the embodiment shown in Figure 33, the head 133 of the bolt 130 is rotated approximately 90° from the ‘insertion’ orientation (Figure 33a) where the sidewalls 144 are roughly parallel to the sidewalls 25, to a second orientation where the head 133 resides in the seat (Figure 33b). Once the head 133 of the bolt 130 is seated in the seat, a nut is then used to tighten the bolt to the backing plate or bolt receiver 10h thereby securing a wear plate to a structure. The projection 70 helps to prevent the head 130 from moving out of the seat and potentially falling out of the aperture 22 prior to tightening with a nut. In this way, the seat acts as a locking mechanism to lock the head 130 in the second orientation.

Having ramped surface 79 extend axially away from the aperture and radially outwards from the sidewall 24 to the upper surface 79 rather than extend approximately perpendicular from the sidewall 34 helps to increase a contact surface area between the backing plate or bolt receiver 10h and head 133 of the bolt 130. This helps to decrease in use contact/com pression pressure. The tapered surface 142 also helps to increase a strength of the tabs 139 such that the tabs 139 are less likely to shear or otherwise deform of break compared to a bolt in the absence of the tapered surface 142.

The backing plate or bolt receiver 10h can be secured to a surface of a mounting structure, such as onto a beam, or could be inset into a structure. For example, the backing plate or bolt receiver 10h could be recessed into a cavity or hole formed in backing plate 500 or frame 412. An ability to mount the backing plate or bolt receiver 10h (or any one of backing plates or bolt receiverslO, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e and/or 10f) onto a structure can help the implementation of the backing plate or bolt receiver 10h onto a structure such as a chute wall, liner or structure to which a wear plate is fitted.

An embodiment of a nut 150a used with bolt 100 or 130 is shown in Figure 34. Bolt 150a has a first face 160 and a second face 161 opposite the first face 160. A number of channels 166 extend between the first face 160 and second face 162. In the embodiment shown in Figure 34, the nut 150a has three channels 166. The channels 166 in use receive a projection from an installation tool that applies a torque to the nut 150a to tighten the nut 150a onto a bolt. If the channels 166 are free from debris the same installation tool can be used to remove the nut 150a from the bolt. However, channels and areas that can receive an installation tool typically are full of debris once a wear plate needs to be replaced. An advantage of the channels 166 is that a cold chisel or similar can be driven into the channels 166, whereby striking of the cold chisel or similar helps to unscrew the nut 150a from the bolt. This may help to eliminate the need to cut off the nut 150a from a bolt, saving time and labour costs.

The nut 150a also has a spigot 168 extending from the second face 161. The spigot 168 has a sidewall 170 extending from second face 161 , and an end face 172 that is parallel to the first and second faces 160 and 161. The nut 150a has a threaded aperture 162 extending from the first face 160 to the end face 172.

Use of the nut 150a with wear plate 50a to amount a wear plate 50a onto a support structure 700, such as a chute wall, will now be described with reference to Figure 35. Wear plate 50a is similar to wear plate 50 and has wear member 51 affixed to a backing plate 52a. In an embodiment, the backing plate 52a is formed from mild steel. The backing plate 52a has a flange or lip 59 that extends radially inwards from a sidewall 55 that defines a wear plate aperture 54. The lip 59 has a contact face 53 that in use contacts second face 161 from nut 150a. The lip 59 also has an axially extending inner sidewall 57. The inner wall 27 defines a secondary wear plate aperture 54a. A diameter of the secondary wear plate aperture 54a is greater than a diameter for the spigot 168. A diameter of the spigot 168 is less than a diameter of the nut 150a. In use, the spigot 168 is received in the secondary wear plate aperture 54a. Having the spigot 168 be received in the secondary wear plate aperture 54a helps to elongate the threaded contact between the bolt 130 and the nut 150a. This means that when the wear plate 50a is nearing the ends of its service life, a length of thread on bolt 150a is greater than in the absence of the spigot 160 which helps to maintain the nut 150a in a tightened state. Keeping the nut 150a in a tightened state for longer means the wear plate 50a is less likely to become loose over the service life of the wear plate 50a.

The support structure 700 In Figure 35, the backing plate or bolt receiver 10h is positioned on support structure 700 on an opposite side to the wear plate 50a. However, the backing plate or bolt receiver 10h may optionally be positioned on support structure 700 on the same side as the wear plate 50a. Optionally, the backing plate or bolt receiver 10h could be mount within the support structure 700. For example, if the backing plate or bolt receiver 10h could be mounted in a cavity located in the support structure 700. The support structure 700 is depicted in Figure 35 as being solid but could also be hollow, such as hollow section tubing. The backing plate or bolt receiver 10h may be welded to the support structure 700 or secured thereto with fasteners.

Support structure 700 may also be in the form of a body to which a plurality of bolt receivers 10h are secured to. For example, the support structure 700 may be curved or planar plate material having 2 ⁿ numbers of bolt receivers 10h secured thereto. The plate material may be secured to a structure. In this way, the plate material can form part of a modular system whereby a structure such as a chute can be lined with several of the planar plate material having the 2 ⁿ numbers of bolt receivers 10h. Although bolt receiver 10h is described with the plate material of the modular system, any one of bolt receivers 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10e, 10f, 10h or button 60 could be used on the plate material.

Although the nut 150a has been described with reference to bolt 130, its use it not limited to bolt 130 and can be used with e.g. bolt 100 or a third-party bolt.

Another embodiment of a backing plate or bolt receiver is shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16. In this embodiment, the backing plate 10 forms part of a wear plate 300. A wear member 310 is fixed to the first side 18 of the backing plate 10 and covers the cavity 26 thereby forming a closed cavity. In wear plate 300, backing plate or bolt receiver 10 could be replaced with backing plate 10a, 10b, 10c or 10e. With reference to Figure 24, to secure the wear plate 300 to a structure, such as chute liner 400, a bolt, such as bolt 100 is used, whereby the head 108 ais passed through a component of the structure, such as frame 412, and into cavity 26. Tightening the nut 150 causes rotation of the bolt 100 by from the installation orientation to the locked orientation to secure the wear plate 300 to the structure. The arrangement of the wear plate 300 may be useful for situations where external areas of a structure are accessible but not internal areas.

In an embodiment, the fastener e.g. bolt 100 is formed from a softer material compared to the counter face e.g. sidewalls 30, 30a-30d, or abutment surfaces 222. This may help to ensure that the backing plate does not deform with repeated use. This may reduce maintenance since it is easier to replace a misshapen bolt rather than replacing the backing plate. In an embodiment, the counter face is hardened relative the fastener or includes a hardened surface that can be secured to the counter face.

The backing plate 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f and 10g may be mounted to an adaptor. The adaptor may be a bracket. For example, button 60 may be fitted to a bracket. The adaptor may be secured to a corner of a liner or chute to allow for wear liners to be installed in the corner with a correct orientation. The adaptor may be welded to the a structure that forms the liner or chute. Insertion of a bolt into the backing plate on the adaptor may be from an internal or external side of the liner or chute.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the disclosure, except where context requires otherwise due to expressed language or necessary implications, the word “comprise” or variants such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense i.e. to specify the presence of the state features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments.