A DEPOEMABLE LOCKING DEVICE

This invention relates to inserts and particularly to tubular inserts inserted into circular openings or passages.

It has been discovered that a tubular body having an internal or external annular ring undergoes distortion when the direction of the annular ring is changed. In particular this distortion is in the form of an annular lip formed on the wall of the tube opposite the joint of the ring and tubular body. Thus a tubular body having an internal annular ring will form a radially outwardly extending annular lip while an external ring will cause a radially inwardly extending annular lip.

Accordingly, the present invention provides:

A deformable device comprising: a hollow tubular body; at least one member formed integral with the body and extending radially inwardly or outwardly therefrom; the, or each of the at least one, member movable between stable first and second positions, the first position the as formed state, the second position causing at least radial distortion of the tubular body.

Preferably the member is an annulus

Preferably the member is an annulus located at at least one end of the cylindrical body

Preferably the member is a frusto conical annular wall, which in said first position lies in one direction along the axis and in said second position it lies in the opposite direction.

Preferably the distortion is adjacent said member

Preferably the device is made of plastics

In an alternate form the member comprises a thin curved wall closing one end of the cylindrical body.

Preferably the curved wall is hemispherical or elliptoid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows a perspective of an embodiment of the invention for use as a sealable insert for a container.

Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal cross section of the embodiment of Fig.l.

Fig. 3 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 and 2 inserted in a container opening with the member relaxed in the first-position.

- - 2 -

Fig. 4 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 and 2 in the second position with the side wall of the insert distorted.

Fig. 5 shows a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the invention having two radially extending members.

Fig. 6 shows the embodiment of Fig. 5 sectioned along line II-II being inserted into an opening in a plane wall.

Fig. 7 shows the embodiment of Fig. 6 locked in the wall, with both members in the second position, distorting the side wall.

Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of the invention used as a hinge pin in plan view.

Fig. 9 shows the embodiment of Fig. 8 as sectioned along line V-V.

Fig. 10 shows yet another embodiment in an undistorted mode in an opening.

Fig. 11 shows the embodiment of Fig. 10 in the distorted mode, locked in the opening.

Fig. 12 shows an embodiment for use with bolts to provide a sel -locking bolt.

Fig. 13 shows a cross section of a rivet and striker cap according to the invention.

Fig. 14 shows the embodiment of Fig. 13 inserted in a hole passing through two plates.

Fig. 15 shows the river and striker cap of Fig. 13 set to lock the two plates together.

Fig. 16 shows an embodiment of the invention with an additional retaining feature, in an undistorted form.

Fig. 17 shows the embodiment of Fig. 17 distorted to lock in position.

Fig. 18 shows a syringe with a novel syringe piston according to the invention.

Fig. 19 shows the piston of Fig. 18 in a locked position.

Fig. 20 shows an expanded view of the locking bead of Fig. 19.

Fig. 21 shows a variation of the embodiment of Figs. 18 to 20.

Fig. 22 shows a cross-section through a thick walled insert according to the invention.

Fig. 23 shows the insert of Fig. 23 in a locked position.

Fig. 24 shows a cross-section through an insert for sealing pressurised containers.

- - -

Fig. 25 is a view of the insert of Fig. 24 in a locked position.

Figs. 26 and 27 show cross-sections of a pipe joiner in unlocked and locked positions.

Figs. 28 and 29 show partial cross—sections of an insert for an open mouthed container, in unlocked and locked positions.

Figs. 30 and 31 show cross-sections of a fluid nozzle according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4 an insert 10 for positioning in an outlet of a container 12 includes a cylindrical body 13 which is arranged to be locatable within the container outlet 11. The outside diameter of the cylindrical body 13 provides a clearance fit in the outlet 11. An annular flange 14 is provided at the outer annular end 15 of the cylindrical body 13.

In use this flange 14 bears on the downstream end 6 of the container 12 and prevents the insert 10 from proceeding further into the container 12.

A hemispherical or eliptical annular wall 16 is attached to the inner circumferential edge 17 of the cylindrical body 13 along its outer circumference 18 at the inner end 19. The annular wall 16 in a first position projects axially inward from the inner end 19 towards the outer end 15.

_*

The annular wall 16 is flexible and may be flexed and deformed such that it extends away from the inner end 19 into the container, as in Fig. 4. The first position, shown in Fig. 3, and the second position, as in Fig. 4, are equilibrium positions, the wall 16 moving through an intermediate, unstable position, not shown. At the second position, as in Fig. 4, the annular wall 16 causes the inner end 19 of the tubular body to be deformed radially outwardly to form a sealing bead 20. This sealing bead 20 is pushed upwardly against the wall 21 of the container, thereby forming a fluid tight seal.

To gain access to any fluid in the container, the wall 16 may be "popped" back to its first position, allowing the insert to be removed or, alternatively it may be pierced to allow fluid to pass therethrough. A frangiable line 23 may be provided to make removal of part of the wall 16 easier.

Although part of the wall 16 is removed the remaining section still provides the deformation of the wall of the cylindrical body 13 to maintain the sealing bead 20.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7.

- _ 4 _

Fig. 6 shows the insert 40 part inserted through an opening 51 in a wall 41. In this position the insert is in a relaxed state. The insert comprises a tubular body 42 having an upper end 43 and a lower end: 44. The tubular body 42 has, at its upper end 43, a frusto conical annular wall 45 depending from the outer circumferencial edge 50 of the tubular body 42. The wall 45 depends from the tubular body 42 towards the lower end 44. A radially, inwardly disposed frusto-conical wall 46 is connected to the inner edge 47 of the lower end 44 of the tubular body 42.

The wall 46, in a first, relaxed, position is directed towards the upper end 43. A central opening 48 is provided in the wall 46 to ease its flexing and, if used with a fluid container, to allow ingress or egress of fluid therethrough.

To locate the insert sealably in the opening a downward force is applied to the insert, as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 6, to the upper end 43, thereby deforming the wall 45 so as to allow the insert to pass through the wall 41. Once the lower end 44 has passed through the wall 41 a downward force may be applied to the annular wall 46, thereby flexing it to a second equilibrium position, as shown in Fig. 7, wherein it is downwardly directed. The deformation of the annular wall 46 to be downwardly directed causes the tubular body at its lower end 44 to be deformed radially outwardly, to form a sealing bead 49. Upon removal of all forces the deformed annular wall 45 draws the tubular body 42 upwardly, relative to the plane wall 49 and causes the sealing bead 49 to be drawn upwardly into close, sealing engagement with the annular edge 52 of the opening 51 in the wall 41.

The sealing bead 49 extends radially outwardly of the opening 51, thereby forming a seal between the insert 40 and openings and also locking the insert 40 in the opening.

The deformation of the annular wall 45 causes a radially inwardly extending bead 53 to form on the inner circumferencial edge 54 of the upper end 43. This bead 53 may be used to sealably lock a further insert, not shown, in the tubular body 42, thereby sealing the passageway.

A third embodiment of the invention is shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

The insert 60 passes through two axial coexistent cylindrical openings 61 and 62 in two members 63 and 64. The insert 60 comprises a tubular body 65 having, at an upper end 66, a radially outwardly extending annular wall 67. At the other, lower end 68, there is a radially inwardly extending frusto-conical wall 69. The frusto-conical wall 69, in the relaxed,

_. - - undeformed state, is normally upwardly extending. As shown in Fig. 9 the wall 69 has been "popped" to a second position wherein it is downwardly directed. The "popping" of the wall 69 causes the wall of the tubular body 65, at its lower end 68, to deform radially outwardly, forming a radially outwardly extending bead 70. The bead 70 extends radially outwardly of the opening 61 thereby preventing removal of the insert from the openings 61 and 62, joining the two members 63 and 64. The upper annular wall 67 prevents the insert from being pushed through the members 63 to 64 in a downward direction.

In this embodiment the bead 70 need not tightly engage the openings 61 and 62 since a hinge is envisaged. Axial movement of the insert 60, as indicated by the gap 71, is allowed and the two members 63 and 64 may rotate relative to each other.

Figs. 10 and 11 show a tamper proof cap according to the present invention.

The cap 80 comprises a tubular body 81 having an upper end 82 and a lower end 83. The cap 80 is adapted to be inserted in a cylindrical opening 84 in a wall 85. The wall 85 has an upper surface 86 and an annular groove 87 in the opening adjacent the upper surface 86. The groove 87 has an upper surface 88 lying in the axially perpendicular plane while the lower surface 89 is downwardly directed.

The upper end 82 of the tubular body 81 has a disc 90 connected thereto in an axially perpendicular plane. At the disc's outer circumferential edge 91 is a downwardly dependent lip 92. The disc 90 and lip 92 radially overhang the opening 84. The tubular body 81, adjacent the upper end 82, has a radially inwardly directed groove 93 formed in outer surace and wall 94 of the tubular body 81. The lower surface 95 of the groove is at 90° to the wall 94 and the height of the groove 93 is greater than the separation of the groove 87 upper surface 88 and the wall 85 upper surfaces.

To lock the cap 80 in the opening 84 a downward force is applied to the centre of the cap 80. The lip 92 contacts the upper surface 86 and the centre of the cap, together with the tubular body 81 is deflected downwardly. The downward deflection and flexing of the disc causes the wall

94 in the region of the groove 93 to deflect outward and the lower surface

95 of the groove 93 is deflected to radially extend under the upper surface 88 of the groove 87.

Upon release of the downwardly directed force the surfaces 95 and 88

, - 6 -

interact, preventing an upward axial movement of the insert 80. Thus the disc 90 is maintained in its deformed shape, providing an upward force, securely sealing the groove surfaces. To remove the insert it is necessary to remove the distortion of the disc 90, which in turn removes the distortion of the tubular body wall. However this requires an upward displacement of the insert, which would break off part of the tubular body wall and prevent resealing.

In a fourth embodiment, shown in Fig. 12 it is envisaged to use the invention to provide a locking insert to allow bolts or screws tube secured in an unthreaded hole.

The insert 100 comprises a first cylindrical tube 101 from which extend two annular webs 102 and 103. At the outer circumferential edge 104 of the web 102 is a first axially extending lip 105 which describes a short tube, co-axial with the first tube 101. Similarly a second axially extending lip,

106 co axial with the tube 101 depends from the outer circumferential edge

107 of the second web 103. The webs 102 and 103 are both frusto-conical annular in shape and, in a undistorted state, are directed towards the bolt head 108. The inner surface of the cylindrical tube 101 is threaded to engage the corresponding thread on the bolt 109. The length of the tube defined by lip 105 is such that its lower surface 110 is in contact with the a. supper surface 111 of the second web 103.

To use the insert a hole is drilled in the structure 112 with a diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the insert. The insert is placed in the hole with the apex of the annular webs 102, 103 facing the closed end of the hole. An auxilliary ring 114 is inserted in the hole and a bolt 109, passing through the structure 115, which is to be fixed to the structure 112, is threaded onto the tube 101. The bolt 109 is screwed into the tube 101, with friction between the hole surface 116 and outer surfaces 117, 118 of the lips 105, 106 preventing the insert rotating. This causes the insert to be drawn towards the structure 115 until such time as the upper surface 119 of the first web 102 contacts the ring 114. Further rotation of the bolt 109 causes the inner tube 110 to be drawn towards the bolt 109 relative to the lips 105, 106 until such time as the webs 102, 103 pass through an unstable point and flip to that shown in Fig. 12.

The webs 102 and 103 now describe frusto-conical annuluses directed towards the bolt 109 and cause a deformation of the circumferential edges 104 and 107 of the webs 102 and 103. This deformation is in the form of

_.

radially extending beads 120, 121 on each circumferential edge 104, 107. The beads 120, 121 bite into the surface of the hole and firmly secure the insertion in the hole, thus allowing the bolt to be further tight securely joining the two structures 229 and 227 together.

An alternative method of using the insert 100 involves inserting it in the hole and, instead of using the ring 114, a cylindrical tube, not shown, is used in conjunction with a threaded puller, not shown, to locate the insert. The threaded puller is screwed into the tube 101 and locates the insert in the hole. The cylindrical tube is then inserted in the hole to contact the surface 119 of the web 102. The puller is pulled outward relative to the cylindrical tube, thereby causing the webs 102, 103 to change their orientation and lock the insert in the hole. The puller and tube may be removed, allowing the structure 119 to be joined to structure 115 as shown in Fig. 12, minus the ring 114.

Another alternative form of the invention is shown in figures 13, 14 and 15. In this form a rivet according to the invention is used to join two items together.

Referring to figure 13 the rivet 201 comprises a tubular section 205 having an upper end 212, and lower end 213. A the upper end 212 is a radially outwardly and downwardly depending frusto-conical annular wall 20'4. At the lower end 213 is a radially inwardly and upwardly depending frusto-conical annular wall 206. The two items to be joined, in this case two plane walls, 208, 209 have co-axial holes 216, 217 passing there through, of the same diameter. The diameter of the holes 216, 217 is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the tubular section 205. In use the tubular section 205 is passed into the passage way, lower end 213 first. The length of the tubular section 205 must be of a length that when the downwardly depending wall 204 contacts the upper surface 218 of the top wall 208, the lower end 213 is still within the thickness of the two walls.

To set the rivet 201 a striker cap, indicated by 200 is used. The striker cap 200 comprises a tubular body 203 having an upper end 219 _^ and a lower end 214. At the upper end is an annular disc 202.

The disc 202, at its outer circumference 220 has a downwardly depending annular lip 221. At the upper end 219 of the tubular body, just below the disc 202, there is an annular groove 210 formed in the outside surface of the tubular body 200. The outside diameter of the tubular body 203 is slightly less then the inside diameter of the rivet tubular section 205, while the lengths of the tubular body 203 and tubular section 205 are

- _ 8 -

approximately equal.

To use, the striker cap 200 is inserted inside the tubular section until the lower end 215 contacts the lower frusto-conical wall 206. Due to the thickness of the tubular body 203, and the upward direction of the wall 206, the upper end 219, of the striker cap 200 is above the upper end 212 of the rivet 201, as indicated in Figure 14.

A sharp blow downwards, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 14 will set the rivet as indicated in Figure 15. The downward force initially causes the downward depending wall 204 to flex upward, relative to the tubular section 205 allowing the rivet 201 to move downward through the two walls 208, 209. Once the lower end 213 of the tubular section 203 has passed out through the walls 208, 209 the striker cap 200 may move relative to the rivet 201. The lower end 214 of the striker cap 200 drives the upwardly directed frusto conical wall 206 downwards until it flips to be a downwardly directed wall as indicated in Figure 15. simultaneous to this action the groove 210 moves to be next the upper end 212 of the tubular section 203.

The flipping of the annular wall 206 from an upward direction to a downward direction causes the wall of the tubular section 203, at its lower end 213, to be radially outwardly deformed, creating an annular bead 211. This bead 211 radially extends over the hole and prevents the rivet 201 being removed. Meanwhile the deflection of the upper wall 204 has caused a radially inwardly extending bead 215 to form which extends into the groove 210 of the striker cap 200, thereby preventing the striker cap 200 being removed. The length of the striker cap 200 is such that its lower end 204 is in close proximity to the -lower annular wall 206, preventing the annular wall 206 being flipped back to an upward direction and thereby releasing the rivet 201. once set, the upper wall 204 is deflected, which in turn generates an upward face on the tubular section 204, drawing the two walls 208, 209 tightly together. Where a plastic rivet is utilised this is an important feature since, over time, the plastic will creep, if a perpendicular wall was used, after a relatively short time, the rivet would creep and become loose. With this feature the downwardly depending wall 204 always causes the two walls 208, 209 to be drawn tightly together, even if creep occurs. The "anti-creep" feature is useful for other embodiments, such as a container seal, where the seal must be permanent.

An additional feature which may be utilised with all forms of the

invention is shown in Figures 16 and 17.

The outer circumference edge 301 of the lower annular wall is provided with a series of downward directed fingers 302.

When the wall is flipped to the second, downwardly directed position, as in Fig. 17, the fingers 302 flex outward, further than the annular bead 303 so formed, hile, normally, these fingers serve no purpose, when, as occasionally occurs, the wall 304, next the lower end 205, is deformed, as indicated in Fig 17 then the fingers 302, extending further than the bead, will engage the wall 304 first, reducing the amount of play in the insert. This is of most benefit in the embodiments of Figures 8, 9 and 13 to 15 where a sealing function is not essential.

In figures 18 to 21 there is shown a syringe piston according to the invention

A syringe 320 comprises a syringe cylinder 321 in which a piston 322 slides. A plunger rod 323 is releasably connected to the piston 322, as will be explained.

At the outlet end 324 of the cylinder 321, there is a radially inwardly extending frusto-conical wall 325 depends. A smaller outlet cylinder 326, to which a conventional syringe needle may be attached, depends from the inner circum erence 327 of the frusto-conical wall 325 , co-axial with cylinder 321.

The piston 322 comprises a cylindrical wall 328 which slideably seals with the cylinder 321. The piston, at its inner end 329 has a conical pressure receiving wall 330 depending therefrom, which seals the inner end 329 of the piston wall 328. The conical wall 330 normally converges in an outward direction, indicated by arrow 331.

The outer face 332 of the conical wall 330 has a plurality of locking dogs 333 which engage the plunger rod 323. The plunger rod is a hollow tubular member having a shoulder 334 at its inner end 336. The locking dogs have shoulders 335 which are complementory to shoulder 334 and engage thereon, thereby locking the plunger 323 to the piston 322. n use the plunger 323 and piston 322 are drawn in the direction of arrow 331 to draw fluid into the syringe interior, in a conventional way. Upon injection the plunger and piston are again pushed in the opposite direction as is conventional. However, when the inner end 329 of the piston reaches the outer end 324, the converging wall 325 prevents further movement of cylindrical wall 328. Continued movement of the plunger 323 causes the conical wall 330 to "pop" to a reverse conic as shown in Fig. 19.

The movement of the conical wall 330 to this first position causes two effects.

Firstly the piston wall 328 at its inner end 329 is deformed radially outwardly, forming a locking bead 336. ^* The locking bead 336 engages the syringe wall 321 and locks the piston 328 and syringe wall 321 together.

The second effect is that the locking dogs 335 disengage from the shoulder 334 of plunger 323. Thus the plunger 323 cannot be used to overcome the locking together of piston 322 and syringe wall 321, or to "pop" the conical wall 330 back to its original position, thereby releasing it.

Once the syringe is "locked" it cannot be released, thereby preventing further use.

Fig. 21 shows a variation of the syringed Figs. 18 to 20. In this embodiment the syringe wall 321 has a small groove 337 therein at its junction with the wall 325. This groove 337 is complementary to locking bead 336 and enhances the locking action.

A further variant of the invention is shown in Figs. 22 and 23. In this embodiment the insert 390 has a thick cylindrical wall 400, and a simiarly thick curved sealing wall 401. The wall 400 has a notch 402 at the junction of the walls 400 and 401. This aids "popping" of the sealing wall downwardly, as in Fig. 22 which distorts the lower end portion 403 of wall 400 radially outward. The notch 402 is closed by this movement and thus without the notch such "popping" would be more difficult.

Figures 24 and 25 shown a cap 430 according to the invention for sealing pressurised containers. The cap 430 comprises a flange 431 from which depends a cylindrical portion 432. At the free end 433 of the cylindrical portion 432 is a frusto-conical annulus 434 extending radially inwards and converging in an upward direction, preferably at about 30°. The annulus 434 may be flexed to be downwardly converging, as in fig 25, to lock the insert 430 in an opening 435 of a container 436.

At the inner circumference 436 of the annulus 434 depends a hollow U-shaped ring member 437. One end of the U is integral with the annulus 434, and from the other, inner, edge 437 is a domed wall 438.

When pressure is applied to the underside of the cap 430, as indicated by arrows 439, the U-shaped ring member 437 tends to expand radially, urging the edge 436 of frusto-conical wall 434 downwards, and increasing the security of the seal.

The diameter of the U-shaped ring 437 and cylindrical portion 432 is

preferably such that a person's fingers may grip the ring 437. By deforming the ring radially inwards the ease with which the wall 434 may be flexed to be upwardly converging is greatly increased.

Figures 26 and 27 show a novel pipe joiner according to the invention. The joiner 450 comprises a cylindrical tube 451 having frusto-conical walls 452 at each end thereof. The inner diameter of the tube 451 is preferably such that two pipes 453 and 454 may be inserted into the tube 451 with an inteference fit. in fig 26 the walls 452 are in the as formed state. Flexing the walls 452 so as to converge towards each other, as in figure 27, causes the ends 455 of the tube 451 to be deformed radially inwards, firmly gripping the pipes 453 and 454 together.

Figs 28 and 29 show a part view of a lid according to the invention for an open mouthed container.

The container 460 has a cylindircal wall 461 which defines the opening. The lid 462 comprises a disc 463 having a frusto-conical wall 464 depending from its outer circumference 465. The wall 464 in turn has a hollow U-shaped ring 466 depending from its outer circumference 467. The ring 465 is downwardly open and of a diameter to allow the wall 461 to enter it. From the outer end 468 of the ring 465 is a second frusto-conical wall 469. In the as-formed and undefor ed state of fig 28 the wall 464 is upwardly converging while wall 469 is downwardly converging. In the state of fig 28 the lid is placed over the container to engage wall 461 and then walls 463, 464 and 469 are downwardly depressed such that walls 464 and 469 reverse their orientation, as in fig 29. This reversal of orientation causes ring shaped beads 470 and 471 to form on the U-shaped ring 466 which engage the wall 468, sealingly locking the lid 460 to the container.

Preferably, but not essential, the wall 468 has a annular groove 472 into which bead 471 may engage so as to enhance the security of the lid. A further preferred feature is a large radially outwardly extending ring 473 which protects the wall 469 from accidental release.

Figures 30 and 31 show a novel nozzle for injecting a fluid through an opening.

The nozzle 480 is intended for use where it must seal the opening 481 through which the fluid is injected and is preferably capable of sealing various sized orifices.

The nozzle 480 comprises a series of co-axial cylinders, 482, 483 and 484, arranged generally end-on-end. Adjacent ends of the cylinders are each joined by a frusto-conical wall, 485, 486.

-- 12 -

Although three co-axial cylinders are shown, more or less cylinders may be used. The outermost cylinder, 482 has a radially outwardly extending flange 488 depending from its free end 490, while the innermost cylinder 484 has a radially inwardly extending frusto-conical wall 487 depending from its free end 491. A tube 489 depends from the inner circumference 492 of the wall 487 and extends, generally co-axially, rearwards through the cylinders 482, 483 and 484.

The tube 489 is attached to a fluid resevoir such that fluid may be despensed through the tube 489.

In use the nozzle 480 is inserted into the opening 481 and will pass therethrough until either cylinders 482 or 483 or flange 488 abuts the wall 500. Forward movement of the tube 489 will cause the frusto conical walls 485, 486, and 487 to flex to change orientation, as in fig 31, causing locking and sealing beads to form at ends 493 and 494. Only locking bead 495 has affect, extending radially outwards to seal against the opening 481. Preferably the length of cylinder 483 is such that wall 485 does not pass overcentre and change orientation. Thus the wall 485 will pull the bead 495 tightly against the wall and enhance sealing. To remove the insert the tube 489 is pulled out of the opening 481 relative to cylinders 482, 483 and 484, thereby causing walls 485, 486 and 487 to revert to their undistorting forms.

Although many of the embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to plastics materials metals may be used. Although the device has been described with reference to an integally formed unit, it is within the scope of the invention for the tube, members and any other flanges or attachments to be made separately and then glued, welded, or assembled by other means, to produce the unit.

It is obvious that many adaptions and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.