Tamper-resistant fastener for connecting a wheel rim to a hub flange of a motor vehicle
US10816023B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 2018 |
| Grant date | Oct 27, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 4, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16B41/005
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for connecting a wheel rim to a hub flange of a motor vehicle, having a fastener such a threaded nut or bolt, and a tool which engages the fastener in a positive-locking manner in order to tighten or release the fastener. To provide improved protection against theft of wheel rims and tires, the fastener has an annular groove extending axially from an end surface of the fastener, the groove having an annular base and inner and outer sidewalls shaped to form an undercut wider than an opening of the groove, a recess extending axially below the base for receiving a projection of a complementally-shaped key on the tool to allow rotation of the fastener. The undercut prevents an unauthorized person using a mold-making material, from being able to make an imprint of the groove and producing a tool therefrom to release the fastener.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.