Single piece nut assembly
First Claim
1. A single piece locking nut assembly, comprising:
- a nut having (i) a top surface, (ii) a bottom surface, (iii) a substantially cylindrical nut opening through the center thereof, at least a portion of which having threads that are adapted to engage with corresponding threads of a spindle, and (iv) one or more cavities that each receive a holding element that extends into said cylindrical nut opening;
a washer comprising (i) a substantially cylindrical washer opening through the center thereof, (ii) a washer base, (iii) an inner wall extending up from said washer base extending around at least a portion of said cylindrical washer opening and extending into said cylindrical nut opening, and (iv) a locking feature located on a side of said inner wall that is opposite said cylindrical washer opening, said locking feature comprising a plurality of ridges that engage said one or more holding elements; and
a biasing member located between said nut bottom surface and said washer base that prevents said one or more holding elements from engaging said locking feature when said nut assembly is not fully engaged with a spindle.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Self-locking nuts help prevent the nut from backing off of a spindle or other type of threaded shaft. A single piece nut assembly is provided that is self-locking and comprises a nut subassembly and a washer subassembly. Nut and washer subassemblies are secured together, and do not require any special tools for installation or removal. The washer has an edge which is formed/rolled over a lip extending from the bottom edge of the nut when assembled to provide the unitized assembly. The nut and washer are held apart by a spring, such as a wave spring, until the washer contacts the face of the object to which the nut is being secured. At this point the spring is compressed to engage the nut with the washer, and engage holding elements located in the nut with a holding feature located on the washer and prevent movement between the washer and nut.
44 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A single piece locking nut assembly, comprising:
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a nut having (i) a top surface, (ii) a bottom surface, (iii) a substantially cylindrical nut opening through the center thereof, at least a portion of which having threads that are adapted to engage with corresponding threads of a spindle, and (iv) one or more cavities that each receive a holding element that extends into said cylindrical nut opening; a washer comprising (i) a substantially cylindrical washer opening through the center thereof, (ii) a washer base, (iii) an inner wall extending up from said washer base extending around at least a portion of said cylindrical washer opening and extending into said cylindrical nut opening, and (iv) a locking feature located on a side of said inner wall that is opposite said cylindrical washer opening, said locking feature comprising a plurality of ridges that engage said one or more holding elements; and a biasing member located between said nut bottom surface and said washer base that prevents said one or more holding elements from engaging said locking feature when said nut assembly is not fully engaged with a spindle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification