Importance

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Abstract

A quick-operating locking fastener assembly for use in connecting members together, the fastener assembly comprising a fastener having a threaded shank, and a lock nut assembly receivable on the shank. The lock nut assembly includes a retainer having a passage for receiving the shank, and a seat formed in the retainer. An insert is held in the passage and has internal threads formed thereon for mating with threads of the shank. The insert is radially contractible and expandable between an engaged position in which the insert is threadably engaged with the shank and a disengaged position in which the insert is free to move axially along the shank without engagement of the insert with the shank. A generally deformable lock is disposed in the seat of the retainer and is sized and shaped such that the lock is not in contact with the threads of the shank when the lock is in an undeformed condition so that the lock nut assembly may be rapidly slid onto the shank to a location in which the nut assembly is ready to be tightened to a locked position by relative rotation of the lock nut assembly and fastener with the insert in its engaged position. The lock is deformed upon engagement with one of the members and tightening of the lock nut assembly into locking engagement with the shank thereby to lock the lock nut assembly in place on the fastener.

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First Claim