Locking fastener for threaded joint with sight gauge

#The present invention relates to locking fastener assemblies for threaded joints and more particularly to locking fastener assemblies used for automotive, truck and trailer hub assemblies.

#Locking fasteners and locking fastener assemblies are used to prevent loosening of a threaded fastener in a fastener joint. There are many types of threaded joints in which loosening of a fastener is undesirable. One example to which the principles of the present invention may be applied is an axle assembly of a vehicle, including automobiles, trucks, trailers or other transportation devices.

#In a typical axle assembly, axle bearings are supported between an axle or spindle and a wheel hub or spindle support to permit rotation of a vehicle wheel. An axle bearing nut is used to hold the components together. Usually, the axle bearing assembly is encased with grease and sealed so that outside contaminates, which can lead to premature bearing wear and failure, cannot enter the bearing assembly. Moreover, in order to prevent premature bearing failure, the nut must be installed properly and tightened to the proper torque to avoid excessive axial bearing load or, alternatively, excessive free play. In addition, after assembly, it is important to prevent loosening of the axle bearing nut to avoid bearing failure or even the dangerous loss of a wheel.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the various components of one embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a top view of a lock washer in one embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a nut in one embodiment of the present invention; and

#While the present invention is capable of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be hereinafter described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the components of one embodiment of the locking fastener assembly 10 of the present invention. The locking fastener assembly 10 includes a nut 12, at least one locking bolt 14 and a retainer washer 16. The nut 12 has a flange 18 with at least one tapped bolt hole 20, where the locking bolts 14 are receivable. The nut 12 also contains internal female threads 13. The locking bolts 14 can be of any configuration, but it is preferred that they comprise a socket head cap screw that receives an allen wrench tool. However, the locking bolts can comprise other bolt configurations, including hex head and torx bolts.

#As those skilled in the art will appreciate, there can be a multitude of bolt holes 20 located on the flange 18. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, there are two bolt holes 20 located 180° apart from each other on the flange 18. The nut 12 also contains a sight gauge 22 that preferably comprises a notch located on the periphery of the flange 18. While it is preferred that the notch actually break the plane of the edge 23 of the flange, thus creating a gap in the flange edge 23, those skilled in the art will recognize that that the sight gauge 22 can comprise an aperture contained totally within the boundaries of the flange edge 23 and that the flange edge 23 need not have a gap.