Adjustable lock nut

An adjustable lock nut adapted to be locked on a threaded element comprising a one-piece annular body having a body axis, end faces perpendicular to the body axis, a circumferential outer surface, and an internally threaded bore extending axially between the end faces, the body having a first groove intermediate the end faces and opening at said bore and a second groove intermediate said end faces and opening at said outer surface, the first and second grooves being axially spaced apart and configured to divide the body into first and second internally threaded end ring portions and a thin axially resilient intermediate ring portion integrally connected at an outer end of the first groove to the first end ring portion and at an inner end of the second groove to the second end ring portion, the annular body having a plurality of internally threaded openings each having an axis extending radially inwardly from the outer surface at locations circumferentially spaced apart about the body, the internally threaded openings being located between and intersecting the first and second end ring portions, and externally threaded screws threaded into said internally threaded openings, the internally threaded openings and the externally threaded screws being configured to wedge the first and second end ring portions axially away from each other when the externally threaded screws are turned into the internally threaded openings, said intermediate ring portion being sufficiently thin to deform and accommodate limited movement of the first and second end ring portions in relatively opposite directions.