Abstract: Torque limiting clamping means comprises a cylindrical unthreaded screw-thread engaging clamping member of elastomeric material screwed on a rigid screw threaded member at an interference fit. The interference fit, the pitch and dimensions of the screw thread, and the physical characteristics of the elastomeric material are preselected to enable deformation of the elastomeric material resiliently within its elastic limit into the thread groove of the rigid member to accommodate the interference fit and to cause screw induced relative axial movement of the members to a limit of axial travel, whereupon the elastomeric material flows axially across the screw thread to terminate the axial travel and to effect a resilient reaction against the screw thread which results in an axial clamping force and a radial thread-locking force against the thread predetermined by the maximum allowable torque.

Abstract: Torque limiting clamping and sealing means comprise a cylindrical unthreaded screw-thread engaging clamping member of elastomeric material screwed on a rigid screw threaded member at an interference fit. An annular abutment around the clamping member engages a stop fixed with respect to the rigid member at a predetermined limit of screw induced axial travel to effect said limit of travel. A thin, flexible annular sealing lip around the clamping member and spaced radially from the abutment sealingly engages a surface fixed with respect to the rigid member prior to said limit of axial travel.