Abstract: A crosspiece including two terminal surfaces (22.1, 22.2) and a pipe (24) with a longitudinal axis (26) that is essentially perpendicular to the terminal surfaces (22.1, 22.2), includes two parts (40.1, 40.2), each having a terminal surface (22.1, 22.2), a first part (40.1) including at least one edge (48) that can be flattened against an edge (48) of the other part (40.2), with the edges having shapes that immobilize the two parts in the direction of the longitudinal axis (26) that makes it possible to adjust the relative position of the two parts in such a way as to obtain a desired length between the terminal surfaces.

Abstract: A ferrule (10) that is intended to be cast into a concrete element, such as a concrete panel. Engaged with the ferrule (10) is a washer assembly (22) that secures a plate (19) to the concrete element (16) for the purposes of securing the concrete element (16) to an adjacent concrete element (17). The washer assembly (22) has a threaded fastener (21) that can be adjusted angularly for engagement with the ferrule (10).

Abstract: An adjustable bonding washer for placement between two metal pieces to create an electrical bond between them. The bonding washer has two metallic parts constrained to slide relative to one another along an axis. Each part has oppositely directed teeth that are forcibly embedded into the metal pieces to make electrical contact with them when they are rigidly clamped together. Adjustability enables the bonding washer to be mated with metal pieces having a range of widths and profiles, such as the slotted rails used to support arrays of photovoltaic panels.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustment element 1 with which a component can be fastened and can be positioned in space. The adjustment element has the following features: a banjo bolt 10 with an external thread 12 with which the component holder 50 can be positioned in the axial direction of the banjo bolt 10, an inner element 20 which is arranged within the banjo bolt 10 and to which the banjo bolt 10 is rotatably fastened, and a washer 30 which is held between the banjo bolt 10 and inner element 20 in a manner such that it can be laterally displaced in the axial direction of the inner element 20 such that the adjustment element 1 can be laterally positioned and can be fixed with a fastening means 40 reaching through the washer 30.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a slip washer comprising a flat metal disc having a center hole for placing around a bolt shaft and a cut channel allowing the washer to be installed without slipping it over the end of the shaft.

Abstract: A torque nut assembly includes a multiple-piece nut body and a ring-shaped compression assembly. The compression assembly circumferentially engages the nut body to capture its multiple pieces therein. The compression assembly can position the nut body to define a threaded axial passage or to allow radial expansion of the multiple pieces such that the threaded axial passage is segmented in correspondence with the nut body's multiple pieces. At least one structure is provided to lock the compression assembly when the threaded axial passage is defined.

Abstract: The disclosed system, device, and apparatus for a locking element generally includes a force device having a suitable shape to fit around a plurality of coupled elements. This re-usable force device reduces unwanted and unintended rotation of coupled elements. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted, or otherwise optionally modified to realize improved locking function.

Abstract: In an exemplary, non-limiting bushing assembly, a first bushing defines a first opening therethrough. The first opening has a first dimension along a first axis that is sized to receive a fastener therethrough. The first opening has a second dimension along a second axis, and the second dimension is larger than the first dimension. A second bushing defines a second opening therethrough that is sized to receive a fastener therein. Means are provided for engaging the first and second bushings.

Abstract: Nested articulated split rings move relatively to each other to enlarge their outer dimension for a grip on a surrounding tubular or the wellbore. The rings can be articulated to enlarge their outside dimension with relative movement that can be initiated by dimensional expansion from within the tubular or manipulation of the tubular that creates the desired relative movement. The relative movement can be locked in after it is made to secure the grip. Different shape profiles that magnify the radial outer dimension in excess of the percentage dimensional change in the underlying tubular are contemplated.

Abstract: A support device of cabin elements in an airplane. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a support device is provided into which a threaded bushing (7) can be screwed into a fastening element (6) in order to adjust the distance in z-direction of the airplane. Thus, a stepless adjustment is made possible in an advantageous way.

Abstract: A compression limiter assembly having a spring washer and a sleeve. The sleeve includes a cylindrical body and a flange radially extending from a first end of the body. A fastener inserted through the spring washer is received in a through aperture of the cylindrical body. The fastener includes a head, an unthreaded shank portion extending from the head, and a threaded shank portion extending from the unthreaded shank portion having a threaded diameter greater than a diameter of the unthreaded shank portion. An annular swage created proximate to the flange defines an internal protuberance extending into the through aperture of the cylindrical body. The protuberance is operable to prevent release of the fastener by contact between the threaded shank portion and the protuberance. The unthreaded shank portion is capable of lateral motion within a diameter defined by the protuberance.

Abstract: In an exemplary, non-limiting bushing assembly, a first bushing defines a first opening therethrough. The first opening has a first dimension along a first axis that is sized to receive a fastener therethrough. The first opening has a second dimension along a second axis, and the second dimension is larger than the first dimension. A second bushing defines a second opening therethrough that is sized to receive a fastener therein. Means are provided for engaging the first and second bushings.

Abstract: A bolted fastener for joining components, such as a bracket fastened to a crosspiece, includes a bolt, a nut and an eccentric. A square neck of a bolt fits into an oblong hole in a component and prevents the bolt from turning. The diameter of the eccentric that serves as a wedging means fits into the slightly larger diameter of the receptacle hole, allowing the eccentric to fit into the receptacle hole. When the nut is screwed on the bolt, the eccentric rotates about the bolt and, on account of its eccentricity, wedges itself within the receptacle hole. The wedged eccentric prevents accidental loosening or accidental unscrewing of the nut.

Abstract: A docking apparatus for printed circuit boards including a cassette housing defining a housing cavity for containing a printed circuit board (PCB) and a linkage mechanism associated with the cassette housing. The linkage mechanism includes a linkage arm pivotally connected to the cassette housing via a pivot and has a first arm pivotally connected to the PCB, a traveler having a threaded bore therethrough connected to a second arm extending from the first arm, a shaft threadedly engaged in the left handed threaded bore through the traveler at a first end defining the shaft, the first end configured to operably transfer axial translation of the shaft to the traveler, and an opposite second end defining the shaft threaded engaged in a right handed threaded bore through a split nut operably secured to the cassette housing.

Abstract: A connection arrangement accommodates misalignments in three dimensions, and achieves a positive fixed connection between two components. A threaded standoff with a first bolt hole therein is partially screwed into a threaded hole in the first component and protrudes to match the spacing distance between the components. Inner and outer eccentric disks are received and supported in a hole in the second component. The inner disk has an offset center relative to the outer disk, and has a second bolt hole offset from the inner disk's center. Rotating the two disks accommodates radial misalignments to bring the two bolt holes into alignment. A bolt shaft extends through the bolt holes. While a bolt head or nut at one end of the shaft bears against the eccentric disks, a clamping cone at the opposite end of the shaft is tightened to axially clamp the standoff against the second component, and to radially outwardly spread and clamp the standoff against the internal threading of the first hole in the first component.

Abstract: A washer formed by two identical C-shaped sections having parallel upper and lower surfaces, two ends, an inside and an outside arcuate edge, the ends having a plurality of tabs and recesses that inter-digitate to form continuous surfaces. The outside arcuate edges have a slot adjacent to one end and a flap projecting from the opposite end. The flaps are inserted into the slots of adjacent sections to retain adjoining ends in fixed relation to each other. Additional grooves on the outside arcuate edge facilitate assembly using needle-nosed pliers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting element which comprises a bolt element with a head and a shank adjoining the latter. The head is formed from a means of engagement for a tool, which is arranged concentrically in relation to a longitudinal bolt axis, and a first eccentric disk, which is arranged eccentrically in relation to the longitudinal bolt axis. At least one second eccentric disk (22), which has a circumferential punching burr, can be pushed onto the shank by way of an eccentrically arranged push-on opening (24). According to the invention, the shank and the second eccentric disk can only be pushed onto the shank in the correct position, such that the circumferential punching burr is oriented away from the head.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension and alignment device therefor is provided. The suspension includes a suspension control arm connected to an axle of the vehicle and having one end pivotally connected to a bracket extending from a frame of the vehicle. The end of the control arm is capable of rotation about a first axis extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The suspension further includes a thrust washer disposed between one wall of the bracket and the end of the suspension control arm and a fastener that extends through the bracket, the washer, and the end of the suspension control arm. The washer is configured for engagement by a tool used to rotate the washer and cause movement of the suspension control arm relative to the bracket to thereby align the suspension and a vehicle axle.

Abstract: An interlocking shim system having interlocking grooves and teeth. The interlocking shim does not require extraneous tools for the process of installation. The system also includes magnets for placing a shim pack in an uneven environment. Since the interlocking shims can be attached to each other through the interlocking groove members the user can manipulate a connected shim pack, by removing the first interlocking shim. There is also a magnet system in the present invention for aligning the bottom shim in mechanical applications without having to scribe the position for correct placement. The shims interlock for easy removal of shim packs.

Abstract: A two-piece washer that can be inserted in a fully or partially assembled shaft structure without the necessity of removing component parts is disclosed. The two identical substantially inflexible pieces each have, on the circumferential ends thereof, a tab and recess that interlock with the corresponding tab and recess on the respective ends of the mating piece. To insert the washer, the mating surfaces of the component parts at the insertion location on the shaft must be separated a distance at least twice the thickness of the washer so that the two pieces of the washer can be placed around the shaft and moved axially along the shaft and relative to each other into the interlocking position.

Abstract: A two-piece washer that can be inserted in a fully or partially assembled shaft structure without the necessity of removing component parts is disclosed. The two identical substantially inflexible pieces each have, on the circumferential ends thereof, a tab and recess that interlock with the corresponding tab and recess on the respective ends of the mating piece. To insert the washer, the mating surfaces of the component parts at the insertion location on the shaft must be separated a distance at least twice the thickness of the washer so that the two pieces of the washer can be placed around the shaft and moved axially along the shaft and relative to each other into the interlocking position.

Abstract: There is provided a suspension arm mounting structure in which a mounting end portion 2 of a suspension arm 1 is fastened relative to a vehicle body 4 with a bolt 11 and a nut 12 and in which the wheel alignment is adapted to be adjusted by displacing the bolt in a direction orthogonal to an axis thereof through rotation of a pair of plate cams 15, 19 disposed at ends of the bolt, characterized in that a cylindrical collar 13 is provided over a shank portion 11b of the bolt; in that one 15 of the pair of plate cams and an engagement portion 16 for engagement with a turning tool are provided at one end of the cylindrical collar in such a manner as to prohibit a relative rotation therebetween, and in that an engagement portion 17 is formed on the other end of the cylindrical collar so as to prohibit a relative rotation between the cylindrical collar and the other 19 of the pair of plate cams.

Abstract: An interlocking shim system having interlocking grooves and teeth. The interlocking shim does not require extraneous tools for the process of installation. The system also includes magnets for placing a shim pack in an uneven environment. Since the interlocking shims can be attached to each other through the interlocking groove members the user can manipulate a connected shim pack, by removing the first interlocking shim. There is also a magnet system in the present invention for aligning the bottom shim in mechanical applications without having to scribe the position for correct placement. The shims interlock for easy removal of shim packs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reduce noises when a starter is put in motion with a simple modification to its structure without increasing the number of parts. A circumferential groove is made in a portion near one end of the shaft of an armature and the holder plate of a brush is fixed to the inside of the end surface of the bracket with screws, and the outer peripheral portion of the washer is sandwiched by the bracket and the holder plate and the inner peripheral portion of the washer is fitted in the circumferential groove of the shaft to limit the movement of the armature.

Abstract: A hole plug and method of installing the hole plug to seal and repair a hole in a wall of a pipeline, tank or other physical structure is provided. The hole plug has a bolt with a bolt head and a threaded shank, where two or more adjacent notched washers, one or more sealing washers and an exterior washer are secured about the threaded shank and between the bolt head and a threaded nut. The present invention includes an internal sealing washer and/or an external sealing washer. The sealing washers and the exterior washer are selected to provide a surface area larger than the hole. The hole is prepared by establishing a solid, clean edge. The bolt head, a length of the threaded shank, the notched washers and an optional internal sealing washer, are passed from the exterior side of the wall and through the hole. Insertion of the notched washers is accomplished by tipping the washers at an angle to the wall and rotating the washer through the hole.

Abstract: An improved cushioning bumper and stop member for a pivotal door such as used to cover a fuel opening in a vehicle body which is designed to be indexed by rotation in its mount to a precise position for establishing the door's closed position to create an outer surface flush with the surrounding surface of a vehicle body. The adjustable cushioning bumper member is mounted in a recessed door mount assembly so that it can be manually indexed by rotation to a desirable optimum position establishing the door's surface at a desired planar orientation relative to the vehicle's adjacent body surface.

Abstract: A shaft seal having spacers positioned between the packing follower and the body of a valve. The spacers are flat, hard members of a certain thickness which allow maximum tightening of the packing fasteners and determine the maximum pressure the packing follower exerts on the packing material. The spacers have a slot for accommodating the fasteners and a tab that can easily be grasped with a tool, such as pliers. A stack of spacers can be positioned between the packing follower and valve body and then sequentially removed to provide incremental tightening of the fasteners for maintaining pressure on the packing materials by the packing gland. The spacers may include integral locking tabs.

Abstract: A static gasket for sealing mating flanges which are clamped together by at least one fastener. A carrier holds the seal in a groove and the seal is protected from over compression by a compression limiter which is inserted into an aperture in the carrier. The compression limiter is crescent shaped to permit the insertion of a fastener stud into a through hole formed between the compression limiter and the aperture in the carrier.

Abstract: A plastic snap nut is in the form of a molded plastic tubular member with a radially extending flange. The tubular member has a threaded bore and a slot formed through its wall into the bore. The slot width is slightly less than the diameter of the bore. The nut is sufficiently resilient, allowing it to be snapped onto an elongated threaded rod from the side at any location along the length of the rod, making it unnecessary to screw it on to the rod from one end thereof. Once secured, the threads on the nut engage the threads on the rod, allowing the nut to be repositioned by rotating it.

Abstract: A structure for fixing an electrical junction assembly on a corner portion defined by a first attaching surface and a second attaching surface perpendicular to the first attaching surface, the fixing structure comprises an electrical junction assembly body including a wire harness drawn out from a first side face thereof, the first side face opposing to the first attaching surface, a first bracket including a first fastening portion parallel to the first side face and a through hole formed in the first fastening portion, into which a first bolt vertically provided on the first attaching surface is inserted, a second bracket including a second fastening portion parallel to a second side face opposing to the second attaching surface, and an elongated through hole formed in the second fastening portion and extending toward the first side wall, into which a second bolt vertically provided on the second attaching surface is inserted, and a thin breakable member provided on a face of the second fastening portion wh

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing for expansion and contraction in modular building panels provides a quickly insertable shim structure that can be placed between modular building panels adjacent bolt that secures the panels together. The shim is inserted into a gap formed between two adjacent members that are to be joined from a location external to the panels. The shim is U-shaped so that it passes over a bolt for securing the members together. When the bolt is tightened, the shim forms a permanent gap-forming structure. The adjacent members can be vertical members or horizontal members. This shim is inserted at a location on the adjacent members between interconnected transverse members so that the transverse members can expand into the gap with corresponding flexure about the shim of the adjacent members.

Abstract: A thrust reverser comprising a pair of symmetrical thrust reverser doors pivotally mounted on an axis which is substantially diametrically positioned with respect to the exhaust nozzle of an engine, hinge fittings secured to the doors, pivot brackets secured to a fixed part of the engine, pivot bolts securing the hinge fittings of the thrust reverser doors to the pivot brackets and forming the pivot axis for the doors, the pivot brackets having elongated openings formed therein for receiving the pivot bolts, the pivot bolts having elongated shoulders for engaging one of the elongated openings and positioning the pivot bolts therein, and a washer having an elongated boss for engaging another of the elongated openings and thereby positioning the pivot bolt in the elongated openings. A method for carrying out the trimming of the throat area is also disclosed and comprises changing the pivot bolts in order to shift the pivot axis from its original position to a new, offset position.

Abstract: An interchangeable fan blade system for a ceiling fan, made up of a set of adapters having a plurality of elongated attachment apertures that allow the adapter to be threadably fitted to virtually any type of fan support arm, and a complimentary set of interchangeable fan blades. The adapters include one of a variety of connectors for attaching one end of the fan blades to the support arm. The one end of the fan blade is configured and adapted, or otherwise provided with mating connector elements adapted to engage the connectors of the adapters, thereby allowing the fan blades to be removably attached to the adapters. A second embodiment of the interchangeable fan blade system is a set of interchangeable fan blades having a plurality of elongated attachment apertures which allow the fan blades to be secured to virtually any type of fan arm, by threading a plurality of shoulder cap screws and a plurality of male-female connectors though the plurality of attachment apertures.

Abstract: A fastening system for substantially inhibiting slippage between first and second members interconnected thereby is disclosed. The fastening system is particularly useful in instances where at least one of the first and second members is subject to shear loading. The fastening system may include a fastener having a shank portion which is receivable within first and second bores of the first and second members, respectively, and a nose portion of a nut member for engaging a proximal segment of the shank portion of the fastener proximate the second member to substantially inhibit tilting of the fastener relative to the first and/or second member(s).

Abstract: A stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of stator vane segments and fasteners. Each stator vane segment includes an inner radial platform, an outer radial platform, at least one airfoil extending between said platforms, and a first mounting flange extending radially outward from said outer radial platform. Each first mounting flange is aligned with a second mounting flange extending radially inward from an outer case surrounding the stator vane assembly. Each fastener includes a bolt extending through the first and second mounting flanges, a nut for threaded engagement with the bolt, and apparatus for preventing vibration of the fasteners.

Abstract: A rear derailleur for a bicycle is disclosed herein which basically includes a derailleur body which is coupled to the frame of a bicycle via a bracket axle assembly, and a chain guide assembly which is movably coupled to the derailleur body and engages the chain for moving the chain between the rear gears or sprockets. The bracket axle assembly includes a fixing bolt for pivotally securing the derailleur body to the frame of the bicycle. The bracket axle assembly also includes a torsion spring and a stop plate for controlling the rotational movement of the derailleur body relative to the frame and for normally biasing the derailleur body in a clockwise direction. A retaining assembly having a locking ring and a fixing member is utilized for maintaining the torsion spring and the stopper plate in the desired position on the shaft of the fixing bolt. The locking ring is preferably a two-piece construction and includes first and second substantially identical portions.

Abstract: A camber adjusting device for use in a strut-type suspension system comprises a bolt fitted with a centrally disposed eccentric sleeve. At each end of the sleeve when on the bolt there is fitted an eccentric portion. Each eccentric portion is sized to project into aligned bores in respective flanges while the sleeve is adapted to fit within a bore of a further part of the strut-type suspension system to facilitate eccentric displacement between the bore in the further part and the bores in the flanges.

Abstract: A lightweight, two piece adjustable attachment device provides simple installation into a part, develops robust strength, and enables alignment of a retaining screw or bolt axis with the longitudinal axis of a threaded mounting hole, despite part to mount misalignment caused by tolerance build-up in a complex assembly. The adjustable attachment device is designed to provide sufficient overlap on each side of the part of the edges of the circular receiving aperture that the adjustable attachment device is able to withstand great force without pulling out of the part. The adjustable attachment device includes a fastener receiving slot that extends across the adjustable attachment device. The adjustable attachment device is installed into a circular receiving aperture in a part to be assembled onto a larger assembly.

Abstract: An alignment tolerant fastening system for interconnecting first and second members having first and second bores therethrough, respectively, is disclosed. The fastening system may include a fastening member having a shank portion which is receivable within the bores of the first and second members, a nut member for engaging at least a distal portion of the fastener shank portion proximate the second member, and first and second washers, at least one of which includes a plurality of serrations, positionable within the first bore of the first member, about the shank portion of the fastener. More specifically, for purposes of accommodating a misalignment between the first and second bores, the inner wall of the first washer is slidably engagable with the fastener shank portion and the outer wall of the second washer is slidably engagable or interconnectable with the first bore wall which defines the first bore of the first member.

Abstract: A prosthetic connector assembly (10) for adjustably connecting a socket (22) with a prosthetic limb includes an end plate (12) having a top side (16), a bottom side (18), and a central opening (14) therein. A socket (22) extends upwardly from the top side (16) of the end plate (12) and an attachment member (66) is supported on the bottom side (18) thereof. An oblong washer (26) is disposed within the socket (22) and is supported by the top side (16) of the end plate (12). A bolt (84) extends through the attachment member (66), washer (26), and central opening (14) in the end plate (12) to retain the washer (26) and attachment member (66) against the end plate (12) while permitting relative adjustment of the attachment member (66) with respect to the end plate (12).

Abstract: A uni-directional slack adjuster is incorporated into a hold-down tension rod or strap, such as a hold-down anchor bolt for bolting a shear wall on one floor to a shear wall or foundation wall below, when a wood floor joist assembly is in between. The slack adjuster eliminates bolt slack so that in the event of an earthquake or hurricane, the sill plate is positively anchored with no vertical bolt play, eliminating much of the cosmetic damage that is often done to the wallboard and other finished surfaces due to distortion of the wallboard framing as the sill rises abruptly until it reaches the end of travel on the hold-down bolts. The slack adjuster comprises a link in the tensioner and non-reversibly either expands or contracts axially depending on the particular embodiment.

Abstract: A decomposable furnishing item wherein a number of separate elements are mutually connected by a number of joints, each defined by a first and at least a second element substantially perpendicular to each other, and by a device for mutually locking the elements; the device presenting a nut screw extending through the first element, and a screw assigned to the second element and engaging one end of the nut screw, the opposite end of which is fitted integral with a retaining plate cooperating with an axial stop on the first element and having a number of teeth fitted into the first element for angularly locking the nut screw.

Abstract: The device for clearance-free mounting of panes of glass embodying the invention comprises blocks each having a through passage of oblong section in which can freely pass a fastening screw intended to be screwed into a threaded bore of the support of a pane of glass, the blocks also having an oblique face susceptible of sliding and self-adjusting against an edge of the pane of glass. The invention notably enables a protective pane of glass to be fixed to a viewing screen.

Abstract: Dado shims that are disks of substantially incompressible, flexible, color coded plastic sheet material of uniform predetermined thicknesses having a central arbor hole and a radial slot narrower in width than the arbor hole diameter so that each shim is shaped like the letter "C" and can be distorted slightly during positioning on a saw arbor between dado set blades without removing any of the blades, by slipping the shim over the arbor through the slot until the shim seats on the arbor within the shim arbor hole.

Abstract: In order to offer a linear working unit which is a linear working unit capable of accurately driving two movable members in mutually reverse directions, i.e., leftward and rightward, with a single driving means and yet formed in a construction highly accurate in performance but compact and moderately priced, according to the present invention, a left-hand thread part and a right-hand thread part are formed on a single feed screw, with a nut block being joined independently with each of the left-hand thread part and the right-hand thread part and with the respective nut blocks being installed on a guide rail, and rolling elements are set in the space between the rolling groove formed for the rolling elements in the guide rail and the rolling grooves formed in the nut blocks, so that the nut blocks are kept free to slide in the axial direction by the effect of the rolling motion of these rolling elements.

Abstract: An E-shaped retainer ring comprising an inner circumference that engages with a retainer ring accommodating groove formed around the circumference of a shaft; an opening through which a shaft passes when the retainer ring is mounted on and removed from the shaft; and protruding front end portions formed on each side of the opening at the outer circumference of the ring; whereby the E-shaped retainer ring is removed from the shaft by passing a tool against the protruding end portions of the ring, and the distance between the outer sides of the front end portions is set almost equal to the outer diameter of the retainer ring. A tool for fitting and removing the above E-shaped retainer ring is also provided.

Abstract: A washer assembly which may be assembled and locked into place without fully removing a bolt or screw is described herein. The assembly is comprised of at least two identical segments, each having a male end and a female end. The segments are fitted together, preferably along a planar axis the male end of one segment fitting into the female end of the second segment; and the male end of a second segment fitting into the female end of the first segment. The male end is comprised of a flattened tongue, preferably circular, having convex nodules on at least one surface of the tongue. The female end is comprised of two flattened essentially parallel leaves forming the opening of a slot. At least one inner surface of this slot has at least one complementary concave depression. When the flattened tongue fits into the slot the convex nodules snap into the complementary concave depressions, locking the segments of the washer assembly together.

Abstract: A divided nut comprising two divided nut parts made of plastics which provide engaging projection means and engaging step means so as to engage with each other in a state of fixed fittings. The divided nut parts are integrally connected to each other by means of belt-like connecting means where they are bent to fit each other.

Abstract: A self-locking washer made of a flat elongated piece of material having a slot in one end of it. The washer is designed so that it can be placed underneath bolts or nuts which are already installed without completely removing the bolt or nut. A method of use of the self-locking washer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A boot seal in the form of a bellows for a shock absorber in the form of a liquid spring mounted in a sleeve having a sleeve flanged secured to a deck by bolts, the boot seal including a collapsible central bellows portion, an upper cylindrical boot portion attached to the liquid spring casing by means of a hose clamp, a lower annular resilient boot flange extending substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the boot and having a plurality of first scalloped cutouts in its outer periphery, an annular trim ring overlying the annular boot flange and having second scalloped cutouts in its outer periphery overlying the first scalloped cutouts of the boot flange, retention and spacer washers having lower washer portions extending through the aligned first and second scalloped cutouts and having upper washer flange portions bearing on the trim ring, the lower washer portions being of a length which is less than the combined thickness of the trim ring and the annular boot flange so that when the bolts