Abstract: A thread insert comprises an externally threaded housing with an internally threaded floating nut therein. Diametrically spaced ears on the nut are engaged in diametrically spaced grooves in the housing, respectively, to limit relative rotation between the nut and the housing yet permit radial movement of the nut relative to the housing. A single split ring locks the nut into the housing.

Abstract: A gear sub-assembly for a bicycle chain derailleur system comprises a plurality of gears of different pitch diameter oriented and retained in a conical array by gear support arms having locking means at each end thereof releasably engageable with the gears at each end of said gear sub-assembly. Torque is transmitted from the gears intermediate the end gears to said arms, thence to the end gears, thence to a wheel hub.

Abstract: A captive nut comprises an internally threaded nut body having torque receiving wrench pads and an annular truncated conical surface terminating in a radially extending load transfer surface. The nut body is accepted in a complementary cup-shaped washer having a conical cylindrical wall portion complementary to the conical wall portion of the nut body so as to retain the nut body. An initially truncated conical retention element is disposed between the load transfer surface of the nut body and a radial portion of the cup-shaped washer. Torquing of the nut body toward a workpiece effects deformation of the retention element nut into a complementary annular recess in the bolt thereby permanently capturing the nut on the bolt.