Abstract: A fastener assembly for use in a joint in a work-piece comprises a first fastener component for extending through a hole in the work-piece, a second fastener component and a resilient element. The first component has a first contact portion for engaging the work-piece. The second fastener component has a second contact portion for cooperating with the first fastener component to compressively load the work-piece thereby forming the joint. The resilient element is located between the first and second contact portions so that it is it is compressed under load. The resilient element has a first stiffness characteristic when subjected to loading less than a predefined amount and has a higher stiffness characteristic when subjected to loading more than the predefined amount.

Abstract: A washer for a threaded fastener assembly and a threaded fastener assembly incorporating such a washer. The washer includes a body having a central axis including two opposed sides an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining a central aperture extending between the two opposed sides. The body incorporates an engaging face for frictionally engaging a component of the threaded fastener assembly or a work-piece. A ramp structure extends angularly between the inner periphery and one side for interacting with a further component of the threaded fastener assembly to provide a mechanical connection therebetween for resisting unthreading of the threaded fastener assembly. The engaging face is associated with the other side and extends circumferentially about the central axis. The relative positions of the engaging face and the ramp structure with respect to the central axis is such that in use torque transferred through the engaging face is greater than torque acting through the ramp structure.

Abstract: A washer (390) for a threaded fastener assembly and a threaded fastener assembly (100) incorporating such a washer. The washer (390) comprises a body having a central axis including two opposed sides (391, 392) an outer periphery (393) and an inner periphery defining a central aperture (394) extending between the two opposed sides. The body incorporates an engaging face (396) for frictionally engaging a component of the threaded fastener assembly or a work-piece. A ramp structure (340) extends angularly between the inner periphery and one side (392) for interacting with a further component of the threaded fastener assembly to provide a mechanical connection therebetween for resisting unthreading of the threaded fastener assembly. The engaging face (396) is associated with the other side (391) and extends circumferentially about the central axis.