Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe union that uses mechanical advantage from leverage between a locknut with circumferential torque openings coupled to a tubular first portion and a torque ring with torque slots coupled to a tubular second portion to tighten the union. The tightening can occur without the need of a hammer impact on lugs. Initial tightening can at least partially align longitudinally the radial holes with the radial slots. Final tightening can occur by rotating the torque openings relative to the torque slots using mechanical advantage. Optionally, the pipe union can provide for a ratcheting mechanism to turn the locknut on the tubular first portion to engage the tubular second portion and exert a preliminary torque on the union. The pipe union design also provides a self-energizing elastomeric seal or metal seal. Angles on load shoulders can assist in creating preloads on the union to seal the components.

Abstract: A fastener assembly is provided. The fastener assembly includes an insert having a radial circumference. An annulus extends from the insert and defines an annular end distal from the insert. The annulus further defines a radial cutout section along a length thereof for providing a flex point. The annulus is configured for being radially compressed by a blind hole of a working surface upon tightening of a nut. A nut is positioned adjacent the insert on an end distal the annulus, and a threaded bolt extends from the nut and through the annulus, wherein the bolt is configured to be accepted by the blind hole.

Abstract: A latch including a housing having a cylinder, a compression spring positioned within the cylinder, and a ball positioned at one end of the compression spring, a hook positioned slidably within the housing, and a star wheel positioned around the hook and having a plurality of holes formed therein. The ball under load from the spring aligns with and engages one of the holes of the star wheel to retain it in place. The star wheel is moveable rotatably such that the ball disengages the one of the holes of the star wheel to enable the hook to move axially and be adjusted relative to the housing, and the ball is adapted to engage another of the holes of the star wheel to retain the star wheel and prevent inadvertent rotation.

Abstract: A bolt includes a main-bolt head, a threaded shaft, and a deformable-bolt head component. The main-bolt head has a recess. The threaded shaft extends from the main-bolt head. The threaded shaft has an external thread wrapped therearound. The deformable-bolt head component has an outer flange and an interior threaded bore. The outer flange of the deformable-bolt head component is coupled to the main-bolt head such that a relief space is formed between the deformable-bolt head component and the recess.

Abstract: A fastener assembly is provided. The fastener assembly includes an insert having a radial circumference. An annulus extends from the insert and defines an annular end distal from the insert. The annulus further defines a radial cutout section along a length thereof for providing a flex point. The annulus is configured for being radially compressed by a blind hole of a working surface upon tightening of a nut. A nut is positioned adjacent the insert on an end distal the annulus, and a threaded bolt extends from the nut and through the annulus, wherein the bolt is configured to be accepted by the blind hole.

Abstract: A saw having a power unit with a drive component and a housing for the power unit with a frame. A bar on the housing guides movement of an operatively positioned cutting chain driven by the drive component in an endless path. The bar is movable guidingly in opposite directions in a predetermined path relative to the housing to thereby vary tension upon an operatively positioned cutting chain. A bar fixing assembly has a knob that is turnable around a first axis relative to the housing in: a) a first direction to a tightened state; and b) a second direction to a loosened state. A first assembly resiliently bears against the knob to at least one of: a) inhibit turning of the knob around the first axis; b) provide a sensory indication to a user grasping and turning the knob that the knob is moving around the first axis; and c) reduce play in the knob.

Abstract: A fixed or adjustable chain guide includes a captured shoulder bolt fastener. An adjustable chain guide such as a chain tensioner arm assembly includes a tensioner arm with a pivot bore defined about a pivot axis. The pivot bore includes an inner end opening through a rear face of the tensioner arm and an outer end opening through a front face of the tensioner arm. The tensioner arm further includes at least one resilient fastener retaining tab located adjacent the pivot bore. The shoulder bolt extends through the pivot bore and is engaged by the at least one resilient fastener retaining tab, and the at least one fastener retaining tab inhibits separation of the fastener from the tensioner arm. The fastener preferably includes an annular groove or other recess to be engaged by the one or more fastener retaining tabs in order to permit the tensioner arm to rotate relative to the fastener.

Abstract: Fastening devices are disclosed herein with variations on how said devices resist loosening or un-fastening from a structure or structures. In some examples, the fastening devices accomplish the removal resistant condition by using a spring component engaging ridged surfaces. The spring component generally consists of a spring ring conveniently coiled to a canting position. One exemplary design is characterized by incorporating a screw element with its head underside surface being ridged and a lock element with a ridged topside surface and engaging the two ridges surfaces. Another exemplary design is characterized by a screw element having a head outer sidewall being ridged for cooperating with a bore having a ridged inner sidewall. The bore can be part of a first body or structure or a lock element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-locking screwing attachment device (1a, 1b) including a nut (2a, 2b) screwed onto a threaded tip (3a, 3b) extending in a screwing axis (X), characterized in that the nut (2a, 2b) includes: a first element (6a, 6b) rotating relative to the tip (3a, 3b) when screwing; a second element (13a, 13b) rotatably engaged with the tip (3b) or an adjacent part (5) to be assembled, the tip (3a) passing therethrough; a stop member (23a, 23b) rotatably secured to the first element (6a, 6b); a releasable coupling means (26a, 26b, 27a, 27b, 28a, 28b) between the stop member (23a, 23b) and the second element (13a, 13b), the nut also being provided with an area for direct clamping between a first clamping surface (20a, 20b) of the first element (6a, 6b) and a second clamping surface (21a, 21b) of the second element (13a, 13b), when the second element (13a, 13b) axially engages with the tip (3a, 3b) or said adjacent part (5) to be assembled.

Abstract: An interlocking nut and washer system complies with new standards identified in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Recommended Practice J2535, Setting Preload in Heavy-Duty Wheel Bearings, and with maintenance recommendations issued by the Technology Maintenance Council (TMC) Recommended Practice RP618, Wheel Bearing Adjustment Procedure. The system includes an improved inner washer, adjustment nut, intermediate washer, and outer nut that interlocks with the intermediate washer following the introduction of an established level of preload force by the adjustment nut. The inner washer isolates the adjustment nut from the inner bearing race to eliminate frictional wear. An increase in outer diameter of the inner washer provides an interference capability that serves as a safety factor to prevent separation of the wheel hub from the axle spindle in event of bearing failure. The inner washer includes markers to establish the final adjusted preload or the endplay position of the adjustment nut.

Abstract: A fastener includes a circular shaped body having a dish-shaped interior including an inner flat plate integrally connected to and recessed with respect to an outer planar ring. Multiple connecting legs integrally connect the inner flat plate to the outer planar ring. The outer planar ring has a substantially circular perimeter. First and second deflectable wings are each integrally connected to and extend outwardly from the perimeter of the outer planar ring by first and second deflectable arms. The first and second deflectable wings directly contact opposed ones of multiple faces of a socket tool when the fastener is received in a socket cavity of the socket tool.

Abstract: A washer includes a wedge-shaped main body, a wedge-shaped adjusting portion moveably positioned on the main body and a flexible connecting portion interconnecting the main body and the adjusting portion. The main body defines a through hole through which the screw passes. The main body includes a bottom surface and a positioning surface angled relative to the bottom surface. The adjusting portion includes a flat contact surface and a latching surface contacting the positioning surface of the main body. The latching surface is angled relative to the contact surface. A wedge angle of the adjusting portion equals that of the main body, thus the bottom surface of the main body is substantially parallel with the contact surface of the adjusting portion.

Abstract: A cable lug and a method of use is provided. The cable lug has a receiving tube section for a cable, a flat piece-connecting section that is molded on and is provided with a bore, and a nut which is captively and preferably rotatably mounted on the flat piece-connecting section. The nut does not penetrate the flat piece-connecting section while being mounted by a shaped mounting material section of the flat piece-connecting section, which extends into an undercut in the nut. The mounting material section is in the undercut with an axial clearance. The mounting material section is rooted in a lowered in a step-type manner in the flat piece-connecting section. The lowered area is rotationally symmetrical and is provided with a conical section which opens outward and vertically and encompasses at least one conical area.

Abstract: A bolt lock assembly (40) and a nut lock assembly (60) are provided that respectively include a collar member (16) that is moveable in opposite axial directions in a counterbore (12) in an object (4) and is biased outwardly therefrom by a coiled spring (20). Counterbore (12) has at least one slot (14) extending radially outwardly therefrom and collar member (16) has at least one locking member (18) extending therefrom having a portion registerable with and remaining in slot (18) and a portion adapted to engage locking surfaces on a bolt head (6) of bolt (2) or a nut (24) when collar member (16) is urged outwardly from counterbore (12) to provide the locked engagement therebetween.

Abstract: Locking seal including a rod which is spring-locked within a lock body includes channel structure within the lock body and in the rod surface to preclude removal of the rod even during relative rotation between the rod and the lock body.

Abstract: Portable, lightweight-construction toy basketball set made of releasably interlocking plastic parts for ease of assembly and disassembly in which backboard structure and a base support are interconnected by an elongated upright standard. An elongated upright is provided which is divisible into separate columns which interfit telescopically and present helically-oriented interrupted threads for ease of selection of upright height and release for further adjustment or separation of the columns. A bracket interconnects a hoop flange to the backboard with the bracket and hoop flange having matching interfitting configurations for yieldably releasing the hoop for angular relative movement with respect to such backboard so as to prevent damage to interfitted parts during execution of a slam dunk play and to permit angular relative movement for manually returning such hoop to normal play position.

Abstract: A device for changing drop-style handlebars between a downward or racing position and a touring or general use position, comprising a coupler including two mutually rotatable members, attached respectively to a free or gripping part of a handlebar and to a central part of the handlebar which is secured to a steering post.

Abstract: A roller skate having a wheel support assembly which provides a single device for adjusting the compression within the assembly. The adjustment is accomplished by a cap at the lower end of the assembly which can be rotated to apply the required compression, without the need to loosen any other part of the mechanism. The cap is locked in place after rotation, and is indexed to permit the repeated positioning of the cap.