Self-locking threaded member and method

摘要

A self-locking threaded member which may be internally or externally threaded at least along a portion of its surface includes an aperture provided longitudinally along the axis of the member but spaced radially from the center thereof. The aperture is preferably located such that a portion thereof passes through adjacent flanks of the threads and includes a portion which is radially positioned to pass through the base of the valleys. The aperture receives a locking member in the form of a pin which extends axially of the fastener and is of a length to extend across at least two adjacent crests and is preferably spaced from the lead threads. The locking member operates as a wedge to cause an increase in the friction between the mating threads opposite the position of the locking element. Various forms of locking elements may be used, such as plastic or metal. Various configurations are disclosed as well as a relatively simple method to make the fastener.