| 摘要 |
<p>An improved fastener is provided with retainer elements which are utilized to prevent undesired movement of the fastener relative to an associated member. In one embodiment of the invention, the retainer elements are resiliently deflectable spring fingers having free end portions which penetrate the associated member to prevent reverse rotation of the fastener, that is rotation of the fastener in a direction tending to loosen the fastener. When the threaded fastener is being rotated in a first direction to tighten it, the spring fingers are deflected into recesses formed in the fastener to prevent gouging or marking of the member. Upon the application of a force tending to loosen the fastener, the free end portions of the spring fingers penetrate the member and dig in to prevent loosening movement of the fastener. In another embodiment of the invention, the retainer elements cooperate with an associated member to prevent both axial and rotational movement of the fastener relative to the member. In this embodiment of the invention each of the retainer elements includes a pair of spring fingers having free end portions which penetrate the member as the fastener is pressed against the member. As the spring fingers penetrate the member, curved side surfaces on the spring fingers cam them in opposite directions to hook the spring fingers into the member.</p> |
