Rexnord Gmbh

Rexnord Holdings Inc.

Belen A Guevara

Robin William Elcock

A key for locking a threaded insert in a carrier material is provided with an improved tang portion. The improved tang portion includes spring retention means for reducing the friction required to position and hold the key within an insert slot prior to final installation and provide superior driveability over known prior art keys. The spring retention means includes a flexure area and a pair of protrusions which are held by spring force against the walls of the insert slot. The flexure area is centrally located on the tang portion and includes an aperture therein.

Locking key for threaded insert

The present invention is a self-broaching key for locking a fastener assembly in a relatively hard carrier material and a method for making such a key. A unique cutting surface (40) is provided with a particular angular orientation relative to the thread form of the carrier passage threads, and includes a curvilinear portion (42) immediately adjacent the tang portion (32). As the key (30) is installed for locking engagement, the cutting surface (40,42) displaces carrier material in a manner which directs the displaced material away from the cutting surface (40) as the key (30) advances into the carrier material. Also provided on the tang portion (32) is a curvilinear surface (46) which further assists in directing the displaced material away from the cutting surface (40). Two pairs of arcuate extensions (47a, 47b and 48a, 48b) are located on the tang portion (32) to temporarily but reliably secure the key (30) in a key slot with a minimum of frictional engagement between the key and the walls of the key slot.

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Escondido, CA, United States of America

Belen A Guevara