Cantilevered washer for a fastener

Abstract

A cantilevered washer for a male or female threaded fastener having a conical seat portion including an conically-shaped seat for receiving the threaded fastener in such maner as to load the washer at an angle and relieve hoop-stress on the threaded fastener. The washer further has an annular ring portion including a flat annular base for mating with a surface of a part being fastened. The annular ring portion and the conical seat portion are connected by a cantilever portion which is inclined at an angle of substantially 45.degree. to the flat bearing portion in order to provide a low profile vertical displacement between the conical seat portion and the flat bearing portion, as well as provide a location for deflection of variable bearing loads. Since deflection occurs only at the cantilever portion and since the conically-shaped seat loads the washer at an angle, brinelling into the surface of a part being fastened is essentially eliminated and loosening of a threaded fastener during operation is prevented. The washer is preferred to be fabricated using cold forming tenchniques in order to ensure proper metal grip structure so that deflection at the cantilever portion is predictable and free of metal fatigue. The washer is further preferred to be connected with an associated threaded fastener in a manner that permits free relative rotation therebetween.