An indicator assembly includes a fastener defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an axis extending from the first end to the second end; a first indicator positioned radially outwardly of the fastener relative to the axis of the fastener; and a second indicator positioned radially outwardly of the fastener relative to the axis of the fastener, wherein the second indicator is axially in between the first indicator and the second end of the fastener upon the fastener being oriented in a first position, and wherein the second indicator is radially inwardly or radially outwardly of the first indicator upon the fastener being oriented in a second position.

The invention relates to a method for producing a gland or a gland blank (3), the method comprising a step of producing a blank (3) having a cylindrical shaft (5) formed on a screw head (4), and a blind hole (7) being formed in the blank (3) from an upper side (11) of the screw head (4) facing away from the shaft (5) in a, in particular further, method step, the blind hole (7) extending toward the shaft (5) and forming at least one first section (13), in particular having a polygonal cross section (Q1), preferably for receiving a screw tool. The blind hole (7) is deepened, thus forming at least one second section (14), which borders the first section (13), in a subsequent method step, the second section (14) forming a preferably at least partially continuous cross section (Q2) which is in particular smaller in size than the first cross section (Q1), the shaft (5) being widened in sections, thus forming an undercut (15) at the crossover between the shaft (5) and the screw head (4), in particular by at least indirectly displacing material from at least the second section (14) of the blind hole (7), in the subsequent method step.

Fastening element (1), in particular mounting bolt, comprising a fixing portion (10), an intermediate portion (20) and a fitting portion (30), wherein the fastening element (1) extends along a longitudinal axis (L), wherein the fixing portion (10) comprises fixing structures, in particular a thread, wherein the intermediate portion (20) is arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) between the fixing portion (10) and the fitting portion (30), wherein the fitting portion (30) is substantially rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis (L), wherein the fitting portion (30) has an outer support surface (34), wherein the support surface (34) has a clearance fit, and wherein at least in the fitting portion (30) a lubrication groove (32) is provided.

Fastening element (1), in particular mounting bolt, comprising a fixing portion (10), an intermediate portion (20) and a fitting portion (30), wherein the fastening element (1) extends along a longitudinal axis (L), wherein the fixing portion (10) comprises fixing structures, in particular a thread, wherein the intermediate portion (20) is arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) between the fixing portion (10) and the fitting portion (30), wherein the fitting portion (30) is substantially rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis (L), wherein the fitting portion (30) has an outer support surface (34), wherein the support surface (34) has a clearance fit, and wherein at least in the fitting portion (30) a lubrication groove (32) is provided.

A nut-and-bolt fastener is provided. The nut and bolt are configured with a plurality of interlocking teeth that provide unidirectional travel of the nut with respect to the bolt. In particular, the configuration of the teeth arrest separation of the nut from the bolt while permitting the nut to move toward the head of the bolt into a fastened engagement. The teeth are non-helical and arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis in evenly-spaced steps or segments along the longitudinal axis and around the shaft of the bolt and bore of the nut. Integral winged washers are provided on the bolt head as well as on the nut. Variations with different rake angles of the teeth as well as an expandable nut are also provided.

A fastener assembly having a nut with interior threads extending from a first end to an intermediate end wall, a narrowed diameter aperture extending from the end wall toward a second end. A first screw has a shaft exhibiting a first exterior thread pattern rotationally inter-engaging with the interior threads of the nut when installed through the first end. A recess formed in an end of the shaft exhibiting a further plurality of interior threads matching a direction of the first thread pattern. A second screw has a second exterior thread pattern opposite the first pattern and, upon being installed through the narrowed aperture, rotationally inter-engaging the interior threads of the first screw, with loosening of either screw being prevented by their counter-threaded orientation. A head of the second screw exhibiting an outer annular rim establishing a resistance fit within an entranceway location of the nut.

A fastener assembly having a nut with interior threads extending from a first end to an intermediate end wall, a narrowed diameter aperture extending from the end wall toward a second end. A first screw has a shaft exhibiting a first exterior thread pattern rotationally inter-engaging with the interior threads of the nut when installed through the first end. A recess formed in an end of the shaft exhibiting a further plurality of interior threads matching a direction of the first thread pattern. A second screw has a second exterior thread pattern opposite the first pattern and, upon being installed through the narrowed aperture, rotationally inter-engaging the interior threads of the first screw, with loosening of either screw being prevented by their counter-threaded orientation. A head of the second screw exhibiting an outer annular rim establishing a resistance fit within an entranceway location of the nut.

A fastening structure with two different threads includes: a rod body provided with a first thread and a second thread arranged at an outward protrusion of the first thread, wherein a pitch and a thread width of the first thread are larger than those of the second thread; and an outer member engaged on an outer side of the rod body and provided with a third thread and a fourth thread arranged at an outward protrusion of the third thread, wherein a pitch and a thread width of the third thread are larger than those of the fourth thread, and correspond to those of the first thread, and the pitch and the thread width of the fourth thread correspond to those of the second thread. When the rod body and the outer member are engaged to rotate in an unhindered manner, the first thread is engaged with the third thread, and the rod body and the outer member can be rapidly moved relative to each other. When the rod body and the outer member rotate relative to each other in a hindered manner, the first thread is disengaged from the third thread, the second thread is engaged with the fourth thread, the second thread and the fourth thread are locked with each other, and the rod body and the outer member are fixed with each other.

A fastening structure with two different threads includes: a rod body provided with a first thread and a second thread arranged at an outward protrusion of the first thread, wherein a pitch and a thread width of the first thread are larger than those of the second thread; and an outer member engaged on an outer side of the rod body and provided with a third thread and a fourth thread arranged at an outward protrusion of the third thread, wherein a pitch and a thread width of the third thread are larger than those of the fourth thread, and correspond to those of the first thread, and the pitch and the thread width of the fourth thread correspond to those of the second thread. When the rod body and the outer member are engaged to rotate in an unhindered manner, the first thread is engaged with the third thread, and the rod body and the outer member can be rapidly moved relative to each other. When the rod body and the outer member rotate relative to each other in a hindered manner, the first thread is disengaged from the third thread, the second thread is engaged with the fourth thread, the second thread and the fourth thread are locked with each other, and the rod body and the outer member are fixed with each other.

This invention builds up on technical features and on the industry experience with the use of Merlin™ family connectors. In addition to friction, structural means utilized to transfer high torsional loads include keys and may also include: interlocked thread systems, shear pins, dog-clutch teeth and splines, all used in isolation or in arbitrary combinations. Static and fatigue bending load capacities of the connectors remain high, while the axial load capacities may or may not be high, depending on the design requirements. Connectors according to this invention can be built as new, carefully optimized designs. In some cases upgrading existing Merlin™ family connector designs to increase they torque transfer capacities may be also feasible.