Patent ID: 7507049
Filing Date: 2009-03-24
Classification: F16B,F16D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A closed locking ring for a device having a locking groove, wherein said locking ring includes an outer closed circumferentially continuous edge zone which slants at a first angle relative to a plane that is normal to the axis of said locking ring in a state prior to installation and slants at a second angle to said plane in an installed state and a radially inner circumferentially interrupted engagement zone which slants at a first angle relative to said plane that is normal to the axis of said locking ring in the state prior to installation and slants at a second angle to said plane in the installed state; said first angle of said outer closed edge zone being substantially the same as said first angle of said radially inner circumferentially interrupted engagement zone in the state prior to installation and said second angle of said outer closed edge zone being different from said second angle of said radially inner circumferentially interrupted engagement zone in the installed state; said locking ring is assembled with said device and said radially inner circumferentially interrupted engagement zone is engaged with said locking groove wherein said device is selected from the group consisting of a shaft, a shaft stub, and an axle; wherein in the assembled and installed state of the locking ring, at least a portion of said radially inner circumferentially interrupted engagement zone is permanently plastically deformed at a reduced angle relative to the state prior to installation wherein said second angle of said radially inner circumferentially interrupted engagement zone relative to said plane is less than said first and said second angles of said outer closed edge zone; and, wherein said second angle of said radially inner circumferentially interrupted engagement zone relative to said plane is less than said first angle of said radially inner circumferentially interrupted engagement zone.