Patent ID: 7635243

Claim:
A load indicating fastener comprising: a load indicator comprising: an annular body defining a through hole having a minimum diameter and a retainment shoulder; and a plurality of protuberances having crests and being integral with said annular body struck and partially sheared from said annular body to project from a first face of said annular body and leave a corresponding plurality of indentations in a second face of said annular body opposite from said first face; and a fastener body comprising: a series of threads; a head defining a contact surface; and a shank depending from said contact surface, said shank including: a first portion having a first outside diameter less than said through hole minimum diameter such that said load indicator is received on said shank first portion with said protuberances proximate to and in alignment with said head contact surface; and a second portion including at least one radially extending member having a top surface and a second outside diameter greater than said through hole minimum diameter such that said load indicator is retained on said fastener body with the top surface adapted to engage the retainment shoulder, the distance between the top surface and the contact surface of the head being greater than the distance between the retainment shoulder and the crest of the protuberances so that a controlled gap exists between the top surface and the retainment shoulder before collapse of the protuberances.