Multi-piece locking fastener assembly such as for securing a wheel rim to a vehicle hub

Abstract

A multi-piece locking fastener having an intermediate component exhibiting a plurality of interior threads arrayed in a first direction. A first fastener has a first enlarged head and a first stem exteriorly threaded in the first direction. A hollowed interior is formed in an end of the stem and exhibits a further plurality of interior threads extending in a second direction opposite the first direction. A second fastener has a second enlarged head and a second stem, upon which is configured a second exterior thread pattern extending in the second direction. The first fastener is installed through the intermediate component from a first direction, with the second fastener rotationally inter-engaging the exposed interior threads of the first fastener in the second direction until the second enlarged heads contact the intermediate component, with loosening of either of the first and second fasteners being prevented.

1 . A multi-piece locking fastener assembly for use with a wheel rim supported upon a vehicle hub, comprising:
 a lug nut having a plurality of interior threads arrayed in a first direction;   a first fastener having a first enlarged head and a first stem exteriorly threaded in the first direction, a hollowed interior formed in an end of said stem and exhibiting a further plurality of interior threads extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction;   a second fastener having a second enlarged head and a second stem, upon which is configured a second exterior thread pattern extending in the second direction;   a plurality of said first fasteners adapted to being installed in a circumferential array within the hub so that said threaded first stems project upwardly through a plurality of aligning apertures in the wheel rim;   a plurality of said lug nuts being threadably engaged to said threaded exteriors of said first fastener stems projecting from the rim; and   a plurality of said second fasteners rotationally inter-engaging said exposed interior threads of said first fastener in the second direction until said second enlarged heads contact said lug nuts, with loosening of either of said first and second fasteners being prevented.   
     
     
         2 . The fastener assembly of  claim 1 , said first stems each further comprising a solid first portion extending from said first enlarged head, said hollowed interior being formed in a second portion extending from said first portion and exhibiting said exterior threads. 
     
     
         3 . The fastener assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising the hub including a circumferential array of apertures through which are inserted said plurality of first fasteners. 
     
     
         4 . The fastener assembly of  claim 1 , said second fasteners each further comprising an enlarged washer portion integrated between said second enlarged heads and said second stems. 
     
     
         5 . The fastener assembly of  claim 1 , said second enlarged head of said second fastener further comprising a tool bit engage-able recess profile. 
     
     
         6 . The fastener assembly of  claim 5 , said tool bit engage-able recess profile further comprising a hex key pattern. 
     
     
         7 . The fastener assembly of  claim 2 , further comprising washers supported upon an upper surface of the wheel rim through which said exterior threaded second portions of said first fasteners project. 
     
     
         8 . The fastener assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising said apertures associated with the vehicle rim exhibiting any sloped or angled profile which can mirror a sloped lower circumferential exterior profile configured in each of said lug nuts.  4880 - 3208 - 7582  v. 1