Patent attributes
An expandable washer for use with a fastener to maintain tension in the fastener after connection to a component comprises first and second disks. The first and second disks cooperatively define a channel having a dimension parallel to the expansion axis which decreases from a location remote from to a location closer to the expansion axis. The first and second disks are configured to pass the fastener through them and to the component. The fastener operatively engages the first disk for moving with the first disk and to place the fastener in tension when the fastener is connected to the component. The expandable washer further includes a cam located radially outward from the expansion axis and biased for movement toward the expansion axis to drive the first and second disks apart to maintain the application of force against the fastener.
