Mechanical rotary self-interlocking device

Claim 1

A linear self-interlocking wedge bushing for securing a device having a circular cross section opening to a circular cross section shaft or other cylindrical member, the diameter of such shaft or other cylindrical member being smaller than the diameter of the opening of said device forming therebetween an annular space for receiving said bushing, said bushing comprising: a. an inner wedge ring having an inner surface axially straight for engaging said shaft and an outer surface inclined in the axial direction; b. an outer wedge ring having an outer surface axially straight for engaging the inner surface of said device with circular opening and an inner surface inclined in the axial direction for engaging the inclined surface of said inner wedge ring; c. said inner and outer wedge rings being concentrically disposed relative to each other; d. said inner and outer wedge rings being radially expandable and contractable; e. said inner wedge ring having a portion which projects axially beyond said outer wedge ring; f. a thrust collar slidingly fitted on the projecting portion of said inner wedge ring and adapted to abut against the edge of said outer wedge ring; g. a loading collar slidingly fitted on said projecting portion and spaced from said thrust collar; h. retaining means for retaining said loading collar against axial movement in a direction away from said thrust collar; i. springs disposed between said thrust collar and loading colLar, said springs abutting against said thrust collar; j. loading screws threaded in said loading collar, said screws adapted when tightened to urge said springs against said thrust collar; k. said springs being designed to become compressed solidly in response to a preselected axial thrust force which is translated by said wedge rings into a radial force insufficient to damage said annular device and/or said shaft.