Barrel nut and method of manufacture

Claim 1

A barrel nut comprising a barrel element and a nut element, said barrel element comprising an elongated member semi-cylindrical in transverse cross section and having a convex side and a concave recessed side, the recessed side being of a rectangular configuration and having a flat bottom with integral longitudinal side walls and transverse imperforate end walls, a bolt receiving hole extending from the convex surface of said barrel element to said recess bottom, said nut element having a rectangular portion disposed in said recess, a pair of ears extending from opposite side edges of the rectangular portion of said nut element, apertures in the side walls of said barrel element for receiving the ears on said nut element, said apertures being larger than said ears to provide for rotational movement of said ears, said side walls being deflected radially inwardly so as to overlie said ears, said ears being diametrically opposite each other and the average distance from said end walls of said recess to said rectangular portion being no greater than the average distance from the side walls to the rectangular portion and less than the distance of rotational movement permitted said ears in said apertures whereby said ends walls preclude relative rotation between said barrel element and said nut element.