Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Duane M Schultz

Christopher Michael Pangallo

James E Gugle

James E Marion

Mark A Vogel

Gerald J Wetle

The present invention is directed to a system for reducing the noise that enters the vehicle compartment through a hole in a drain plug. In an embodiment, the system includes a drain plug with a washer, a shank with an inlet fluidly coupled to an outlet, a cylindrical wall and a disc configured to occlude the outlet. The assembly may include a seal. When installed, the seal seals the washer to the mounting surface while the disc occludes the outlet so as to reduce the entry of noise through the drain plug while providing a passageway that allows the accumulated water to drain away.

Noise blocking drain plug

An encapsulating grommet for use with a push-pin for retaining a covering panel or other structure to a supporting panel is molded in an open condition and includes a hinge portion which permits one half of the encapsulating grommet to be folded against the other half. One of the two halves includes a rectangular frame having an opening surrounded by an umbrella-like flange. The other half snap-fits into the rectangular frame when closed so that the encapsulating grommet may be shipped in a closed condition. One of the two halves has a single side wall, while the other half has an inner and outer side wall separated by a channel. When the two halves are closed upon one another, the single side wall fits into the channel, whereby a labyrinth seal against dust and water will be provided for the internal cavity of the encapsulating grommet.

Encapsulating grommet

A screw and grommet fastener assembly for securing two mating panels together where the grommet absorbs variations in the relative positions of the panels and allows for expansion of a body portion thereof during insertion of the screw to withstand higher torques from screws of different sizes and dimensions without causing damage to the grommet.

High torque screw and grommet fastener assembly

A device for collecting spent mandrels ejected from an automatic plastic rivet fastening gun is disclosed. The device includes a container conforming generally to the configuration of the gun having an inlet disposed over the mandrel ejection port of the gun and an outlet for emptying the container when full.

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Lansing, IL, United States of America

Duane M Schultz