Trw Limited

Joseph G Fucci

Melvyn J Clough

Disclosed is a plastic fastener component adapted to be molded into a gasket to provide means for securing the gasket to an associated structure while retaining a threaded fastener in an operative position. The component comprises a generally cylindrical body terminating in first and second axially spaced ends and having an axial opening of uniform transverse cross-section extending between the ends and adapted to receive the threaded fastener. The inner surface of the opening has axially extending ribs formed thereon. A circumferential flange extends radially outward about the first end of the body. The flange has a relatively thick and rigid portion adjacent the body and terminates in a relatively thin outer periphery. A plurality of flexible and resilient legs terminating in free end portions extend axially outward from the second end of the body. The legs are spaced circumferentially about the opening and each has a radially inward facing surface which forms a continuation of the ribs on the inner surface of the opening. Retaining elements are carried on the free end portions of the legs. The retaining elements including hook sections extending radially outward substantially beyond the maximum radial extent of the cylindrical body.

Fastener

A quarter-turn fastener adapted for selective connection to a support member through a generally rectangular opening. The disclosed fastener comprises a body having a head and an axially elongated, rigid shank. Extending radially outward from the shank are two series of resilient leg members. The leg members in each series are axially spaced and configured to be readily deflectable toward the head but to offer substantial resistance to deflection away from the head. Wing-like stop members are joined to the shank at positions spaced circumferentially of the leg members for centering the fastener in the opening and limiting its rotation about the axis of the shank to a single predetermined direction.

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Abington, MA, United States of America

Joseph G Fucci