Abstract: A plastic encapsulated nut and washer assembly includes a plastic retainer or body for holding a hex nut and washer in axially aligned abutting relation ready for assembly with an external threaded member. A portion of the plastic retainer provides an annular seal around the washer when the nut is tightened on a threaded member and an extension bore is formed in the plastic material for providing a lock-nut function when the threaded member is extended into the extension bore from the threaded bore of the hex nut.

Abstract: A fastener such as a threaded nut, bolt or screw includes a body portion with a bearing surface at the workpiece engaging end defined at least in part by a flange. Segments of the bearing surface defined by the flange are flexible and resilient so that upon tightening of the fastener against a workpiece or other element, deflection of the resilient segments provides a spring action to compensate for developed looseness or loss of tension. Other segments of the bearing surface adjacent the flexible segments are rendered rigid by the body portion of the fastener and by brace structure associated with the body portion to the end that substantial spring forces are achieved.