Abstract: A security seal assembly is designed to provide detection of tampering with or the removal of a wheel lug nut, particularly on a truck tire. The Security Seal is designed as an indicative seal rather than theft seal. When the seal is fitted onto the wheel lug nut, it prohibits access to the nut unless the cover is broken.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheath 46 for protecting a fastener such as a pin-tail locking bolt 18 as it is passed through a passage 14, the sheath 46 defining a first hollow 52 at a first end for receiving part 28 of the pin-tail locking bolt 18 and a second hollow 54 at a second end suitable for collecting a substance such as a sealant 13 in the passage 14.

Abstract: A hot-melt fastener filler placeable within a void atop an in-place fastener countersunk within a surface such as an exposed aircraft surface. The filler includes an electrically-conductive mat fabricated of at least one ply having a plurality of non-woven electrically conductive fibers each having a core strand coated with a nickel layer, preferably coated with two additional layers of copper and nickel, and generally uniformly dispersed within a thermoplastic elastomer. Electrically conductive carbon black particulate can be distributed throughout the elastomer, and the mat preferably is fabricated of two plies oriented at 0° and 90° to each other. A pressure sensitive adhesive can be provided on one side of the sheet to thereby permit secured placement prior to completion of installation. The fastener filler allows not only regularly scheduled maintenance, but also permits quick and generally uncomplicated field-level repairs for assuring equipment availability at remote sites.

Abstract: A method of making a UHMWPE body combined with a bolt, a cap screw, a reinforcing member uses a compression molding machine equipped with a male and female mold set. Particulate UHMWPE dispensed into the cavity of the female mold surrounds the head of the bolt and screw and reinforcing member. Pressure and heat applied to the particulate UHMWPE molecularly bonds the UHMWPE to the bolt, screw, and reinforcing member.

Abstract: A holder is disclosed for mounting objects to a fastener. The holder includes a holding section for mounting object and an anchoring section for mounting the holder onto the fastener, the anchoring section including a cylindrical recessed portion having a circular opening, a bottom and a first inward circumferential surface adapted to engage an outward circumferential surface of the fastener, and an opening in the bottom surface comprising a second inward circumferential surface adapted to engage a second outward circumferential surface on the fastener.

Abstract: A crime preventing screw having a recessed portion for receiving the end of a driving tool. The recessed portion is formed with a recessed engagement portion at a partial lace of an inner wall. An embedding material for embedding in the recessed portion of the screw has a shape and size such that it can be buckled in and can be embedded in the recessed portion.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for protecting the lug nuts retaining wheels or rims of vehicles, particularly boat trailers and the like, from corrosion and, ultimately, freezing of the lug nuts, consisting of a flexible, water-impermeable cylindrical cap open at one end and adapted to be positioned over each lug/lug nut assembly securing the wheel or rim to the hub of the vehicle, the cap having an open end for positioning the cap over the lug/lug nut assembly, the end of the cap opposed from the open end being closed, the cap containing a viscous reagent for protecting the lug/lug nut assembly against corrosion prior to being positioned over the lug/lug nut assembly; and lug/lug nut assemblies including same.

Abstract: In order to provide a visible indication of loosening of a nut or a bolt relative to another member to which it is threadably engaged, a rotation indicator assembly comprises a first element, which is permanently secured to the nut or bolt and a second element which is adapted to be releasably and non-rotatably mounted in or on the first element, e.g. by interengagement with teeth in any chosen rotational position, and incorporates means, such as pointer, for indicating its rotational position relative to a fixed reference. The first element may take the form of an insert, an integral formation, or an external fitment. The fixed reference may be provided by an independently mounted marker secured by the nut or bolt.

Abstract: A crime prevention screw that after the screw is tightened in predetermined places, an embedding material is embedded in a recessed portion composed of a square socket, a hexagon socket, a cross socket or a slot formed on a screw head so that the screw can be prevented from being drawn out with the intention of many pranks and malignant crimes, and an embedding material to be used for this crime prevention screw and the like are provided. Example of such crimes are car stealing through removal of a number plate of an automobile, resale and export of stolen automobiles, stealing and robbery or kidnapping using a stolen car, intrusion of a thief and a public enemy through a window into a house by means of drawing out of screws for fixing a grid to the window or screws for attaching a grid to a sash of the window.

Abstract: An insulator capable of supporting the conductor of an electric fence including at least one retaining portion capable of retaining at least one fixing element to the insulator prior to the insulator being fixed to a support structure with the fixing element.

Abstract: A two piece retainer assembly is used for positive retention of an associated vehicular floor mat to the vehicle's floor surface. The retainer assembly works in conjunction with a hook-like fastener permanently mounted to the vehicle's floor surface. The two piece retainer assembly comprises (a) an annular collar for positioning in a hole in the floor mat from an underside, and (b) a locking cover coupler for positioning in the hole of the floor mat from an upper side. The annular collar and locking cover coupler are forced together to trap the floor mat. The annular collar has a vertical upwardly extending wall forming an opening and a horizontally radially extending flange connected to the vertical wall. The locking cover coupler has a base plate with a vertical downwardly extending wall forming an opening and dimensioned to receive the vertical upwardly extending wall of the annular collar in frictional engagement. At least two vertically extending latching tabs extend from the base plate.

Abstract: The invention is a tamper-evident fastener comprising a fastener-thermomshrinkable sleeve assembly and method of using the assembly. The device includes a thermoshrinkable sleeve that fits over a fastener having a shaft and head. Upon placing the fastener and sleeve in a position of use and heating the thermoshrinkable sleeve, the sleeve shrinks to substantially conform to the configuration of the fastener head it surrounds and provides a protective sheath that must be dislodged or removed to alter the position of the fastener. The sleeve may additionally function as a washer between the fastener and the object receiving the fastener. One example of use of this device is as a motor oil drain plug.

Abstract: A nut covering device comprises the following: a cover assembly, including an inner cover, outer cover, and a first constraining mechanism; a second constraining mechanism; and a third constraining mechanism. The first constraining mechanism constrains so that there is no relative motion of the outer cover with respect to the inner cover in an axis direction. The second constraining mechanism constrains so that there is no relative motion of the inner cover with respect to the nut member in the axis direction. The third constraining mechanism constrains so that there is no relative motion of the outer cover with respect to the nut member in the axis direction at least in the removal direction. When a circumferential phase of the inner cover and the outer cover is matched with a predetermined specified phase, second and third constraining mechanisms are released, and the cover assembly can be removed from the nut member.

Abstract: A fastening device (10) including a fastener (20) and a recess insert (12) retained within the head (21) of the fastener (20). The fastener has a head (21) at one end and a threaded shaft (25) at the opposing end. The fastener head (21) has an engagement recess (22) and a concentric counter-bored section (28). The counter-bored section (28) has a greater diameter than the diameter of the engagement recess (22) and extends into the fastener head (21) less than the depth of the engagement recess. The counter-bored section includes an insert retainer (24). The recess insert (12) comprises a different material than the fastener (20). The insert (12) has a fastener retainer (18) and is adapted to fit within the fastener head (21) counter-bored section (28). The insert (12) has a head (13) with an aperture (14) for permitting access to the fastener engagement recess (22) therethrough.

Abstract: A fastener system that includes a fastener with a longitudinally extending shank with a head on one end thereof, where the head has a first pattern formed thereon, and a cap that is configured and arranged to be seated upon the head, where the cap includes a second pattern formed on an interior surface thereof. This second pattern is adapted to cooperate with the first pattern, whereby rotational forces applied to the cap are transferred to the fastener via contact between the first and second patterns. Furthermore, the second pattern is defined by a closed figure that includes a plurality of outermost circumferential points located along a circle, with adjacent points being separated by a pattern distance that is greater than the length of an imaginary straight line drawn directly between the adjacent points. Several different configurations are available for the second pattern.

Abstract: The invention is a plastic safety cover for covering bolts and similar hardware items that may extend from construction projects such as building scaffolding. The invention is designed to be used to cover bolts etc. that extend outward from scaffolding found on construction sites urban areas. The cover may use commercially sold plastic caps that are typically in use on many items sold in retail. The cover should have a series of weep holes in order to permit drainage of water from the cover and should have an aperture cut in the top wall in order to accommodate the bolt that may protrude through the upper wall.

Abstract: A diet cap device for visually indicating rotation of a fastener and for keeping the fastener clean. The device includes a base and a receptacle. The base has a central portion that is circular-shape and has a circumference and a extended diameter that extends past the circumference and an extended diameter that extends past the circumference thereof. The receptacle is disposed on the base and receives the fastener and includes a collar that is concentrically disposed on the central portion of the base and spaces the base away from direct contact with a wheel and a cap that is concentrically disposed on the central portion of the vase, opposes, and is coaxial with, the collar and cover and protects the fastener from dirt.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device for a nut and bolt assembly which assembly is used to secure two or more parts together. The invention a tubular shaft member to protect the bolt and a tubular shaft or hemispherical body to cover the nut or to cover the tubular shaft and nut together. The tubular shaft is either an independent unit or is integrally connected to the hemispherical body. In more embodiments a connecter unit is used. Grease or other protective agent is introduced into assembly to prevent rust and deterioration.

Abstract: A method of categorizing fasteners and construction connectors by size and type using a color coding system. Each fastener receives a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The colors are preselected to define one or more physical properties of the fasteners. A color key is provided to determine the physical properties of the fasteners based on the coloring of exposed portions of the inserted fasteners. Similarly, construction connectors receive a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The color represented on the surface of the construction connector is such that the corresponding fastener is the same color.

Abstract: A pliable flat disk of laminated construction having a thin top layer of deformable material bonded to a relatively thicker intermediate layer of pliable adhesive sealant material and a removable bottom layer of release paper covering the exposed surface of the sealant material is deformed during installation to cover and seal the head of a fastener protruding from a surface. The disk is installed and deformed by a tool having an end with a recess slightly deeper than the height of the head of the fastener and an interior slightly larger than the outer periphery of the head of the fastener. The release paper is removed to expose the adhesive sealant material and the flat disk is generally centered and stuck, adhesive side down, onto the fastener head.

Abstract: A pliable flat disk of laminated construction having a thin top layer of deformable material bonded to a relatively thicker intermediate layer of pliable adhesive sealant material and a removable bottom layer of release paper covering the exposed surface of the sealant material is deformed during installation to cover and seal the head of a fastener protruding from a surface. The disk is installed and deformed by a tool having an end with a recess slightly deeper than the height of the head of the fastener and an interior slightly larger than the outer periphery of the head of the fastener. The release paper is removed to expose the adhesive sealant material and the flat disk is generally centered and stuck, adhesive side down, onto the fastener head.

Abstract: A method of covering the head of a screw which has been inserted into a wood structure, such as a cabinet, a bookshelf, etc. There is a planar circular cover member made of a moderately flexible plasctic and having an adhesive surface. The diameter of the cover member is moderately greater than the diameter of the screw head and the opening in which the screw head is placed. The cover member is placed by positioning a first side portion of the cover member adjacent to the opening, and then deflecting cover member downwardly in a curved position above the screw head opening, keeping the cover properly positioned. Then the person's thumb which grasps an end of the cover member is moved to release the cover member which then snaps into position to cover the opening and become bonded to the surface of the wood structure.

Abstract: The invention is aimed at to provide ornamental nuts and bolts of a solid and high-quality characteristic, which are prevented from breakage and dislodgement due to a shock, which are easily manufactured and assembled, which are easily modified in their design, and which are produced at low cost.An ornamental seal 2 is inserted into a recess 1b formed at the rearward portion of a nut body 1c or into a recess 5b formed in a head 5a of a bolt body 5c, and secured therein. The upper surface of the ornamental seal 2 is protectively covered with a film layer of a transparent or translucent material.

Abstract: An installation kit for installing an absorption device on a piece of equipment and then rendering the device tamper-proof with respect to the damping setting thereof, including an absorption device having an adjustment member for adjusting the damping setting thereof, and locking mechanism for locking the adjustment member after the damping setting has been set to a desired level. The kit also includes an obstruction element to be applied to the locking mechanism for prohibiting access to the locking mechanism. The obstruction element is a mass of deformable material disposed on a sheet material that facilitates alignment of the mass of deformable material with the locking mechanism during transfer of the mass of deformable material into the locking mechanism. The invention also relates to a method of adjusting the damping setting of an absorption device and then rendering the device tamper-proof with respect to the damping setting thereof.

Abstract: The invention is a connector that provides for visual recognition from remote locations and under poor visibility conditions. It may be a screw with a colored head. The screw, including the threaded shaft and the head, may be of steel, brass, plastic or any other acceptable material or combination of materials thereof. The entire or parts of the screw may be colored or plated with a colored layer or have a colored coating. Coating may include a layer of paint. For aquatic applications the paint layer is water resistant and chemical resistant and is of a color that is easily identifiable from a water surface. It may be a fluorescent paint coating. Any appropriate color or kind of paint may be used. Other coatings may be applied, such as ink coatings. The connector may have a colored cap connectable to the head of the connector. The cap may be attached following securement or may be positioned over the screw before securement.

Abstract: A protector cap for covering a mounting bolt head has a spacer interposed between the cap and the bolt to position the cap with respect to the bolt head and to isolate the cap from the bolt head. The cap is made of a resin. The spacer is a separate member engaged with the inner surface of the cap.

Abstract: A self adjusting plug is provided that is adapted to be removeably held in place within openings of different sizes in order to plug such openings is provided. The self adjusting plug comprises a top portion having a first and second side, a shaft portion, having a first and second end, the first end of the shaft portion being connected to the first side of the top portion, and one or more projections attached to the shaft portion and extending outwardly from the shaft portion. The self adjusting plug is used to plug openings by passing the bottom end of the plug into the first end of the opening, forcing the projections of the bottom end of the plug to flex as they contact the wall of the opening, to create a friction fit between the projections of the plug and the walls defining the opening.

Abstract: A protective ring for resisting contact corrosion for a connecting element such as a screw which can be fitted to a component and which has a bearing surface for bearing against the component includes a sealing ring of plastic material. The sealing ring is carried on the connecting element in such a position that before the connecting element is tightened the sealing ring provides a bead which projects in the axial direction beyond the bearing surface and which, upon tightening of the connecting element, can be permanently axially braced relative to the component to form an annular sealing surface which extends around the contact surface between the connecting element and the component. The sealing ring has a protective sheathing for the connecting element, which projects in the opposite direction to the bead.

Abstract: An improved, process compatible fastener is especially useful for securing a member, such as a wafer clamp ring, to an assembly for use in a process environment. The fastener is of a simple design, such that it is readily manufactured, and such that it is not a source of contamination. In particular, an integrated fastener includes both a metal fastener and a cone shaped metal lock washer within a single fastener assembly, such that a single fastener is used for accomplish the function of a screw and a washer. All surfaces of the fastener that are exposed within the process environment are encapsulated in a process compatible material. In this way, the fastener may be secured in the process environment in a single operation without leaving any gaps or partially exposed surfaces that may introduce contaminants into the process environment, such that the integrated fastener also provides the function of a process compatible cap.

Abstract: A handle for a paint roller frame includes an inner core made of a substantially rigid plastic material and an outer grip made of a softer rubber-like material surrounding the inner core and extending part way around both ends thereof. At the outer end of the inner core is an internally threaded opening surrounded by a planar end wall. The outer grip includes an outer end portion overlying the planar end wall which acts like a locking washer, resisting unscrewing of an extension pole from the threaded opening when the extension pole is screwed down tight and a flange at a base of the extension pole threads comes into contact with the outer end portion of the outer grip overlying the planar end wall.

Abstract: A fastening assembly (10) that is weatherproof and that does not detract from the appearance of the object (16) into which it is driven is disclosed. The fastening assembly includes a fastening device (12) such as a nail that includes an elongated shank (18) and a head (20) on one end of the shank, and a cover (14) formed of water-tight material that can be positioned over the head of the fastening device for sealing the head from water, air, sunlight, and contaminates. This prevents the head of the fastening device from rusting when the fastening device is driven into an object. The cover can be colored the same color as the object that it is driven into so that it blends in with the object and does not detract the appearance of the object.

Abstract: A vehicle lug nut cover for covering, protecting and providing an ornamental decoration to a wheel lug nut of a vehicle. The nut cover has a shell with a closed portion and a plurality of sidewalls extending downwardly from the closed portion. The sidewalls define a generally hollow cavity and terminate in an outward extending flange rim adapted for adjoining a flat surface of a wheel rim when the lug nut cover is installed over a bolt and lug nut for mounting the wheel rim on a vehicle. The lug nut cover further comprises three leaf-springs for inserting into the hollow cavity of the shell. Each leaf-spring is adapted for engaging a side face of the wheel lug nut over which the lug nut cover is installed. The lug nut cover further comprises retaining members for retaining the three leaf-springs in its hollow cavity.

Abstract: A pliable flat disk of laminated construction having a thin top layer of deformable material bonded to a relatively thicker intermediate layer of pliable adhesive sealant material and a removable bottom layer of release paper covering the exposed surface of the sealant material is deformed during installation to cover and seal the head of a fastener protruding from a surface. The disk is installed by a tool having an end adapted to hold the flat disk. The end of the tool has a recess slightly deeper than the height of the head of the fastener and an interior slightly larger than the outer periphery of the head of the fastener. The flat disk is releasably attached on the end of the tool and covers the recess.

Abstract: A two part fastening assembly 30 for use with a common fastener 500 such as a screw, bolt, or the like includes a substantially ring-shaped base member 32 having a washer-shaped element 38 attached to one end. Washer-shaped element 38 has a hole 42 sized to accept the shank 504 of common fastener 500. Base member 32 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 48. A substantially bowl-shaped cap 34 has a corresponding plurality of legs 60 having barbs 62. The shank 504 of common fastener 500 is inserted into base member 32 and into hole 42 until head 502 abuts washer-shaped element 38. Cap 34 is then inserted into base member 32, covering head 502, and barbs 62 snap into apertures 48 and are captively engaged thereby.

Abstract: A releasably mountable cleanout cover for releasable mounting onto a plumbing cleanout cap, having a protruding cap member, exposed within an aperture in a wall includes an aperture covering member having an exterior surface and an interior surface for covering the aperture in the wait, a hollow mounting tube rigidly mounted to and generally centered on, the interior surface and extending longitudinally and generally perpendicularly outwardly from the interior surface, a longitudinally spaced apart array of opposed inwardly extending resilient flanges spaced longitudinally apart within the hollow mounting tube for resilient deformation about opposed surfaces on the protruding cap member when the protruding cap member is snugly journalled in the hollow mounting tube so as to be snugly retained between the opposed inwardly extending resilient flanges.

Abstract: A protective cover for surrounding and protecting a container of substances for treatment of wood perennial plants, such as trees and the like, having a main body of flexible plastic material with a top and a continuous peripheral wall extending downwardly therefrom to a bottom tree contact edge to define a chamber for receiving said container. A plurality of integral securement tabs extend outward from opposing side walls of the cover so that special screws can be inserted therethrough to firmly secure the housing to the associated tree. The tabs can be reversely folded and anchored to securely cover and protect the attachment screws.

Abstract: The encapsulated nut of the present invention comprises a stove pipe configured encapsulation, having a base portion for entirely encapsulating the exterior surfaces of a conventional nut such as a nut designed to accommodate a half-inch bolt and having a square exterior shape. The encapsulated nut of the present invention also comprises an integral bore which is configured as an elongated cylinder adapted to receive the portion of the bolt that is threaded through the nut and extends beyond the nut. However, the internal diameter of the bore is greater than the external diameter of the threaded bolt and comprises a smooth surface. Thus, the internal wall surface of the bore is not provided with threads, nor is it cut to form threads when the bolt is threaded through the nut of the invention.

Abstract: A semi-liquid impervious captive fastener system for electronic components and the like which includes a first rigid member adapted for securement to a second rigid member. The first rigid member has a well opening, a fastener well, and a fastener aperture. An elastic member is co-molded to the first rigid member such that the elastic member extends at least partially over the well opening and into the well so as to surround the fastener aperture. A threaded fastener having a head portion may reside in the well such that a driving instrument may be inserted through the elastic member for driving the threaded fastener so as to secure a first rigid member to a second rigid member and forming at least a semi-liquid impervious seal while acting to secure the threaded fastener within the well.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of manufacturing a screw connector by an injection metal mold. The screw connector includes a connector main body and a nut embedded in the connector main body. An axis of the nut extends in a forward and backward direction of the connector main body. The screw connector further includes a first opening located on a front side of the nut to be inserted by a bolt of a mating connector and a first columnar space located on a rear side of the nut to receive a distal end portion of the bolt. The method includes the three steps. The first step is setting said metal mold in such a state that said nut is held by a front projection portion and a rear projection portion. This front projection portion projects rearwardly and having a small diameter portion and a portion having larger diameter than said small diameter portion. This rear projection portion projects forwardly to be in contact with a rear end face of said nut. The second step is injecting a melted resin in said metal mold.

Abstract: A protective cover 12 for a ball joint assembly 10 includes a generally cylindrical plug 96 with axially extending resilient fingers 100 engageable with a shaft 40 of a stud 26 of the ball joint assembly 10 to prevent removal of the cover 12 from the ball joint assembly 10. A frustoconical cam surface 90 on a generally cylindrical sidewall 72 defining a chamber 70 for enclosing the stud 26 moves the fingers 100 toward the stud 26 upon movement of the plug 96 relative to the cam surface 90.

Abstract: A screw hole plug for aesthetically closing a screw hole in a frame element having a counter sunk screw within. The screw hole plug is a molded monolithic deformable plug having a non-planar contoured finished surface that matches the contour of the frame element's exposed surface into which it is inserted by friction abutting the screw head positioned within.

Abstract: The invention herein disclosed involves a "tamper-evident bolt". More specifically, the bolt has ratchet or splined teeth on the outer periphery of the bolt head which will accept a socket for tightening the bolt. In the center of the head of the bolt is a sealed or capped blind axial recess. The recess is fitted to accept a driver to release the bolt. In a specific embodiment the blind axial recess has ratchet teeth. A seal or cap is received within the blind axial recess such that the seal or cap must be removed for access to the bolt releasing means, thereby indicating the possibility of unauthorized tampering with the bolt.

Abstract: A protective waterproof cover assembly includes a a truncated-conical dome-shaped rigid cover adapted to overlie a fastener installed through a surface of a support structure and provide sufficient clearance between the cover and the surface to permit loosening of the fastener and movement of a head of the fastener away from the surface, a flexible waterproof circular pad having a diameter which is greater than that of the cover adapting the pad to overlie the cover such that an outer annular portion of the pad extends beyond a perimeter of the cover and overlies an annular portion of the surface of the support structure which surrounds the cover, and a layer of adhesive applied to a bottom face of the pad for adhering the pad to the cover and to the annular portion of the support structure surface. A peelable backing sheet is applied to the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A fastener-carrier system and method for securely fastening at least two mounted members utilizing the fastener-carrier system according to the invention is disclosed. The fastener-carrier system includes a fastener-carrier member having at least one threaded fastener and at least one lock member depending therefrom. The lock member preferably has a snap-lock head mounted on the terminal end thereof. The snap-lock head is adapted to temporarily mount the first and second mounted members to one another while at least one threaded nut is mounted to the at least one threaded fastener to securely mount the first and second mounted members to one another.

Abstract: A cap for fastening devices comprises an inner cap member fittable over a hexagonal engageable portion of the fastening device and having a top wall centrally formed with a threaded bore, an outer cap member fittable over the inner cap member and having a bolt hole formed in a top wall thereof and corresponding to the threaded bore in position, and a bolt to be screwed into the bore through the bolt hole. The inner cap member has a peripheral wall formed with six deformation promoting slits extending longitudinally thereof. The outer surface rear end portion of the peripheral wall has projecting tapered portions for inwardly moving the rear end portion of the inner cap member when the outer cap member is slidingly moved relative to the inner cap member by rotating the bolt relative to the inner cap member in a screwing-in direction.

Abstract: A locknut including a body having a stud receiving inner surface and an outer surface having a ridge with a shoulder and a cylindrical portion next to the shoulder, an O-ring mounted on the cylindrical portion, a shroud having a cylindrical portion which overlies the cylindrical portion of the nut and engages the O-ring on the cylindrical portion of the nut and conceals it when a shoulder on the cylindrical portion of the shroud is in engagement with the shoulder on the ridge of the nut. The cylindrical portion of the nut has an axial length which is greater than the cylindrical portion of the shroud so that the end of the nut protrudes beyond the end of the shroud when the above-mentioned shoulders are in engagement. A bolt having a head containing structure such as described above relative to the locknut.

Abstract: A nut and panel assembly useful for pierce, clinch and weld nuts used in automotive applications, wherein the nut bore must be masked or blocked during paint application, including electrodeposition coatings. A generally cylindrical polymeric plug or blocking member is press fitted into the nut bore preferably prior to attaching the nut to the metal panel. Following installation of the nut in the panel, the plug masks the nut bore during the later coating operation. The disclosed plug or blocking member includes an axial configured cavity and the plug may then be removed following coating by threading a bolt having an end protuberance configured to be received in the plug axial cavity into the nut bore. The plug is then retained on the bolt protuberance following removal from the threaded bore.

Abstract: The invention provides a nut and cap assembly, wherein the nut has relatively flat external side faces symmetrically located about a central axis, the side faces being symmetrical on opposite sides of a central plane perpendicular to the axis of the nut. Each of the side faces has two axially extending slots formed therein on opposite sides of the central plane. The slots are separated at their inner ends by a bridge portion in the respective side face of the nut. The assembly also includes a cap formed of relatively stiff resilient plastic material with a socket formed therein, corresponding generally to the shape of the nut. Each interior side wall of the socket of the cap has a projection extending radially inward and having a ramp portion facing toward the socket opening.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant cap for use with a fastener and an elastomeric washer. The cap has a hollow head forming a cavity into which the head of the washer is placed, a perimeter outer skirt, and an inner skirt which can be swaged or bent from a longitudinal position to a transverse position perpendicular to the axis of the fastener to make contact and cover the lower surface of the flange of the fastener. This completely encloses the flange and head of the fastener and forms a cavity defined by the outside surface of the inner skirt and the inside surface of the outer skirt. An elastomeric washer will then be threaded onto the threaded shank of the fastener so that it is positioned and held in place by the cavity. Thus, when the fastener and cap are tightened down onto an object, the elastomeric material of the washer flows, completely filling the cavity and the area between the bottom of the outer skirt and the object to which the fastener is attached.

Abstract: A lightweight lug nut including a grooved body for receiving a wrench, a nose on the body for bearing against a rim, a threaded portion within the body, an enlarged bore between the threaded portion and the end of the body remote from the nose, a chamfer on the end of the body remote from the nose, a chamfered shoulder between the grooves and the nose, a plurality of teats at the remote end extending inwardly toward the enlarged bore, and a cap for mounting at the remote end and including a groove for receiving the plurality of teats.