Abstract: A hole plug for closing an opening in a panel member comprises a rigid, disk-like main body for positioning in overlying relationship with the opening. Resilient retaining legs are carried by the main body for extending through the opening and engaging the edges thereof for maintaining the main body in the overlying relationship. A mass of heat expandable resilient material is carried by the main body at a location adjacent the retaining legs. The heat expandable resilient material is selected so as to be capable of being expanded through the application of heat to permanently extend from the main body a distance greater than the legs to thereby act as a shield to prevent undesired contact between the legs and associated structure.

Abstract: A fastener assembly of the nut and washer type includes a washer member having a skirt portion and an end portion to which a nut member is secured. A collar section connects the skirt portion to the end portion. The collar section is designed to fracture at a predetermined torque load such that the nut and the end portion of the washer secured thereto will rotate with respect to the skirt portion.

Abstract: A closure device for closing an aperture in a panel includes a plate and plural retaining tabs extending from one face of the plate. The tabs have first and second lips which cooperate with the panel adjacent the aperture for centrally locating and locking the closure device in position. The plate also includes a cup-shaped central region which extends outwardly from the plate at least as far as the plural tabs to reduce the potential for any injury or damage from the tabs. A seal member is interposed between the closure device and panel for effectively sealing therebetween.

Abstract: A closure and method for closing an aperture in a panel includes a plate member having a planar inside face, a peripheral edge, and a plurality of retaining tabs which depend from the inside face. The plate member has a spaced recess formed in the inside face adjacent each retaining tab and extending inwardly from the peripheral edge. A sealing member or gasket comprised of an expansible elastomeric material is interposed between the inside face of the plate member and the edge of a panel aperture. The plate member is configured relative to the panel aperture and the gasket member such that the gasket member is effectively in a confined space. The confined space is preferably defined by a marginally depending edge on the plate and a depending center portion which is adapted to enter the panel aperture. When the elastomeric material is thereafter exposed to elevated temperatures, it expands to fill the confined space between the plate member and the panel.