Abstract: A tension indicator for use with a fastener that is formed from a stack of conical washers confined in the stack by a cage having a longitudinally extending slot formed therein provides readily discernible visual indication of tension or loss of tension in the fastener joint. The indicator includes a body configured for receipt over the stack of conical washers. The body can include at least one stanchion extending inwardly of the body from the interior surface to define a stanchion end longitudinally spaced from the body end. At least one detent extends inwardly of the body and is longitudinally spaced from the body end. When the stack of conical washers is placed under tension with the uppermost washer in a planar condition, the stanchion lies adjacent the uppermost washer at the interior region.

Abstract: For indicating relative rotational displacement between a fixed first member, such as a stud (20) on a wheel hub, and a second member, such as a wheel nut (22), which is rotatably engaged with the first member, a safety device (24) comprises a body (26) having a bore formed with equispaced grooves enabling the device to be releasably secured to the second member (22) in one position of a plurality of positions and having indicating means, such as a pointer (28), to indicate the position of the device (24) relative to a reference, such as a mark (32) on the rim (16) covering the wheel hub (14). The bore within the body (26) is closed at one end, e.g. by bevelled top wall (36), so that the body additionally serves as a dust cap for the conjoined first and second members (20, 22).

Abstract: A tension indicator for use with a fastener that is formed from a stack of conical washers confined in the stack by a cage having a longitudinally extending slot formed therein provides readily discernible visual indication of tension or loss of tension in the fastener joint. The indicator includes a body configured for receipt over the stack of conical washers. The body can include at least one stanchion extending inwardly of the body from the interior surface to define a stanchion end longitudinally spaced from the body end. At least one detent extends inwardly of the body and is longitudinally spaced from the body end. When the stack of conical washers is placed under tension with the uppermost washer in a planar condition, the stanchion lies adjacent the uppermost washer at the interior region.

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: A fastener comprising an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface and first and second ends, a separate seating configuration on the first end, a ridge extending circumferentially about the body adjacent to the seating configuration, a plurality of splines on the outer surface extending from the second end toward the first end and terminating at the ridge, and grooves between the splines extending from the second end toward the first end and through the ridge. The separate seating configuration can be mounted on a knurled surface with which it has an interference fit. A decorative cap can be mounted on the first end of the elongated body.

Abstract: A lug cap includes a detent along the inner wall. The detent has an engaging surface that begins shortly after a threaded portion of the lug cap ends. The engaging surface ramps up to a top surface that runs parallel to the inner wall. The lug nut engages the detent which prevents the rotation of the lug cap with respect to the lug nut by increasing the force required to loosen or tighten the lug cap from the lug nut.

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 mounting device (14) for a flagpole (10) is mounted on a fixed horizontal support rail (16). Mounting device (14) has two generally identical parallel clamping plates (18, 20) each having a flagpole opening (28) for receiving the flagpole (10) and a stud opening (30) for receiving a threaded stud (46). Flagpole (10) is secured within aligned flagpole openings (28) of clamping plates (18, 20) and threaded stud (46) is secured within aligned stud openings (30). Stud (46) is secured at one end to clamping plate (18). A manual adjusting knob (56) threaded onto an extending end portion (54) of stud (46) is manually rotated for engaging clamping plate (20) to draw serrated teeth (26) on plates (18, 20) tightly against rail (16).

Abstract: The present invention entails an enclosure that encompasses and protects a lug and lug nut extending from a wheel hub. Structurally, the enclosure comprises an end wall, a surrounding side, a snap on end cap, and a lug opening or port formed in the end wall. When installed, the lug extends through the lug opening and supports the enclosure while the end wall lies exteriorly of the lug nut and the surrounding side is spaced from the lug nut but generally encompasses and surrounds the lug nut and the lug. Prior to enclosing the enclosure by snapping on the end cap, the enclosure is filled at least partially with a grease or lubricant.

Abstract: A wheel nut assembly is disclosed in which a wheel stud (1) is provided which comprises a first portion having a first external thread (3) adapted to cooperate with an internal thread on a wheel nut (4), and a second threaded portion (5) having a thread (6) of the opposite hand to the first external thread (3) which cooperates with a retaining member (9) having a thread (10) which is of the same hand as the second threaded portion. The retaining member (9) may be a bolt which engages a threaded bore provided in the end of a standard stud. A locking cap (12) may be provided which fits over the wheel nut (4) and the bolt (9) to prevent relative rotation between the two. This has the advantage of preventing the wheel nuts becoming loose on the wheel.

Abstract: A cover for a bolt and an annular nut having a plurality of generally planar, side surfaces. The cover includes: a shell having a closed end portion and a plurality of side surfaces extending downwardly from the closed end portion, an interior portion of said side surfaces being threaded; and a clip for inserting into the aforementioned shell. The clip includes an annular ring and a plurality of spaced projections extending downwardly from the ring, each projection having exterior threads for engaging with the threaded interior of the shell. Preferably, interior portions of each downward clip projection has a substantially planar surface for engaging with the sides of a lug nut over which this cover is installed.

Abstract: A system for locking a hubcap to a wheel comprising a wheel, said wheel having a plurality of bolts extending outwardly therefrom, a hubcap cover having a plurality of holes adapted to fit over said bolts, and a plurality of nutcovers to fasten over said bolts and lock said hubcap to the wheel.

Abstract: For removing a cap (2) made of a plastic material, which is disposed on a shank (9) of a metal stud, it is proposed that the cap has tool engagement regions (15a, 15b), through which a substantially tangentially directed deformation force (F) is introduced by means of jaws (20, 21) into the cap (2) so that at least one portion (14a, 14b, 14c), which extends at least over part of the axial length of the shank (9) and is formed between the tool engagement regions (15a, 15b), is plastically deformed in such a way that the cap (2) releases the shank (9) and the cap (2) may be pulled off in axial direction of the shank (9).

Abstract: A corrosion protection cap for clamping onto a polygonal wheel nut, having a cylindrical casing which engages over the polygonal wheel nut, and having groove profiles formed in the web of a spring ring, which are open toward the casing axis and of which the vertices in each case correspond to the corners of the polygonal nut profile and the distance of the vertices from the casing axis is slightly less than the radial distance of each corner of the polygonal nut profile from the casing axis. The technical problem is a corrosion protection cap which can be clamped and detached virtually effortlessly by manual actuation and which moreover has a high pull-off force. The spring ring (10) seated in the cylindrical casing (2) has radially inwardly protruding webs (14) with said groove profiles, and the webs (14) are inclined in the radial direction toward the top wall (5) of the corrosion protection cap (1).

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 fastener comprising an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface and first and second ends, a separate seating configuration on the first end, a ridge extending circumferentially about the body adjacent to the seating configuration, a plurality of splines on the outer surface extending from the second end toward the first end and terminating at the ridge, and grooves between the splines extending from the second end toward the first end and through the ridge. The separate seating configuration can be mounted on a knurled surface with which it has an interference fit. A decorative cap can be mounted on the first end of the elongated body.

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: Disclosed are threaded seal caps suitable for sealing the ends of common screw and bolt connectors for various purposes including protective/safety, ornamentation and pressure seals in chemical and physical processes or as a guard for a switch. The seal caps include a threaded inside surface for attachment to washers having a threaded outside surface. The caps can include an o-ring gasket for sealing a pressurized connector. The washers are preferably made from a suitable section of all-thread.

Abstract: A crank assembly for a fishing reel. The crank assembly has a first element that is capable of being driven in rotation to effect operation of a fishing reel, a crank handle for imparting a rotational drive force to the first element, a securing element that is repositionable relative to the crank handle and first element between a first position and a second position, and a retainer element that is capable of being press fit into and maintained in an operative position relative to the crank handle and first element wherein the retainer element prevents the securing element from moving from the second position into the first position. The crank handle is mountable to and separable from the first element with the securing element in the first position. The securing element maintains the crank handle mounted to the first element with the securing element in the second position.

Abstract: A unitary cover includes a base and a cap portion which are moveable relative to one another into a closed operative condition to conceal a fastener head or nut. The generally flat base has an aperture therethrough for extension of the fastener's shank while the portions about the aperture serve as a washer for the fastener head or nut. The cap portion has an oblong and dome-like shape and shares a thin edge with an edge of the base which forms a living hinge therebetween to allow the base and cap to pivot between opened and closed operative positions with respect to one another. Free edge portions of the base and of the cap engage when moved into a closed operative position. Specifically, an inwardly projecting catch formation on the cap edge encounters a beveled formation on the base edge to flex the cap edge outward an allow the catch formation to be trapped by the bevel formation thereby securing the edges together.

Abstract: An antitheft device includes a base member having an open top and a hole defined through the bottom thereof, a plurality of slots defined in the peripheral wall extending from the bottom and an annular flange extending radially and outwardly from the peripheral wall. A cap has an annular groove is defined in the inner periphery of the peripheral wall extending from the top so that the head portion of a bolt or a nut is received between the cap and the base member with the annular flange being engaged with the annular groove.

Abstract: A clamp having two like members for securing service lines and cables to the frame of a motor vehicle. Service lines are secured between the members. The members are fixed together by a nut and bolt with each held in an associated member recess by an associated tension tab. The tension tabs permit any nut and bolt within a range of sizes to be used. At least one of the members has an external saddle formed in a surface which is an external surface when the clamp is in use. The saddle is used to carry additional service lines held in place by a self sizing tie.

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: A securing assembly includes a cap having a top with a skirt portion extending laterally from a periphery defining the top, a plurality of passages defined longitudinally in the skirt portion and being accessed from an end edge of the skirt portion, a washer member having a hole and a plurality of engaging members extending laterally from a periphery defining the washer member, and a bolt having a shank thereof extending through the hole with a head thereof being received in the cap. The engaging members are securely received in the corresponding passages. The assembly further includes a second cap with a nut received therein and a second washer member for engagement with the second cap so that the bolt extends through the two washer members and threadedly engages with the nut, wherein the second cap has an aperture defined therethrough so that the shank can extend through the aperture.

Abstract: A sealing washer assembly includes a threaded fastener, a nut and a resilient member attached to the nut and washer or screw and washer. The resilient member, typically a polymer of propylene, ethylene or other suitable material, is oversized with respect to the nut. The assembly is useful for connecting one member to another via an opening in the first member, and particularly, provides a system for sealing the opening against the passage of fluid, such as air.

Abstract: A removable cover for lug nuts, used for mounting a wheel rim on a vehicle, characterized by having a plurality of flat side surfaces which engage the complimentary sides of a lug nut where adjacent side surfaces are separated by a slot so that the side surfaces will function as a spring to retain the cover on the lug nut.

Abstract: A device for restricting access to the head (10) of a fastener (9) has a first part (18) including an attaching flange (26) adapted to be captive between the head (10) and a member 14 in which the shank (12) of the fastener is to be received. The first part (18) has a recess (13) which the head (10) is accommodated and the second part of the device (20) is dimensioned to be slidingly received in the recess to close the recess without engaging the head (10). The first and second parts (18, 20) have formations (30, 38) which cooperate when the second part 20 is sufficiently inserted into the recess (30), to prevent withdrawing of the second part (20) from engagement with the first part (18), whereby to prevent access to the fastener. The first and second parts comprise frustroconical external surfaces (22, 24), which in use taper in a direction away from the member (14) to which the device is to be secured in use.

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 fastener including a fastener body having a drive configuration thereon, and a separate security cap mounted on the drive configuration by an interconnecting structure which can be a snap ring or a flexible spring ring. A security cap which is mountable on a drive configuration of a fastener including a body, a socket in the body, and an interconnecting member such as a snap ring or a spring ring mounted in a groove in the wall of the socket.

Abstract: A non-removable screw nut fastener assembly for affixation to a threaded bolt member comprising a nut member with a round substantially smooth exterior surface having a peripheral snap ring groove, a cap member having one closed end and an interior surface having a peripheral snap ring groove, the cap member being of such size as to fit closely but loosely over the nut member when the nut is fastened to the bolt member substantially enclosing and prevent turning of the nut and a snap ring resting untensioned partly within each of the peripheral grooves to prevent removal of the cap member.

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 safety lock device when combined with at least one pair of spaced screw fasteners, which by observation indicates tightness of the fasteners or looseness of either or both fastener, and additionally to limit counter rotation of either fastener to a small faction of a turn, characterized by a pair of replaceable caps anchored to each fastener, and a loose lanyard extending between the caps when the fasteners are in tightened condition, also any multiplicity of caps tethered by lanyards.

Abstract: A device for engagement with a threaded post or stud, including a housing having a generally cylindrical axial bore with a top side and a bottom side for engagement with the stud from either the top or bottom sides. The stud engaging member includes a plurality of flexible tangs and can further include an integrally formed cable tie for securing a bundle of wires to the threaded stud.

Abstract: A one-piece, reuseable cover is provided for an assembly of a threaded bolt and an associated annular nut, wherein a portion of the bolt extends through the nut. The cover includes a closed top end portion and a generally cylindrical sidewall extending from the closed top end portion so as to define a generally hollow cavity within the cover. Within the cavity of the cover is located an internally threaded portion, the threads of which are adapted to mate with the external threads on the bolt, so that the cover may be attached to the portion of the bolt that extends through its associated nut by threaded engagement therewith, when the cover is installed over the bolt and nut assembly.

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 composite coupling nut and method of making the same wherein a substantially rigid annular body portion with an internal threaded portion is provided with an outer annular layer of an elastomeric material formed thereon in intimate juxtaposed relation to increase the grasping coefficient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enclosed nut and bolt retainer to protect against the penetration of adjacent objects by the end of the bolt. The retainer is formed by drawing an enclosed pocket from a material, such as metal. The pocket has an opening for receipt of a nut, which is preferably press fit into the pocket. The pocket is deep enough to provide space between the bolt end, when fully threaded into the nut, and the bottom of the pocket. In this way, the bolt is shielded by the pocket enclosure.

Abstract: An improved cartridge mounted mechanical seal for providing a seal between a housing and a rotatable shaft is provided, including at least one radial stud which extends from the inside of the rotary sleeve of the seal through the rotary sleeve and into the lock collar of the seal so as to transmit torque from the shaft to the rotating face of the seal. The radial stud is preferably removably insertable into said lock collar and is held axially in place by an elastomeric o-ring positioned in a groove in the stud.

Abstract: A screw connection includes a first component having an outer surface and a countersunk bore extending from the surface and having a cylindrical portion adjoining the outer surface of the first component. There is further provided a second component adjoining the first component. A screw passes through the countersunk bore and extends into the second component for joining together the first and second components. The screw includes a screw head having an end face which is recessed relative to the outer surface. A disk is press-fitted into the cylindrical portion of the countersunk bore. The disk has a surface oriented toward the end face of the screw head. The disk surface has a center part which is in direct or indirect contact with the end face of the screw head. A circumferential marginal part of the disk is at a clearance from the end face of the screw head whereby an externally applied pressing force on the disk at a disk location spaced from the center part causes a rocking motion of the disk.

Abstract: A preplugged nut is attachable to a vehicle panel for fastening a component to the vehicle panel. The nut has a body with an opening for receiving a bolt to fasten the component to the panel and a plug in the body opening sealing the opening to prevent ingress of moisture, dust, fumes and other contaminants to the panel through the body opening. A method for forming a vehicle panel with the preplugged fastener includes forming the vehicle panel, forming a nut having a body opening for receiving a bolt to fasten the bracket to the panel, forming a plug, inserting the plug into the body opening of the nut and plugging the body opening to thereby prevent ingress of contaminants through the panel to the body opening after the nut is installed, and fastening the nut to the vehicle panel with the bolt.

Abstract: A self-threading securing apparatus is used in combination with two tubular flow connectors to prevent the inadvertent disconnection of I.V. tubing sets. The securing apparatus includes a hollow shroud surrounding an extending cannula. The inner surface of the shroud includes interior threads for self-threading engagement with the resilient rolled-over exterior surface portion of the reseal connector.

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 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.

Abstract: A two-piece lug bolt including a shank having first and second end portions and a central portion therebetween, a thread on the first end portion, a first flange of larger diameter than both the first and second end portions located on the central portion of the shank, a head, a wrench-receiving portion on the head for receiving a wrench, a bore in the head for receiving the second end portion of the shank with a press-fit and a second flange on the head which is of larger diameter than the wrench-receiving portion and substantially the same diameter as the first flange located in contiguous relationship to the first flange and in bearing relationship therewith.

Abstract: A lug nut and dress cap that enables a standard sized lug wrench to be employed whether the cap is in place or lost, the cap having the same standard lug wrench size as the nut. The cap is a deep drawn element having a hollow hexagonal configuration adjacent its outer closed end and specially formed threads adjacent its inner open end that interlock with the cut machined threads of the lug nut. The cap threads have a curvilinear, radiused root and a curvilinear, radiused crest. The cap outer end extends beyond the lug nut. The middle or intermediate portion of the cap between the hexagonal outer end portion and the threaded inner end portion has a diameter larger than the diameter of the hexagonal portion of the cap and larger than the diameter of the hexagonal outer end of the lug nut.

Abstract: Ornamental lug nut covers, protecting the a vehicle lug nut and threads are formed with a outwardly extending flanges with edges folded over to capture the rims of retainer rings having inward facing tabs that butt and lock against the surfaces of lug nuts. The flange may be used to secure vehicle wheel covers having oversize mounting holes that can fit around the outside of the nut so that only the flange and not the lug nut secures the wheel cover.