Abstract: An elongate fastener that may not be removed without destruction is provided for insertion in adjacent cooperating holes defined in box structures and their closure elements to maintain closure. The fastener defines a head, larger than the hole to carry the fastener, that structurally carries a peripherally extending tab to aid manual manipulation. The head structurally connects an elongate perpendicularly extending body that fits in the cooperating holes and is formed by spaced peripheral webs that carry barb-like fasteners in their end portions distal from the head that allow insertion of the body through a hole by deformation, but thereafter expand responsive to retentent memory to prevent removal. The interconnection of the body and head is weaker in tensile strength than the material on either side of the interconnection so that the head may be removed from the body by manual manipulation of the peripheral tab, without the use of tools, to allow opening of the box structure.

Abstract: A panel fastener includes separable components formed from two different plastics, one relatively rigid and the other somewhat more flexible and resilient. The two components are formed in a two shot injection molding process and are joined through a ball and socket joint that allows subsequent separation and reconnection.

Abstract: A snap fastener assembly includes a cylindrical C-shaped spring retainer member having a hollow open core with an exterior longitudinal slit aperture extending into the core. The spring retainer member is mounted on a stud member having an enlarged head at one end, a retaining head at the other end, and a longitudinal shaft that is dimensioned to be substantially enclosed by the spring retainer member. The stud member can be used for both the insertion and retraction of the cylindrical spring retainer member. The retainer member can be actively fastened to a hole, for example, to hold panels on a wall.

Abstract: A support for medical instruments is provided to securely grasp the instrument during sterilization and storage. The support can be readily rearranged on a sterilization tray and can be securely locked in whatever position is desired. It employs a novel arrangement of locking bayonet fingers and a simple removal tool for changing location of the support.

Abstract: A fastener assembly and method for attaching a first member to a second member. The fastener assembly includes a socket member which defines a socket and a stud which includes a head engagable with the socket of the nut. The stud is attached to a first member and the nut is attached to a second member. The assembly is initially attached to the first member by attaching the stud to the first member and then inserting the nut into the second member. When the first member must be removed from the second member, the head of the stud is forcibly disengaged from the socket of the nut. Reattachment of the first member the second member is achieved by forcibly engaging the head with the socket. After the initial insertion, the socket member remains captively retained on the second member.

Abstract: A clip comprised of a head portion retained to a panel, and a leg portion inserted and retained in a mounting hole. The leg portion has a leg plate, elastic legs which project out from the longitudinally-extending transverse direction sides of the leg plate so as to form curved surfaces which face each other, and pawl portions protruded from the elastic legs. Curved outer surfaces of the pawl portions are disposed on a circular locus around central points on side surfaces of the leg plate, and have a greater curvature than the curvature of the mounting hole. As a result, when the leg portion is inserted into the mounting hole, the entire peripheral surfaces of the pawl portions do not contact the peripheral wall of the mounting hole, but only point-contact the peripheral wall of the mounting hole at points. Therefore, frictional force between the mounting hole and the leg portion is small, and insertion force is reduced.

Abstract: A new and improved air bag inflator module adapted for quick action, snap-on, permanent mounting on a steering wheel requires the use of no tools to install. The module is pre-positioned in front of the steering wheel and is thrust into place until locked. The inflator module includes a base facing and movable in one direction directly toward the steering wheel with a plurality of quick action, snap-on type fasteners carried thereby. Each fastener has a first portion extended into an opening in the steering wheel as the inflator module is pushed into place with a unidirectional thrust and a second portion for supporting the first portion projecting outwardly thereof. A snap-action, annular compressible and expandable holding skirt is provided on the first portion of each fastener for lockingly engaging a surface on the steering wheel when expanded after the first portion of the fastener is fully inserted through an aligned opening in the steering wheel.

Abstract: A piercing grommet which pierces an insulation blanket. A snap-on retainer slides over a spiked portion of the piercing grommet and snaps in place adjacent the bottom of the spike. The spike can then be removed. A seal is created by contact adhesive between the insulation blanket and the grommet in order to prevent moisture ingress.

Abstract: A fastening member for fastening a net to a tubular post has, on the one hand, a holder portion (2) for fixedly retaining the net and, on the other hand, an anchorage portion (1) for fixedly retaining the fastening member in the post. The anchorage portion (1) extends in through a hole in the wall of the post and is provided with barbs (7,9) which snap in place in the fastening member. The anchorage portion (1) has a longitudinal passage (4) in communication with an accommodation space (3) in the holder portion (2). The passage (4) has a funnel-shaped flared mouth portion (5) to facilitate insertion of a wire included in the net in the accommodation space (3). On insertion of the wire, the passage (4) is flared in that the wall (12,13) of the holder portion (2) facing away from the passage (4) is resiliently bendable.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for restraining a cracked shroud against vertical joint separation. The method involves the placement of a plurality of tie rods (e.g., four) in the downcomer annulus at respective azimuthal positions, each of the tie rods having one end anchored to the shroud support plate. The other end of each tie rod is latched over the top edge of the shroud to counteract lifting forces exerted on the shroud by the bolts which hold down the shroud head.

Abstract: A fastening element is provided having a fastener body including a first side and a second side, with resilient locking prongs extending from one side of the fastener body. The fastener body can include either a cavity or a shank on one of the sides. The shank or cavity can be provided with either a channel or an engagement lug for mating with a complimentary fastening element. One side of the fastener body can also be provided with a cam surface or a resilient surface to inhibit rotation between mated complimentary fastening elements.

Abstract: A fastener for releasably securing first and second panels together includes a pin for being secured in an opening of a first panel, and a grommet for being secured in an opening of the second panel and for releasably receiving a shank of the pin to thereby releasably secure the first and second panels together. The pin includes a shank having a plurality of spaced apart circumferential grooves thereon, and a pair of spaced apart flanges connected to an end of the shank for securing the pin in the opening of the first panel. The grommet includes a tubular body defining a passageway for receiving the shank and has at least one longitudinal slot opening outwardly to an end thereof to define a radially pliant portion of the tubular body. A flange may be connected to the tubular body adjacent an end thereof opposite the longitudinal slot and cooperates with a plurality of tabs connected to the tubular body to secure the grommet within the opening of the second panel.

Abstract: A vehicle air bag installation including an inflatable air bag assembly mounted in a rectangular opening in the vehicle instrument panel for deployment of the air bag through the opening. A rectangular net fit cover door engages a recessed abutment around the opening when closed. The abutment includes a plurality of spaced apertures around the opening for receiving fasteners for attaching the cover to the instrument panel. The fasteners comprise elongate thermoplastic resin bodies having a bulbous head, flared wings or shoulders extending from the bulbous head for providing height alignment, an intermediate bulbous portion for centering the fastener in the aperture and a lower end that converges to a flange to facilitate insertion through the apertures. Integral lock-in-tabs are provided in the flange portion to lock the fastener to the abutment. Integral channels molded into the underside of the cover substrate releasably engage the heads of the fasteners.

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: A fastener for securing a hard shell and a soft lining together, with particular utility for protective sports gear, is described. The fastener has a broad flexible base portion, a bell-shaped portion leading from the base portion to a shoulder portion, and a post projecting from the shoulder portion and having an annular flange extending therefrom. The shell is trapped between the shoulder portion and the annular flange, and the lining is trapped between the hard shell and the base portion.

Abstract: Surface drainage apparatus is provided comprising a channel body defining a drainage channel and a cover for the channel. A fixing means is provided for attachment of the cover to the channel body and comprises a first fixing element for attachment to the channel body and a complementary second fixing element for attachment to the cover. The first fixing element comprises a clamping spring defining a receiving opening and the second fixing element comprises a peg formed with an enlarged end that is a leading end for insertion of the peg into the clamping spring. The clamping spring and the peg are constructed so that the peg can be inserted into the receiving opening, thereby elastically deforming the spring, and retained therein after insertion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the cover.

Abstract: At an outlet of a heating, ventilating or air conditioning system air passes from the ducting through a plenum chamber, a damper provided with a set of blades which are movable between open and closed positions and a diffuser which directs the air in a desired direction. The plenum chamber is provided with internal vanes which act to guide a flow of air through the chamber between its inlet and outlet. The damper defines a plurality of predetermined blade positions between the open and closed positions and a resilient finger and teeth for retaining the blades in a selected one of said predetermined positions. The damper has a frame comprising a plurality of discrete frame elements interconnected at each corner joint of the frame by a friction fit pin passing through interdigitated projections on the frame elements.

Abstract: A clamp and installation tool combination wherein the clamp portion comprises an elongated pin having a hook at both ends and containing multiple circumferential notches along its shaft. A clamp button with a central through-hole is mounted on the shaft of the pin and engages the notches so as to produce a ratchet-type mechanism that permits the motion of the button only in the direction of the distal end of the pin. The installation tool consists of a syringe-type applicator having an outer barrel containing a pin retention clip designed to engage the hook at the proximal end of the pin, so that the pin cannot move in relation to the barrel of the tool.

Abstract: A fastener is provided which is particularly suited for joining two or more panel members together, such as a circuit board with the internal support chassis of an electrical enclosure or casing. The fastener is configured with a compliant lower portion, such that the fastener can be installed and secured with a simple push-through action which requires only a moderate force. Because assembly of the fastener does not require a rotational motion, assembly costs for automated assembly operations are reduced, while physical demands on an assembler are significantly reduced for manual assembly operations. The fastener is reusable, in that the fastener can be readily removed without being plastically deformed.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for engagement with an aperture in an article including a fastener having at least a shank, a head at a first end of the shank and a resilient retaining member along the shank for releasably retaining the fastener to the article after insertion of at least a portion of the retaining member within the aperture, and an engagement member for compressing the retaining member prior to insertion within the aperture and contact of the retaining member with the article, and for preventing compression of the retaining member by the article about the aperture.

Abstract: A mechanism which is capable of anastomosis of two lumens by an absorbable fastener. The fastener is made from two washer-like plates. One such plate has holes to receive latching prongs protruding from the other plate. Fastening is done through a single linear motion that causes the prongs to pierce the tissue, latches the prongs into a receiver and causes a knife blade to cut through excess fastener material and tissue. The ease of removal, by pulling the mechanism through the formed anastomosis, is greatly enhanced. The system can be used such that the plates can be placed in any configuration to properly anastomose tissue.

Abstract: A mechanism which is capable of anastomosis of two lumens by an absorbable fastener. The fastener is made from two washer-like plates. One such plate has holes to receive latching prongs protruding from the other plate. Fastening is done through a single linear motion that causes the prongs to pierce the tissue, latches the prongs into a receiver and causes a knife blade to cut through excess fastener material and tissue. The ease of removal, by pulling the mechanism thorugh the formed anastomosis, is greatly enhanced. The system can be used such that the plates can be placed in any configuration to properly anastomose tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adhesive- and fastener-free footing pad including a pad seat located in the bottom of a housing, a protrudent ring corresponding to the circumference of the pad seat forward on the housing and a footing pad. The pad seat has a circular block, the footing pad has a plurality of claw elements each with a reserve hook so that when the footing pad is installed, the reserves hooks are retained by the circular block, and the footing pad is positioned by the protrudent ring to secure the footing pad to the pad seat firmly. Such a design can prevent displacement of the footing pad after its installation, and can withstand a considerable thrust.

Abstract: Closed end rivet with slots in shank is assembled to flange of an electrical connector and subjected to axial compression to radially expand exposed portion of shank and thus assure compliant fit in mounting hole through printed circuit board.

Abstract: The two-part surgical fastener is composed of an annular stapling part having projecting prongs and annular retaining board having an annular gap which receives the prongs. Barbs on the prongs serve to abutt against a retaining ring on the retaining part to maintain a fixed relationship between the parts for stapling purposes. The anvil assembly on which the retaining part of the fastener is mounted as fingers which can be collapsed radially inwardly after stapling to permit ease of removal.

Abstract: A support and stabilizing apparatus for an electrical outlet box, such as a conventional electrical outlet box having a plurality of side walls and a back wall defining a chamber with an open front and having an access bore formed through at least one of the walls. The support and stabilizing apparatus comprises a stud apparatus having a shaft with forward and rearward opposed ends and generally cylindrical forward and rearward abutment plates secured to the shaft in predetermined spaced apart relationship. The rearward plate is disposed at the rearward end of the shaft, and the forward plate is disposed near and spaced inwardly from the forward end of the shaft so as to create a mounting segment between the forward plate and the forward end of the shaft. A flexible retainer is provided for supporting the mounting segment, to grippingly engage that portion of the mounting segment which projects into the outlet box chamber.

Abstract: A two piece rivet having a deflectable drive pin for retaining the drive pin in a partially inserted position between the expandable prongs of the rivet is disclosed. The deflectable drive pin includes a hole forming two parallel resiliently deflectable segments each having a radial nib resiliently urged against the head of the rivet in a central drive pin hole. Retention of the drive pin in the fully inserted position between the prongs is effected by a pair of spaced apart circumferential interrupted grooves on the pin receiving projections on inner surfaces of the rivet prongs.

Abstract: A plastic resin hole plug to fill a hole in a flat thin panel comprises a one-piece unitary injection-molded plastic member having a top closure wall whose bottom surface has a flat edge which rests on the panel. In one embodiment the plug has a cruciform shank portion which extends from the top closure wall portion, the shank portion having a plurality of ribs which retain the plug in the hole. In another embodiment the shank has an elongated hollow cavity and a flat-sided chisel-like point.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compensating roll pin securing a heat sink to a circuit board. The roll pin comprises a deformable body of resilient material, such as annealed spring steel, formed into a generally cylindrical body having first and second end portions separated by a middle portion of enlarged external diameter and an axially extending gap in the surface of the body. A method of use is also disclosed wherein the first end portion of the roll pin is inserted into an aperture in a heat sink and the middle portion deformed within the aperture to form a tight fit between the pin and heat sink. A substantial part of the middle portion remains outside the aperture in the heat sink. The second end portion is inserted into a hole in a circuit board and forms an interference fit therewith. The middle portion forms a stop to prevent further insertion of the roll pin into the circuit board so that a gap of predetermined distance separates the heat sink and circuit board to enhance cooling.

Abstract: A fastener comprises two, i.e. male and female, members. The female member has a hollow locking body portion, reinforcement portions projecting from the outer periphery of the locking body portion, and diametrically opposed elastic locking pawl portions extending in a substantially V-shaped fashion from the free end of the reinforcement portions toward the lower surface of a top mounting flange. The locking pawl portions face each other on the opposite sides of the locking body portion and each has a substantially arcuate sectional profile. The male member is fitted in one of two panels and detachably coupled to the female member fitted in the other panel.

Abstract: A releasable connector comprises first and second elements (A,B). The elements (A,B) have flanges (10,34) which lie face-to-face when the elements are interconnected. The flange (10) of the first element (A) has flexible lugs (12) which carry barbs (14). The barbs (14) engage the flange (34) of the second element (B) to retain the elements together. The first element (A) has a socket (2) within which extends a nozzle (4). The second element (B) comprises a plug which fits in the socket (2) and which has a bore (38) fitting over the nozzle (4).

Abstract: An improved stand-off device is disclosed which is used to control the spacing between adjacent planar elements in electronic instrumentation. The stand-off device includes a resilient, hollow shell member and a rigid, cylindrical inner element. The shell member has at least one slot extending from one end, and has a top interior cylindrical surface, a bottom interior cylindrical surface, and a threaded intermediate interior surface. The inner element has a conical expander portion and a drive portion with a threaded exterior surface which is complementary to the threaded interior intermediate surface of the shell member. The slotted end of the shell member is adapted for insertion into an aperture in a planar member from one side of that member. The inner element is adapted for insertion into the shell member from the same side of that member, whereupon the conical portion forces the slotted end of the shell member to expand and engage the perimeter of the aperture in the planar member.

Abstract: A retainer bushing for connecting a male member such as a shaft, rod or pin, for example the coupling pin of a motor vehicle clutch pedal, to a mechanical component having a bore accepting the shaft, rod or pin in the bore, for example the input member of an hydraulic master cylinder hydraulically connected to a slave cylinder actuating a clutch release mechanism. The retainer bushing has a flange at one end and one or more longitudinally projecting tangs at the other end. A closure wall is integrally formed at the other end of the retainer bushing. Each tang, which is elastically deflectable outwardly and inwardly, has a radially inwardly directed abutment surface for engagement with the other end of the bore when the flange is engaged at one end thereof, and an inwardly radially directed prong for engagement in a peripheral groove formed in the pin.

Abstract: A binder for a stack of punched hole paper sheets utilizes various headed fastener members with a post insertable in the punched holes from one side of the stack. A post connector is utilized on the other side of the stack. The headed fastener members, normally two or three in number corresponding to the number of punched holes in the paper sheets, are captured in recesses and post apertures, punched in a multi-fold carrier made by scoring and folding a thin flexible binder material which serves to encapsulate, capture, space and hold the series of headed fasteners. The fastener posts extend perpendicular to a resultant appreciably stiffened elongated multilayer carrier forming a unitary assembly. In a preferred embodiment, a post connector is also captured and held in a recess within an elongated multi-fold, multilayer carrier forming a second unitary assembly. The multilayer carriers in a preferred embodiment include integral front and rear covers.

Abstract: A conveyor belt formed of links, in which the links each carry on a pair of opposite parallel sides, sleeve-shaped, mutually spaced ears which are each fitted into the spaces between the ears of adjoining links, such that the interfitted ears may be articulated relative to each other by transverse rods inserted therein. At the lateral side ears, the transverse rods are secured against displacement by pegs or dowels inserted from the side and acting as closing and stop devices.

Abstract: A plastic fastener comprises a body including two side walls facing each other, one of the side walls being provided on the inner side with a shoulder, and an elastic engagement piece extending obliquely upwardly from the lower end of one side wall and having a lock piece provided at the free end.

Abstract: Plastic covered equipment is secured to a support surface such as a table or the like by first and second interconnected coupling devices. The first coupling device is mounted on the support surface, while the second coupling device is embedded into the plastic covered equipment. The second coupling device includes a body member having a stub shaft secured to the first end thereof which terminates in a pointed probe head having an inner face with a greater diameter than that of the stub shaft. A concave surface on the first end of the body member surrounds the stub shaft and terminates in an arcuate annular shoulder on the first end of the body member. The annular shoulder has a diameter greater than that of the probe head and creates an annular space with respect to the inner face of the probe head.

Abstract: The fastener is in a single piece and adapted to achieve the blind assembly and fixing of sumperimposed elements (A, B) provided with openings (C, D) which have a substantially square-shaped common part in which the fastener is engaged so as to fix together the element (A, B) after rotation of the fastener. For this purpose, it comprises a head (1) so shaped as to pass through the common part and connected to a rectangular-sided stem (3) so as to define two shoulders (4). This stem (3) is enlarged at one end in the form of a foot adapted to cooperate with the shoulders (4) by means of wings (6) of the foot to trap therebetween the elements (A, B).

Abstract: A retainer bushing for connecting a male member such as a shaft, rod or pin, for example the coupling pin of a motor vehicle clutch pedal, to a mechanical component having a bore accepting the shaft, rod or pin in the bore, for example the input member of a hydraulic master cylinder hydraulically connected to a slave cylinder actuating a clutch release mechanism. The retainer bushing has a flange at one end and one or more longitudinally projecting tangs at the other end. Each tang, which is elastically deflectable outwardly and inwardly, has a radially inwardly directed abutment surface for engagement with the other end of the bore when the flange is engaged at one end thereof, and an inwardly radially directed prong for engagement in a groove formed in the pin.

Abstract: In a two-piece plastic fastener, initially molded as a unit, one piece is a grommet having a head with a flat front surface and forwardly projecting legs defining a sidewardly and forwardly opening slot; the other piece is a pin receivable through the head and forwardly slidable in the slot to an operative position holding the front ends of the legs flexingly diverged. As molded, a front end portion of the pin is connected with the head by a frangible flashing. A forwardly opening radially extending groove in the front of the head, opening from one side of the slot, defines a substantially flat forwardly facing groove surface that is rearwardly offset from and parallel to the front surface of the head and is flush with the front end surface of the pin. Cooperating ridges on the grommet legs and the pin confine the latter to lengthwise motion between the legs.

Abstract: A unitary, non-metallic captive panel screw adapted to be inserted in a suitable orifice defined in a workpiece includes a head and an outwardly projecting, multi-section shaft. A shaft spacer section has a diameter less than the diameter of the head, and extends a predetermined length from the head, terminating in a spaced-apart shoulder portion. A relief section of the shaft extends axially outwardly from the spacer section, and is substantially smaller both in diameter and length than the spacer section. A terminal threaded section having a diameter smaller than either the relief section or the spacer section is adapted to threadably receive a suitable nut whereby to secure a mechanical component in spaced relation relative to a workpiece. An integral generally frustro conical snap-fit flange section divides the terminal threaded section from the relief section, and includes a plurality of radially spaced-apart wedge shaped members extending radially outwardly from the axis of the screw.

Abstract: The toy construction set includes a plurality of blocks and at least one base plate. Each of the blocks has one or more axially shiftable and rotatable coupling cams mounted therein which can be projected from the bottom of the block to effect vertical attachment with another block or with the base plate, using a suitable hand tool to do so. The preferred base plate contains a number of appropriately located coupling cams so that it can be attached either above or below a number of blocks.

Abstract: A pull-apart mounting hub for mounting a scrubbing pad or the like to a drive disc on a power-driven scrubbing machine or the like. The hub has two parts: a base mounted to the drive disc, the base having a cylindrical collar and an annular shoulder; and a split-ring retainer. The split-ring retainer is resilient and generally cylindrical, and includes a retaining flange extending radially outwardly for retaining the pad, an annular lip engageable with the annular shoulder of the collar to lock the two pieces together, and a tab adjacent the split for urging the lip adjacent the split out of engagement with the annular shoulder of the collar to enable the retainer to be removed from the collar.

Abstract: A unitary, non-metallic captive panel screw adapted to be inserted in a suitable orifice defined in a workpiece includes a head and an outwardly projecting, multi-section shaft. A shaft spacer section has a diameter less than the diameter of the head, and extends a predetermined length from the head, terminating in a spaced-apart shoulder portion. A relief section of the shaft extends axially outwardly from the spacer section, and is substantially smaller both in diameter and length than the spacer section. A terminal threaded section having a diameter smaller than either the relief section or the spacer section is adapted to threadably receive a suitable nut whereby to secure a mechanical component in spaced relation relative to a workpiece. An integral, generally frustro-conical snap-fit flange section divides the terminal threaded section from the relief section, and includes a plurality of radially spaced-apart wedge shaped members extending radially outwardly from the axis of the screw.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for use with a high temperature heat transfer roll and is provided for joining a sheet of insulating material to the end of said roll by utilizing a protruding bolt head or the like. The fastener assembly comprises a cup-like body defining a cavity for receiving said bolt head and a quantity of adhesive material therewithin. A plurality of inwardly extending projections in said cup-like body cavity may be used to engage the bolt head substantially in an interference fit during setting of the adhesive material. A plurality of through apertures in the cup-like body permit release of any excess quantity of adhesive material therefrom. A shaft portion is formed integral with and projects axially outwardly from the cup-like body and away from the bolt head and is of sufficient axial extent to project through the sheet of insulating material. An enlarged head is carried on an axially outermost end of the shaft portion.

Abstract: An upholstery fixing device consists of a bracket having a holdfast suspended therefrom with bendable or flexible straps. In use the bracket is riveted to the back of a trim board, and the holdfast is pushed into an associated aperture of an inside panel of a car door. Then, the bendable straps can be yieldingly bent to automatically reduce any misalignment between a fixed bracket (and hence its holdfast) and an associated aperture of the inside panel of the car door, thus facilitating the fixing of the upholstery to the inside panel of the car door in exact registration.

Abstract: A pivot joint is comprised of a pair of superposed elongated plastic members having through-open barrels of different sizes, one in the other, and a plastic pin with a button on a reduced portion extending through the combined barrels and securing all three members together in a pivot relation.

Abstract: A pin comprises a head portion, a shank portion, and an end portion flared gradually to a dimension transverse to the pin axis greater than the shank portion. The end portion is slotted to afford resilient resistance to entry and withdrawal into a hole. The pin head portion is disc-like, the shank portion is of uniform circular cross-section about the pin axis, and the shank merges gradually into the slotted end portion to define an hollow oval merging at the tip as a bight, the end portion thus being adapted for snapping into a suitable hole.The pin is especially adapted to use with a circuit element carrier having an inverted U-channel in which the element is carried. The element may be inserted into a pair of holes in the top and bottom wall of the inverted U-channel, so that the shank of the element serves as a stop to prevent longitudinal escape of an element beyond the pin shank. The pin may be withdrawn after insertion and reused in the same or other holes of the same or other like carriers.

Abstract: A rotatably engaging head for a fastener for attaching a complementary panel member to a support member. The head includes a substantially flat underside and also includes a generally radially extending slit. One edge of the slit is connected to and defined by a lead-in tongue spaced above and generally parallel to the head. The tongue permits facile introduction of the head through an aperture in the panel, which aperture is smaller than the head. Extending from the head is a shank, for engagement of the support member to the panel member.

Abstract: A support and stabilizing apparatus for an electrical outlet box, such as a conventional electrical outlet box having a plurality of side walls and a back wall defining a chamber with an open front and having an access bore formed through at least one of the walls, The support and stabilizing apparatus comprises a stud apparatus having a shaft with forward and rearward opposed ends and generally cylindrical forward and rearward abutment plates secured to the shaft in predetermined spaced apart relationship. The rearward plate is disposed at the rearward end of the shaft, and the forward plate is disposed near and spaced inwardly from the forward end of the shaft so as to create a mounting segment between the forward plate and the forward end of the shaft. A flexible retainer is provided for supporting the mounting segment, to grippingly engage that portion of the mounting segment which projects into the outlet box chamber.