Patent ID: 8480341
Filing Date: 2013-07-09
Classification: F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A retainer for a fastener having polygonal side surfaces, comprising: a plurality of side walls joining each other at angles that define a polygonal receptacle to mate with and receive the side surfaces of the fastener, the receptacle having a receptacle axis adapted to coincide with a fastener axis; the receptacle having a gap in the side walls and being resilient so as to allow the gap to widen and the receptacle to be placed around the fastener; right side and left side gate walls joining the side walls at the gap and extending laterally outward from the receptacle axis parallel with each other; and a right side tab joining an outer edge of the right side gate wall and a left side tab joining an outer edge of the left side gate wall, each of the tabs extending laterally from the side walls away from the receptacle axis on opposite edges of the gap, the tabs being bendable relative to the gate walls from an open position to a locked position in locking engagement with one another to prevent the gap from widening after installation on the fastener.