Patent ID: 6012889
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: F16B,Y10S

Abstract:
A fastener and a unitary enclosure assembly therefore, two elongated members such as a seal of resilient elastomer material and a support member adapted to be attached together by said fastener which has an exposed portion and a shank portion, a adjustable connecting mechanism including the fastener between the two members permitting adjustment therebetween in the elongated, longitudinal extent of the members, said unitary enclosure assembly including a generally flat base portion with an aperture therethrough for passage of said shank portion of said fastener wherein said base portion serves as a washer for said exposed portion of said fastener, said base portion defining a pair of laterally spaced side edges, a generally hollow and dome-shaped cap portion defining a pair of laterally spaced side edges, a thin live-hinge portion integrally joining both said base and said cap portions thereby connecting a pair of side edges of said base and said cap portions to permit pivoting of said cap portion about said live hinge portion between an opened angular position with respect to said base portion and a closed position in which said dome-shaped cap portion overlies said base portion to cover said exposed portion of said fastener, said cap portion having an inwardly extending catch means carried on the side opposite said hinge portion which initially contacts a corresponding side edge of said base portion when the cap portion pivots into its closed operative position and which then is deflected outward of said corresponding edge of said base portion thereby permitting further movement toward the fully closed operative position wherein the catch means of said cap portion engages the edge of the base portion to latch the cap and base together.