Patent ID: 7338242

Claim:
A quick-connect fastener assembly comprising: A) a washer element that fits onto a threaded portion of a long bolt having a longitudinal axis and an outer diameter when in use, the washer element including a body which has (1) a first portion having a first dimension, (2) a second portion having a second dimension, the second dimension being smaller than the first dimension and being larger than the outer diameter of the threaded portion of the bolt so the washer can move freely along the threaded portion of the bolt without engaging the threads of the threaded portion of the bolt; and B) a nut element which includes a body having (1) a first portion having a first outer dimension, (2) a second portion having a second outer dimension, and (3) first and second splits defined in the nut element, the splits extending through the first portion of the nut element and into the second portion of the nut element and defining a first section of the nut element and a second section of the nut element, (4) the nut being adapted by the splits to assume an open configuration with the first and second sections of the nut element being spaced apart from each other and a closed configuration with the first and second sections of the nut element being in contact with each other, (5) the outer dimension of the first portion of the nut element slightly smaller than the first dimension of the first portion of the washer element when the nut element is in the closed configuration, (6) the cylindrical wall of the nut element having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface includes a screw thread that is sized and shaped to threadably engage the threaded portion of the bolt when the nut element is in the closed configuration and cooperatively engaged on the bolt and with the washer, and the outer surface includes at least one projection to assist in engagement of the nut element with a tool, and (7) the first section of the nut element being forced into abutting engagement with the second section of the nut element when the nut element is in the closed configuration and cooperatively engaged with the washer and with the threaded portion of the bolt.