Patent ID: 7204668

Claim:
A spring retainer ring adapted to be mounted in the groove of a bolt comprising a split ring formed of one continuous piece of resilient material having a central longitudinal axis and consisting only of a first end having a first generally straight portion parallel with the longitudinal axis of said ring extending in a linearly direction and then curving to a first linear portion, then curving to a first generally U-shaped arched portion on the outer surface of said ring, then curving to a second linear portion, then curving to a second generally U-shaped arched portion on the outer surface of said ring, then curving to a third linear portion, then curving to a third generally U-shaped arched portion on the outer surface of said ring, then curving to a fourth linear portion, then curving to a second generally straight portion parallel with the longitudinal axis of said ring that terminates at a second end spaced from said first end, said first and second straight portions being generally parallel to each other and spaced therefrom, said first and second linear portions and said third and fourth linear portions having inner surfaces abutting against said shaft of said bolt and resiliently gripping the same at four contact points so as to hold said bolt in a hold out position with respect to said panel, said ring being made of a material having a modulus of elasticity exceeding 27,000,000 psi, said ring also being rectangular in cross section having a generally flat upper surface spaced from a generally flat lower surface, and having a generally flat first side wall spaced from a generally flat second side wall, the spacing between said upper and lower surfaces being greater than the spacing between said side walls.