Encapsulating grommet

An encapsulating grommet for retaining a covering panel or other structure to a supporting panel having a rectangular fitting hole by means of a push-pin lockingly mateable therewith and adopted to absorb variations in the relative positions of the supporting panel and the covering panel or other structure, said encapsulating grommet being an integrally molded member comprising:

• a first half body portion and a second half body portion separated from one another by a hinge portion, said first half body portion and said second half body portion being foldable toward one another about said hinge portion to form a body portion having a substantially rectangular cross section for mating with the shape of the rectangular fitting hole in said supporting panel and an internal cavity of like cross section;
• said first half body portion having a side wall on each of two lateral edges, and said second half body portion having an inner and an outer side wall separated by a channel on each of two lateral edges, said side walls of said first half body portion fitting into said channels between said inner and outer side walls on said second body portion when said first and second half body portions are closed onto one another about said hinge portion;
• one of said first and second body portions having a rectangular frame member with a central opening therein and surrounded by a head flange, said central opening communicating with and providing access to said internal cavity when said first and second half body portions are closed onto one another about said hinge portion, said head flange having a front surface and a back surface and being inclined toward said hinge portion in the manner of an umbrella.