Fastener with molded-on compliant seal

Abstract

The invention includes a fastener with a molded-on compliant seal having a fastener portion including a shaft and an insertion head at a first end for extending through an apertured panel and locking against a rear face thereof. A base for attaching an object thereto is provided at the second end of the shaft. A rigid seal support extends outwardly from the shaft at a location between the first and second ends. The fastener portion including shaft, insertion head, base and seal support are preferably made from a single piece of relatively rigid material. A compliant seal covers at least the portion of the rigid seal support on surface facing the insertion head and extends outwardly from the support. The compliant seal is positioned to engage the front face of the panel providing a water barrier surrounding the aperture. The present invention does not rattle or produce other undesirable sounds during vehicle operation due to the compliant seal. The fastener allows an object to be attached anywhere in the vehicle simply by providing an aperture at a desired location including in floor boards, door panels and trunk, decklids and side panels.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.