Tolerance compensation apparatus

An automatic tolerance compensator for connecting first and second members with a space therebetween, said automatic tolerance compensator comprising:

• a threaded fastener having a first thread directional sense;
• a first connector component including a first threaded surface having a second thread directional sense, a second surface extending axially relative to said fastener and adapted to receive said threaded fastener in engagement therewith, said first connector component being secured with the first member;
• a second connector component including a third threaded surface having the second thread directional sense and being threadably engaged with said first threaded surface;
• means for operatively connecting said threaded fastener with said second connector component to enforce unthreading of said second connector component from said first connector component when said threaded fastener is rotated in said first thread directional sense until said second connector component abuts the second member, said threaded fastener threadably engaging said first connector component to thereby control the spacing of the first and second members;
• and
• said operative connecting means comprising a plastic member bonded to said threaded fastener and a bore in said second connector component aligned with and frictionally engaged by said plastic member to impose a torque on said second connector component to enforce unthreading of said connector component from said first connector component to thereby axially translate said second connector component into abutment with said second member.